We found the best recipes from Wisconsin—from home cooks and our staffers, all proud Wisconsinites. Here you’ll find fresh ingredients and flavors from across the Badger State, like cheese, brats and beer.
The Best Recipes from Wisconsin
Updated on Jan. 14, 2022
1/31
Barbecue Brats & Peppers
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We live in brat country, and this barbecue-style recipe feeds a crowd. The sauce gives it a welcome change from the same old grilled bratwurst. — Maria Zrucky, Kronenwetter, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 614 calories, 30g fat (10g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1789mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
2/31
Cream Puffs
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The Wisconsin Bakers Association has served this cream puff recipe at our state fair since 1924. —Ruth Jungbluth, Dodgeville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cream puff: 340 calories, 29g fat (17g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
3/31
Deep-Fried Cheese Bites
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These beer-battered cheese curds are the ultimate in delicious comfort food. Some folks like to serve them with ranch dressing, ketchup or barbecue sauce for dipping. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 257 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
4/31
Beer and Pretzel Caramels
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
about 3 pounds (81 servings)
From the Recipe Creator:
Beer and pretzels are a natural combination—mix them with smooth caramel and you have an awesome candy. The guys will go wild over these crunchy, chunky chews. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 90 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 91mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
5/31
Brandy Old-Fashioned
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
The concept of an old-fashioned dates back to the early 1800s and includes whiskey, bitters, cherry juice, sugar and water. This old-fashioned recipe, which is extremely popular in Wisconsin, uses brandy in place of whiskey and lemon-lime soda instead of water for a milder cocktail. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 277 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
6/31
Slow-Cooker Cheddar Bacon Beer Dip
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize in our office party recipe contest. Other beers can work for this, but be sure to steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 213 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
7/31
Crispy Fish & Chips
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A British pub classic turns crown jewel when you add horseradish, panko and Worcestershire. You can also try it with a white fish like cod or haddock. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3/4 cup fries: 416 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
8/31
Pierogi Beef Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Hearty and thick with beef, veggies and potatoes, this is a complete meal in one. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 654 calories, 31g fat (12g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 1157mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 7g fiber), 34g protein.
9/31
Peanut Butter Custard Blast
Total Time
55 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
"Ooey, gooey, great!" is how friends and family describe this chocolate-peanut butter dessert. I appreciate the make-ahead convenience. —Marilee Evenson, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 585 calories, 37g fat (16g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 396mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
10/31
Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread
Total Time
50 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The kids will get a kick out of pulling off gooey pieces of this delectable monkey bread. It's hard to resist a caramel-coated treat. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 334 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
11/31
Cheeseburger Soup
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn't share its recipe with me. I developed my own, modifying a recipe I already had for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American dish turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 354 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1012mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
12/31
Brat & Bacon Appetizer Pizza
Total Time
25 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chopped bratwurst and maple bacon are a fabulous way to start a pizza. I jazz up this treat even more with apricot preserves and honey mustard. The snack-sized slices win over even the toughest critics. —Colleen Vrooman, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 124 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
13/31
Grilled Beef & Blue Cheese Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Roast beef, red onion and blue cheese really amp up this deluxe grilled sandwich. If you like a little heat, mix some horseradish into the spread. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 471 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 1021mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
14/31
Party Time Mini Cheeseburgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids and adults alike will love the taste of these moist and mouthwatering mini burgers. Juiced up with pickle relish and topped with cheese slices, these "sliders" will disappear in no time flat! Be sure to make plenty. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1 mini cheeseburger equals 217 calories, 8 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 65 mg cholesterol, 387 mg sodium, 21 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 13 g protein.
15/31
Ranch Potato Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this creamy ranch potato salad with cheese, bacon and ranch salad dressing. My sister asked for the recipe as soon as she tried it. —Lynn Breunig, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 316 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
16/31
Grilled Boneless Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is my favorite out of all my grilled pork chop recipes. I start preparing this entree the night before I plan to grill it.—Erica Svejda, Janesville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 328 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 44g protein.
