Food in Utah

Discover Utah's culinary treasures from comforting classics to quirky festivals.

Utah, a state located in the western United States, is known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities, and rich food culture. The food culture in Utah has been influenced by the state's history, its natural resources, and the diverse population that has settled there over the years. Utah's cuisine is a unique blend of traditional American, Native American, and Mormon culinary traditions, as well as influences from its immigrant populations.

Utah is an agriculturally productive state, with fertile valleys and ample water resources. It produces a variety of crops such as wheat, corn, potatoes, onions, and fruit (including cherries, apples, and peaches). Utah is also known for its dairy and meat production, especially beef and pork.

Utah foods...

Utahns typically eat the usual three meals a day of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast often includes dishes like scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and toast or pancakes. For those in a hurry, a quick breakfast might consist of yogurt, granola, or cereal. Lunch is typically a lighter meal, with sandwiches, salads, or wraps being popular choices. Dinner is the main meal of the day, often consisting of a protein such as beef, chicken, or fish, along with a side of vegetables and a starch like potatoes or rice.

A staple at family gatherings and potlucks, funeral potatoes are a creamy, cheesy potato casserole made with shredded or cubed potatoes, onions, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, sour cream, and grated cheese. The dish is topped with a layer of crushed cornflakes or potato chips for added crunch and then baked until golden brown.

Unlike the traditional British scones, Utah scones are a type of fried bread, similar to Native American frybread. Made with a simple dough of flour, water, sugar, and yeast, Utah scones are deep-fried until puffy and golden, then served with honey butter, jam, or dusted with powdered sugar.

A surprisingly popular dish in Utah, green Jell-O is often served as a side dish or dessert at family gatherings. It is usually made with lime-flavored gelatin, often combined with fruit, whipped cream, or cottage cheese.

Bear Lake, a popular vacation spot on the Utah-Idaho border, is famous for its delicious raspberry shakes. These creamy, fruity milkshakes are made with fresh raspberries, ice cream, and milk, and are a perfect treat on a hot summer day.

...drinks...

Utah's beverage preferences are shaped by its cultural and religious background, as well as its geography and climate. According to the Word of Wisdom, a health code followed by many LDS Church members, alcohol, coffee, and tea are discouraged. As a result, Utah has a unique array of preferred non-alcoholic drinks. S

A popular non-alcoholic beverage choice in Utah, root beer is a sweet, carbonated drink with a distinctive flavor derived from the roots of the sassafras tree or the sarsaparilla vine. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and can be found at local restaurants, diners, and soda fountains.

Another non-alcoholic beverage, apple beer is a carbonated apple-flavored soft drink that originated in Germany. In Utah, apple beer is enjoyed as an alternative to traditional alcoholic beers and is available in both regular and diet versions.

With the emphasis on healthy living in the LDS community, fruit-infused water has become a popular choice for hydration. Fresh fruit, such as berries, citrus, or cucumber, is added to water to create a refreshing, subtly flavored drink.

Although black and green teas are discouraged by the Word of Wisdom, herbal teas made from a variety of plants, flowers, and fruits are popular in Utah. Herbal teas can be enjoyed hot or iced and are often consumed for their potential health benefits or simply as a comforting beverage.

Utah has a strong dairy industry, and milk is a popular drink for both children and adults. It is often consumed plain, but flavored milk, like chocolate or strawberry, is also enjoyed by many.

Both lemonade and limeade are popular refreshments in Utah, especially during the warmer months. These sweet and tangy drinks are made from freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice, sugar, and water. They can be found at local restaurants, food trucks, and outdoor events.

Fruit smoothies, made by blending fresh or frozen fruit with yogurt, milk, or ice, are a popular choice for a healthy and refreshing drink. Smoothies can be found at cafes, juice bars, and even some fast-food restaurants.

In the colder months, hot chocolate is a popular beverage in Utah. It is typically made with milk or water, cocoa powder, and sugar, and can be topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

...and food events

Utah is home to a variety of food events that showcase its unique culinary culture and local flavors. Here are three popular and quirky food events in Utah that attract food enthusiasts from near and far:

The Utah Cheese Awards is an annual event that celebrates the state's growing artisan cheese industry. Held in various locations across the state, this event showcases a wide range of cheeses made by local producers. The competition features several categories, such as cow's milk cheese, goat's milk cheese, and flavored cheeses. Attendees have the opportunity to taste and purchase these award-winning cheeses, as well as meet the cheesemakers themselves. In addition to cheese, the event also includes other local artisan food products like honey, jams, and charcuterie.

Pie and Beer Day is a quirky, unofficial holiday celebrated annually on July 24th, coinciding with Pioneer Day, a state holiday that commemorates the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. While Pioneer Day is a more formal and traditional celebration, Pie and Beer Day provides a lighthearted alternative for those who want to celebrate Utah's history with a twist. Bars, breweries, and restaurants across the state host Pie and Beer Day events, offering a variety of pies (sweet and savory) paired with local craft beers. The event not only showcases Utah's love for pies but also highlights its growing craft beer scene.

Onion Days is a unique annual festival held in Payson, Utah, that celebrates the region's onion harvest. This family-friendly event takes place during Labor Day weekend and features a variety of onion-related activities, such as an onion cook-off, onion eating contests, and onion-themed games. In addition to the onion-focused events, the festival also includes a parade, live music, carnival rides, and food vendors offering a wide range of onion-based dishes, from onion rings to caramelized onion pizza. Onion Days is a quirky and fun event that highlights the importance of agriculture in Utah's history and culture.

Strawberry Days is an annual festival held in Pleasant Grove, Utah, which celebrates the city's rich agricultural heritage and the arrival of the strawberry harvest. Established in 1921, it is one of the longest-running festivals in the state and takes place in June over the course of several days. The event is organized by the city of Pleasant Grove and the local community. The festival features a wide range of activities and events for all ages, including a grand parade, a rodeo, live music, carnival rides, games, and various contests. One of the highlights of Strawberry Days is the serving of free strawberries and cream to attendees, a tradition that honors the area's historical association with strawberry farming.