Comfort Food Runs Deep in the Midwest
Midwestern food has a reputation for being hearty, filling, and closely connected to family gatherings, local traditions, and long-standing recipes. From state-fair favorites to casseroles that show up at nearly every potluck, these foods are often as much about memories as they are about flavor. You don't have to love every dish on this list, but if you're from the Heartland, chances are you've encountered most of them more than once.
1. Hotdish
Often associated with the state of Minnesota, hotdish is used by most Midwesterners when it comes to food. Hotdish typically consists of meat, veggies, and a starch that are covered in some sort of cream and then cooked together. Whether your family uses ground beef, tater tots, or something completely different, a good hotdish is supposed to be filling and easy to share.
2. Deep-Dish Pizza
If you're asking about the best foods that come from the Midwest, then Chicago's deep-dish pizza should be on that list. With the extra-thick crust, you get more room for cheese and toppings on the pizza, making it more filling than most pizzas. If you're from the area, you may have strong opinions about where to get the best version, too.
3. Cheese Curds
There isn't much to describe about cheese curds that would convince you to eat them. They are small cubes of fresh cheese with not much taste to them but have a nice bounciness to them when you bite into them. Fried cheese curds take things even further, giving you a crispy snack that's hard to ignore at a fair, restaurant, or sports bar.
4. Runza
A runza is known to most Nebraskans. It's made from baked bread that's stuffed with various ingredients. Some of these ingredients include meat, cabbage, and onion. If you've grown up around Nebraska, you may have a favorite place to get one or a family recipe that has its own little variations.
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5. Cincinnati Chili
Just like any other city, chili has its own unique recipe that it prides itself on. Cincinnati chili is usually put on top of spaghetti, and shredded cheese will go on top. The combination might surprise someone encountering it for the first time, but it's a Cincinnati institution for a reason.
6. Buckeyes
These are popular around the state of Ohio. These are a peanut butter center coated with chocolate. You'll find them at holiday gatherings, bake sales, parties, and plenty of kitchens where someone has decided that peanut butter and chocolate belong together.
7. Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
Another great food to know about when living in Iowa. Loose meat sandwiches contain ground beef that is cooked with seasonings. It's simple food, but that's part of the appeal when you're craving something filling without a lot of unnecessary extras.
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8. Detroit-Style Pizza
Similar to deep-dish pizza, Detroit-style pizza has its own uniqueness. Detroit-style pizza will always be a rectangle shape with a thicker crust and cheese. If you like crispy edges, there's a lot to appreciate about those browned corners.
9. Corn on the Cob
Summertime corn is another favorite that the Midwest is known for. Every time corn season arrives, everyone around you will be eating corn. Backyard cookouts will always have corn as an option.
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10. Breaded Pork Tenderloin
The states of Iowa and Indiana are where you will find a great tenderloin sandwich. With its name, it's obvious that it's a piece of pork tenderloin that's been breaded and fried. This tenderloin will most likely hang off of your bun, so make sure you're ready to eat one.
11. Walking Taco
It basically takes a bag of corn chips and adds various toppings. Similar to tacos, you will put your favorite meat and toppings on your chips and eat out of the bag. It's especially popular at school events, sporting events, and fairs because you don't need a plate or much cleanup.
12. Jell-O Salad
Jell-O salad is another staple at Midwestern or American cookouts. It can vary by recipe, but most Jell-O salads include fruits and whipped cream or cottage cheese. It may sound unusual if you didn't grow up eating it, but longtime fans often have a specific family version they swear by.
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13. Chicken and Noodles
If you're trying to provide others with a meal that will satisfy them, then chicken and noodles is a good choice. This can be made many ways, but usually you will have your chicken with noodles. It's especially popular during colder months when a big bowl of something hearty sounds exactly right.
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14. Butter Burgers
What state is known for making dairy? Wisconsin! That's why they have butter burgers. Just like any burger, they are a patty of beef, but with the butter bun, you know it's going to be delicious.
15. Sugar Cream Pie
One of Indiana's most favorite pies to enjoy is the sugar cream pie. You will need sugar, cream, and a few other ingredients to make this pie. Some may call it the Hoosier sugar cream pie. If you ever get the chance to taste this, try it.
16. Lefse
Lefse is made from potatoes and flour to create a thin round of bread. This was brought to America by the Norwegians and can be found around Minnesota and North Dakota. If your family has Scandinavian roots in the Midwest, there's a good chance lefse has appeared around the holidays.
17. Pork Chops
There are many states in the Midwest that raise hogs and live off eating pork. You can serve pork chops many different ways, and they will always be a hit when eating this meat. Whether it's grilled, baked, or pan-fried, this is the sort of straightforward dinner that has appeared on countless Midwestern tables.
18. Fried Walleye
Minnesota and surrounding states are known for their freshwater fishing, and walleye is always a fish that is enjoyed. There are many places that will offer you a fried piece of walleye for your meal. If you're spending time around the region's lakes, finding a good walleye dinner can become part of the experience.
19. Puppy Chow
Although puppy chow may have the word puppy in its name, it's definitely made for humans. This is a very popular food to make at parties and during holidays. It is made with cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar.
20. Apple Pie
Apple pie isn't exclusively Midwestern, but it fits comfortably into the region's food traditions. Apples are widely grown across parts of the Midwest, and homemade apple pie has long been associated with family dinners, holidays, and community gatherings. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream while the pie is still warm, and you may find it difficult to stop at just one slice.
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