It must be because South Dakota and Iowa are such close neighbors that similar items also show up on any list of foods loved in both states. Or maybe it's just good taste in general.

For instance, the first food on this list of foods that Iowans are obsessed with is Scotcheroos.

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Scotcheroos

According to one classic recipe, this delightful dessert bar is made with corn syrup, sugar, peanut butter, and of course Rick Krispies or any other crunchy cereal you have plenty of. (My best friend, a native Iowan used to make hers with Special K.) The topping is chocolate chips and butterscotch chips mixed, melted, and spread over the bars.

In our South Dakota home, we used to make these with peanut butter, butterscotch chips melted and mixed into the Rice Krispies, then frosted with the melted chocolate chips, and that was it.

Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

This Iowa staple is yet another food item you can find on a lot of South Dakota menus too. But many consider Iowa to be this delicious sandwich's home. Some Iowa restaurants actually serve this sandwich with the pork tenderloin as big as your head!

Taco Pizza

According to Wikipedia, this delightful combo of food cultures was supposedly created in Bettendorf, Iowa back in 1974 at a Happy Joe's restaurant. As you can tell, its appeal went nationwide as time went on and it's now a favorite at many pizza places.

Ham Balls

I realize the above photo is not of the traditional Iowa Ham Balls you'd get at the Iowa State Fair, but please just imagine them soaking in a tomato soup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard sauce. You can look up this recipe in multiple places and they are always identified as Iowa Ham Balls. What I can't tell you is exactly where Iowa Ham Balls originated. I can only say that Iowans aren't the only ones who love these delicious porky spheres.

Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Now here's a combo that could start some arguments since this is another staple in lunchrooms and homes across the tri-state area, not exclusively in Iowa. However, an article from All Recipes claims that this combo originated in Iowa school lunchrooms back in the 60s. Ask any school kid and they'll tell you what a super combination this is.

EXPLORE: Why Does the Midwest Eat Cinnamon Rolls With Chili?

Dutch Letters

These decadent, flaky pastries filled with almond paste have their origin in Pella, Iowa. Their heritage is wholly Dutch and came to Pella with Dutch immigrants in 1847 according to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. When you check out this recipe, you'll understand why it is difficult to find bakeries that make them.

But Jaarsma Bakery in Pella is willing to send you a dozen for $32 plus shipping. Yum!

Sources: Wikipedia, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, All Recipes, and Taste of Home