The Best Recipes from Colorado (2024)

Home Recipes Cooking Style Comfort Food

The Best Recipes from Colorado (1)Caroline StankoUpdated: Feb. 26, 2024

    We found the best recipes from Colorado—all submitted by local home cooks. Check out the best of the Rocky Mountian state like green chili and lamb; but don't worry, you won't run into any Rocky Mountain Oysters here!

    1/30

    Green Chile Ribs

    I like my food with a spicy kick; my wife does not. These ribs with green chiles suit her taste. For more firepower, add cayenne or jalapenos. —Guy Newton, Nederland, Colorado

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    2/30

    Taste of Home

    Lamb Marsala

    Lamb was a special treat for my family when I was growing up. I've had this recipe for more than 30 years. I hope it becomes a favorite for your family, too. —Bonnie Silverstein, Denver, Colorado

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    3/30

    Pork and Apple Tamales

    Serve this family favorite for all occasions: a quick dinner, brown-bag lunch, hearty snack or even a fun appetizer. —Marie Macy, Fort Collins, Colorado

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    4/30

    Taste of Home

    Zesty Marinated Shrimp

    These easy shrimp look impressive on a buffet table and taste even better! The zesty sauce has a wonderful spicy citrus flavor. I especially like this recipe because I can prepare it ahead of time. —Mary Jane Guest, Alamosa, Colorado

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    5/30

    Standing Rib Roast

    This standing rib roast recipe is practically foolproof. Treat your family to tender slices of standing rib roast or use the seasoning blend on a different beef roast for a hearty, delicious main dish. I love to prepare this recipe for special occasions. —Lucy Meyring, Walden, Colorado

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    6/30

    Berry Rhubarb Fool

    A "fool" is a British dessert that's usually made with custard. This is a modified, quicker version I created. My kids love it because it doesn't taste like rhubarb—so I guess it's well named! —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

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    7/30

    Slow-Cooker Boeuf Bourguignon

    I’d wanted to make boeuf bourguignon (beef Burgundy) ever since I got one of Julia Child’s cookbooks, but I wanted to find a way to fix it in a slow cooker. My slow-cooker boeuf bourguignon is still rich, hearty and delicious, but there's no need to watch it on the stovetop or in the oven. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

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    8/30

    Taste of Home

    Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

    My family combined two of our favorite things: pulled pork and grilled cheese sandwiches. This recipe is super fast and easy when you use store-bought pulled pork. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

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    9/30

    Taste of Home

    Grilled Veggie Pizza

    I came up with this recipe one summer as a way to use up vegetables from our garden. Grilling the veggies first brings out their sizzling flavors. Try it with a sprinkling of olives or pine nuts before adding the cheese. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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    10/30

    Chocolate Butterscotch Haystacks

    My grandmother used to make this haystacks recipe to give to my cousin Vonnie and me when our parents didn't want us to have any more sweets. —Christine Schwester, Divide, Colorado

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    11/30

    12/30

    Cranberry Turkey Wraps

    Fruity and flavorful, these hefty grab-and-go handfuls are quick to assemble, easy to handle and low in calories. We often take them in a cooler to the local stock show and eat them in the stands. Everyone seems to love them! —Bobbie Keefer, Byers, Colorado

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    13/30

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Chai Tea

    A wonderful sweet and spicy aroma wafts from the slow cooker as this fragrant and flavorful chai tea cooks. —Crystal Jo Burns, Iliff, Colorado

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    14/30

    Fluffed Fruit Salad

    I like this recipe since I can prepare it in advance when entertaining. Even people who don't care for cranberries usually like this treat.—Christine Halandras, Meeker, Colorado

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    15/30

    Spicy Butterscotch Wings

    We love big-time-spicy chicken wings. I do a caramel sauce to balance the heat, but you could also glaze the wings with melted brown sugar. —Aaron Salazar, Westminster, Colorado

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    16/30

    Gouda Turkey Club

    With this recipe, two can enjoy the taste of something new and elegant in minutes. All you need to add is the ambiance for a bistro meal at home. —Karen Harris, Littleton, Colorado

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    17/30

    Taste of Home

    Plum Crisp with Crunchy Oat Topping

    Made with fresh plums and a crunchy oat topping, this crisp is a lighter alternative to classic fruit pie. It goes over well with the women in my church group.—Deidre Kobel, Boulder, Colorado

