Texas boasts a vibrant and diverse food scene, with countless culinary delights to explore across its cities and regions. From mouthwatering barbecue to innovative Tex-Mex creations, the Lone Star State offers a wealth of flavors and dining experiences for food enthusiasts.
Following Texas food bloggers on Instagram provides a window into the state’s culinary landscape, offering valuable insights and recommendations for both locals and visitors alike. These influential accounts showcase the best restaurants, hidden gems, and food trends across Texas, helping their followers discover new dining spots and stay up-to-date with the latest gastronomic offerings. By highlighting ten top Texas food bloggers, readers can expand their culinary horizons and gain inspiration for their next meal or food adventure in the state.
1) Jane Ko’s Taste of Koko
Jane Ko, known as Koko, is one of Austin’s original food bloggers. She has been covering the local culinary scene since 2010 through her popular blog and Instagram account, A Taste of Koko.
With over 215,000 Instagram followers, Koko shares the latest on new restaurant openings, happy hour deals, and other essential food-related information in Austin. Her content focuses on showcasing the hottest restaurants and weekend getaways.
Koko’s influence extends beyond social media. The Austin Chronicle voted her the best local Austin blogger in 2018 and 2019. Austin Woman Magazine named her Disruptor of 2020.
In addition to her blog, Koko has authored two best-selling books about Austin and Fredericksburg. Her expertise and long-standing presence in the Austin food scene make her a go-to source for culinary recommendations.
Instagram: @atasteofkoko
Website: www.atasteofkoko.com
Email: [email protected]
2) Alicia of The Lush List
Alicia, the creative force behind The Lush List, offers a captivating glimpse into Texas food culture through her Instagram account. Based in Dallas, she expertly showcases the city’s diverse culinary landscape.
Her feed features a mix of restaurant reviews, home-cooked meals, and food-focused travel experiences. Alicia’s photography skills shine through in every post, presenting dishes in an appealing and mouthwatering manner.
The Lush List goes beyond just food, incorporating lifestyle elements that resonate with her audience. Alicia’s recommendations span from upscale dining establishments to hidden local gems, providing followers with a comprehensive guide to Dallas’ food scene.
Her engagement with followers adds a personal touch, often sharing tips and answering questions about featured restaurants. Alicia’s content serves as an excellent resource for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Texas dining experiences.
Instagram: @thelushlist
Website: www.thelushlist.com
Location: Dallas, Texas
3) Chicano Eats by Esteban Castillo
Esteban Castillo’s Instagram account @chicanoeats has gained a significant following with 174,000 fans. His feed showcases a mix of traditional Mexican recipes and fusion creations.
Castillo’s popularity extends beyond social media. He is the author of two cookbooks: “Chicano Eats: Recipes from my Mexican-American Kitchen” and “Chicano Bakes.”
His Instagram posts feature vibrant food photography and step-by-step recipe instructions. Castillo’s content celebrates his Mexican-American heritage through culinary exploration.
The Chicano Eats blog complements Castillo’s Instagram presence. It offers a wider range of recipes, including categories like pan dulce, drinks, dinner, sides, and desserts.
Castillo’s work has earned recognition in the food world. He won a Saveur Award in 2017 for his contributions to culinary content creation.
Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.chicanoeats.com
Instagram: @chicanoeats
4) Bev Cooks by Beverley Finnegan
Beverley Finnegan, the creative force behind Bev Cooks, brings a refreshing perspective to Texas food blogging. Her Instagram feed is a vibrant showcase of mouthwatering recipes and culinary adventures.
Bev’s approach to cooking combines simplicity with bold flavors, making her recipes accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Her photography skills shine through in every post, enticing followers with beautifully styled dishes.
Beyond recipes, Bev shares glimpses into her life as a mother of twins, adding a personal touch to her content. Her witty captions and relatable anecdotes have helped build a loyal community of food enthusiasts.
Bev Cooks features a diverse range of cuisines, from classic Texan fare to international-inspired dishes. Her innovative twists on familiar recipes keep followers coming back for more inspiration.
For those looking to explore Texas cuisine through a fresh lens, Bev Cooks offers a delightful mix of flavor, humor, and creativity.
Website: www.bevcooks.com
Instagram: @bevcooks
5) Hilah Cooking by Hilah Johnson
Hilah Johnson brings Texas-inspired cuisine to life through her popular Instagram account @hilahhi. Her vibrant feed showcases a mix of Tex-Mex, interior Mexican, and classic American dishes.
