Big 12 Bites: The Signature Dish from Every Campus City

From smoky brisket to pepperoni rolls and chili cheese dogs, the Big 12 Conference serves up more than just elite football and basketball - it’s a full-course feast of regional flavor. With 16 member schools spread across the heartland, Appalachia, and the Southwest, each campus town brings its own culinary identity to the table. Whether it’s a tailgate tradition, a local legend, or a mascot-inspired creation, these dishes reflect the pride, personality, and palate of their communities. So grab a fork (or a walking taco bag) and dig into the signature dish from every Big 12 city - one bite at a time.

West Virginia – Pepperoni Roll
A West Virginia staple since the early 20th century, the pepperoni roll is more than a snack — it’s a cultural icon. Originally created as a portable lunch for coal miners, this handheld treat features spicy pepperoni baked into soft, slightly sweet bread. In Morgantown, it’s a game-day essential, sold at stadiums, bakeries, and convenience stores alike. For Mountaineer fans, the pepperoni roll is a symbol of grit, tradition, and Appalachian pride.

Oklahoma State – Onion Burger
Born during the Great Depression in nearby El Reno, the onion burger is Oklahoma’s answer to culinary ingenuity. Ground beef is smashed onto a hot griddle with a pile of thinly sliced onions, creating a caramelized crust that’s smoky, sweet, and unmistakably local. In Stillwater, it’s a rite of passage for Cowboys fans to grab one before kickoff. The onion burger’s humble roots and bold flavor make it a perfect match for OSU’s blue-collar spirit.

Cincinnati – Cheese Coney
Cincinnati’s chili culture is legendary, and the chili cheese dog is its messy, magnificent cousin. Topped with the city’s signature spiced meat sauce — often layered with mustard, onions, and a mountain of shredded cheddar — this dish is a Queen City classic. Bearcats fans know that no trip to Nippert Stadium is complete without one. It’s a bold, unapologetic bite that reflects the city’s love for flavor and flair.

Baylor – Brisket Sliders
In Waco, barbecue is sacred, and brisket sliders are the crown jewel of tailgate cuisine. Slow-smoked for hours, sliced thick, and served on soft rolls with pickles or slaw, these mini sandwiches pack Texas-sized flavor. Whether at McLane Stadium or a backyard watch party, Baylor fans embrace brisket as a badge of Lone Star pride. It’s a smoky, savory celebration of Central Texas tradition.

Iowa State – Green Chili Pork Walking Taco
A Midwestern twist on a Southwestern favorite, the green chili pork walking taco is Ames’ hidden gem. Tender pork simmered in green chili sauce is spooned into a bag of corn chips, then topped with cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños. It’s portable, punchy, and perfect for Cyclone fans navigating the tailgate scene. This fusion dish reflects Iowa’s agricultural roots and its growing love for bold, regional flavors.

UCF – Citronaut (Drink)
Named after the university’s quirky original mascot, the Citronaut is a citrus-forward mocktail or cocktail that’s become a fan-favorite in Orlando. Typically made with orange juice, soda water, and a splash of tropical syrup — or spiked with rum for adult versions — it’s a nod to Florida’s citrus heritage and UCF’s space-age identity. Refreshing and playful, the Citronaut is the unofficial drink of Knights Nation.

Texas Tech – Masked Rider Burger
Lubbock’s tribute to its iconic mascot, the Masked Rider Burger is a towering creation that blends West Texas bravado with classic burger craftsmanship. Often stacked with bacon, jalapeños, barbecue sauce, and onion rings, it’s a bold bite that mirrors the spirit of the Red Raiders. Served at local joints and campus eateries, it’s a must-have for fans looking to fuel up before a charge into Jones AT&T Stadium.

Kansas – Jayhawk Mac n Cheese
Comfort food meets crimson and blue in Lawrence, where Jayhawk Mac n Cheese reigns supreme. Loaded with creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and a hint of spice, this dish is a fan-favorite at campus cafés and tailgates. It’s warm, indulgent, and perfect for chilly fall Saturdays. For KU fans, it’s more than a side — it’s a bowl of tradition.

Kansas State – Wabash Cannondog
Named after the Wildcats’ beloved fight song, the Wabash Cannondog is Manhattan’s signature stadium snack. It’s a footlong hot dog loaded with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and crispy onions — a smoky, crunchy homage to Kansas barbecue. Wildcat fans know it’s best enjoyed with a cold drink and a chorus of “Wabash Cannonball” echoing through Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

TCU – Loaded Tots
In Fort Worth, loaded tots are the MVP of game-day grub. Crispy potato bites piled high with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and jalapeños — sometimes even brisket or chili — they’re a shareable, craveable favorite among Horned Frogs fans. Whether at a bar near campus or inside Amon G. Carter Stadium, loaded tots bring the heat and the heartiness that define TCU tailgates.