Super Bowl LIX is on the horizon, and for Kansas City Chiefs fans, that means more than just football – it’s a celebration of Kansas City Food! Whether you’re gearing up for game day or just curious about the local cuisine, Kansas City boasts a unique and delicious food scene worth exploring. From savory barbecue to sweet treats, here are 13 iconic Kansas City food dishes that are sure to score big with your taste buds.
1. Sloppy Joe Cups
Kansas City food is known for its bold, robust flavors, and Sloppy Joes perfectly embody this spirit. Take the classic Sloppy Joe and transform it into a game-day-ready, mess-free appetizer: Sloppy Joe Cups! These bite-sized delights feature the savory, saucy goodness of Sloppy Joes nestled in portable, crispy biscuit or crescent roll cups. The dough acts as the ideal vessel, soaking up all the delicious drippings and making them a fan-favorite finger food for any gathering.
Common Ingredients:
- 90% Lean Ground Beef
- Ketchup
- Onions
- Bell Peppers
2. Tater Tot Casserole
Casseroles are the epitome of comfort food, and in Kansas City, the Tater Tot Casserole reigns supreme. This easy-to-make dish combines the comforting starchiness of tater tots with savory fillings, making it a quintessential Kansas City food experience. Perfect for Super Bowl Sunday, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing, low-effort meal, tater tot casserole is a guaranteed hit. Its simple preparation doesn’t compromise on flavor, making it a beloved staple in Kansas City kitchens.
Common Ingredients:
- Ground Beef
- Tater Tots
- Onions
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
3. Sourdough Donuts
While donuts are a beloved treat across America, Kansas City has put its unique stamp on them with sourdough donuts. Often credited as being perfected in KC, these donuts offer a tangy twist on the classic sweet. Slow Rise Donuts is a local institution that has significantly contributed to the popularity of sourdough donuts in Kansas City, thanks to their famous sourdough starter, “Bubbles.” For a taste of genuine Kansas City food innovation, sourdough donuts are a must-try.
Common Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour
- Sourdough Starter
- Milk
- Sugar
- Eggs
4. BBQ Burnt Ends
No discussion of Kansas City food is complete without mentioning barbecue, and burnt ends are the undisputed king. For meat lovers, Kansas City is a barbecue paradise, and burnt ends are the ultimate expression of this culinary passion. These smoky, flavorful morsels are made from thePoint of brisket, cooked low and slow until incredibly tender and slightly crispy. Burnt ends are incredibly versatile – enjoy them on their own, piled high on a sandwich, or as part of a platter. Drizzled with iconic Kansas City BBQ sauce, they’re the perfect fuel for cheering on the Chiefs.
Common Ingredients:
- Beef Brisket or Pork Belly
- Barbecue Rub
5. Classic Fried Chicken
Fried chicken might be a Southern staple, but Kansas City has certainly made it their own. While often associated with the South, Kansas City boasts a strong fried chicken tradition and is known for producing some truly exceptional recipes. Easy to prepare in large batches, fried chicken is ideal for feeding a crowd during the Super Bowl or enjoying as delicious leftovers. Serve it with classic sides like fries or baked potatoes for a complete and satisfying Kansas City food experience.
Common Ingredients:
- Flour
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Cornstarch
6. Brisket Sandwich Sliders
Kansas City’s barbecue prowess extends beyond burnt ends, and brisket is another local favorite that deserves the spotlight. Brisket sandwich sliders are a fantastic way to enjoy this smoky, tender meat in a convenient and crowd-pleasing format. While making brisket at home requires some time and effort, the reward is well worth it. Pile the brisket high on slider rolls, add a touch of coleslaw or mayo, and you have the perfect Kansas City food snack for game day or any gathering.
Common Ingredients:
- Smoked Brisket
- Hawaiian Rolls
- Cheese
- Barbecue Sauce
7. Russell Stover Chocolates
Kansas City is not just about savory dishes; it’s also the proud home of Russell Stover Chocolates. No Kansas City food list would be complete without acknowledging this iconic chocolatier. Picking up a box of Russell Stover chocolates is a must for any game day celebration in KC. Easily found in stores or online, these sweet treats are perfect for enjoying during game intermissions or even offering a comforting indulgence if the game’s outcome isn’t in your team’s favor.