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    18/30

    Chicken Artichoke Skillet

    My fast chicken entree featuring artichokes and olives has real Greek flair. Seasoned with lemon juice and oregano, the stovetop chicken turns out moist and tender. —Carol Latimore, Arvada, Colorado

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    19/30

    Buttery Ganache Cookie Cups

    Our family wanted to share our love of ganache-filled cupcakes, so we made them into cookies. Even better: we bake the cookies in muffin cups, fill with ganache, and get the best of both worlds! —Adela Srinivasan, Parker, Colorado

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    20/30

    Taste of Home

    Chipotle Lime Avocado Salad

    I use my music to promote a healthy lifestyle, like eating your veggies. This bright salad is loaded with avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes and a little heat factor. —DJ Cavem, Denver, Colorado

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    21/30

    22/30

    Beef Brisket Tacos

    Birthday parties back home were big gatherings of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and anyone else we considered family. As soon as guests arrived, hot pans of shredded brisket, or carne deshebrada, appeared, along with huge bowls of salads, frijoles, tostadas and salsas. Brisket was the dish we always counted on because it could be made in the oven or a slow cooker. —Yvette Marquez, Littleton, Colorado

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    23/30

    24/30

    Taste of Home

    Soft Giant Pretzels

    My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado

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    25/30

    TMB Studio

    Mini Ham Quiches

    These quiches are delightful for brunch when you don’t want to fuss. Replace
    the ham with bacon, sausage, chicken or shrimp, or use chopped onion, red pepper or zucchini instead of olives. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon

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    26/30

    Slow-Cooker Barbacoa

    My husband adores this slow-cooker barbacoa simmered in lime juice, chipotle and cumin. He would eat it one a week if I would make it that often! We have it over rice with cilantro and a spritz of lime. —Aundrea McCormick, Denver, Colorado

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    27/30

    Easy Dill Pickles

    This treasured dill pickle recipe is like an old friend. These crispy spears have a slightly salty, tart flavor with a good balance of dill, garlic and peppers. —Betty Sitzman, Wray, Colorado

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    28/30

    Taste of Home

    Green Chili Chops with Sweet Potatoes

    It takes only a few minutes to combine the ingredients in a slow cooker, and you'll have a filling, healthy dinner waiting for you at the end of the day. We like to serve it with fresh-baked garlic bread. —Marina Ashworth, Denver, Colorado

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    29/30

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Roll

    Come home to the heavenly aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls! This better-for-you version tastes just as decadent as a regular cinnamon roll, but it smartly sneaks in some whole grains. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

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    30/30

    Taste of Home

    Candied Fruit Cookies

    These no-fuss candied fruit cookies are both nutty and fruity, so they're always a hit at holiday time. —Florence Monson, Denver, Colorado

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    Originally Published: July 02, 2018

    The Best Recipes from Colorado (29)

    Caroline Stanko

    Caroline has been with Taste of Home for the past seven years, working in both print and digital. After starting as an intern for the magazine and special interest publication teams, Caroline was hired as the third-ever digital editor for Taste of Home. Since then, she has researched, written and edited content on just about every topic the site covers, including cooking techniques, buzzy food news, gift guides and many, many recipe collections. Caroline also acts as the editorial lead for video, working with the Test Kitchen, videographers and social media team to produce videos from start to finish.When she’s not tip-tapping on a keyboard, Caroline is probably mixing up a killer co*cktail, reading a dog-eared library book or cooking up a multi-course feast (sometimes all at once). Though she technically lives in Milwaukee, there is a 50/50 chance Caroline is in Chicago or southwest Michigan visiting her close-knit family.

    The Best Recipes from Colorado (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the signature dish of Colorado? ›

    There's something for every palate, so grab some Rocky Mountain Oysters, raise a pint of craft beer, and let's toast to Colorado!
    • Palisade Peaches. ...
    • Rocky Mountain Oysters. ...
    • Colorado Craft Beer.
    • Green Chili / Pueblo Chilies. ...
    • Colorado Lamb. ...
    • Rocky Ford Cantaloupe. ...
    • Bison. ...
    • Olathe Sweet Corn.

    What is Colorado sauce made of? ›

    Chile Colorado sauce is a traditional Mexican red chile sauce made primarily from a blend of dried chile peppers, along with other ingredients like garlic, spices, and sometimes a liquid base like chicken or vegetable stock.

