Grilling season has a way of bringing out strong opinions.
Some people are burger loyalists. Some want steak. Some go with chicken because it works for almost everyone. Then there are the people who are just as serious about the sides, especially when vegetables hit the grill.
A new report from Innerbody Research looked at Google search trends to find the most-searched grilling foods in every state. The results include plenty of backyard staples, but a few picks stand out.
Nebraska’s top grilling search was zucchini. That may not be the first food people think of when the grill gets fired up, but it makes sense. Zucchini is easy, quick, and low-maintenance. Slice it, season it, put it on the grill, and it works with burgers, steak, chicken, or whatever else ends up on the plate.
Iowa’s top grilling search was chicken breast. That one feels more expected. Chicken breast is a cookout regular because it can go a few different ways. Keep it simple with seasoning, add barbecue sauce, slice it for sandwiches, or save the leftovers for salads and wraps.
That is what makes the map fun. Nebraska lands on a vegetable. Iowa goes with a familiar main dish. Neither pick is over the top, but both say something about how people actually grill at home.
So if this map turned into a neighborhood cookout, Nebraska would bring the zucchini, Iowa would bring the chicken breast, and someone else still needs to show up with the burgers and corn.
America’s Top 10 Foods to Grill
- Burgers
- Chicken breast
- Ribeye
- Corn
- Chicken thighs
- Hot dogs
- Chicken wings
- Ribs
- Filet mignon
- Asparagus
See every state's favorite food to grill --- Food and Wine