Willie Nelson's Favorite Southern Comfort Food Is A Beloved Fried Meal

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Born in the small town of Abbott, Texas, Willie Nelson's career has been prominently influenced by the Lone Star State. Expectedly, the state's culture is imprinted on his music, but it is also apparent in Nelson's food and drink tastes. Before the musician gave up alcohol, he shared a connection with the Texas brand Lone Star and even invested in an Austin Texas Roadhouse location. Accordingly, one of the musician's favorite Southern foods comes as no surprise: a plate of chicken-fried steak.

To those unfamiliar, the hearty dish consists of a tenderized cut of beef battered in seasoned flour and egg, then fried. The preparation recalls fried chicken — which lends the dish its name — although you can thank German immigrants for inventing the meal, hence its resemblance to schnitzel. Germans settled extensively in Texas during the 19th century, helping make chicken-fried steak an iconic dish in the state. Traditionally, the meal is accompanied by gravy-covered mashed potatoes.

Curiously, Germany's influence on Texas culture connects back to Nelson's career, too. The musician grew up listening to polka bands, which influenced his musical identity. Later, after relocating to Austin in 1970, he played at historically German venues such as Scholz Garten. Together, these intercultural connections evince Nelson's Texas upbringing.

Over Willie Nelson's decades-long career, the musician has revealed additional food preferences. In particular, he's noted a fondness for classic Southern fare. "I love that fried chicken, you know, all that good stuff. Biscuits and gravy," he said (via YouTube).

Nelson even co-authored a cookbook with his wife, Annie, titled "Willie and Annie Nelson's Cannabis Cookbook: Mouthwatering Recipes and the High-Flying Stories Behind Them," which is available on Amazon. The book nods to several of Nelson's favorites. The country star reportedly loves bananas, hence the inclusion of a banana bread pudding recipe. Also in the dessert realm, there's a recipe for his cannabis-infused brownies.

On a day-to-day basis, though, Nelson has shared that he keeps it simple. The musician has stated that he starts the day with a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, although he's also particularly fond of waffles, which he often enjoys to start his day. He's even noted that he eats them alongside his beloved chicken-fried steak, crafting a meaty spin on chicken and waffles. Southern comfort fare welcomes a sweet-and-savory crossover — two realms that are apparent in Nelson's tastes.