16 Midwest Recipes Outsiders Will Wish They Tried Sooner
Midwest cooking has its own kind of charm — hearty, comforting, and sometimes a little unexpected. These recipes bring together the casseroles, salads, sweets, mains, and old-school favorites that people in the region know and love. From potluck staples to cozy family dishes, each one shows why simple ingredients can turn into something memorable. Give them a try, and Midwest comfort food might start making a lot more sense.
Perfect Boiled Beer Brats and Onions
Making perfect beer brats and onions is a time-honored Wisconsin tradition! The practice of boiling brats in beer with onions goes way back to the many German settlers in the area – my family included! I’m so excited to share this beloved family recipe with you!
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!
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.
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).
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This simple and super delicious broccoli cauliflower salad is ready in under 20 minutes and loaded with all the goodies. This fun twist on a classic Midwest favorite includes lots of fresh broccoli and cauliflower, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, cheese, crispy bacon and more. Tossed in a tangy dressing and ready for the next barbecue in no time!
Dorothy’s Cornbread Drop Biscuits
When it comes to easy recipes that impress the entire family, these Cheesy Cornbread Drop Biscuits are the perfect thing for your weeknight dinner lineup. My recipe starts with a cornbread muffin mix and by adding a few special ingredients, including Nebraska’s beloved Dorothy Lynch dressing, you’ll create tasty biscuits that combine Southern comfort with Midwestern flair.
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.
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!
Bumpy Cake
Bumpy Cake is delicious recipe is made with a rich, moist chocolate devil’s food cake that is covered in ribbons of vanilla buttercream and poured fudge frosting for the traditional “bumpy” look! It is a Michigan favorite that got its start in Detroit at Sanders Confectionary Company but is easy to make at home.
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.
