The Best Recipes from Arizona (2024)

Home Recipes Cooking Style Comfort Food

The Best Recipes from Arizona (1)Katie BandurskiUpdated: Jan. 05, 2022

    We found the best recipes from Arizona—all shared by local home cooks. In this collection, you’ll find classic foods from the Grand Canyon State, as well as treasured family recipes.

    1/25

    Shrimp Enchiladas with Green Sauce

    I started making these enchiladas last year during the Lenten season. It allows my family to observe Lent and still enjoy Mexican food. When I brought it to school, my co-workers couldn't get enough of it.—Mari Acedo, Chandler, Arizona

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    2/25

    Arizona Cornbread

    Unlike other cornbreads, this one uses yeast. With oil and sour cream, this moist, tender loaf has a bit of zip to it from the peppers. —Margaret Pache, Mesa, Arizona

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    3/25

    Lemon Tart with Almond Crust

    Our state produces an abundance of lemons, and everyone is always looking for new ways to use them. This beautiful tart is my delicious solution to the excess-lemon problem! —Lois Kinneberg, Phoenix, Arizona

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    4/25

    Chickaritos

    After our son grew fond of a fast-food restaurant’s fried burritos, I created this recipe by substituting beef with chicken and skipping the frying. It’s been a hit with our family ever since! —Nancy Coates, Oro Valley, Arizona

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    5/25

    Skillet Beef Tamales

    I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona

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    6/25

    Taste of Home

    Lattice-Topped Pear Slab Pie

    A lattice top serves as a charming frame for this special holiday dessert filled with fresh pears and candied fruit. Add a dollop of whipped cream if you like. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

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    7/25

    Chorizo and Eggs Ranchero

    For a festive Mexican breakfast, we do chorizo and huevos rancheros. Add refried beans and cheddar, and serve everything in bowls made of tortillas. —Paul Williams, Fort Mohave, Arizona

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    8/25

    Taste of Home

    Grilled Southwestern Potato Salad

    This salad is perfect with a grilled steak for a Tex-Mex meal, and most of it can even be prepared out in the backyard. Poblanos and cayenne make it pop. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

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    9/25

    Taste of Home

    Icebox Cookies

    This cookie recipe from my 91-year-old grandmother was my grandfather's favorite. She still makes them and sends us home with the dough so that we can make more whenever we want, I love to make a fresh batch when company drops in. —Chris Paulsen, Glendale, Arizona

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    10/25

    Muffin-Tin Tamale Cakes

    We needed snack inspiration beyond peanut butter and jelly. These muffin tamales have all of the flavor of tamales without the fuss. Pair with skewered fruit. —Suzanne Clark, Phoenix, Arizona

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    11/25

    Honey Balsamic Salmon

    Look no further—you’ve just found the first, last and only way you’ll ever want to fix salmon again. The sweet and tangy flavors blend beautifully in this easy-to-remember honey balsamic salmon recipe. —Mary Lou Timpson, Centennial Park, Arizona

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    12/25

    Taste of Home

    Cobre Valley Casserole

    We live in southeastern Arizona, in a part of the state known as the Cobre Valley. Cobre is Spanish for copper, which is mined here. People in this area have enjoyed variations of this recipe for many years. —Carolyn Deming, Miami, Arizona

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    13/25

    Campfire Hash

    In our area we are able to camp almost all year-round. My family invented this recipe using ingredients we all love so we could enjoy them on the campfire. This hearty meal tastes so good after a full day of outdoor activities. —Janet Danilow, Winkleman, Arizona

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    14/25

    Chiles Rellenos Quiche

    To me, nothing sparks up a meal more than the smoky flavor of roasted green chiles. This is a quick and easy recipe, and I usually have the ingredients on hand, so when I don’t know what to fix for dinner, I make this quiche. —Linda Miritello, Mesa, Arizona

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    15/25

    Dinner Poppers

    I could eat jalapeno poppers all day long, but who wants to say they had seven stuffed peppers for dinner? For this meal-in-one, I use poblanos for my husband and son, and hotter peppers for my daughter and me. —Sherri Jerzyk, Tucson, Arizona

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    16/25

    Brandied Apricot Tart

    Canned apricots make this golden, buttery tart a wonderful option any time of year. I brush them with preserves and brandy, then sprinkle on almonds for a bit of crunch. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

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    17/25

    A big hit with my family, this light salad is so easy to make! The healthy option of mango and avocado is simply the best combination you could serve. —Amy Liesemeyer, Tucson, Arizona

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    18/25

    We've lived in Arizona for decades, so Mexican-style cooking has become the same as "Arizona-style cooking" for us. Nothing tastes better than chili-spiced pork with tortillas. —Anne Fatout, Phoenix, Arizona

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    19/25

    Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

    I like to share this dish at potlucks because it can be made ahead, which I especially appreciate during the busy holiday season. The sweet-and-spicy sauce is always a hit. —Martha Anne Carpenter, Mesa, Arizona

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    20/25

    Spicy Tomato Pork Chops

    Simmered in tomato sauce, these pork chops are big at our house. I add garlic powder and Creole or Cajun seasoning before browning the chops to give them extra punch. —Holly Neuharth, Mesa, Arizona

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    21/25

    Lemon Bars

    This delightful lemon bar recipe is from my mother's file. I've been serving it for many years. They has a wonderful tangy flavor, and they're always a hit. The color and shape make them a nice addition to a platter of cookies. —Etta Soucy, Mesa, Arizona

