Foods you only eat if you grew up in Utah

Every region has its own quirky comfort foods, but Utah's list is uniquely local.

Whether served at family reunions, church potlucks, or small-town diners, these dishes hold a special place on the tables and in the memories of people who grew up in the Beehive State.

While some may seem unfamiliar to outsiders, they're part of everyday life for many longtime Utahns.

From fry sauce to funeral potatoes, here are some of the foods that define growing up in Utah.

Utah's most iconic local bites

• Fry sauce: A Utah staple, fry sauce is more than just a side of ketchup and mayo. First introduced by Arctic Circle in the 1950s, the blend has since taken on a life of its own. Most Utahns won't touch fries without it, and many families even have their own twist on the recipe.

• Funeral potatoes: Despite the somber name, funeral potatoes are served at all kinds of gatherings. Made with shredded or cubed hash browns, cream soup, cheese, sour cream, and a crunchy cornflake topping, this warm casserole has become a comfort food icon.
• Jell-O with shredded carrots: Utah has long topped national charts in Jell-O consumption. One of the more debated versions includes green Jell-O mixed with shredded carrots. Still, it's a classic at potlucks and holiday spreads, loved for its nostalgic charm more than its ingredients.
• Utah scones: These aren't the dry, crumbly pastries found in British tea shops. Utah scones are pillowy pieces of fried dough, usually served hot with a generous smear of honey butter. You'll find them at local diners, county fairs, and backyard cookouts, especially in rural parts of the state.
• Dutch oven dinners: From cobblers to chili, Dutch oven cooking is a longtime Utah tradition. Cast iron pots simmer over coals at campsites or scout events, turning simple ingredients into hearty meals. The Dutch oven is even recognized as Utah's official state cooking pot, a nod to its pioneer history and cultural relevance.
• Navajo tacos: Made with fry bread instead of a traditional shell, Navajo tacos are popular throughout the Southwest, including Utah. Topped with ground beef, beans, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes, they're a frequent favorite at festivals, food trucks, and family events.
• Pastrami burgers: Crown Burgers in Salt Lake City helped popularize this Utah specialty, where a stack of hot pastrami is layered on top of a beef patty. It's messy, salty, and undeniably satisfying. Many local burger joints now offer their own take.

• Green Jell-O with whipped topping: This variation deserves its own spotlight. Often paired with pineapple chunks, cottage cheese, or mini marshmallows, this sweet and tangy dish has become a symbol of Utah culture. In fact, green Jell-O was named Utah's official state snack in 2001, cementing its status as more than just a dessert.

Where are all of Utah's new residents coming from?

When you look at all that Utah has to offer, the growth isn't surprising. It's full of wide open spaces, family-friendly communities, a great business environment and unmatched outdoor recreation. No wonder so many people want to call the Beehive State their home. The logical question is: Where are these new residents coming from? And what is there to know about the people who are choosing to build their lives here?

Why these dishes stick around

These meals aren't just still around — they've become part of Utah's identity. Over the years, they've shown up at backyard cookouts, holiday dinners, and just about every kind of community get-together. The recipes are easy to make, easy to share, and built for feeding a crowd, which is probably why they've lasted.

Across the state, restaurants have found ways to keep that sense of tradition alive. Some stick to the classics, while others give them a new spin. You'll see fry sauce on nearly every burger menu, and it's not uncommon to find a Dutch oven cobbler still served warm at local diners.

Utah pride on the plate

For a lot of people who grew up in Utah, these dishes go beyond what's on the plate. They're tied to family routines, weekend gatherings, and moments that left a mark — even if the ingredients were simple. The food itself may not be fancy, but it's familiar in a way that sticks.

Ask someone about a favorite meal from their childhood, and chances are, it includes something on this list. Maybe it was served after a long day at scout camp, or maybe it showed up at every holiday dinner without fail. Either way, these meals feel like home to the people who grew up around them.

A taste of home

You don't have to love green Jell-O or crave pastrami burgers, but if you grew up in Utah, chances are you've had at least a few of these on your plate. They're not just meals, they're memories, shaped by the places and people that make this state feel like home.

Even as new trends come and go, these comfort foods continue to bring generations together. Whether you're revisiting an old favorite or introducing it to someone new, they're a reminder that food, like home, is something we carry with us.

Siegfried & Jensen

Since 1990, Siegfried & Jensen have been helping the people of Utah and surrounding states who have suffered needless injuries and death caused by car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, defective drugs, dog bites, wrongful death, and other types of personal injury.

The firm is committed to keeping Utah families and communities safe by ensuring wrongdoers are held accountable. While a lawsuit isn't always the answer when it is needed, having someone on your side can mean the difference between declaring bankruptcy and rebuilding your life and moving forward, especially when you're up against an insurance company or a hospital.

Siegfried & Jensen has represented more than 35,000 clients and recovered over $1.2 billion for them.

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