30 Classic Midwest Comfort Dishes You Need to Try

There’s nothing quite like the comfort food you find in the Midwest. These dishes are the heart and soul of family gatherings, potlucks, and cozy nights at home. From savory casseroles to sweet treats, Midwest cuisine is all about hearty, satisfying flavors that bring people together. In this list, you’ll find a variety of recipes that have been cherished for generations and are sure to become staples in your own kitchen.

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert is a sweet and salty delight combining layers of pretzels, cream cheese, and strawberry gelatin. Combine 2 cups crushed pretzels, 3/4 cup melted butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar, press into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Beat 8 ounces cream cheese with 1 cup sugar and fold in 8 ounces whipped topping, spread over the pretzel crust. Prepare 1 package strawberry gelatin according to package instructions, stir in 2 cups sliced strawberries, pour over the cream cheese layer, and refrigerate until set.

Easy Puppy Chow

Easy Puppy Chow is a beloved Midwest snack made with cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. It’s a quick no-bake treat that’s perfect for gatherings. Melt 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup peanut butter, and 1/4 cup butter together. Pour over 9 cups cereal and stir until evenly coated. Transfer to a large bag, add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, and shake until well coated. Allow to cool and enjoy.

Baked Potato Soup

Baked Potato Soup is a rich and creamy soup that captures the comforting flavors of a loaded baked potato. Made with russet potatoes, bacon, and cheddar cheese, it’s a hearty meal in a bowl. Cook 8 slices bacon until crispy and set aside. In the same pot, make a roux with 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup flour, then add 6 cups milk, stirring until thickened. Add 4 diced baked potatoes and cook until heated through. Stir in 1 cup sour cream, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Serve with additional cheese and chives on top.

Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Doughnuts

Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Doughnuts are classic fried treats with a slightly crispy exterior and tender, cakey interior. Made with simple ingredients like buttermilk, flour, and sugar, they are flavored with nutmeg and vanilla. Mix 3 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. In another bowl, mix 3/4 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 eggs, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Combine mixtures to form a dough, roll out and cut into doughnut shapes. Fry in hot oil until golden brown, then dust with powdered sugar or dip in glaze.

Smash Burgers

Smash Burgers are a Midwest staple known for their crispy edges and juicy centers. The key is to press the beef patties thinly onto a hot griddle, creating a delicious crust. Preheat a griddle or skillet to high heat. Form 1 pound ground beef into loose balls and place on the hot surface. Smash each ball with a spatula until thin, cook until edges are crispy. Top with 4 slices American cheese, then serve on buns with pickles and special sauce.

Tater Tot Hotdish

Tater Tot Hotdish is a quintessential Midwest casserole combining ground beef, vegetables, and tater tots. The ground beef is cooked with onions and mixed with a creamy soup, such as cream of mushroom, before being topped with a layer of tater tots. Brown 1 pound ground beef with 1 chopped onion, drain excess fat. Stir in 1 cup mixed vegetables and 1 can cream of mushroom soup, spread mixture in a baking dish. Arrange 2 cups tater tots in a single layer on top. Bake at 375°F until the tots are golden brown and crispy.

Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnati Chili is a unique Midwest dish known for its blend of spices and served over spaghetti. Unlike traditional chili, it includes ingredients like cinnamon and cocoa powder for a distinct flavor. Brown 1 pound ground beef with 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves garlic. Add 2 cups tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon allspice, simmer for 1 hour. Serve over cooked spaghetti, topped with 1 can kidney beans, 1 chopped onion, and 1 cup shredded cheese.

Beer Cheese Soup

Beer Cheese Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish combining cheese and beer, making it a Midwest favorite. The soup is thickened with a roux and often includes sharp cheddar cheese and a light beer for depth of flavor. Make a roux with 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup flour, then gradually add 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup beer. Stir in 2 cups milk and bring to a simmer. Add 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, cook until cheese is melted and soup is smooth. Serve hot with croutons.

Juicy Lucy Burger

The Juicy Lucy Burger is a Minneapolis specialty where cheese is stuffed inside the patty, resulting in a molten cheese core. When cooked, the cheese melts and creates a juicy, flavorful bite. Form 1 pound ground beef into thin patties, place 1 slice of American cheese between two patties and seal the edges. Cook on a hot grill or skillet until the cheese inside is melted and the exterior is crispy. Serve on buns with pickles and onions.

Wild Rice Soup

Wild Rice Soup is a hearty and creamy soup featuring wild rice, chicken, and vegetables. This soup is a staple in Minnesota, where wild rice is abundant. It’s often thickened with cream and flavored with a blend of herbs. Cook 1 cup wild rice according to package instructions. In a large pot, sauté 1 cup diced carrots and 1 cup diced celery in 1/4 cup butter, add 1/4 cup flour to make a roux. Gradually add 4 cups chicken broth, 2 cups cooked chicken, and wild rice. Stir in 1 cup cream and 1 teaspoon herbs, simmer until thickened and heated through.

