There’s no denying that the Midwest makes food like nowhere else in the United States. No matter where you go, this food is guaranteed to make you feel right at home, so locals swear by it, and visitors can’t wait to try it. Let’s look at 18 iconic Midwestern foods and drinks that make it one of the most delicious destinations in America.
Kansas City Barbecue
Pull up a chair and prepare your napkins because a Kansas City barbecue is a messy meal worth every bite. It’s a delicious supper that includes slow-smoked meats with a generous slathering of sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. It doesn’t matter if you’re eating ribs or brisket because each bite will have you reaching for more.
Hotdish
A hotdish is the go-to for any potluck or big gathering in Minnesota. It’s essentially a casserole but with a Midwestern twist. It has plenty of meat and vegetables and a creamy soup binder. The locals love this meal, and you’ll soon realize why it’s stood the test of time.
Iowa Maid-Rites
As simple as Iowa’s Maid-Rite sandwich is, it’s also equally satisfying and a must-try. It’s just seasoned loose-meat beef on a warm bun that goes well with onions, mustard, and pickles. Sometimes, less really is more, and this sandwich is clear proof of that because its simplicity makes it stand out.
Indiana Sugar Cream Pie
If you’re looking for something sweet and utterly indulgent, look no further than Indiana’s sugar cream pie. After all, it’s the state’s pie for a good reason. Even though it’s made with some of the most basic ingredients, the result is anything but plain, and each slice is a treat that practically melts in your mouth.
St. Louis-Style Pizza
A St. Louis-style pizza is for anyone who loves a thin crust and plenty of toppings, but there’s more to it than that. The Provel cheese, a delicious mix of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, melts perfectly over the crispy crust. Cutting this pizza into squares is perfect for sharing, although you’ll probably want to keep it all for yourself.
Oberweis Dairy Milk
Illinois’s Oberweis Dairy Milk isn’t just your regular stuff because it’s creamier and richer. It doesn’t matter if you have chocolate or plain, as each glass bottle will take you back to your childhood kitchen table. They don’t make it like they used to, and Oberweis Dairy Milk is the perfect example of that.
Missouri Toasted Ravioli
Missouri toasted ravioli is a huge favorite across the state, and after eating a piece, you’ll find out why. These crispy ravioli are stuffed with either meat or cheese and come with a tangy marinara sauce that’s perfect for dipping. With each bite, you’ll find yourself reaching for just one more.
South Dakota Chislic
If you’re ever going to South Dakota, you must try some Chislic, especially since it has such a long history. It’s a simple dish that’s just skewered, deep-fried meat cubes seasoned to perfection, but it’s a big part of the local ranching and hunting festivities. Whenever you go to a local bar or festival, you’ll find some chili on the menu, and it’s definitely worth a shot.
Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned
Forget whiskey. Wisconsin’s take on the Old Fashioned uses brandy, along with a delicious mix of olives and cherries. It’s a sweeter and smoother take that goes well with the state’s infamous cheese curds, which is why it’s so popular in the state. This is the perfect choice for a relaxing evening.
Fargo Fry Bread Tacos
In North Dakota, they’ve got their own take on tacos with fry-bread tacos. It’s a mix of Native American fry bread and classic taco toppings that tell a culinary story of its own. These tacos bring people from all over for a meal like no other, so you’ll see them at plenty of community fairs and local diners.
Indiana Persimmon Pudding
When fall comes in Indiana, that means it’s time for persimmon pudding. This dessert is a seasonal specialty that locals look forward to all year round, thanks to its rich flavor with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Even if you haven’t eaten a full meal, this is a treat that is worth eating on its own.
Illinois Italian Beef Sandwich
Illinois has some of the best food around, and their version of an Italian beef sandwich is even more proof. To make it, you just need to simmer some thinly sliced roast beef in broth, then pile it on a roll. You can have it wet, which is dipped in the broth, or dry, but don’t forget to top it with some giardiniera or sweet peppers for some extra zing.
Ohio Pawpaw Fruit
The pawpaw fruit is native to Ohio and must be America’s best-kept fruit secret. Its uniquely creamy texture instantly reminds you of bananas and mangoes. When September rolls around, many Ohioans celebrate this fruit with festivals exclusively for the pawpaw.
Minnesota Lefse
Even though it’s originally from Norway, the lefse have found their home in Minnesota. This soft bread is made from potatoes and flour, along with plenty of love, and people usually serve it with butter or sugar. How you eat it is up to you because you can have it rolled up like a sweet taco or flat like a crepe.
Nebraska Corn Chowder
During harvest month, Nebraska’s corn chowder is a hit with practically everyone in the state. It’s packed with many vegetables, like corn and potatoes, and a hint of bacon for that extra smoky flavor. It’s a meal that’s comforting on a cool day but also delicious at any other time of the year.
Iowa Scotcheroos
Iowa’s Scotcheroos take the cake at any party, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a crispy rice cereal with sticky peanut butter, smothered under a rich topping of melted chocolate and butterscotch. What more could you want? Once you have one, you’ll be craving the next one.
Knoephla Soup
Thanks to that delicious mix of potatoes and homemade dumplings, there’s nothing better than a bowl of Knoephla soup during a North Dakotan winter. Each spoonful is sure to warm and fill you up, which is why it’s such a great comfort food when the snow starts to fall. It’s all you need to survive those cold nights.
Missouri Burnt Ends
Missouri, particularly Kansas City, is the place to go for burnt ends, a true barbecue masterpiece. It’s smoked brisket that’s cooked just right and packed with intense smokiness. You can either eat them on their own or stuff them into sandwiches for an extra punch of meatiness.
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
