12 Midwestern Recipes Outsiders Just Don’t Understand—But Totally Should
The Midwest is home to some of the most comforting, quirky, and downright delicious dishes in America—but if you didn’t grow up there, you might not get the hype at first. From hotdishes and Jell-O salads to casseroles topped with tater tots, these recipes have deep roots and even deeper flavors. They might seem a little odd to outsiders, but one bite is usually all it takes to understand the love. These 12 Midwestern classics deserve a spot on everyone’s table—no matter where you’re from.
Orange Dreamsicle Salad
This fluffy Orange Dreamsicle Salad made with Cool Whip is as refreshing and flavorful as an orange creamsicle popsicle. It’s easy to whip up and share as a midwestern side dish or dessert!
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
This Fried Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is a true comfort food classic that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy. You’ll only need 7 simple ingredients for this Midwestern-style recipe!
Orange Jello Salad
Orange Jello Salad is an easy, refreshing dessert you can make ahead of time. With mandarin oranges and pineapple juice, this Jello salad recipe adds a touch of nostalgia to any occasion.
Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is easy to make and family friendly. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese all together in one delicious bite.
Cincinnati Style Chili
Thick, meaty, and comforting, Skyline Cincinnati Chili is a big deal in Ohio. The flavorful meat sauce is served at “chili parlors” over a bed of spaghetti noodles or hot dogs. Top it with mounds of finely grated cheddar cheese, onions, beans, and oyster crackers for “the works”, or just stick with the simple 3-way of chili and cheese.
Buckeye Candy
Buckeye Candy Recipe is a simple, no bake dessert. The fudge-like peanut butter ball is dipped into melted chocolate to make this classic treat.
Bisquick Sausage Balls
They may not be pretty and they may not be fancy, but these classic, cheesy Easy Sausage Balls are always a hit at parties and get the job done when it comes to satisfying hungry guests! Made with just three ingredients, these are easy to whip up fast for a last minute appetizer that everybody loves to eat with their favorite dipping sauce and a cocktail stick (aka, toothpick).
The BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
These big, soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are made with a rich, easy yeast dough and generous amount of cinnamon, sugar, and butter swirled in the middle. Then they are topped in a simple vanilla icing for the most amazing breakfast treat of your life!
Indiana Sugar Cream Pie
This Indiana Sugar Cream Pie (aka Hoosier Pie) has a wonderful custard texture and all the flavors of sweet cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a buttery, flaky homemade crust!
Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts
Our Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts are like the original but even more delicious because they are made fresh with real ingredients! Treat your loved ones to this nostalgic breakfast pastry that everybody loves with the warm, sweet flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar!
Classic Cranberry Salad
Classic Cranberry Salad is tart, sweet and chock-full of chopped pecans and mini marshmallows, you can level up your cranberry sauce this year by turning it into this simple, sweet cranberry salad!
Homemade Runzas (aka Bierocks)
If you have never heard of a Runza, chances are you haven’t made it to Nebraska yet! These savory bread pockets are most frequently filled with ground beef and cabbage and are a delicious handheld meal that is so popular with Nebraskans that they are the unofficial state food and have an entire fast-food chain of Runza restaurants dedicated to them!
