We found the best recipes from Arizona—all shared by local home cooks. In this collection, you’ll find classic foods from the Grand Canyon State, as well as treasured family recipes.
The Best Recipes from Arizona
Updated on Jan. 05, 2022
1/24
Shrimp Enchiladas
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I started making these enchiladas last year during the Lenten season. It allows my family to observe Lent and still enjoy Mexican food. When I brought it to school, my co-workers couldn't get enough of it.—Mari Acedo, Chandler, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas (calculated without salsa): 479 calories, 24g fat (5g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 810mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 27g protein.
2/24
Arizona Cornbread
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 slices each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Unlike other cornbreads, this one uses yeast. With oil and sour cream, this moist, tender loaf has a bit of zip to it from the peppers. —Margaret Pache, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 164 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
3/24
Lemon Tart with Almond Crust
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our state produces an abundance of lemons, and everyone is always looking for new ways to use them. This beautiful tart is my delicious solution to the excess-lemon problem! —Lois Kinneberg, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 419 calories, 24g fat (12g saturated fat), 185mg cholesterol, 424mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
4/24
Chickaritos
Total Time
50 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
After our son grew fond of a fast-food restaurant’s fried burritos, I created this recipe by substituting beef with chicken and skipping the frying. It’s been a hit with our family ever since! —Nancy Coates, Oro Valley, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 213 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
5/24
Skillet Beef Tamales
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup meat mixture with 1 tablespoon sour cream: 329 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
6/24
Lattice-Topped Pear Slab Pie
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A lattice top serves as a charming frame for this special holiday dessert filled with fresh pears and candied fruit. Add a dollop of whipped cream if you like. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 239 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
7/24
Chorizo and Eggs Ranchero
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a festive Mexican breakfast, we do chorizo and huevos rancheros. Add refried beans and cheddar, and serve everything in bowls made of tortillas. —Paul Williams, Fort Mohave, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 tortilla bowl: 675 calories, 37g fat (13g saturated fat), 436mg cholesterol, 1728mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 37g protein.
8/24
Grilled Southwestern Potato Salad
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad is perfect with a grilled steak for a Tex-Mex meal, and most of it can even be prepared out in the backyard. Poblanos and cayenne make it pop. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
9/24
Icebox Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This cookie recipe from my 91-year-old grandmother was my grandfather's favorite. She still makes them and sends us home with the dough so that we can make more whenever we want, I love to make a fresh batch when company drops in. —Chris Paulsen, Glendale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 31 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
10/24
Muffin-Tin Tamale Cakes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
We needed snack inspiration beyond peanut butter and jelly. These muffin tamales have all of the flavor of tamales without the fuss. Pair with skewered fruit. —Suzanne Clark, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 137 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
11/24
Honey Balsamic Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Look no further—you’ve just found the first, last and only way you’ll ever want to fix salmon again. The sweet and tangy flavors blend beautifully in this easy-to-remember honey balsamic salmon recipe. —Mary Lou Timpson, Centennial Park, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 319 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/24
Campfire Hash
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In our area we are able to camp almost all year-round. My family invented this recipe using ingredients we all love so we could enjoy them on the campfire. This hearty meal tastes so good after a full day of outdoor activities. —Janet Danilow, Winkleman, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 535 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1097mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 17g protein.
13/24
Chiles Rellenos Quiche
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To me, nothing sparks up a meal more than the smoky flavor of roasted green chiles. This is a quick and easy recipe, and I usually have the ingredients on hand, so when I don’t know what to fix for dinner, I make this quiche. —Linda Miritello, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 444 calories, 31g fat (18g saturated fat), 178mg cholesterol, 520mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
14/24
Dinner Poppers
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I could eat jalapeno poppers all day long, but who wants to say they had seven stuffed peppers for dinner? For this meal-in-one, I use poblanos for my husband and son, and hotter peppers for my daughter and me. —Sherri Jerzyk, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 popper: 389 calories, 30g fat (15g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
15/24
Brandied Apricot Tart
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Canned apricots make this golden, buttery tart a wonderful option any time of year. I brush them with preserves and brandy, then sprinkle on almonds for a bit of crunch. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 468 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 85g carbohydrate (59g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
16/24
Grilled Mango & Avocado Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A big hit with my family, this light salad is so easy to make! The healthy option of mango and avocado is simply the best combination you could serve. —Amy Liesemeyer, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 249 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 starch.
17/24
Mexican Pork & Pinto Beans
Total Time
4 hours 30 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
We've lived in Arizona for decades, so Mexican-style cooking has become the same as "Arizona-style cooking" for us. Nothing tastes better than chili-spiced pork with tortillas. —Anne Fatout, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without tortillas): 211 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 181mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
18/24
Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
Total Time
8 hours 50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to share this dish at potlucks because it can be made ahead, which I especially appreciate during the busy holiday season. The sweet-and-spicy sauce is always a hit. —Martha Anne Carpenter, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 536 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 1304mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 42g protein.
19/24
Spicy Tomato Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Simmered in tomato sauce, these pork chops are big at our house. I add garlic powder and Creole or Cajun seasoning before browning the chops to give them extra punch. —Holly Neuharth, Mesa, Arizona
20/24
Lemon Bars
Total Time
55 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delightful lemon bar recipe is from my mother's file. I've been serving it for many years. They has a wonderful tangy flavor, and they're always a hit. The color and shape make them a nice addition to a platter of cookies. —Etta Soucy, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 263 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
21/24
Spicy Shredded Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Mexican food, but not the high calorie count that often comes with it. This easy dish is healthy, delicious and a definite crowd pleaser! I like to serve the chicken with warm tortillas, rice, beans and salsa. For an equally awesome dish, you can substitute beef or pork for the chicken. —Heather Walker, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 202 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 436mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
22/24
Apricot-Hazelnut Triangles
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These crispy cookie treats can be changed up—try different nuts and jams, and dark or white chocolate depending on the holiday. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 triangle: 132 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
23/24
Simmered Turkey Enchiladas
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I discovered a different way to serve economical turkey thighs. I simmer them in tomato sauce, green chiles and seasonings until they're tender and flavorful, then serve them in tortillas with our favorite fresh toppings. —Stella Schams, Tempe, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 497 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 1028mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 45g protein.
24/24
Mustard Turkey Cutlets
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilled turkey cutlets are treated with a slightly sweet sauce that mustard-lovers will thoroughly enjoy. This recipe feels fancy, but it’s ideal for a weeknight. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked turkey: 230 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch.