Common Ingredients:
- Milk or Dark Chocolate
- Cocoa Butter
- Sugar
8. Sour Cream and Raisin Pie
For a taste of classic Kansas City food, look no further than Sour Cream and Raisin Pie. This old-fashioned dessert might sound unusual, but it’s a beloved staple not just in Kansas City but throughout Kansas. With a history spanning decades, this pie offers a unique flavor profile that’s both sweet and subtly tangy. The raisin adds a pleasant chewiness, and the fluffy sour cream topping completes this comforting and surprisingly delightful Kansas City dessert. It’s the perfect sweet ending to a game day feast, especially if the Chiefs win!
Common Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour
- Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Pre-Baked Pie Crust
- Custard Filling Made With Sour Cream
9. Kansas City Strip Steak
Steak lovers, rejoice! The Kansas City Strip Steak is a prime cut of beef that embodies the city’s hearty food culture. Cut from the short loin, this steak is renowned for its thickness, juiciness, and robust flavor. Whether bone-in or boneless, the Kansas City Strip Steak is a culinary icon, often served in high-end steakhouses across the country. For Chiefs fans who appreciate a quality steak, enjoying a Kansas City Strip during Super Bowl LIX is a fitting tribute to local gastronomic pride.
Common Ingredients:
- Cuts Usually From Top Or Short Loin of Cow
- Rub Usually Includes Dry Mustard, Chili Powder, Brown Sugar, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Salt
10. Chicken Spiedini
Chicken Spiedini is a testament to Kansas City’s innovative spirit in food. While Spiedini is traditionally an Italian dish featuring beef or veal, Kansas City chef Mike Garozzo of Garozzo’s Italian restaurants reimagined it in 1989 using chicken. Marinated in olive oil, garlic, basil, and breadcrumbs, then rolled, skewered, and charbroiled, Chicken Spiedini has become a signature Kansas City food. For Super Bowl LIX, trying Chicken Spiedini is a delicious way to celebrate both the Chiefs and Kansas City’s culinary creativity.
Common Ingredients:
- Chicken Breast
- Lemon Juice
- Breadcrumbs
- Garlic
11. Cheesy Corn
Cheesy Corn is a beloved Kansas City side dish that adds a creamy, savory touch to any meal, especially barbecue. This comforting side dish, featuring sweet corn, creamy cheddar cheese, milk, and bacon, was created in 1981 by the mother of restaurateur Jack Fiorella of Jack Stack Barbecue. What started as a family recipe has become a Kansas City food staple, gracing menus across the city and beyond. Cheesy Corn is the perfect accompaniment to any Super Bowl feast, offering a delicious and satisfying side for Chiefs fans to enjoy.
Common Ingredients:
- Butter
- Corn
- Cheese
- Bacon
12. The Z-Man Sandwich
The Z-Man Sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s a Kansas City legend. Invented in 1997 at Joe’s Kansas City Barbecue, this iconic sandwich is named after local sports-talk radio host Mike Zarrick, “The Z-Man.” Stacked with tender smoked brisket, melted provolone, crispy onion rings, and Joe KC’s signature barbecue sauce on a Kaiser roll, the Z-Man is a flavor explosion. Legend has it that the Z-Man even helped the Kansas City Royals baseball team out of a slump! Whether or not that’s true, this sandwich is a must-try Kansas City food for Super Bowl LIX and beyond.
Common Ingredients:
- Brisket
- Onion Rings
- Provolone Cheese
- Barbecue Sauce
13. Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
For a truly unique Kansas City food experience, try the quirky yet popular combination of Chili and Cinnamon Rolls. While the origins of this Midwestern pairing are debated, it’s a surprisingly common and comforting meal in Kansas City. The savory chili and sweet cinnamon rolls create an unexpected but satisfying contrast. For adventurous Chiefs fans, whipping up a batch of chili and grabbing some cinnamon rolls for Super Bowl LIX is a fun way to embrace this distinctive Kansas City food tradition.
Common Ingredients:
- Ground Beef
- Tomato Sauce
- Kidney Beans
- Cinnamon
