From wild rice hot dish to Cincinnati chili, we're naming the most midwestern foods ever. Did your favorite make the cut?
The 30 Best Midwestern Recipes Ever, Ranked
Updated on Feb. 16, 2022
#30: Broccoli Chicken Casserole
The casserole might as well be the official dish of the Midwestern states. Always comforting, easy to throw together on a weeknight and-more often than not-loaded with a generous portion of cheese, casseroles-like this broccoli chicken cheesy version-are a Heartland favorite for good reason.
1/30
2/30
Kuchen
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
4 coffee cakes (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This German classic is such a part of our reunions, we designate a special place to serve it. Five generations flock to the "Kuchen Room" for this coffee cake. —Stephanie Schentzel, Northville, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 242 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 69mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
3/30
Breaded Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Meat is a hard sell with my teenage daughter unless I make it look like a restaurant dish. Drizzle ranch dressing or barbecue sauce on top and it's a home run. —Donna Carney, New Lexington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork: 338 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
4/30
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.
5/30
Meat Loaf with Oatmeal
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A simple blend of seasonings results in a hot and hearty meat loaf that's big on flavor and very satisfying. —Lauree Buus, Rapid City, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 308 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
6/30
Homemade Corn Dogs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Prepare corn dogs at home just like you'd get at the fair. Both kids and grown-ups will love this hearty corn dog batter. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 corn dog: 316 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
7/30
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While this special chicken and wild rice casserole is perfect for a company dinner, it's so good that I often make it for everyday family meals. We think it is very nice served with some crusty rolls or French bread. —Elizabeth Tokariuk, Lethbridge, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 382 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
8/30
Crunchy-Coated Walleye
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Potato flakes make a golden coating for these fish fillets, which are a breeze to fry on the stovetop. —Sondra Ostheimer, Boscobel, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 566 calories, 24g fat (4g saturated fat), 326mg cholesterol, 508mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 55g protein.
9/30
Easy Cornish Pasties
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 pasties
From the Recipe Creator:
These are a bit different from traditional pasties, but the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen. My husband really enjoys these, so I like to double the recipe and freeze the extras to have on hand for a quick meal. —Judy Marsden, Ontario, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 pasty: 289 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 521mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
10/30
Basil Grilled Corn on the Cob
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Corn on the cob is a comforting and cherished Midwest dish. It's amazing when grilled, and my recipe adds a few unexpected ingredients to make it taste even more like summertime. —Caitlin Dawson, Monroe, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 125 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
11/30
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.
12/30
Custard Ice Cream
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This ice cream is technically a custard since it contains eggs. After lots of testing (and tasting), I've found that eggs are the key to making a smooth and creamy treat that rivals what you can get at a premium ice cream shop. -Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 310 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 188mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
13/30
Swedish Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 meatballs with 1-3/4 cups noodles and about 1/3 cup gravy: 834 calories, 33g fat (14g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 1711mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 50g protein.
14/30
Sharp Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Try as I might, I can never follow a recipe exactly. Here's what I came up with when I made a family friend's scalloped potatoes recipe in my own kitchen. These potatoes are so good—you'll just keep going back for more. —Susan Simons, Eatonville, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 436 calories, 26g fat (16g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 576mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
15/30
Homemade Pierogi
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Pierogi, dumplings stuffed with a filling, make for a wonderful change-of-pace side dish. —Diane Gawrys, Manchester, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
4 pierogi: 373 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
16/30
Gooey Butter Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
As a native of St. Louis, I wanted to make a cookie version of the famous gooey butter cake. And although many gooey butter cake recipes use a cake mix, these cookies are made from scratch. —Julia TenHoeve, Richmond, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 70 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
17/30
Chicago-Style Beef Rolls
Total Time
8 hours 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have fond memories of eating these big, messy sandwiches at a neighbor's house when I was growing up. Freeze any extras and save for another meal! —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich (calculated without optional toppings): 418 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 771mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
18/30
Sauerkraut Hot Dish
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We often serve this hearty dish at family gatherings, and the men especially seem to enjoy it. My sister gave me the recipe about 15 years ago. It’s been a favorite ever since. The unusual blend of ingredients is a pleasant surprise.
—Nedra Parker, Dunbar, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 355 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein.
19/30
Midwestern Meat Pies
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I moved to the Midwest in 1966, I discovered many ethnic foods that I had never heard of before. One of my friends introduced me to this recipe, similar to sandwiches from Nebraska's widely known Runza restaurant chain, and it quickly became a favored dish in my home. —Dolly Croghan, Mead, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 368 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 443mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
20/30
Grilled Beer Brats with Kraut
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this for my son’s 21st birthday bonfire, which included a dozen buddies. The kraut topping flavors are fabulous. —Keeley Weber, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 582 calories, 34g fat (11g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1473mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
21/30
Sugar Cream Pie
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I absolutely love Indiana sugar cream pie; especially the one that my grandma made for me. Here, we serve it warm or chilled and call it "Hoosier" sugar cream pie. —Laura Kipper, Westfield, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 418 calories, 24g fat (15g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
22/30
Homemade Cincinnati Chili
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
The chocolate in this recipe threw me off at first, but now it's the only way I make chili. You'll find layers of delicious flavor in this heartwarming dish. It's well worth the time it takes! —Joyce Alm, Thorp, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 358 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 1141mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 33g protein.
23/30
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I keep frozen spuds on hand for meals like this Tater Tot breakfast casserole. It’s a super brunch, breakfast or side dish for kids of all ages. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 443 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 243mg cholesterol, 917mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
24/30
Toasted Ravioli
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
While visiting a friend who had just moved to St. Louis, Missouri, I tried toasted ravioli at almost every restaurant! When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and this recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 73 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
25/30
Kansas City-Style Ribs
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family recipe for ribs has evolved to near perfection. These country-style beauties are a legend in our close circle. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 rib: 453 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
26/30
Michigan Cherry Pie
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tart Michigan cherry pie is delicious with the streusel topping, but is even better crowned with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. —Diane Selich, Vassar, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 590 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 99g carbohydrate (65g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
27/30
Coney Island Hot Dogs
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
From the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 chili dog: 371 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 992mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
28/30
Deep-Dish Pizza
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 pizzas (8 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I tried to duplicate the deep-dish pizza recipe from a popular restaurant, and I think our Chicago-style deep-dish pizza turned out even better. The secret is baking it in a cast-iron skillet! —Lynn Hamilton, Naperville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 407 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 872mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
29/30
Buckeyes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These chocolate peanut butter balls (no bake!) are always popular at my church's annual Christmas fundraiser. They resemble chestnuts or buckeyes—hence the name. —Merry Kay Opitz, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 127 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
30/30
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.