    Where did Chili Colorado come from? ›

    Chile Colorado is a traditional Mexican stew of either braised beef or pork that's simmered low and slow in a red chile sauce. The dish comes from the Chihuahua region of Mexico, so the name does not, in fact, come from the state of Colorado. Instead, it's named for the color of the dish.

    What food was invented in Colorado? ›

    And what dishes supposedly originated here? The Denver omelet, the ice cream float, the cheeseburger (a dubious claim), the notorious Rocky Mountain oyster—hardly a distinguished list.

    What dessert is Colorado known for? ›

    COLORADO: Palisade peach cobbler

    While Colorado doesn't have an official state dessert, the state is famous for its sweet Palisade peaches. The peaches, which get their name from Palisade, Colorado, where they're grown, can be made into pies, cobblers, and more.

    What food can you only get in Denver? ›

    If you're in town, make sure to try it at least once, as well as these 10 tasty dishes.
    • 01 of 10. Bison Steak. ...
    • 03 of 10. Mexican Hamburger. ...
    • 04 of 10. Mountain Pizza. ...
    • 05 of 10. Game Meat Tartare. ...
    • 06 of 10. Craft Beer Ice Cream. ...
    • 08 of 10. Green Chili Cheeseburger. ...
    • 09 of 10. Rocky Mountain Oysters. ...
    • 10 of 10. Colorado Lamb.
    Jun 26, 2019

    What food is unique to Denver? ›

    Bison, one of Colorado's most notable game meats, is an iconic Denver food that makes appearances across the menu in dishes ranging from Italian bison meatballs and bison chili to burgers, pastrami and of course, bison steak.

    What is Denver's signature food? ›

    Bison Steak

    Bison, or buffalo as it is also often called (although the two animals are not one in the same), is a Colorado staple. Anyone living in or visiting Denver knows that these animals graze on a nature preserve close to Denver.

    What pepper is Colorado known for? ›

    Many people said Colorado is known for Pueblo Green Chiles, while others responded with green chili. There is a difference between green chili and green chiles. Green chiles are used to make green chili, which is a dish.

    What does Colorado mean in Mexican food? ›

    Colorado is a Spanish word for Red. Has absolutely no translation in regards to a type of meat used in this Tex-Mex Red Chili sauce recipe that originated on american soil.

    What is a Colorado pepper? ›

    Description/Taste

    Aji Colorado chile peppers are elongated and slender, averaging 12 to 15 centimeters in length and 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter, and have a straight to slightly curved, conical shape.

    How to thicken chili Colorado sauce? ›

    If you want to thicken it fast use flour, just don't add it directly to the pot (If you do, the flour will clump and you'll spend the next couple of hours trying to de-clump the clumps). Use a bowl. To the bowl, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour and a cup of hot liquid from the chili. Mix/whisk both until combined.

    What is the difference between Texas chili and Colorado chili? ›

    So how do they differ? Well, besides the different chile peppers used, Texas chili is traditionally made without tomatoes, though you will find them in chile colorado. Likewise, fillers are verboten in Texas chili yet potatoes are welcome in chile colorado.

    What is adovada meat? ›

    Similar to chile con carne, carne adovada is a New Mexico dish offering chunks of pork shoulder braised in a base made with an assortment of chiles.

    What is the iconic food of Denver? ›

    Bison, one of Colorado's most notable game meats, is an iconic Denver food that makes appearances across the menu in dishes ranging from Italian bison meatballs and bison chili to burgers, pastrami and of course, bison steak.

    What is the main thing Colorado known for? ›

    Majestic Mountains and Outdoor Adventures

    Without a doubt, Colorado is most famous for its breathtaking mountain ranges, particularly the Rocky Mountains. These towering peaks provide a playground for a variety of outdoor activities, attracting nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers from all over the world.

    What is Colorado best known for? ›

    Colorado is noted for its landscape of mountains, forests, high plains, mesas, canyons, plateaus, rivers, and desert lands. Colorado is one of the Mountain States and is often considered to be part of the southwestern United States. The high plains of Colorado may be considered a part of the midwestern United States.

    What one food is Denver or Colorado most famous for? ›

    Bison Steak

    Bison, or buffalo as it is also often called (although the two animals are not one in the same), is a Colorado staple. Anyone living in or visiting Denver knows that these animals graze on a nature preserve close to Denver. In fact, many people visiting are known to visit them while exploring Denver.

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