From Maine to Florida, comfort reigns supreme and these East Coast foods prove it. Think homemade bagels, clam chowder, Boston cream pie and more.
29 Comfort Foods All East Coasters Know
Contest-Winning New England Clam Chowder
This is the best clam chowder recipe, ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren’t readily available, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. —Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington
1/29
2/29
Lobster Roll Recipe
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Mayonnaise infused with dill and lemon lends refreshing flavor to these super sandwiches. Try pan-toasting the buns in butter for something extra special. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 354 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 887mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
3/29
Coffee Milk
Total Time
5 min
Servings
8 servings (about 1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
It's the official state drink of Rhode Island, and once you taste it, you'll understand why it has so many fans! —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 135 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
4/29
Philly Cheesesteak
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesesteak, an iconic sandwich in Philly, is a bestseller at Pat's King of Steaks restaurant. Patrons praise its thinly cut beef and crusty Italian rolls. —Frank Olivieri, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich (calculated without optional ingredeints or cheese): 714 calories, 49g fat (12g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
5/29
Seasoned Crab Cakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 crab cakes
From the Recipe Creator:
At the National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield, Maryland, these scrumptious crab cakes won me first place. I entered them on a whim after trying many crab cake recipes for my family. —Betsy Hedeman, Timonium, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 crab cake: 197 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 640mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
6/29
Whoopie Pies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids start begging me for these cakelike sandwich cookies as soon as autumn arrives. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't like these fun treats. —Deb Stuber, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 344 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
7/29
Blue Plate Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Turkey with gravy makes divine comfort food that reminds me of old-time diners on the East Coast that serve open faced turkey sandwiches just like this one. Happily, my gravy is not from a can. —Chris Schwester, Divide, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2 open-faced sandwiches: 361 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1462mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
8/29
Homemade Bagels
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always wanted to make my own bagels, so I searched to find a bagel recipe I could try. For variation and flavor, I sometimes add cinnamon and raisins or honey and sesame seeds to the dough. —Rebecca Phillips, Burlington, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 bagel: 237 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 271mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
9/29
Boston Cream Cupcakes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Boston cream cupcakes have been my favorite bakery treat since I was a child, so I put together this easy-to-make version. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 283 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
10/29
Oysters Rockefeller
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are oyster farmers, and this classic Oysters Rockefeller dish always delights our guests. It's deliciously simple! —Beth Walton, Eastham, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 oyster: 79 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
11/29
Rhode Island Hot Dog
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Many Rhode Islanders spell "wiener" with an ei and serve theirs all the way with meat sauce, mustard, onion and a sprinkle of celery salt. —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 hot dog (calculated without mustard and celery salt): 447 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein.
12/29
New England Bean & Bog Cassoulet
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I moved to New England, I embraced the local cuisine. My cassoulet with baked beans pays tribute to a French classic and to New England in one hearty, heartwarming dish. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 500 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 1050mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 35g protein.
13/29
Joe Froggers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Large, soft and chewy, these cookies are made to be munched. The classic recipe has a warm blend of spices that seems stronger the second day. Your family will definitely ask you to make them again! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 238 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
14/29
Pastrami Grinder
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband is a firefighter, so I make easy meals I can deliver to him. He likes pastrami, but ham or roast beef also work for hoagies. —Deanna Eads, Kingman, AZ
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 572 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 1787mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 43g protein.
15/29
A Bit Nutty Boston Brown Bread
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Hearty and dense, my homemade Boston Brown Bread features hazelnuts for a delightfully nutty taste. Thick slices pair well with just about anything, from soup and stews to pasta and meat entrees. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 159 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 263mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
16/29
Pennsylvania Pot Roast
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This heartwarming one-dish meal is adapted from a Pennsylvania Dutch recipe. I start the pot roast cooking before I leave for church, adding the vegetables when I get home. Then I just sit back and relax until it’s done. —Donna Wilkinson, Monrovia, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 331 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 490mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
17/29
Crustless Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich cheesecake is incredibly creamy. Even though the cake doesn't have a crust, I guarantee everyone will love it. —George Parsell, Flushing, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 330 calories, 21g fat (14g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
18/29
Cape Cod Corn Pudding
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A family member passed along this recipe for corn baked with cheddar and ricotta. Don’t skip the fresh basil—it adds a hint of sweet flavor reminiscent of mint and anise. —Melinda Messer, Benson, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 378 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
19/29
Shrimp and Lentils
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you have frozen shrimp, a few seasoning ingredients, bagged spinach and lentils on hand, you can make this dish in no time. It's so delicious—nobody needs to know that it's healthy too! —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 370 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 1024mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1.500 starch, 1 fat.
20/29
Pennsylvania Dutch Funny Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can still remember my grandma serving this delicious cake on the big wooden table in her farm kitchen. Every time I bake this unusual cake, it takes me back to those special days at Grandma's. —Diane Ganssle, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 314 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
21/29
Manhattan Clam Chowder
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I typically serve this chowder with a tossed salad and hot rolls. It is easy to make and tastes wonderful on a cold winter evening. My family has enjoyed it for more than 30 years. —Joan Hopewell, Columbus, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 91 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
22/29
New England Lamb Bake
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is hearty and perfect for warming up on a chilly winter evening. The aroma is almost as delightful as the dish itself. —Frank Grady, Fort Kent, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 356 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 631mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
23/29
Hero Sandwich
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is not your ordinary sandwich! Everyone loves the combination of chutney and chopped peanuts. I like to make this when I have company in the afternoon or at night after a game of cards. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 302 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 973mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
24/29
New England Indian Pudding
Total Time
3 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was inspired by traditional New England Indian pudding. My version is made in the slow cooker instead of being baked for hours in the oven. If the molasses flavor is too strong, cut the amount to 1/3 cup. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 330 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
25/29
Boston Baked Beans
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a potluck or picnic, you can’t beat this classic side that starts with a pound of dried beans. Molasses and maple syrup give it a slight sweetness. —Pat Medeiros, Tiverton, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 385 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 810mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
26/29
Flavorful Matzo Ball Soup
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A variety of winter vegetables gives the broth for this classic Jewish soup a deep flavor. You can use a few green onions instead of the leek. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 100 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
27/29
Pennsylvania Dutch Potato Doughnuts
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My relatives have been making these tasty doughnuts for years. The potatoes keep them moist, and the glaze provides just the right amount of sweetness. —Marlene Reichart, Leesport, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut: 163 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
28/29
Pastrami on Rye
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This peerless pastrami sandwich was adapted from a menu favorite at Primanti Bros. Restaurant in Pittsburgh. The marketing office graciously shared the basic ingredients: grilled cold cuts, cheese, fried potatoes and tomatoes—all stacked between slices of chewy Italian bread. From there, we created the spot-on copy, which includes our version of the secret coleslaw topping. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 586 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 1655mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 6g fiber), 36g protein.
29/29