Johnson’s cooking journey began in 2010 when she and her husband Christopher Sharpe launched their webseries and food blog, Hilah Cooking. Their short-form videos cater to beginner and intermediate cooks seeking simple, budget-friendly recipes.
With over 10,000 followers on Instagram, Johnson shares mouthwatering food photography and culinary insights. Her content often features educational elements, helping followers improve their cooking skills.
Johnson’s expertise extends beyond social media. She has authored a 300-page cookbook titled “Learn to Cook!” which further demonstrates her commitment to culinary education.
Her Instagram feed reflects her Texas roots, offering followers a taste of the Lone Star State’s diverse flavors and cooking techniques.
Contact: Instagram @hilahhi
Website: www.hilahcooking.com
6) The Defined Dish by Alex Snodgrass
Alex Snodgrass is the culinary talent behind The Defined Dish, a popular food blog and Instagram account. She shares healthy, simple, and delicious recipes that have garnered a significant following.
Snodgrass has authored two New York Times bestselling cookbooks: “The Defined Dish” and “The Comfortable Kitchen.” A third book, “Dinner Tonight,” is currently in the works.
Her Instagram account @thedefineddish features mouthwatering food photography and easy-to-follow recipe ideas. Snodgrass focuses on wholesome ingredients and approachable cooking techniques.
Originally from Celina, Texas, Snodgrass now resides in Dallas with her husband and two daughters. Her small-town roots influence her cooking style, which combines comfort food with healthier twists.
The Defined Dish offers a range of recipes, from quick weeknight dinners to more elaborate dishes for special occasions. Snodgrass emphasizes using fresh, whole ingredients in her creations.
Website: www.thedefineddish.com
Instagram: @thedefineddish
7) Feast + West by Susannah Brinkley
Susannah Brinkley Henry, the creative force behind Feast + West, brings a unique blend of design, food, and travel to her Instagram feed. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Susannah showcases her passion for elegant entertaining and mixology.
Her Instagram account @feastandwest boasts over 3,600 followers and nearly 2,000 posts. Susannah’s feed is a visual delight, featuring beautifully crafted cocktails and easy-to-make recipes.
Feast + West focuses on celebrating life’s little luxuries, whether it’s mixing up a cocktail at home or planning a trip. Susannah’s content seamlessly combines cooking and wanderlust, highlighting hidden gems for her audience.
In 2019, Feast + West was recognized as a finalist for Saveur Magazine’s Best Entertaining Blog award. This accolade speaks to the quality and appeal of Susannah’s content.
While based in Texas, Susannah’s influence extends beyond state borders. Her blog and Instagram offer a wealth of inspiration for food and travel enthusiasts alike.
Contact: [email protected]
Website: https://feastandwest.com
Instagram: @feastandwest
8) Keto In Pearls by Amber
Keto In Pearls is a popular Instagram account dedicated to the ketogenic lifestyle. Run by Amber, this account boasts an impressive 70,000 followers and over 2,200 posts showcasing delicious keto-friendly recipes.
Amber’s Instagram feed is a treasure trove of low-carb meal ideas and helpful advice for those following a ketogenic diet. Her content ranges from breakfast recipes to Instant Pot and CrockPot creations, catering to various tastes and cooking preferences.
One standout recipe featured on her account is fluffy keto pancakes without cream cheese. These pancakes are reported to be better than pre-packaged alternatives and contain only 1.8 net carbs each.
Beyond Instagram, Amber maintains a blog where she shares more detailed recipes and keto lifestyle tips. Her Facebook page also engages with over 9,000 followers, providing another platform for her keto-focused content.
For those interested in exploring Amber’s keto recipes and advice, visit:
Instagram: @keto_in_pearls
Website: https://ketoinpearls.com
Facebook: Keto In Pearls
9) Dude Food Fire by Darnell Ferguson
Dude Food Fire, created by Chef John O’Neil, stands out among Texas food bloggers on Instagram. With over 68,000 followers, O’Neil shares his passion for cooking with fire and showcasing mouthwatering barbecue creations.
As a wood-fired oven guru and pitmaster, O’Neil’s Instagram feed is filled with tantalizing images of perfectly grilled meats and innovative recipes. His expertise extends beyond the grill, as he’s also a professional chef and food sport judge.
