10+ Texas Recipes to Spice Up Your Cooking

Texas cuisine is known for its bold flavors and diverse influences. From family recipes passed down through generations to modern twists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You will discover a variety of Texas recipes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the Lone Star State.

Cooking Texas recipes gives you a chance to explore unique dishes that symbolize Texan culture. Each recipe invites you to embrace the heartiness of the ingredients and the stories behind them. You’ll find options that cater to all tastes, making it easy to bring a bit of Texas into your kitchen.

1) Chicken-Fried Steak

Chicken-fried steak is a beloved Texas dish. It consists of tenderized steak, usually top round, coated in seasoned flour and fried until golden. This dish is often served with creamy gravy on top.

To make it, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The crunchy crust and juicy meat create a comforting meal. You can enjoy it for breakfast or dinner, adding a side of mashed potatoes or biscuits.

Ingredients

• 2 lb top round or chuck steak (cut ¼”-½” thick, tenderized)
• ⅔ cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Pepper to taste
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the flour with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the steak in the flour.
3. Dip it in beaten eggs mixed with heavy cream.
4. Coat the steak again in flour.
5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
6. Fry the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7. Serve with gravy.

2) Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake is a beloved dessert known for its rich chocolate flavor and easy preparation. This cake is often made in a large jelly roll pan, making it perfect for gatherings. The warm chocolate frosting adds to its appeal and makes every bite delicious.

To make this cake, you’ll start by mixing cocoa powder, flour, sugar, and other basic ingredients. It bakes quickly, usually in about 20 minutes. Afterward, you pour a fudgy icing over the warm cake for that perfect finish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter
• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ cup cocoa powder (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine butter, water, and cocoa. Bring to a boil.
3. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
4. Add the boiling cocoa mixture to the dry ingredients.
5. Stir in buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and baking soda.
6. Pour into a greased jelly roll pan.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
8. For frosting, combine cocoa, butter, milk, and powdered sugar in a saucepan and boil.
9. Pour over the warm cake and let set.

3) Frito Pie

Frito Pie is a beloved dish in Texas. It’s a hearty combination of crunchy corn chips, flavorful chili, and melted cheese. You can find it at football games and local fairs.

To get started, you’ll need some simple ingredients to create this classic. It’s easy to put together, making it perfect for gatherings or family meals.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Fritos® Corn Chips
• 6 ounces (1/2 can) Wolf Brand Chili, no beans
• Several handfuls of shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: diced onions, jalapeños, or sour cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a baking dish, spread a layer of Fritos®.
3. Heat the chili on the stove until warm.
4. Pour the chili over the Fritos®.
5. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

4) Texas Caviar

Texas Caviar is a delicious and vibrant dip that’s perfect for gatherings. It combines healthy ingredients, making it a great choice for any occasion. This dish features black-eyed peas, black beans, and fresh vegetables.

To make your Texas Caviar, you will need some chopped tomatoes, corn, peppers, and onions. The flavors come together with a tangy dressing, adding a nice kick.

This dip pairs well with tortilla chips or can be used as a tasty topping for tacos or salads. You’ll enjoy how quick and easy it is to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 cans black-eyed peas, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup red onion, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Dressing (like Italian or vinaigrette)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, red onion, green bell pepper, and tomatoes.
2. Add chopped cilantro and your choice of dressing.
3. Stir gently until mixed well.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to blend flavors. Enjoy!

5) Kolaches

Kolaches are a delightful pastry that comes from Texas with Czech roots. These treats can be sweet or savory, making them perfect for breakfast or a snack. You can find them filled with fruits, cream cheese, or savory items like sausage.

To make delicious kolaches, you’ll need to prepare a soft, enriched dough. The dough is easy to work with and soon becomes a fluffy, tasty shell. Just wrap your filling inside and bake until golden.

Here’s a simple ingredients list to get you started:

Ingredients:

• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup white sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup warm water
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• Fillings of your choice (jam, cream cheese, sausage, etc.)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Warm the milk and mix it with sugar, butter, and salt.
2. Dissolve yeast in warm water.
3. Combine with the milk mixture.
4. Add flour gradually.
5. Knead dough until smooth.
6. Let it rise until doubled in size.
7. Roll out and fill with your choice of filling.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

6) King Ranch Chicken

King Ranch Chicken is a classic Texan casserole that’s hearty and flavorful. It brings together pulled chicken, corn tortillas, and a mix of creamy soups with some kick from green chiles. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare.

This dish layers all the ingredients, topped with plenty of cheese. It’s great for family dinners or gatherings. Just bake until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pulled chicken
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chopped peppers

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix soups and diced tomatoes.
3. In a baking dish, layer tortillas, then chicken, soup mixture, and cheese.
4. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!

7) Smoked Brisket

Smoked brisket is a classic Texas dish known for its rich flavor and tender texture. It requires time and patience, but the results are worth it. Using a full packer brisket, you can create a delicious meal that impresses everyone.

To start, you’ll need simple seasonings like kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. These ingredients highlight the brisket’s natural taste.

Cooking time ranges from 12-18 hours, depending on the size and thickness. You should smoke the brisket until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 74°C) before wrapping it for the final cooking phase.

Ingredients

• 1 full packer brisket (12-15 lbs)
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• 1 cup beef tallow

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the brisket by trimming excess fat.
2. Season the brisket generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Smoke the brisket at 225°F (about 107°C) until it reaches 165°F (about 74°C).
4. Wrap the brisket in butcher paper and continue smoking until tender.

8) Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a classic dessert loved in Texas. It features a rich, sweet filling made with pecans, sugar, and syrup. This pie is perfect for gatherings and holidays.

To make it, you’ll need a pie crust, which can be made from scratch or bought pre-made. The filling combines ingredients like corn syrup, sugar, and eggs. You will find the texture smooth and the taste nutty.

Start your oven at 350°F (175°C) for baking. Mix up the filling, pour it into the crust, and sprinkle the pecans on top. Bake until the filling is set and golden brown. Serve it warm or cold with whipped cream.

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust
• 1 cup corn syrup
• ¾ cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine corn syrup, sugar, and eggs.
3. Stir in melted butter and vanilla.
4. Mix in the pecans.
5. Pour into the pie crust.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.

9) Breakfast Tacos

Breakfast tacos are a delicious way to start your day. They are a Texas favorite and easy to make. You can fill them with your choice of ingredients.

Common fillings include scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and seasoned potatoes. You can also add cheese and salsa for extra flavor. Use warm flour tortillas to hold everything together.

You can enjoy them on busy mornings or serve them at a brunch gathering. They are quick to prepare and always a hit.

Ingredients

• Flour tortillas
• Eggs
• Bacon or sausage
• Potatoes
• Cheese (optional)
• Salsa (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook your bacon or sausage in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
2. While the meat cooks, peel and cube your potatoes. Boil them in water until tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Scramble the eggs in a separate pan.
4. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.
5. Assemble your tacos by layering the ingredients and serving with salsa. Enjoy!

10) Carne Guisada

Carne guisada is a hearty stew from Texas that warms the soul. This dish features tender chunks of beef cooked slowly in a flavorful gravy. Fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices bring it all together.

You can enjoy carne guisada with rice and beans or with warm tortillas on the side. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef steak, cut into cubes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Spices (cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper) to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat (about 350°F / 180°C).
2. Sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides.
3. Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until soft.
4. Stir in tomatoes, beef broth, and spices.
5. Simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.