Signature Sandwich From Each State, part 3of3

In the final week of my 3-part blog series on the signature sandwich for each state, I'm presenting New Mexico thru Wyoming.

New Mexico: Green chili cheeseburger

Thanks to the state's love of green chilis, particularly from Hatch, New Mexico, this burger is a staple in New Mexican cuisine. The Southwestern cheeseburger features a beef patty topped with roasted green chilis and melted cheese served on a bun.

New York: Pastrami on rye

It goes without question that thick slices of pastrami piled high on rye bread and served with mustard is a New York culinary landmark. Originating from Jewish delis in New York City, this sandwich became an iconic part of the city's food culture in the 1920s.

North Carolina: Pulled pork sandwich

This sandwich is made with slow-cooked smoky pork shoulder that is shredded and slathered in a vinegar-based barbecue sauce. Topped with coleslaw and served on a bun, it is indicative of the state's rich barbecue tradition in which low and slow is the name of the game.

North Dakota: Sloppy Joe

This messy and delicious sandwich—sometimes referred to as a slushburger—combines seasoned ground beef cooked in a tangy tomato sauce and served on a bun. It became popular in the mid-20th century as an easy and affordable meal—in turn, becoming a hearty Midwestern comfort food staple.

Ohio: Polish boy

The Polish boy features a snappy kielbasa sausage on a bun, topped with a mound of coleslaw, french fries, and barbecue sauce. This behemoth originated in Cleveland.

Oklahoma: Chicken fried steak sandwich

For Oklahomans, this is the ultimate comfort food: a breaded and fried steak patty topped with savory gravy, lettuce, and tomato served on a bun. Variations include toppings such as Swiss cheese and caramelized onions.

Oregon: Fried chicken biscuit

This entry highlights Oregon's love of comfort food. The loaded sandwich is made with seasoned fried chicken and served on a fluffy biscuit, often slathered with gravy or topped with honey.

Pennsylvania: Cheesesteak

Created in Philadelphia in 1930 by ​​Pat Olivieri, the cheesesteak evolved to become the signature sandwich of the city's food culture. Thinly sliced beefsteak, grilled and topped with melted cheese—Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American—and served on a hoagie with optional sautéed onions and peppers, cements its status as a culinary icon.

Rhode Island: Fried clam roll

Originating from the East Coast, this sandwich showcases golden-fried clams served on a buttered bun with tartar sauce and lemon wedges. The state's clam shacks call to locals and visitors alike with this summer seafood delight.

South Carolina: Pulled pork sandwich

This sandwich highlights the state's unique Carolina gold barbecue tradition, which originated in the Midlands. Slow-cooked pulled pork is dressed in a tangy, mustard-based barbecue sauce and served on a bun with coleslaw. Thank Germans, who settled in the British colony of South Carolina, for bringing over the mustard that influenced the finger-licking sauce.

South Dakota: Pheasant sandwich

After the Red Cross and USO opened a canteen in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to feed World War II soldiers boarding the train, local farmers brought pheasants, resulting in the creation of the pheasant sandwich in 1943. This offering comes together with cooked and chopped pheasant, hard-boiled eggs, onion, celery, pickle relish, and mayo.

Tennessee: Hot chicken sandwich

This Nashville creation features spicy fried chicken served on white bread with pickles. The sandwich originated with Prince's Hot Chicken Shack after a revenge plot-turned-happy accident which ignited the spread of the Southern staple people can't get enough of.

Texas: Brisket sandwich

Slow-smoked tender beef brisket sliced and served on a bun with barbecue sauce and pickles highlights Texas' renowned barbecue culture. Variations of the brisket sandwich include different sauces or toppings, including onions and ​​coleslaw.

Utah: Pastrami burger

Adopted by James Katsanevas in Southern California in the 1960s and perfected when he moved to Salt Lake City, the pastrami burger features a beef patty loaded with a pile of pastrami, topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and fry sauce, and served on a bun.

Vermont: Vermonter sandwich

The Vermonter sandwich features roasted turkey, sharp cheddar cheese, apple slices, and honey mustard served on hearty—and sometimes grilled—bread. There are countless iterations, including those with maple syrup. All are representative of the state's emphasis on high-quality local ingredients and agricultural heritage.

Virginia: Country ham sandwich

This sandwich comes from Virginia's long tradition of curing ham. It features slices of local-cured country ham with variations and fixings that include a biscuit, cheese, and lettuce. The goal is to let the ham shine.

Washington: Banh mi

The Vietnamese community's influence on and contributions to Washington's cuisine is most evident with this sandwich. The banh mi features a crusty baguette filled with marinated pork, pickled vegetables, cilantro, jalapeños, and creamy mayonnaise.

West Virginia: Sausage biscuit sandwich

The hearty sausage biscuit sandwich—which can be traced back to a stolen idea from 1975 that led to the founding of Tudor's Biscuit World—features a savory sausage patty topped with a slice of cheese or egg and served in a fluffy biscuit. Variations for serving include gravy or bacon, and the result is a big home-cooking hug.

Wisconsin: Grilled cheese

The beloved grilled cheese sandwich celebrates Wisconsin's renowned dairy industry and unmatched variety of delicious cheeses. Various toppings include tomatoes, bacon, and onions.

Wyoming: Trout sandwich

Wyoming is a top fly-fishing destination, and this sandwich highlights fresh, local trout plucked from its rivers and lakes. The trout filet shines, whether smoked or fried until crispy; it's topped with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce and served on a soft bun.

And that takes care of all 50 states. I'm sure there are many of you who have a favorite sandwich that wasn't listed here as the signature sandwich for your state. Enjoy whatever sandwich you like the most.