TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Idahoan Foods
Huckleberry pie is a traditional double crust pie with a sweet-tart huckleberry filling. This dessert is typically made by covering a pie crust with a mixture of huckleberries, sugar, lemon juice and zest, thickeners, and butter, and the concoction is then finished off with a top crust.
Flour, cornstarch, or tapioca are usually used as thickeners, while cinnamon and nutmeg are often added to the filling for extra flavor. The pie is baked in the oven until bubbly, golden brown, and crispy, and it is usually consumed warm or at room temperature.
MOST ICONIC Huckleberry Pie
Originally, Idaho russet potatoes used to be roasted by children who would bury them in hot coals. Today, they are a simple, classic, yet flavorful pleasure. Large and oval-shaped Idaho russet potatoes are baked in the oven with their skins intact until they develop a fluffy texture - a byproduct of their high starch content.
Their skins get split open and are then topped with sweet butter, freshly ground salt and black pepper, a dollop of sour cream, chives, parsley, crumbled bacon, minced chiles, or tabasco sauce, but anything can be a topping if one's imaginative enough.
MOST ICONIC Baked Idaho Potatoes
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Purportedly invented by Milo Bybee in Boise, Idaho in 1957, finger steaks usually consist of strips of beef steak that are battered and deep-fried in hot oil. The finger steaks can be served as a snack or an appetizer, and it is recommended to accompany them with french fries, fry sauce (ketchup and mayonnaise), or a cocktail sauce made with a combination of lemon juice, chili sauce, and horseradish.
Although this dish was invented in the 1950s, it was at the height of its popularity during the 1970s, but it is still a popular bar snack throughout Idaho.
MOST ICONIC Finger Steaks
Ice cream potato is a whimsical ice cream dessert native to Boise, Idaho, that playfully masquerades as a baked potato but is, in fact, entirely sweet. Despite its convincing appearance, this optical illusion is made from vanilla ice cream shaped like a russet potato, rolled in cocoa powder to mimic the earthy potato skin, and loaded with sweet "toppings" designed to look just like the real thing.
It's quirky, regional, and unapologetically fun—a dessert that celebrates Idaho's most famous crop with a wink and a smile. This novelty treat typically begins with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream hand-molded into an oblong, potato-like shape.
Idaho hot dog consists of a skinless hot dog that is baked inside a hollowed-out potato. The concoction is then split open and topped with chives, bacon bits, and sour cream. This hot dog variety is also known as Idaho super tuber, and only the famous Idaho potatoes should be used when preparing this unusual, yet tasty snack.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Hot Dog
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Idahoan Food Producers
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022, 2018, 2017, 2016
BEST Brush Creek Creamery Cheeses
Ballard Cheese is a cheese producer based in Gooding, Idaho, specializing in handcrafted artisan cheeses. The company produces a variety of cheeses using milk from their own herd of Jersey cows, which are known for producing high-butterfat milk, enhancing the richness of their products.
Ballard Cheese operates with a focus on sustainable farming practices to ensure high-quality cheese production.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2010, 2007, 2006
BEST Ballard Cheese Cheeses
AWARDS
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022, 2019
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010
BEST Glanbia Nutritionals Cheeses
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Idahoan Food Products
Marinated Labneh by Brush Creek Creamery is a handcrafted, creamy cheese made from strained yogurt, creating a thick, spreadable consistency. This labneh is marinated in high-quality olive oil, infused with aromatic herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sometimes spices like garlic or pepper.
The marination process enriches the cheese with a tangy, savory flavor and a luscious texture. Known for its versatility, Brush Creek Creamery’s Marinated Labneh pairs beautifully with fresh bread, crackers, or as a topping for salads, making it a delightful gourmet addition to any meal.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022, 2018, 2017, 2016
Mountain Maple Brie is made by Brush Creek Creamery. The cheese is known for its creamy texture and the infusion of rich maple flavor. Brush Creek Creamery takes pride in using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods to craft its cheeses.
The flavors of the Maple Brie are designed to evoke the essence of a crisp mountain morning with the sweetness of maple syrup complementing the smooth, buttery brie.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2017, 2016
Cheddar made by Glanbia Ireland is a high-quality cheese product that is crafted using traditional methods combined with modern dairy technology. Glanbia Ireland is well-known for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and high standards of animal welfare, which contribute to the superior taste and texture of their Cheddar.
The company sources its milk from local Irish farms, ensuring freshness and quality. Glanbia's Cheddar typically undergoes a maturation process that can range from a few months to several years, allowing for a variety of flavor profiles from mild to extra sharp.
AWARDS
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
AWARDS
NYIOOC - Gold
2023
Golden Greek (Halloumi Style) is a cheese product made by Ballard Cheese. This cheese is inspired by the traditional Halloumi cheese from Cyprus but is produced in the United States. It is known for its firm texture and high melting point, making it ideal for grilling or frying without losing its shape.
The cheese often has a salty flavor and can be enjoyed on its own or as part of various dishes, from salads to sandwiches.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2007
Idaho Pepper Cheddar is a type of cheese produced by Ballard Cheese. It is recognized for incorporating spicy pepper elements that give it a distinct, robust flavor. The combination of creamy cheddar and the zesty kick from the peppers make it a versatile cheese suitable for a range of dishes, from gourmet sandwiches to melted toppings for nachos.
Ballard Cheese is known for its focus on high-quality dairy products that often feature local ingredients from Idaho.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2006
Ballard Cheese produces a gourmet cheese known as Truffle & Salt Cheddar. This specialty cheese combines the rich, earthy flavors of truffle with the savory tang of salt, creating a unique taste experience. The cheddar is aged to develop a mature, robust flavor that pairs well with a variety of wines and charcuterie.
Ballard Cheese prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and traditional cheesemaking techniques to ensure the best possible product.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2010
Orchard Blue is a cheese produced by Brush Creek Creamery. This artisanal cheese is known for its distinctive blue veins, which result from the introduction of mold during the cheese-making process. Orchard Blue typically exhibits a creamy texture and a balanced flavor profile, often possessing both tangy and earthy notes.
The cheese is ideally served on a cheese platter or paired with fruits and nuts, enhancing its complex flavors.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2016
The product Roasted Garlic Labneh by Brush Creek Creamery is a creamy, tangy yogurt cheese infused with the rich, savory flavor of roasted garlic. It is crafted using traditional methods to create a thick, spreadable texture that is perfect for use as a dip, spread, or ingredient in various recipes.
Labneh is known for its probiotic benefits and is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. The addition of roasted garlic adds a depth of flavor that makes this labneh a versatile and delicious option for enhancing sandwiches, vegetables, and more.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2018
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2019
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.