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    22/25

    Taste of Home

    Spicy Shredded Chicken

    I love Mexican food, but not the high calorie count that often comes with it. This easy dish is healthy, delicious and a definite crowd pleaser! I like to serve the chicken with warm tortillas, rice, beans and salsa. For an equally awesome dish, you can substitute beef or pork for the chicken. —Heather Walker, Scottsdale, Arizona

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    23/25

    Taste of Home

    Apricot-Hazelnut Triangles

    These crispy cookie treats can be changed up—try different nuts and jams, and dark or white chocolate depending on the holiday. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

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    24/25

    Taste of Home

    Simmered Turkey Enchiladas

    I discovered a different way to serve economical turkey thighs. I simmer them in tomato sauce, green chiles and seasonings until they're tender and flavorful, then serve them in tortillas with our favorite fresh toppings. —Stella Schams, Tempe, Arizona

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    25/25

    Mustard Turkey Cutlets

    Grilled turkey cutlets are treated with a slightly sweet sauce that mustard-lovers will thoroughly enjoy. This recipe feels fancy, but it’s ideal for a weeknight. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona

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    Originally Published: July 08, 2018

    The Best Recipes from Arizona (27)

    Katie Bandurski

    As Senior Shopping Editor, Katie connects Taste of Home readers with the best gifts, deals and home products on the market. An avid foodie and a holiday enthusiast, Katie is an expert at cultivating meaningful moments.When she’s out of the office, you’ll find her exploring Wisconsin, trying out new vegetarian recipes and watching Christmas movies.

    The Best Recipes from Arizona (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the most famous dish in Arizona? ›

    Chimichanga

    Also known as a "chimi," the chimichanga is a deep-fried large burrito served with scoops of sour cream and guacamole. Legend has it that in the early 1920s, in Tucson, El Charro Café founder Monica Flin invented the chimichanga—or "thingamajig"—when a burro fell into the deep fryer she was using.

    What is Arizona's signature food? ›

    Must-Try Foods in Arizona
    • Sonoran Hot Dog. Start your culinary journey with a Sonoran hot dog, a local specialty. ...
    • Mexican Cuisine. Given its proximity to Mexico, Arizona boasts exceptional Mexican cuisine. ...
    • Chimichangas. ...
    • Navajo Tacos. ...
    • Green Chili Stew. ...
    • Prickly Pear Cactus. ...
    • Farm-to-Table Fare. ...
    • Steak and BBQ.
    Nov 16, 2023

    What is Arizona state known for food? ›

    When it comes to food, Arizona is known for Fry Bread and the invention of Chimichangas. But I also wanted to give a nod to the desserts by making Nopales (a grilled cactus and corn salad). Sopapillas and Sonoran hot dogs are also some of the foods that Arizona is famous for.

    What is Arizona's dish? ›

    Local dishes include raspado, huevos rancheros and tamales. The Sonoran hot dog is an Arizona specialty served with pinto beans, guacamole, jalapeños, salsa and layered with other southwestern flavors. Tucson, Arizona became the first American city to receive the designation of "City of Gastronomy" by UNESCO.

    What food dish is Phoenix known for? ›

    Arizona's official state food is its state fish, more well known as the Apache trout. However, the state has some unofficial state foods, particularly the chimichanga. Chimichangas, also known as deep-fried burritos, are a favourite, a reflection of Mexican influence. Chimichanga is the most preferred dish in Phoenix.

    What is the most famous thing in Arizona? ›

    Arizona's most famous and now official nickname, “The Grand Canyon State” celebrates its most iconic feature, the Grand Canyon. Arizona is also known as the “Copper State” revealing its abundance in this mineral.

    What is Arizona's famous dessert? ›

    Arizona: Sopapillas

    This fried, flaky dessert is so popular in the state of Arizona that you can find it at most Mexican restaurants in the state. For an even more flavorful dish, try drizzling it with honey.

    What is the signature Arizona co*cktail? ›

    According to the website, Arizona's signature drink is a tequila sunrise. The website explains: "The origin of the Tequila Sunrise is a bit murky. Some say it was invented in Arizona in the 1930s, while others say the modern version hails from Sausalito, California, in the '70s.

    What is Arizona's favorite fast food? ›

    McDonalds followed as Arizonan's second preference, with In-N-Out trailing as third.

    What fruit is Arizona known for? ›

    Arizona produces some of the highest quality tree fruits and nuts in the world. Arizona dates, pecans and lemons are prized export products.

    What is Arizona's state drink? ›

    They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But in this case, Governor Doug Ducey made lemonade the state drink. It all started with a Gilbert high school student lobbying Republican State Representative Warren Petersen with the idea of having an official state drink.

    What food comes from Arizona? ›

    Leafy greens, cabbage, dates, melons, lemons, oranges, apples, potatoes and tomatoes are just some foods harvested from Arizona's nourishing soil. The state also boasts a growing nut and date crop industry.

    What food is unique to Arizona? ›

    1. Sonoran Hot Dogs: an Arizona Famous Food. A tray of Sonoran hot dogs-one of the signature foods of Arizona. One of the most iconic Mexican dishes you'll find in Arizona is the Sonoran hot dog.

    What is the food capital of Arizona? ›

    The Sonoran hot dog is the signature street food of Tucson, America's first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Sonoran hot dog: There are a lot of foods worth traveling for in Tucson – the food capital of Arizona is America's first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

    What food is Scottsdale known for? ›

    Scottsdale's food scene isn't just restricted to cowboy steaks and Southwestern fare. Across the 400 or so restaurants in the city, you'll find tons of different cuisines excelling at what they do, from family-run Italian gems to modern Latin tacos, empanadas and more.

    What is the most famous dish? ›

    Pizza, from Italy. Ramen, from Japan. Burger, from the United States.

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