- Poll of 3,014 foodies.
- Texas’ Chili emerged in top spot.
- Infographic showing America’s most popular fall foods.
Fall food is more than just comfort – it’s connection. Sharing a meal has long been a way to bring people closer together, and research increasingly shows that gathering around the table can give a meaningful boost to mental health. To explore this link between food and wellbeing, A Mission for Michael asked 3,014 self-described food lovers one simple question:
Which one fall dish would you most like to enjoy with family this season?
The top 10 were as follows:
#1. Chili – Texas
Fall in Texas is synonymous with chili season, where this hearty dish becomes a staple at tailgates, cook-offs, and family dinners. Texas chili, often made with beef, chili peppers, and a variety of spices, is a warm, flavorful dish that’s perfect for the cooler fall weather. The rich, spicy flavors of Texas chili reflect the state’s bold culinary traditions, making it a must-have during the fall months.
#2. Pumpkin Pie – Illinois
Illinois is the top producer of pumpkins in the United States, making pumpkin pie a quintessential fall dessert in the state. The smooth, spiced filling made from fresh pumpkin puree is a symbol of the autumn harvest. Pumpkin pie is especially popular during Thanksgiving, but it’s enjoyed throughout the fall as a sweet reminder of Illinois’s agricultural abundance.
#3. Country Ham – Tennessee
Country ham is a Southern delicacy, and in Tennessee, it’s a fall favorite. This salt-cured ham is typically slow-cooked or baked, offering a rich, savory flavor that’s perfect for autumn meals. Country ham is often served with biscuits or grits, making it a comforting and hearty dish that’s enjoyed during fall family gatherings and holiday feasts in Tennessee.
#4. Apple Cider Donuts – New York
New York is famous for its apple orchards, and apple cider donuts are a quintessential fall treat in the state. These donuts, often enjoyed fresh from the fryer, are made with spiced apple cider, giving them a sweet and tangy flavor. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a warm, comforting touch, making them the perfect snack during a fall visit to a New York orchard or pumpkin patch.
#5. Pecan Pie – Alabama
Alabama is known for its abundant pecan orchards, making pecan pie a quintessential dessert in the state. The rich, buttery flavor of pecans combined with a sweet, gooey filling makes it the perfect indulgence as the weather cools. Pecan pie is often enjoyed during fall gatherings and holidays, celebrating the harvest season with a dessert that’s as warm and comforting as the Southern hospitality it’s served with.
#6. Chicken And Dumplings – Arkansas
Chicken and dumplings are a classic comfort food in Arkansas, particularly cherished in the fall. This hearty dish, featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich broth, is perfect for warming up on a cool autumn day. The simplicity and heartiness of chicken and dumplings make it a staple in many Arkansas kitchens, especially as families gather for fall dinners.
#7. Caramel Apples – Michigan
Caramel apples are a popular fall treat in Michigan, especially during the apple harvest season. Crisp, tart apples are coated in rich, buttery caramel and sometimes rolled in nuts or chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence. Caramel apples offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making them a delightful treat for both kids and adults. They are often found at fall festivals, apple orchards, and Halloween events across Michigan, where they capture the essence of the season’s flavors.
#8. Cornbread – Iowa
Iowa’s vast cornfields make cornbread a natural choice for a fall food in the state. This golden, slightly sweet bread is often served alongside hearty fall dishes like chili or stews. Cornbread’s warm, crumbly texture is comforting on cool autumn days, and it highlights the importance of corn in Iowa’s agricultural heritage.
#9. Sweet Potato Pie – Georgia
Georgia’s rich, fertile soil is perfect for growing sweet potatoes, making sweet potato pie a beloved fall dish in the state. This pie, made with mashed sweet potatoes, spices, and a flaky crust, is a Southern classic that’s especially popular during the autumn months. The natural sweetness of the potatoes, combined with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a dessert that embodies the comforting flavors of fall.
#10. Pumpkin Bread – Kansas
Kansas is known for its expansive farmland, where pumpkins are a common fall crop. Pumpkin bread, made with spiced pumpkin puree and often studded with nuts or raisins, is a popular fall treat in the state. The moist, flavorful bread is perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea on a crisp fall morning, making it a comforting reminder of the harvest season.
Infographic showing America’s most popular fall foods
“Food traditions are powerful because they connect us to both place and people,” says Anand Mehta, LMFT, of A Mission for Michael. “When families share these fall favorites, they’re not just enjoying a meal – they’re creating moments of comfort and belonging that support mental health in a very real way.”
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