The Most Popular Winter Comfort Foods in Every State

As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, cravings shift. Lighter fare gives way to hearty soups, stews, and casseroles. The kinds of meals that make winter feel a little warmer. But what people reach for when they need comfort most isn’t the same everywhere.

To find out which dishes Americans turn to when it’s cold outside, we analyzed Google Trends data from the past year to see the most searched winter comfort foods in every state. From coast to coast, the results show how regional tastes shape what ends up on the dinner table during holiday periods when the temperature dips.

What’s Your State’s Most Popular Winter Comfort Food?

When the temperatures drop, comfort food takes center stage. Whether it’s a steaming bowl of soup or a hearty casserole straight from the oven, every state has its go-to dish for staying warm through the winter months. To find out which meals Americans crave most when it’s cold out, we analyzed search data over the past year to see which winter comfort foods were trending most in every state.

Some favorites stood out nationwide, proving that certain dishes are just too comforting to resist. Here’s what we found:

Wonton soup topped the list as the most popular winter comfort food, claiming the No. 1 spot in seven states — California, Hawaii, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Washington. Its popularity along both coasts makes sense: the light yet savory soup is a go-to in colder climates like New York and New Jersey, while it’s just as beloved in Pacific states with rich Asian culinary influences such as California and Hawaii.

French onion soup warmed its way into six states, including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin. The Northeast’s love for this dish is no surprise. Few things beat its combination of rich broth, caramelized onions, and melted cheese on a cold evening. Even in Florida, it seems residents can’t resist a little taste of cozy Parisian comfort.

Green bean casserole claimed the top spot in five states — Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, New Mexico, and Texas. A classic holiday side that’s earned year-round status, its popularity in the West might reflect the region’s appreciation for simple, hearty dishes that bring a sense of home to the table.

Baked potato soup was most popular in four states — Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. This pick feels right at home in the Midwest, where creamy, filling dishes are a winter staple. Few things deliver comfort like a bowl of baked potato soup loaded with cheese, bacon, and chives.

A few other dishes stood out as regional favorites, each dominating in three states:

• White chicken chili — Michigan, Utah, and Wyoming
• Southern mac and cheese — Georgia, Maryland, and South Carolina (a clear favorite across the South for obvious reasons)
• Loaded mashed potatoes — Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi (another Southern standout)
• Chicken and dumplings — Arkansas, Tennessee, and West Virginia 
• Beef stroganoff — Alaska, Montana, and Oregon (a West Coast favorite)

From savory soups to creamy casseroles, Americans’ winter favorites prove that comfort knows no borders. Just different recipes for staying warm.

Closing Thoughts

From coast to coast, Americans turn to cozy comfort foods when the weather cools. Our analysis of search data shows just how different each region’s taste can be, but one thing’s consistent: when it comes to winter, everyone’s looking for warmth and comfort.

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Methodology

To determine the most popular winter comfort food in every state, we created a list of popular comfort foods you’d see most often around the holidays based on a large list that Taste of Home released previously. We ran an analysis of Google Trends data over the past 12 months to find out which ones are the most popular in every state by comparing the search interest for each dish head-to-head. Search interest was used as an indicator of popularity for this study.

Fair Use

You are welcome to use, reference, and share non-commercial excerpts of this study with proper attribution. If you cite or cover our findings, please link back to this page so readers can view the full methodology, charts, and context.