We found the best recipes from Virginia—all submitted by local home cooks. From fresh seafood to comforting peanut pie, these recipes will give you a taste of the state, without having to leave your kitchen.
The Best Recipes from Virginia
Updated on Feb. 02, 2024
1/22
Tangier Island Virginia Crab Cakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 crab cakes
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up eating these crab cakes, which are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. They're absolutely delicious every time I make them. —Ann Girucky, Norfolk, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 crab cake: 90 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
2/22
Double Peanut Pie
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe for a national pie contest and won second place for my state. Many peanuts are grown in Virginia, and I always look for ways to use local products. —Vivian Cleeton, Richmond, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 484 calories, 30g fat (10g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
3/22
Slow-Cooked Ham with Pineapple Sauce
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We serve this dish during the holidays because everyone is crazy about it. But it makes it to the table all year long because it’s super simple to prepare. —Terry Roberts, Yorktown, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces ham with 1/4 cup sauce: 262 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 1638mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein.
4/22
Oyster Fricassee
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I oversee the gardens at Colonial Williamsburg. We've learned that the colonists had a ready source of oysters from Chesapeake Bay. I enjoy this rich, creamy casserole, a special dish from this area's holiday recipe collection. —Susan Dippre, Williamsburg, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 639 calories, 44g fat (23g saturated fat), 297mg cholesterol, 1024mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
5/22
Apple Butterscotch Crisp
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I give this classic dessert a rich twist with butterscotch pudding. The warm apple filling bubbles to perfection in a mini slow cooker. —Jolanthe Erb, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 406 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
6/22
Zippy Chicken and Corn Chowder
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Gently spiced corn chowder is always a good option for kids, but feel free to rev up yours with hot pepper sauce. This chowder’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. —Andrea Early, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 351 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 920mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
7/22
Pina Colada Icebox Cake
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This icebox cake has all the flavors of a pina colada. It takes just one bite to escape to a tropical island! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 377 calories, 20g fat (15g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
8/22
Country Ham and Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Browned potatoes are a simple but perfect side for country ham. Not only do the potatoes pick up the flavor of the ham, but they look beautiful! Just add veggies or a salad and dinner’s done. —Helen Bridges, Washington, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 261 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1337mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
9/22
Provolone-Stuffed Pork Chops with Tarragon Vinaigrette
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Provolone cheese and a fresh tarragon vinaigrette give these stuffed pork chops the savory feel of dining in Provence. —Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3 tomato wedges and 1 tablespoon vinaigrette: 702 calories, 58g fat (15g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 41g protein.
10/22
Pineapple Breeze Torte
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This lovely torte features ladyfingers, a creamy filling and a crushed pineapple topping. It's a special treat for my large family and a must at Christmas. —Barbara Joyner, Franklin, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 243 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
11/22
Frosty Watermelon Ice
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fun twist on watermelon. It's so refreshing on a summer day, and you don't have to worry about seeds while you're enjoying it. —Kaaren Jurack, Manassas, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 81 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
12/22
Broccoli-Mushroom Bubble Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got bored with the same old breakfast casseroles served at our monthly moms' meeting, so I decided to create something new. Judging by the reactions of the other moms, this one's a keeper. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 233 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
13/22
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cucumber salad recipes are my absolute favorite! This fast, fresh salad is a winner at every get together. It's an easygoing, healthy side dish for kabobs, chicken or anything hot off the grill. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 90 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
14/22
Artichoke Blue Cheese Fettuccine
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Store-bought Alfredo sauce speeds along this flavorful, meatless entree. I use dry pasta, but you can use refrigerated fettuccine to make this recipe even faster. —Jolanthe Erb, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 499 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
15/22
How to Cook a Ham
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This old-fashioned ham glaze gives a pretty golden brown coating—just like Grandma used to make. The mustard and vinegar complement the brown sugar which adds a tangy flavor to this glazed ham recipe. Be prepared to serve seconds! —Carol Strong Battle, Heathville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces ham: 284 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 1110mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
16/22
Red Pepper Chicken
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken breasts are treated to black beans, red peppers and juicy tomatoes in this Southwestern supper. We love it served with rice plumped up in chicken broth. —Piper Spiwak, Vienna, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 288 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
17/22
White Balsamic Blueberry, Corn and Feta Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not typically a huge fan of summer corn, but when it comes to this sweet, salty, refreshing salad, I can't put my fork down. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 133 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
18/22
Honey Thyme Grilled Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For grilling chicken, I wanted a marinade different from barbecue sauce, so I pulled out some honey and thyme. If you have time, let the chicken marinate awhile to boost flavor. —Noel Bigelow, Alexandria, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken drumsticks: 418 calories, 26g fat (5g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 531mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein.
19/22
Sausage Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The idea for this sausage lasagna recipe comes from my mother-in-law, who always makes it for my three boys on special holidays. I've put an easy twist on Carole's classic dish, and it's become one of my go-to dinners as well! —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, VA
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 416 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 978mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
20/22
Banana-Pineapple Cream Pies
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 pies (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother gave me this simple and delicious recipe years ago. The recipe makes two pies, so it's perfect for a potluck. I've never met anyone who didn't like it! —Robyn Appenzeller, Portsmouth, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 205 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
21/22
Pancakes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this fluffy and easy pancake recipe among our old family favorites and adapted it to make a small amount. It's quick and easy to prepare, but we still consider it a special treat. —Eugene Presley, Council, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 269 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 666mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
22/22
Tomato-Onion Phyllo Pizza
Total Time
40 min
Servings
28 slices
From the Recipe Creator:
With a delicate crust and lots of lovely tomatoes on top, this dish is a special one to serve to guests. I make it often when fresh garden tomatoes are in season. It freezes well unbaked, so I also keep one on hand to pop in the oven for a quick dinner.—Neta Cohen, Bedford, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 54 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
