Hungry? Food Network Ranks The Greatest Grub Made In Montana.

Montana is known for many things.  Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Mountains, Cowboys, Fly Fishing, Skiing, Grizzly Bears, and so on.  However, Montana is also known for its great food.

All over Big Sky Country, you can find places to enjoy a wonderful meal with family, friends, or even yourself. You might not guess that in a state so densely populated, you would find cuisine that represents all parts of the globe, but you'd be wrong.

Montana is well represented, in fact, many of Montanan's most loved restaurants have been featured on food and travel channels where folks watching all over the world get an idea of what it tastes like living in The Last Best Place.

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Hootdog

So what exactly is a hootdog? Great question, and here's the answer.  A hootdog was created by a Montanan Hutterite woman when she decided to take a hotdog, dip it in a fry-bread dough, and deep fry it. The result? Deliciousness. For those of you looking to try a hootdog, you can find them at different farmers markets across the state.

Nut burger

Made famous at the iconic Matt's Place Drive-In in Butte, the Nut Burger is a mixture of mayonnaise, cashews, and pecans all blended together and then placed on top of a beef patty.  While Matt's Place is no longer around, the legend of the Nut Burger lives on and can easily be made at home.

Flathead Cherries

Aww, the sweet delight that is known as Flathead Cherries. You know you're in the thick of summer when you see folks selling Flathead Cherries on the side of the road, and even though they can be a bit pricey, they're certainly worth it. While it's not official, all Montanans know that Flathead Cherries are the best cherries found on earth. Period.

Pork Chop Sandwich

Sometimes the best things in life are the most simple. For instance, the Pork Chop Sandwich. A deep fried Porkchop on a bun. Some folks will add different toppings to theirs, but you get the picture. The sandwich has been a Butte staple since the 1920s and is certainly a must-try if you're visiting Montana.

Pasties

These delicious treats started off as a meal for the miners working underground.  For those who've never had one, you're missing out.  Just think of a pot pie all wrapped up in a crust. Originating from England, they quickly became the lunch standard for those working in the Butte mines and can still be found around the state.

Elk and Bison

If you're a meat lover and living in Montana, then you know how delicious both Elk and Bison are.  Whether you're looking for a great steak, burger, or jerky you certainly can't go wrong with either animal. Luckily, many grocery stores, meat shops, and restaurants carry both types of meat, so for those of you that aren't skilled hunters, you can still get your fix.

Huckleberries

The Huckleberry is no doubt one of the most popular foods in Montana, in fact, it was recently named the state's "Official Fruit". While other states might have them, no one capitalizes on them like we do here in Montana. From milkshakes to pies, to bar b q sauce, it seems there is no end to the creative creations involving this amazing little berry.  Plus, the numerous products the state produces with the huckleberry can be found everywhere across the state.

 Beans and Sheepherders

This popular bean soup was made famous in the town of Ingomar at the Jersey Lilly Saloon. A combination of pinto beans and ham along with croutons and homemade hot sauce, the soup has been served for decades. However, in order to get the Beans and Sheepherders experience, you will need to eat the soup along with hors d’oeuvre consisting of onion, orange, and cheddar cheese placed on a saltine cracker.

There are other dishes as well, things like Rocky Mountain Oysters, Maple Bars, and Fry Bread are part of Montana's culinary scene.  So what is your favorite Montana food?  Let us know by sending a message to our radio station app.