O’Neil’s philosophy centers on food’s ability to transcend barriers, which is evident in his diverse culinary creations. His content includes recipes, cooking tips, and videos that inspire home cooks and barbecue enthusiasts alike.
Followers can expect to find a mix of traditional Texas barbecue alongside creative dishes that push the boundaries of outdoor cooking. O’Neil’s engaging personality and culinary skills make Dude Food Fire a must-follow for anyone interested in Texas cuisine and grilling techniques.
Instagram: @dudefoodfire
Website: dudefoodfire.com
10) The Hungry Chronicles by Natalie Paramore
Natalie Paramore’s The Hungry Chronicles offers a delightful blend of food, travel, and lifestyle content on Instagram. Based in Austin, Texas, Paramore shares her culinary adventures and home-inspired creations with her 31,000 followers.
Her feed showcases a mix of restaurant recommendations, recipes, and travel experiences. Paramore’s content often highlights Austin’s vibrant food scene, giving followers insider tips on the best local eateries.
The Hungry Chronicles also features global cuisine, reflecting Paramore’s passion for travel. Her posts combine appetizing food photography with informative captions, providing followers with a taste of different cultures.
Paramore’s Instagram account serves as a valuable resource for food enthusiasts and travelers alike. Her engaging content and eye-catching visuals make The Hungry Chronicles a must-follow for anyone interested in exploring new flavors and destinations.
Instagram: @natalieparamore
Website: www.natalieparamore.com
Location: Austin, Texas
Importance of Social Media for Food Bloggers
Social media platforms have revolutionized the food blogging landscape. Instagram in particular has become an essential tool for Texas food bloggers to showcase their culinary discoveries and connect with audiences.
Expanding Readership and Engagement
Instagram allows food bloggers to reach wider audiences quickly and easily. Through strategic use of hashtags, location tagging, and collaborations, Texas food bloggers can attract followers interested in local cuisine. The visual nature of the platform is ideal for food content, enabling bloggers to share mouthwatering photos that capture attention.
Interactive features like Stories and Reels provide opportunities for real-time engagement. Bloggers can share behind-the-scenes glimpses, cooking tips, and restaurant recommendations. This fosters a sense of community and builds trust with followers.
Analytics tools help bloggers understand their audience demographics and preferences. This data informs content strategy and helps bloggers tailor their posts for maximum impact.
Showcasing Culinary Creativity
Instagram’s visual focus allows food bloggers to flex their creative muscles. High-quality food photography skills are crucial for standing out in crowded feeds. Bloggers can experiment with different compositions, lighting techniques, and editing styles to develop a signature aesthetic.
Video content like recipe tutorials and restaurant tours adds another dimension to food blogging. Short-form videos are particularly effective for demonstrating cooking techniques or highlighting menu items.
Instagram’s platform encourages collaboration between bloggers, chefs, and restaurants. Cross-promotion expands reach and introduces bloggers to new audiences. Features like Instagram Live enable real-time cooking demonstrations or Q&A sessions, fostering deeper connections with followers.
Understanding Texas Cuisine
Texas cuisine reflects the state’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. It combines traditional cooking methods with unique regional ingredients to create distinctive flavors and dishes.
Diverse Culinary Influences
Texas cuisine draws from Mexican, Southern, German, and Czech traditions. Mexican influences are evident in Tex-Mex staples like fajitas and chili con carne. Southern cooking contributes to the popularity of fried foods and comfort dishes.
German and Czech immigrants brought sausage-making techniques and pastry recipes. This blend created iconic foods like kolaches – sweet pastries filled with fruit or meat.
Native American ingredients like corn and squash also play a role in many Texas dishes. The fusion of these various culinary traditions results in a unique and flavorful cuisine.
Regional Specialties
Different regions of Texas have their own specialties. East Texas is known for its Southern-style cooking, featuring dishes like chicken fried steak and sweet potato pie.
Central Texas is famous for its barbecue, particularly slow-smoked brisket. West Texas specializes in cowboy-style cooking, with hearty stews and chuckwagon fare.
The Gulf Coast region offers fresh seafood dishes, including Gulf shrimp and redfish. South Texas is renowned for its authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, featuring dishes like puffy tacos and carne guisada.
Each region’s specialties reflect local ingredients, cooking methods, and cultural influences, contributing to the diverse tapestry of Texas cuisine.