10/07/2024

15 Weird Foods from the Midwest You’ve Probably Never Encountered

Forget what you thought you knew about the Midwest because it’s a place that’s far more than just corn and casseroles. This part of the country has its own set of food that you’ll hardly find anywhere else, which is one of the reasons it’s so unique. Let’s take a look at 18 foods from the Midwest that make it so special.

Tater Tot Hotdish

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In Minnesota, they’ve turned the humble tater tot into a culinary treat with the tater tot hotdish. It’s essentially layers of tots baked under a creamy mix of ground beef and veggies. This is a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for those chilly nights and is guaranteed to bring the whole family running to the table.

Detroit-Style Pizza

Pizza night in Detroit is square and seriously saucy. This pizza has a thick and fluffy crust that’s the perfect level of crispiness around the edges, thanks to all that cheese that caramelizes in the pain. Whether you top it with pepperoni or keep it classic with just cheese and sauce, this is probably the greatest kind of pizza outside Italy.

Cheese Curds

Cheese curds are pretty popular around Wisconsin, thanks to that cheesy and salty taste. It doesn’t matter if you eat them fresh out of the vat or battered and fried because they’re pure bliss either way. Try dripping them in some ranch or ketchup to create a snack that’s almost impossible to stop eating.

Runza

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Nebraska might not be the first place you think of when you’re looking for new foods, but perhaps it should be. Runza is warm, baked dough that’s stuffed with beef and vegetables, making it a perfect meal for on-the-go. If you’re looking for a homely food that’s as comforting as it is filling, then Runza is the one for you.

Buckeyes

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If you’re from Ohio and haven’t had a Buckeye, are you really from Ohio? These chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls look like the nut from a Buckeye tree, hence the name, and they’re dangerously addictive. No party in Ohio is complete without a bowl of these for everyone to taste.

Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Iowa’s pork tenderloin sandwich is absolutely huge, and you’ll be grateful for that once you give it a taste. They bread and fry their pork in a way that makes it stick out past the bun, which looks almost too small for it. Once you add in some mustard and pickles, you’ve got a sandwich that’s more of an experience than a meal. It might be messy, but that’s part of the fun.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

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In Chicago, they take their hot dogs seriously, and that means no ketchup but a ton of toppings instead. They load theirs with tomatoes, pickles, onions, relish, mustard, sport peppers, and a little seed, then pack it all inside a poppy seed bun. Each bite is a masterpiece, and you’ll find yourself begging to return to the Windy City for just one more.

Wild Rice Soup

When it gets cold in Minnesota, lots of families will make wild rice soup because it’s just so creamy and hearty. It’s got that nutty taste that locals love, thanks to the wild rice, and if you throw in some chicken or vegetables, you’ll have a soup that’ll always fill you up. It’s also a good way to show off some of the local produce.

Goetta

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Cincinnati has a morning secret called goetta, which is like sausage but better. They mix up pork, beef, and steel-cut oats, then they slice it and fry it until it’s crispy on the outside but still soft inside. You can serve it with eggs or pancakes, and if you’re in the city, it’s an absolutely must-try.

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake

St. Louis gooey butter cake is the perfect food for anyone with a sweet tooth, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s a delicious cake that’s gooey and buttery in all the right ways, and it’s something that’ll stick to your fork and your ribs. Strangely enough, it was actually first made by completely accident.

Jell-O Salad

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Even though we’re well out of the decade for it, people still eat Jell-O salad in some parts of the Midwest. They’ll mix lime and cherry Jell-O with pineapple or even cottage cheese to make a dish that’s certainly a conversation starter. Of course, it’s a bit out there, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

Morel Mushrooms

Springtime in the Midwest brings out the mushroom hunters who start looking for those elusive morels, as they’re seen as a delicacy. They’ve got the texture of honeycomb and flavor that’s much earthier and more buttery than any other kind of mushrooms. Best of all, you can fry them with some butter or salt or even throw them into a creamy pasta to make a delicious dish.

Cincinnati Chili

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Cincinnati chili isn’t a regular chili but instead a whole different beast. It includes cinnamon and cloves, served over spaghetti and topped with a mountain of cheddar cheese, which gives it a unique flavor that’s half sweet and half savory. You can either go for a three-way, which is just chili, spaghetti, and cheese, or a five-way, which includes onions and beans.

Horseshoe Sandwich

A horseshoe sandwich is a lot better than it sounds. It comes from Illinois and is essentially an open-faced sandwich that’s piled high with your choice of meat, then topped with crispy fries and a creamy cheese sauce. Of course, it’s indulgent and messy, but you won’t find comfort food that’s better than this.

Pasties

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In Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, pasties are pretty popular, thanks to the Cornish miners who brought them over. They’re meat and vegetable-filled pies wrapped in a thick crust, and they’re perfect for a cold day. Each bite is a mix of delicious home-cooked beef and vegetables that are sure to make you feel at home.

Friday Fish Fry

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The Friday fish fry is a Wisconsin tradition that both locals and visitors look forward to, as it’s beer-battered fish that’s been fried to perfection. They usually eat it with some rye bread or coleslaw, and sometimes, potato pancakes. You can eat it any day of the week, and it’s the kind of food that brings people together.

Pannekoeken

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Pannekoeken aren’t you’re everyday pancakes. These large and fluffy pancakes are a Dutch treat, and they’re a little thicker than crepes. You can make them sweet and add whatever toppings you like, whether that’s fruit or cheese. If you ask any Minnesotan, they’ll tell you that Pannekoeken is the perfect start to your day.

Sauerkraut Balls

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In Ohio, especially around the festival season, you might see the locals eating sauerkraut balls. These are deep-fried treats filled with tangy sauerkraut and savory pork that makes them crispy on the outside and warm on the inside. They’ll usually eat it with mustard or horseradish sauce for that extra kick.