If you hollow out a jumbo jalapeño and stuff it with cream cheese, cheddar, and smoked brisket, you have a Texas Twinkie. Throughout the nation, few things complement a hearty dinner as well as a thick slab of garlicky Texas toast.  

As a big state that does everything bigger than just about anywhere else, Texas has a massive impact on national cuisine. Whether you're passing through Abilene, TX, or searching for Abilene apartments, you may be asking, "What food is Texas known for?" as you start planning your next meal or restaurant visit. Here's the lowdown on everything that true foodies can find and try in Texas. 

What Food Is Texas Known For? 

With its deep cattle ranching roots, Texas does beef like no other state. Although pork spareribs and chops are barbecue staples in other areas, Texas barbecue maintains a heavy beef-centric focus.  

The signature cut is beef brisket, but locals also nosh on handmade beef sausages and massive beef ribs. With ample access to flavorful, grass-fed meat, seasoning is minimal. Texans prefer to let the simple, savory richness of the meat stand on its own. You can expect meats that are cooked with a "Dalmatian rub" of equal parts coarse kosher salt and cracked black pepper. While Texans love their barbecue, they're less keen on cloyingly sweet barbecue sauces. 

Smoked Brisket 

You can't live in or pass through Abilene, TX without stopping for a serving of brisket. Slow-cooked in smokers, local brisket develops a thick, crunchy exterior called "bark" that perfectly complements the meat's ultra-tender interior. When pitmasters serve their brisket with sauce, you'll usually get it on the side. Most dipping sauces are vinegar- and tomato-based and only slightly sweet. 

Beanless Chili (Chili Con Carne) 

Have you ever heard the debate on whether beans belong in chili? This heated, ongoing discussion likely started in Texas, where chili con carne, a thin and completely beanless chili, is the norm.  

Although Texans both cook and love beans, they aren't too fond of adding them to their chili. Chili in Texas is a spicy, stew-like meal comprised of beef, fiery peppers, and a savory broth. Bean-lovers can get their fill of legumes by adding a side of baked beans to their brisket orders. Baked beans have the sweeter flavor of traditional barbecue sauce, and they pair well with the fresh, crunchy tang of local coleslaw. 

Tex-Mex 

If you're wondering what food is Texas known for, Tex-Mex cuisine is high on the list. Originating along the Texas-Mexico borderland, Tex-Mex cuisine fuses elements of authentic Mexican cuisine with American flavors, agriculture, and dishes. While traditional Mexican dishes heavily favor corn tortillas and light sprinklings of crumbly queso cheese, Tex-Mex relies on wheat flour tortillas and massive amounts of cheddar or jack cheese.  

Top Tex-Mex dishes in and around Abilene, TX include flautas, chili con queso (chili with cheese), nachos, breakfast tacos, and cheesy enchiladas. For a truly Americanized dish, order a serving of Frito pie. This popular Texas menu item drenches corn chips in chili con carne and tops them with diced onions, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and more. 

Kolaches 

Introduced in the 19th century by Czech immigrants who settled in the state, kolaches are a popular "grab-and-go" breakfast food. Although Abilene, TX lies outside of the "Czech Belt" of Central Texas, it's still a great place to sample a kolache.  

With a texture similar to brioche, the outer casing of a kolache is a yeast-risen sweet dough that encases fresh fruit fillings. There are also kolaches with savory fillings such as smoked sausage and egg. Much like donuts, kolaches are available by the dozen, and they're the perfect morning treat for office meetings or hasty meals while driving. 

Pecan Pie 

When most people think of pecan pie, they think of the gelatinous, corn syrup-based fillings of generic pecan pies. What they expect is different from the pies often made in the Lone Star State.  

Texas has an abundance of native nuts. Pecan pie in Texas is loaded with locally grown pecans, making it perfect for nut lovers. Pecan pie is so popular in Texas that it was designated the official state dessert by the Texas legislature in 2013. 

Chicken-Fried Steak 

Are you seeking the ultimate plate of comfort food? Order a chicken-fried steak. Breaded and deep-fried just like a piece of chicken, chicken-fried steak comes covered in a thick and heavily peppered white gravy. It's often served with a side of mashed potatoes, flaky biscuits, and corn, peas, or green beans. 

Biscuits and Gravy 

If you love peppered white sausage gravy, order some for breakfast, too. Sausage, biscuits, and gravy are a Southern breakfast staple, and Texas is no exception. Kick the dish up a notch by dousing it in one of Texas's unique fiery hot sauces. 

Piquante Sauce 

There's no better way to experience the flavors of Texas than by indulging in some of the mouth-ripping hot sauces that the region has to offer. Referred to as "salsa" and "piquante sauces", Texan hot sauces are mandatory table starters. They hold their place in diners right alongside ketchup bottles and packets of zero-calorie sweeteners and sugar. 

Eat Well All the Time with an Apartment in Abilene, TX 

With no state income tax, reasonable housing prices, mild weather, and a friendly community, Abilene, TX is a great place to set up camp. Locals enjoy an average commute time of just 10 to 14 minutes, a stable job market, and over 1,000 acres of parks for recreation, including Abilene State Park. In Abilene, you can maintain a steady diet of fresh, local beef, native pecans, savory gravies, and decadent kolaches. 

If you're looking for an apartment in Abilene, TX, look no further than Lexington Court Apartment Homes.   Our thoughtfully-designed 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments offer the amenities you deserve, all in a convenient East Abilene location. From high ceilings and spacious bathrooms to walk-in closets and ceiling fans, the unique touches in our homes make them the perfect place to return to after a decadent meal out at a local restaurant. 

With lots of open, green lawn space, a swimming pool, and easy access to Grover Nelson Park, our homes are perfect for active nature-lovers. With their large and well-equipped kitchens, they're also great for those wanting to try their hands at making home-cooked Tex-Mex. Schedule a tour to see our community in person and secure your new home at Lexington Court Apartment Homes today!