Colder weather has arrived in Missouri. This means it’s time to enjoy rich and hearty dishes that give you the warm and fuzzies. The Show-Me State has plenty of options for the foodie at heart searching for comfort foods that hit like a hug.
Northwest
Just the smell of fresh baked bread can transport you back to a simpler time and fond memories. Green Truck Bakery in Warrensburg produces wood-fired artisan bread in a multitude of flavors. Choose from mouth-watering loaves of festive cranberry almond and savory asiago green onion. If you time it just right, you might grab a loaf still warm from the brick oven.
You can’t talk about bread in Missouri without visiting Chillicothe, the home of sliced bread. Stop into Boji Stone Cafe the home of sliced bread pudding for a treat that won’t disappoint. Savor the flavor of the moist, perfectly brown bread finished with a brown butter brickle sauce and topped with a pad of butter. They also make a killer “Ho’Made” cheesecake!
Pie is always a comforting go-to food, especially of the meat variety! Visit Banksia’s Cafe (South Plaza location) in KCMO for a pie that combines a multicultural Australian influence on the classic European staple. Golden brown pie crusts top these savory treats filled with beef, pork, chicken or lamb and earthy vegetable goodness. There is even a spanakopita version for those looking for a meatless option.
Southwest
Comfort food and the south go hand in hand. At The Ozark Mill Restaurant at Finely Farms in Ozark, Missouri, they bring the bayou to the Midwest with their crawfish mac and cheese. Find peace and warmth with this rich dish made with smoked cheddar cheese sauce, orecchiette pasta, crawfish tail, jalapeño cheddar sausage and crispy onions.
Southeast
Get all the feels from a classic dish kicked up a notch in Cape Girardeau at The Southerner. Thier Not Your Mama’s Meatloaf is a smoked gouda stuffed meatloaf with a side of roasted garlic smashed potatoes, and bacon and onion green beans. While in southeast Missouri you have to visit Lambert’s Cafe. Known for being the home of “throwed” rolls, they have every comfort food you can think of. The old-fashioned beef round steak is a crowd favorite. Breaded and deep-fried, served with mashed potatoes and covered in milk gravy. Finish the plate off with some collard greens, fried okra and the list goes on.
Not full yet? You have to see this to believe it. Pull up a seat at the Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery and order a slice of their famous Levee High Apple Pie. It’s made with over a dozen layers of apples and has been praised by Forbes and featured as one of Oprah’s Favorite things. It even comes in a caramel apple pecan version.
Central
Missouri is well-known for its German heritage. In Columbia, visit The Heidelberg for a pint and the German Wurst Plate, which includes a bratwurst and a smoked knackwurst from Swiss Meat in Hermann, Mo. Compliment your entree with sauerkraut, spicy mustard and hot German potato salad.
Central Dairy Ice Cream Parlor has the inside scoop on comfort foods. They don’t have to be hot to make you happy. Stop in this old-fashion joint and order your favorite flavor or try a delicious and huge banana split.
BBQ
Last but not least, you can’t visit Missouri without having barbeque. You can’t go wrong wherever you decide to go, but for starters try Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque in KCMO. Aurther Bryant’s, known as the origin of burnt ends, namesake is a legacy inductee in the Barbeque Hall of Fame. For St. Louis style BBQ check out Salt + Smoke. Pitmaster, Haley Riley, graduated top of his class at Meat Doctor University and has gone on to be one of the world’s preeminent meat minds.
Stick to your ribs, warm your soul or hit that sweet spot while eating in Missouri. You’ll find everything you are looking for to comfort even those with hearts two sizes too small.