In Illinois, family meals often come with strong opinions — especially when familiar dishes hit the table. These foods are tied to regional pride, childhood memories, and long-standing habits, which makes them surprisingly easy to argue about.
Everyone remembers them a little differently, and everyone is convinced their version is the right one. Here are 12 Illinois dishes that still spark debate around family tables.
Deep-Dish Pizza
Some say it’s a pizza; others argue it’s more of a savory pie. The deep-dish pizza, with its thick crust and layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings, is a Chicago icon. Families often debate the perfect balance of ingredients and the best spots to grab a slice.
Baked to perfection, the crust offers a buttery and flaky experience, complementing the rich tomato sauce. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, demanding forks and knives to tackle its heft. Whether it’s Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, or Pequod’s, loyalties run deep.
A fun fact: deep-dish was reportedly invented in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno. This dish’s origins are as storied as the debates it inspires.
Chicago-Style Hot Dogs
The question isn’t whether to load it up, but how much is too much? A true Chicago-style hot dog demands no ketchup, a dictum that purists defend fiercely. The symphony of mustard, relish, onions, and more creates a flavor explosion.
Delicately placed in a poppy seed bun, this hot dog is a true work of art. Families debate the right amount of sport peppers or whether the pickle should be sliced or whole. Each bite is a testament to tradition.
Did you know? This style originated from the Great Depression when vendors needed to provide a full meal for a nickel. Its storied past adds another layer to its appeal.
Italian Beef Sandwiches
Italian beef sandwiches bring savory satisfaction to any table, but opinions differ on the dip. Drenched in jus or just a hint? The debate is as juicy as the beef itself. Perfectly thin slices, simmered in flavor-packed gravy, make this a family favorite.
Topped with spicy giardiniera or sweet peppers, this sandwich is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Some prefer it wet, others dipped, and that’s where the arguments start. Each style offers its own allure.
The sandwich’s origin is linked to Italian immigrants in early 20th-century Chicago, showing how heritage flavors have shaped local cuisine.
Thin-Crust Tavern-Style Pizza
For some, pizza means a thin, crispy crust, and nowhere is this more evident than in Illinois. Tavern-style pizza, often snubbed by deep-dish lovers, boasts a crunchy, square-cut delight that’s perfect for sharing.
The crust provides the perfect crunch, while the toppings range from classic pepperoni to creative concoctions. Families argue over whether this style should reign supreme or serve as a mere appetizer.
Interestingly, this pizza style is believed to have originated in bars, cut into squares to encourage sharing among patrons. It’s more than pizza; it’s a communal experience.
Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
No sandwich sparks debates like the pork tenderloin. Known for its massive size and satisfying crunch, it’s a staple of Midwestern cuisine. Some say the breading makes or breaks the experience.
Served on a bun that’s often dwarfed by the tenderloin itself, this sandwich delivers a crispy, tender bite. Condiments vary, with mustard, mayonnaise, or even pickles finding their place.
Historically, this dish is linked to German immigrants in the Midwest, showcasing the melding of cultures in Illinois’ culinary landscape. It’s a sandwich that tells a story with every bite.
Pierogi
Comfort food takes on a new meaning with pierogi. These delightful dumplings, filled with potatoes, cheese, or meat, bring warmth to any table. Families lovingly debate fillings and preparations.
Pan-fried to golden perfection or simply boiled, each pierogi delivers a bite of nostalgia. Toppings like sour cream or sautéed onions divide opinions on the best accompaniment.
Chicago’s Polish heritage shines through in this dish, with festivals celebrating the humble pierogi’s versatility and appeal. It’s a dish that bridges generations, each bite a connection to the past.
Chicken Vesuvio
Chicken Vesuvio, a dish with flair as bold as its name, offers a taste of Chicago’s Italian roots. The crispy chicken, paired with garlicky potatoes, creates a harmonious symphony of flavors.
Arguments arise over the perfect level of crispiness or the balance of herbs. Some prefer additional vegetables, while others stick to the classic peas and potatoes.
This dish, named after Mount Vesuvius, supposedly originated in Chicago’s Italian-American communities. A blend of simplicity and elegance, it continues to captivate dinner tables across Illinois.
Stuffed Peppers
Colorful and bursting with flavor, stuffed peppers are a beloved dish that invites creativity. Families debate everything from the type of pepper used to the filling combinations.
Whether stuffed with rice and beef or a vegetarian mix of grains and veggies, each pepper offers a unique flavor profile. Cheese or no cheese? The debate is as vibrant as the peppers themselves.
Stuffed peppers have roots in various cuisines, reflecting the diversity found in Illinois’ kitchens. A staple at family dinners, they symbolize the melding of tradition and innovation.
Beef and Sausage Combo Sandwich
When beef meets sausage, an iconic combo sandwich is born. This hearty option, overflowing with flavors, is the source of endless debates in Illinois. The question is about balance.
Juicy beef pairs with spicy sausage, creating a marriage of flavors that’s hard to resist. Toppings like giardiniera add an extra kick, but opinions vary on just how spicy it should be.
Chicago’s culinary scene embraces this combination, showcasing the city’s love for bold, hearty meals. It’s a sandwich that brings people together while sparking spirited debates.
Fried Lake Perch
Crispy, delicate, and fresh from the Great Lakes, fried lake perch is a dish that embodies local pride. Family opinions diverge on coatings and frying techniques.
Perfectly seasoned and fried, each bite offers a taste of Illinois’ aquatic bounty. Some prefer a light batter, while others opt for a heavier breading.
Fishing traditions in Illinois give rise to this dish, celebrating the natural resources that make such meals possible. It’s not just fish; it’s a tradition on a plate.
Mostaccioli
Mostaccioli, a pasta dish with Italian roots, stands as a family favorite at gatherings. Debates focus on sauce types and cheese choices.
Baked to bubbling perfection, this dish combines pasta with a hearty tomato sauce and melted cheese. Some prefer a touch of spice, while others keep it mild.
This dish’s origins reflect the influences of Italian immigrants in Chicago, a city where pasta dishes have become family traditions. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a piece of culinary history.
Polish Sausage with Sauerkraut
Polish sausage and sauerkraut combine to create a dish that celebrates simplicity and flavor. Tangy and savory, it’s a blend that sparks debates over preparation methods.
Each bite delivers a contrast of juicy sausage and zesty sauerkraut. Mustard debates follow, as families choose between spicy or mild.
With deep roots in Chicago’s Polish communities, this dish pays homage to cultural heritage, bringing a touch of tradition to the modern table.