17/31
Apple Pie Bites
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These apple pie bites are fun for kids to make. Simply wrap strips of pastry around apple wedges and shake on some cinnamon-sugar. Then just bake and watch them disappear! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 163 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
18/31
Irish Soda Bread
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 loaf (8 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
This traditional Irish soda bread can be made with an assortment of mix-ins such as dried fruit and nuts, but I like it with a handful of raisins. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 210 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
19/31
Blue Cheese Potato Chips
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Game day calls for something bold. I top potato chips with tomatoes, bacon and tangy blue cheese. I make two big pans, and they always disappear. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 215 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 359mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
20/31
Grilled Seasoned Bratwurst
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you're hosting a picnic at home or at a park, cook these bratwurst on the stovetop first. Then you can quickly brown them on the grill. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1 bratwurst equals 533 calories, 27 g fat (10 g saturated fat), 51 mg cholesterol, 825 mg sodium, 44 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 20 g protein.
21/31
Best Ever Mac & Cheese
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To make this amazing mac, I make a sauce loaded with three different cheeses to toss with the noodles. When baked, it's gooey goodness with a crunchy topping that...don't get me started! —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 762 calories, 43g fat (25g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 1138mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
22/31
German Vegetable Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister-in-law gave me this recipe—it's a nice thick soup. It does call for quite a few ingredients, but the taste is worth it!—Gundrun Braker, Burnett, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 167 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 730mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
23/31
Grandma’s Honey Muffins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I can remember my Grandma Wheeler making these delicious muffins—we'd eat them nice and warm, fresh from the oven! She was a "pinch of this and handful of that" kind of cook, so getting the ingredient amounts correct for the recipe was a challenge. Now it's a family treasure! —Darlis A. Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 179 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
24/31
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tired of the same old side dish, I whipped up this new family favorite. We can't get enough of these loaded mashed potatoes at our house. Often, I'll prepare this casserole ahead and refrigerate it. Then I bake it just before serving. —Dawn Reuter, Oxford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 307 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
25/31
Snickerdoodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The history of these whimsically named treats has been widely disputed, but their popularity is undeniable. Help yourself
to one of our soft cinnamon-sugared cookies and see for yourself. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 82 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
26/31
Crusty Bread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Crackling homemade bread makes an average day extraordinary. Enjoy this beautiful crusty bread recipe as is, or stir in a few favorites like cheese, garlic, herbs and dried fruits. —Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece (calculated without add-ins): 105 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
27/31
Bratwurst Supper
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After trying a few bratwurst recipes, I've found this meal-in-one is ideal for camping since it grills to perfection in a heavy-duty foil bag. Loaded with chunks of bratwurst, red potatoes, mushrooms and carrots, it's easy to season with onion soup mix and a little soy sauce. —Janice Meyer, Medford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 524 calories, 37g fat (14g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1445mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
28/31
Rhubarb Custard Bars
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Once I tried these rich, gooey bars, I just had to have the recipe so I could make them for my family and friends. The shortbread-like crust and the rhubarb and custard layers inspire people to find rhubarb that they can use to fix a batch for themselves. —Shari Roach, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 198 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
29/31
Celebration Cheese Balls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 cheese balls (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
A handful of simple ingredients that go together in minutes, three fun flavorful options…these creamy cheese balls from our Test Kitchen are a darling, do-ahead delight for busy holiday hostesses! Why not whip up several batches? —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 57 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
30/31
Creamy Bratwurst Stew
Total Time
7 hours 50 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A rich sauce coats this hearty combination of potatoes, carrots and bratwurst chunks. I adapted a baked stew recipe that appeared in a newspaper. This is so comforting on cold winter evenings. —Susan Holmes, Germantown, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 544 calories, 39g fat (15g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 1367mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
31/31
Apple Crisp
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I live in apple country, and making a delicious apple crisp is one way to use the fruit. This treat doesn’t take a lot of time to assemble. —Gertrude Bartnick, Portage, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 426 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 79g carbohydrate (58g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
