The Favorite Foods of The Golden Girls: What the Iconic Cast Loved to Eat (Besides Cheesecake!).

When you think of The Golden Girls, a few things immediately come to mind—witty banter, unforgettable friendships, and, of course, cheesecake. The beloved sitcom often featured the four women gathered around the kitchen table, sharing their joys, sorrows, and secrets over a slice of the iconic dessert. But while cheesecake became a symbol of the show, the actresses who brought Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia to life had a variety of favorite foods in real life.

Let’s take a look at the favorite dishes of The Golden Girls cast—beyond the cheesecake they made famous!

Bea Arthur: A Taste for Comfort Food

Bea Arthur, who played the no-nonsense Dorothy Zbornak, had a love for simple yet satisfying comfort food. One of her favorite dishes was liver and onions—something many might find surprising! She once revealed in an interview that she enjoyed this classic meal, a nod to the hearty home-cooked dishes of her childhood.

Additionally, Arthur reportedly had a soft spot for pasta dishes, particularly spaghetti with marinara sauce. Given Dorothy’s sharp wit and often exasperated demeanor, it’s easy to imagine her unwinding with a comforting plate of pasta after a long day.

Betty White: A Junk Food Lover with a Sweet Tooth

Despite her elegant and timeless charm, Betty White had a love for some of the most unexpected treats—hot dogs, French fries, and red licorice! White often joked about her less-than-gourmet eating habits, admitting that she was never one for fancy cuisine.

One of her absolute favorite foods? A simple, classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She once revealed in an interview that she could eat them every day and never get tired of them. White’s love for casual, comforting foods made her even more relatable to fans, proving that even Hollywood legends appreciate the joy of a good snack.

Rue McClanahan: A Southern Belle’s Love for Classic Southern Cuisine

Rue McClanahan, who played the sultry and confident Blanche Devereaux, was a true Southern woman at heart—and her favorite foods reflected that. A lover of classic Southern cuisine, McClanahan reportedly enjoyed dishes like fried chicken, cornbread, and mashed potatoes.

She also had a fondness for fresh vegetables and home-cooked meals, having grown up in Oklahoma, where hearty, home-style dishes were a staple. Blanche may have been a lover of fine things, but McClanahan knew the value of a good, comforting Southern meal.

Estelle Getty: A Taste for Traditional Jewish Delicacies

Estelle Getty, the actress behind the sharp-tongued but lovable Sophia Petrillo, had a deep appreciation for her Jewish heritage—and her favorite foods reflected that. She loved traditional Jewish dishes, including matzo ball soup, brisket, and bagels with lox.

Given Sophia’s constant references to Sicilian cuisine on the show, it’s interesting that Getty’s real-life tastes leaned more toward Jewish comfort food rather than the Italian dishes her character often praised. Still, both share a love for flavorful, home-cooked meals passed down through generations.

Cheesecake: The Dish That Defined a Show

Of course, no discussion of The Golden Girls and food would be complete without mentioning cheesecake. It was more than just a dessert—it was a symbol of friendship, shared memories, and heartfelt conversations.

Throughout the show, the girls bonded over cheesecake countless times, making it an iconic part of The Golden Girls legacy. While each actress had her own unique food preferences in real life, cheesecake will forever be the treat that brought them—and their fans—together.

While we may never know the full extent of what the Golden Girls cast loved to eat, one thing is certain—their warmth, humor, and unforgettable presence made any meal feel like a family gathering. So next time you enjoy a slice of cheesecake, take a moment to remember the laughter and love that made The Golden Girls truly golden.