What dish is traditionally considered a staple of West Virginia cuisine?

Pepperoni Rolls are widely recognized as a traditional staple of West Virginia cuisine, deeply rooted in the state's mining heritage. This dish originated in the early 20th century when miners needed a portable meal that could be easily carried to work. The combination of bread and pepperoni not only provided a hearty portion of protein but also was practical for the working conditions in the mines.

The cultural significance of pepperoni rolls also stems from their prevalence during social gatherings and their representation of local identity. While items like buckwheat pancakes, fried chicken, and biscuits and gravy are indeed popular in various American cuisines, they do not hold the same distinctive regional association that pepperoni rolls have in West Virginia. Thus, pepperoni rolls stand out as embodying the culinary traditions and economic history of the state, making them a quintessential part of West Virginia's food culture.