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Food History

Cinnamon Rolls And Chili? In This State, It's A Staple Combo By Karen Hart Aug. 24, 2025 1:39 pm EST

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Weird food combos are nothing new. For those who have ever wondered if it's OK to put ranch dressing on pizza or enjoy pickles on a peanut butter sandwich on the down low, the answer is, of course. What might sound awful to one person can be pure bliss for someone else's palate, including cinnamon rolls and chili. This may be the next funky duo that grabs your taste buds' attention. Cinnamon rolls and chili served side by side as a meal is an Iowa favorite. It was most likely born after World War II. School lunch budgets in the Midwest were limited at the time, and lunchroom cooks used bulk ingredients that were provided

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