15 Best Foods to Eat in Connecticut

Connecticut Calling! Get Ready for a Foodie Adventure!

Calling all food lovers! Pack your appetite because we’re taking a trip to Connecticut, a state bursting with delicious eats! From unique creations like steamed cheeseburgers to classic comfort foods like pumpkin pie, Connecticut has something to tantalize every taste bud.

15 Best Foods to Eat in Connecticut

15 Best Foods to Eat in Connecticut are juicy Black Duck Burgers, crispy, cheesy White Clam Pizza, and even fancy, melt-in-your-mouth Ricotta Gnocchi. We’ll also explore some local favorites you won’t find anywhere else, like Carpetbaggers (oysters with a twist!) and White Mashed Potato Pizza (because, why not?).

So buckle up, grab a napkin, and dive into this delicious journey through the culinary delights of Connecticut!

The Black Duck Burger

I think it’s weird to take the skin off a duck breast for burgers. The skin is the best part! But if you really want to, at least use the fat for something good, like crispy pork rinds. Honestly, I’ve never seen duck without skin in stores. It’s usually only hunters who have that.

White Clam Pizza

People say Pepe’s pizza is the absolute best in Connecticut, and honestly, I totally get it. It’s like, mind-blowingly good. The crust is super thin and crispy, and the toppings are simple but perfect – clams, cheese, and garlic. It’s baked in a super hot oven, so it’s got that perfect crispy-chewy thing going on. Honestly, I’d wait in line for hours for this pizza. It’s totally worth it.

Steamed Cheeseburger

Imagine a burger that’s not grilled, but steamed! That’s right, there’s a place called Ted’s that’s been making these weird-but-awesome burgers since the ’50s. Instead of grilling the meat, they steam it in this special machine. All the juicy goodness stays inside the burger, and it comes out super moist.

They even melt cheese on top while it’s steaming! It’s like a cheeseburger upgrade. The buns are toasted, and you can add whatever toppings you like. It’s a totally different way to eat a burger, and it’s pretty cool.

Pumpkin Pie

Alright, let’s talk pumpkin pie. It’s like, the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert, right? Everyone loves it. But here’s the thing: that stuff you buy in a can? It’s not really pumpkin, it’s more like pumpkin-flavored mush.

So, if you want a real pumpkin pie, you gotta do it right. People started making pumpkin pie way back when because it was what they had to work with. Pumpkins were in season, and they were sweet, so they turned it into a pie. It’s like a piece of history on your plate!

Cupcakes

I’ve been baking a ton of chocolate cupcakes lately, trying to find the ultimate recipe. And guess what? I finally nailed it! These cupcakes are seriously amazing. They’re moist, flavorful, and have this perfect crumbly texture. Trust me, they’re way better than anything you can buy in a box. I’m about to share my secret recipe with you, but first, let’s talk about why each ingredient matters.

Cali Burrito

Imagine a burrito packed with juicy grilled meat, crispy fries, creamy cheese, and fresh salsa. That’s a California burrito! It’s like a party in your mouth. Seriously, the fries take it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Every bite is a flavor bomb! You gotta try one if you haven’t already.

Carpetbaggers

Match restaurant has been a big deal in South Norwalk for ages. The chef, Matt Storch, is like the king of the place. They’re known for serving up a mix of American food with a New England style.

One of their most famous dishes is called “Carpetbaggers.” It’s basically a fancy oyster. They take fresh oysters, coat them in crispy batter, and fry them up. Then, they put raw beef on top, along with a creamy sauce. It’s like a party in your mouth with different tastes and textures!

Mac and Cheese

You know those classic dishes that just feel like home? For us, it’s stuff like cornbread dressing, collard greens, sweet potato pie, and pound cake. They’re like the ultimate comfort food combo. But let’s talk about the star of the show: mac and cheese!

Our go-to mac and cheese recipe is super creamy and cheesy. It’s got this amazing custard-like filling that’s to die for. And the best part? The crispy, cheesy topping! There are tons of different ways to make mac and cheese, but this one is our absolute favorite.

Doughnuts

First, you gotta mix a little warm milk with some yeast and let it sit for a bit. Next, combine sugar, eggs, and melted butter in a big bowl. Add the yeasty milk mix and stir it up. Then, slowly add flour and salt until it forms a doughy ball.

Knead that dough until it’s soft and stretchy, like taffy. Let it rest for a while until it doubles in size. Once it’s all puffy, roll it out and cut it into doughnut shapes. Let those rise too, then fry them up until they’re golden brown.

For the icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Dip the cooled doughnuts in it and let the icing set. Now you’ve got delicious homemade doughnuts!

Ricotta Gnocchi

First up, we’ve got ricotta cheese. This creamy stuff gives the gnocchi its yummy, soft texture. Next, we need flour to hold everything together and give it shape. Don’t worry if you can’t eat gluten, we’ll talk about other options later. An egg helps everything stick together, but there are also vegan swaps. To make it taste amazing, we’ll add Parmesan cheese for a cheesy kick.

Arepas

Ever heard of Arepas? They’re these amazing little flatbreads from Latin America that are about to become your new obsession. Imagine warm, fluffy cornbread pockets filled with all sorts of yummy stuff – think beans, cheese (vegan options too!), or even sweet coconut for dessert.

The best part? They’re super easy to make and perfect for any meal. Breakfast sandwich? Arepas! Quick lunch bite? Arepas to the rescue! These little guys are so versatile, you can pretty much stuff them with anything you can dream up. Trust me, you’ll be kicking yourself for not trying them sooner!

The New Englander

Nothing says “cozy and comforting” like a steaming bowl of New England Clam Chowder. This classic soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine the salty ocean breeze and the sound of waves crashing – that’s the vibe this chowder brings. With fresh clams, creamy potatoes, and a touch of butter, it’s a seafood lover’s dream come true.

White Mashed Potato Pizza

First, we need to get the dough ready. Good pizza dough needs time to chill out and get all stretchy and flavorful. I like to make mine the day before I want to eat it. So, mix together some yeast, salt, sugar, olive oil, and water. Then, add flour and squish it all together until it looks like a big ball of dough. You can use your hands or a fancy mixer if you’ve got one.

Roast Chicken

Mill Street is like a fancy, cozy hangout in Greenwich. They serve up super tasty food made with fresh ingredients. The chefs are all about using stuff that’s grown nearby, like from farms and the ocean. Their chicken is amazing! It’s cooked in a special oven and comes out crispy on the outside and super juicy on the inside. It’s like comfort food, but way more fancy.

Lobster Roll

The Cold lobster meat is steamed, chilled, and then tossed with a light mayo dressing. They pile this yummy mixture onto a toasted hot dog bun. Sometimes, the lobster gets all the glory and just hangs out on a mayo-spread bun by itself. Warm lobster rolls are their thing. They ditch the mayo and dress the lobster meat with melted butter instead. Then, they pile it high on a toasted hot dog bun, just like in Maine.
Here’s the crazy part: You can actually find both styles in both states! So, don’t be surprised if you see a “lobster salad roll” (mayo-based) in Connecticut or a buttery lobster roll chilling on a Maine menu. At the end of the day, it’s all about delicious lobster goodness!

Connecticut Eats: A Feast Fit for a Foodie King (or Queen)!

Wow, what a delicious adventure we’ve had in Connecticut! From savory seafood creations like New England Clam Chowder to sweet treats like fluffy Doughnuts, this state has truly impressed us. We hope you’re inspired to try some of these amazing dishes for yourself. Whether you’re planning a trip to Connecticut or recreating these recipes at home, one thing’s for sure – your taste buds will thank you!

15 Best Foods to Eat in Connecticut