15 Unique Foods Only Midwesterners Know
The Midwest is rich in culinary traditions, with various unique dishes that reflect its heritage and cultural diversity. From hearty comfort foods to distinctive regional specialties, Midwestern cuisine offers flavors and experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
While some of these foods have gained national recognition, many remain beloved local secrets, known primarily to those who grew up in the heartland. In this listicle, we explore 15 unique foods that only Midwesterners truly appreciate, each with its own story and special place in the region’s culinary landscape.
Hotdish
Hotdish is a quintessential Midwestern comfort food that is trendy in Minnesota and the Dakotas. This casserole typically combines meat, vegetables, and starch, all bound together by a creamy soup or sauce. The most famous version, tater tot hotdish, features ground beef, green beans, and corn topped with crispy tater tots.
Hotdish is a staple at community gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners, valued for its simplicity and ability to feed a crowd. It’s a dish that reflects the region’s agricultural roots and practical approach to cooking. The variations are endless, with each family and community adding their own unique ingredients and touches.
Runza
A runza is a savory pastry filled with ground beef, cabbage, onions, and seasonings enclosed in a soft bread pocket. Originating from Nebraska, this handheld meal is a staple in the Cornhusker State, often enjoyed during tailgates and family gatherings. The runza’s roots can be traced to the Volga German immigrants who brought the recipe to the Midwest in the 19th century. The dish is celebrated for its portability and satisfying, hearty filling.
Runza restaurants, especially the famous chain of the same name, have helped keep this regional specialty alive and well. Whether served plain or with additional flavors like cheese and mushrooms, runzas are a beloved part of Nebraska’s culinary identity.
Chislic
Chislic is a dish of cubed red meat, typically lamb, venison, or beef, deep-fried or grilled and served with garlic salt and a side of toothpicks for easy eating. This South Dakota specialty, reflecting the state’s hunting traditions, is often enjoyed as an appetizer or bar snack.
The meat is usually cooked to a tender, juicy perfection, offering a savory and flavorful bite that’s hard to resist. Chislic is often paired with crackers or bread and sometimes served with a dipping sauce. This simple yet delicious dish has become a point of state pride, with local festivals celebrating its heritage. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting the region to experience authentic Midwestern flavors.
Pasties
Pasties are hearty meat pies filled with beef, potatoes, onions, and sometimes rutabaga, all encased in a flaky pastry crust. Cornish miners brought These portable meals to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the 19th century. Pasties were designed to be a convenient and filling lunch that miners could easily carry and eat without utensils.
Pasties remain a beloved regional dish celebrated for their rich, comforting flavors. Depending on local preferences, they are often served with gravy or ketchup. The pasty symbolizes the area’s mining heritage and a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, satisfying food.
Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a towering marvel of cheese, sauce, and toppings, with a thick, buttery crust that can stand up to its hearty fillings. Unlike traditional thin-crust pizzas, this version is more like a savory pie, baked in a deep pan to create its signature look and texture. Each slice is a meal and layered with mozzarella directly on the dough, followed by toppings and a chunky tomato sauce.
While this style of pizza has become synonymous with Chicago, many Midwesterners have their favorite local pizzerias that put their own twist on this classic. Deep-dish pizza is not just food; it’s an experience that demands a leisurely meal and often a knife and fork. It’s a dish that embodies the indulgent spirit of Midwestern comfort food.
Buckeyes
Buckeyes are a sweet treat made from a mixture of peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter, rolled into balls and dipped in chocolate, exposing a small circle of peanut butter. Named for their resemblance to the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree, these candies are especially popular in Ohio, where they are a staple at holiday gatherings and football parties.
The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist. Buckeyes are often made at home, with recipes passed down through generations. They are also available at bakeries and confectioneries throughout the Midwest. This simple yet delicious treat embodies the region’s love for homemade, nostalgic desserts.
Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Wisconsin cheese curds are fresh, bite-sized pieces of curdled milk, often enjoyed either fresh or deep-fried. Known for their “squeaky” texture when fresh, cheese curds are a beloved snack and a testament to Wisconsin’s dairy heritage. When deep-fried, they become crispy and gooey on the inside, making them a popular appetizer at bars and restaurants.
Cheese curds are often served with ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping. They are a staple at state fairs and local festivals, celebrated for their unique texture and rich flavor. Wisconsin’s reputation as “America’s Dairyland” is well-deserved, and cheese curds are a delicious part of that legacy.
Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati chili is a distinctive regional dish characterized by its unique seasoning blend, which includes cinnamon, cloves, and chocolate. Unlike traditional chili, it is typically served over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheese, onions, and beans. This dish can be ordered in different “ways,” ranging from two-way (chili and spaghetti) to five-way (chili, spaghetti, cheese, onions, and beans).
Cincinnati chili is a staple of the city’s culinary scene, with local chains like Skyline and Gold Star leading the way. Its sweet and savory flavor profile sets it apart from other chili styles, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the area. The dish reflects the city’s immigrant heritage, blending Mediterranean and American influences.
Juicy Lucy
A Juicy Lucy is a cheese-stuffed burger that originated in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This indulgent creation features cheese melted inside the meat patty, resulting in a molten core of gooey goodness when bitten into. The Juicy Lucy is typically served with pickles, onions, and other traditional burger toppings.
There are several claims to the origin of the Juicy Lucy, with two bars in Minneapolis—Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club—being the most famous contenders. This burger has become a local icon, drawing food enthusiasts from near and far to experience its unique appeal. The Juicy Lucy exemplifies the inventive spirit of Midwestern cuisine, turning a simple burger into something extraordinary.
Swedish Kringle
Swedish Kringle is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with fruit, nuts, or other sweet fillings and often topped with icing or powdered sugar. This delightful treat is trendy in Wisconsin, reflecting the state’s rich Scandinavian heritage. Kringles are typically made in a distinctive oval shape and are enjoyed during holidays and special occasions.
The delicate layers of pastry combined with the sweet filling create a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. Racine, Wisconsin, is known as the “Kringla Capital of America,” with several bakeries specializing in this beloved pastry. Kringle is a testament to the enduring influence of immigrant traditions in Midwestern cuisine.
Fried Walleye
Fried walleye is a popular dish in the Great Lakes region, particularly in Minnesota and Wisconsin. This freshwater fish is prized for its mild, flaky texture and is often breaded and fried to golden perfection. Walleye is typically served with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and a side of coleslaw or fries.
The dish is a staple at fish fries, a beloved Midwestern tradition, especially during Lent. Walleye’s popularity reflects the region’s abundant natural resources and strong fishing culture. Enjoying a plate of fried walleye is a quintessential Midwestern experience, offering a taste of the region’s culinary heritage.
Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
The Maid-Rite loose meat sandwich is a unique Midwestern creation consisting of seasoned ground beef served on a bun, similar to a sloppy joe but without the sauce. Originating from Iowa, the sandwich is known for its simple yet flavorful filling, often topped with mustard, pickles, and onions.
Maid-Rite sandwiches are a popular fast-food option, with several regional chains and independent diners specializing in this tasty treat. The sandwich’s loose meat filling provides a different texture experience compared to traditional burgers. This Iowa classic reflects the region’s love for straightforward, hearty meals that satisfy the appetite.
Gooey Butter Cake
Gooey butter cake is a decadent, dense dessert originating in St. Louis, Missouri. This decadent treat features a cake base topped with a gooey, buttery filling and is often dusted with powdered sugar. The cake’s texture is a delightful contrast of chewy and gooey, making it a favorite at family gatherings and celebrations.
Gooey butter cake was reportedly created by accident in the 1930s, but it quickly became a local favorite. It remains a beloved part of St. Louis’s culinary identity, with variations including chocolate, pumpkin, and more. This indulgent dessert is a testament to the Midwest’s love for comforting, homemade sweets.
Chili Mac
Chili mac is a hearty dish combining macaroni pasta with chili, creating a comforting and filling meal. Popular in the Midwest, particularly in Illinois and Missouri, chili mac is a go-to dish for potlucks, family dinners, and casual gatherings. Tender pasta and savory chili, often topped with cheese, create a satisfying flavor and texture contrast.
Chili mac is celebrated for its versatility, with countless variations depending on personal and regional preferences. This dish reflects the Midwest’s practical approach to cooking, using simple ingredients to create something delicious and comforting. It’s a staple of Midwestern comfort food, perfect for warming up on a cold day.
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
The pork tenderloin sandwich is an iconic Midwestern dish beloved in Indiana and Iowa. This sandwich features a breaded and fried pork tenderloin, often pounded thin, served on a bun with pickles, onions, and condiments. The pork is typically more significant than the bun, creating a striking and delicious presentation.
This hearty sandwich is a staple at diners, fairs, and local restaurants, celebrated for its crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat. The pork tenderloin sandwich exemplifies the Midwest’s knack for elevating simple ingredients into something special. It’s a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Midwestern cuisine.
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