Nebraska: A Cornucopia of Delicious Delights

Nebraska, the Cornhusker State, has much to offer to the discerning food lover. Here, the traditional heartland dishes, informed by the bounty of its farms, fuse seamlessly with new, innovative culinary techniques. Get ready for a gastronomical journey across this fantastic food landscape.

The Great Nebraska Steak

Any discussion about Nebraska’s food scene would be incomplete without mentioning its steaks. Blessed with a rich ranching heritage, Nebraska is synonymous with quality beef, serving some of the best steaks in the country. The steakhouses here, from old-school to upscale, are a testament to this proud tradition.

Omaha, in particular, is a haven for steak lovers. Here, you’ll find places like The Drover, known for its whiskey-marinated steaks, and Gorat’s, Warren Buffett’s favorite steakhouse. If you’re in the mood for something different, try the Nebraska-style prime rib at Brother Sebastian’s, which transports you to a Spanish monastery with its unique ambiance.

Runzas: A Nebraska Specialty

When it comes to unique regional food, Nebraska’s Runza holds a special place. This German-Russian bread pocket, filled with beef, cabbage, or sauerkraut, and onions, is comfort food at its finest. The family-owned chain, Runza Restaurants, has been serving these hearty sandwiches since 1949 and has become an integral part of Nebraska’s food culture.

While the original Runza is a must-try, the restaurant also offers variations like the Cheese Runza and the Swiss Mushroom Runza. So, find a Runza restaurant and treat yourself to this Nebraska classic!

Get Corny with Nebraska’s Sweet Corn

Given its nickname, the “Cornhusker State,” it’s no surprise that Nebraska offers sweet corn like you’ve never tasted before. Every summer, roadside stands and farmers markets brim with fresh, juicy sweet corn, waiting to be grilled, boiled, or turned into delicious corn salads.

Don’t miss the annual Nebraska Sweet Corn Festival in August, where you can enjoy sweet corn in every imaginable form. It’s an unforgettable experience that truly celebrates Nebraska’s agricultural heritage.

Nebraska’s Craft Beer Scene

Over the last few years, Nebraska has seen a flourishing craft beer scene. Towns like Lincoln and Omaha are dotted with unique, local breweries that offer a wide array of beers, from hop-filled IPAs to rich, dark stouts.

Zipline Brewing Co. in Lincoln, for instance, offers an excellent array of craft beers that cater to all tastes. In Omaha, Infusion Brewing Co. infuses local flavor into their beers, using ingredients like locally-sourced vanilla beans in their Vanilla Bean Blonde.

The Reuben Sandwich: An Omaha Invention?

The origin of the Reuben sandwich, stacked with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, is a hotly debated topic. However, many believe it was first created at the Blackstone Hotel in Omaha. Today, you can find delicious iterations of this sandwich across Nebraska.

For an authentic Reuben experience, head to the Crescent Moon Ale House in Omaha. They serve a mouthwatering Blackstone Reuben, paying homage to the iconic hotel where it all supposedly began.

The Sweet Treat: Kolaches

Nebraska’s culinary influence isn’t limited to savory dishes. Meet Kolache, a sweet pastry of Czech origin that has found a home in the heart of Nebraska. These pastries are traditionally filled with fruit or poppy seeds, but Nebraskan bakers have put their own spin on them, filling them with everything from cream cheese to sausage.

Visit the charming town of Wilber, declared the “Czech Capital of the U.S.A,” to experience the best Kolaches in the state. Every August, the town holds a Czech Days Festival where the Kolaches are aplenty, and Czech heritage is celebrated with parades, polka music, and traditional Czech meals.

Cheeseburger Pizza: A Nebraska Innovation

If you’re looking for a dish that captures the spirit of Midwestern innovation, look no further than the cheeseburger pizza. Popularized by Nebraska-based pizza chain Valentino’s, this pizza is topped with everything you’d find in a cheeseburger, including ground beef, cheese, pickles, and even a ketchup and mustard sauce.

It might sound unusual, but one bite of this unique fusion of pizza and cheeseburger, and you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. So when you’re in Nebraska, why not give this unique pizza a try? You won’t find it done better anywhere else.

Chili & Cinnamon Rolls: A Unique Pairing

One of Nebraska’s quirkiest culinary traditions involves pairing a hearty bowl of chili with a sweet, sticky cinnamon roll. This unusual combination has been a staple in Nebraskan school cafeterias for decades and has managed to find its way onto several restaurant menus across the state.

Though the origins of this pairing are unclear, there’s no denying the magic that happens when the spiciness of the chili meets the sweetness of the cinnamon roll. It’s a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic Nebraska culinary experience.

Nebraska’s food scene is a reflection of its rich agricultural heritage, cultural influences, and a certain degree of culinary innovation. From the finest steaks to the unique Runzas, delicious sweet corn, craft beers, Reuben sandwiches, Kolaches, cheeseburger pizzas, and the unlikely pairing of chili and cinnamon rolls, the Cornhusker State offers a gastronomical adventure that’s as diverse as it is delicious.

So when you travel to Nebraska, make sure you come with an appetite. The state’s culinary delights are sure to leave you with fond memories and a longing for your next visit.