Illinois Cuisine

Illinois's cuisine reflects its diverse population and agricultural production, with influences ranging from Italian and Puerto Rican to classic American comfort food. Whether you're savoring a deep-dish pizza in Chicago, trying an Italian beef sandwich, or enjoying a horseshoe sandwich in Springfield, you'll experience the diverse and delicious flavors of the Land of Lincoln. ¹⁾

Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, featuring a thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. ²⁾

A Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frankfurter topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, all served in a poppy seed bun. ³⁾

Italian beef is a sandwich made with thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef, often served with au jus for dipping. ⁴⁾

Illinois is a major producer of popcorn, known for its large, fluffy kernels used for both buttered and flavored popcorn. ⁵⁾

The Jibarito is a Puerto Rican sandwich that originated in Chicago, featuring fried green plantains instead of bread. ⁶⁾

An open-faced sandwich originating in Springfield, the horseshoe typically consists of meat, often a hamburger patty, covered with french fries and smothered in cheese sauce. ⁷⁾

Italian sausage is a popular ingredient in Illinois cuisine, often served on sandwiches or in pasta dishes. ⁸⁾

Another Chicago specialty, stuffed pizza has a thick, pie-like crust with cheese, toppings, and sauce between two layers of dough. ⁹⁾

Kerasma is a Greek food festival celebrated in the Chicago area, offering a wide range of Greek dishes and pastries. ¹⁰⁾

Illinois is known for its chocolate-covered cherries, often enjoyed as a sweet treat. ¹¹⁾

Illinois has a growing sturgeon caviar industry, providing high-quality caviar to the region. ¹²⁾

Illinois is home to a well-known potato chip brand, that produces a variety of flavors. ¹³⁾

Pumpkin pie is a classic dessert, often enjoyed during the fall season in Illinois. ¹⁴⁾

Green River is a lime-flavored soda that has been a Chicago favorite for generations. ¹⁵⁾

Peoria is known for its unique thin-crust pizza, often cut into small squares and featuring a sweet tomato sauce. ¹⁶⁾