Polish Sausage with Sauerkraut

Polish Sausage with Sauerkraut is a simple yet flavorful dish common in Midwest households. The tangy sauerkraut complements the savory sausage, creating a balanced meal. Often served with mustard and rye bread, it’s a quick and satisfying dish. In a large skillet, cook 1 pound Polish sausage until browned. Add 2 cups sauerkraut and 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, stir to combine. Cover and simmer until heated through. Serve with mustard and slices of rye bread.

Cornbread and Chili

Cornbread and Chili is a classic Midwest comfort food pairing, with the sweet and crumbly cornbread balancing the spicy and hearty chili. Brown 1 pound ground beef and simmer with 1 can beans, 1 can tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons chili spices. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 cup milk, and 2 eggs to form a batter. Bake cornbread in a preheated cast-iron skillet at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Serve cornbread with a bowl of hot chili.

Beer Brats

Beer Brats are a Midwest favorite, where bratwursts are simmered in beer and onions before being grilled to perfection. This method infuses the sausages with rich flavors, making them juicy and delicious. Served on a bun with mustard and sauerkraut, they are a popular choice for barbecues and gatherings. Simmer 1 pound bratwursts in 2 cups beer with 1 sliced onion until cooked through. Transfer to a grill and cook until browned. Serve on buns with mustard and sauerkraut.

Fried Cheese Curds

Fried Cheese Curds are a beloved Midwest snack, especially in Wisconsin. These bite-sized pieces of cheese are battered and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The result is a crunchy exterior with a gooey, melty interior. Coat 2 cups cheese curds in 1/2 cup flour, then dip in 2 beaten eggs, and roll in 1 cup breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil until golden brown. Serve hot with ranch or marinara sauce.

Corn Pudding

Corn Pudding is a creamy, custard-like side dish made with corn kernels, milk, eggs, and a touch of sugar. It’s a staple at Midwest holiday dinners and potlucks. Mix 2 cups corn, 1 cup milk, 3 eggs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Pour into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until set and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Swedish Meatballs

Swedish Meatballs are a popular dish in the Midwest, especially in areas with Scandinavian heritage. Mix 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound ground pork, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, and 1 teaspoon each allspice and nutmeg, form into meatballs. Brown meatballs in a skillet, then remove and make a gravy with 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup cream. Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the gravy until cooked through. Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

BBQ Brats

BBQ Brats are a variation of the classic bratwursts, grilled and basted with barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor. They are a favorite at summer cookouts and gatherings. Grill 1 pound bratwursts until cooked through, basting with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Serve on buns with sliced onions and pickles.

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are a messy and delicious sandwich made with ground beef cooked in a tangy, sweet sauce. The mixture is typically served on a hamburger bun and is a favorite for quick dinners and casual gatherings. Brown 1 pound ground beef with 1 chopped onion. Add 1 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, and 1/4 cup brown sugar, simmer until thickened. Serve the mixture on hamburger buns.

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting dish with a flaky crust and a creamy filling of chicken and vegetables. Cook and shred 2 cups chicken, set aside. In a pot, make a roux with 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup flour, then add 2 cups chicken broth, cooking until thickened. Stir in chicken and 2 cups mixed vegetables, pour into a pie crust, and top with another crust. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes until golden brown.

Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie is a classic dessert in the Midwest, known for its rich, gooey filling and crunchy pecan topping. The filling is made with a mixture of eggs, sugar, and corn syrup, giving it a sweet, caramel-like flavor. Mix 3 eggs, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup corn syrup, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Stir in 2 cups pecans and pour into a pie crust. Bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes until the filling is set and the pecans are toasted.

Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a comforting and hearty dish made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a flavorful blend of spices. It’s often topped with a ketchup glaze and baked until juicy and tender. Mix 1 pound ground beef with 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 2 beaten eggs, 1 chopped onion, and spices. Form into a loaf and place in a baking dish. Spread 1/4 cup ketchup on top and bake at 350°F for 1 hour until cooked through.

Apple Crisp

Apple Crisp is a beloved Midwest dessert featuring a sweet, spiced apple filling topped with a crumbly oat streusel. Mix 6 cups sliced apples with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar, spread in a baking dish. Combine 1 cup oats, 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup butter, and 1/2 cup brown sugar to make the topping, sprinkle over the apples. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.

Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and Gravy is a classic Midwest breakfast dish featuring fluffy biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy. Cook and crumble 1 pound sausage in a skillet, stir in 1/4 cup flour to make a roux. Gradually add 3 cups milk, stirring until thickened. Bake or heat biscuits according to package instructions. Serve biscuits smothered with sausage gravy.

Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy side dish made with thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich cheese sauce. Slice 4 potatoes thinly and layer in a baking dish. Make a cheese sauce with 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup flour, and 2 cups milk, stir in 2 cups shredded cheese. Pour sauce over the potatoes and bake at 375°F for 1 hour until tender and golden brown.

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting dish featuring a savory filling of ground meat and vegetables topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. Cook 1 pound ground meat with 1 chopped onion and 1 cup diced carrots, stir in 1 cup peas and make a gravy with 1 cup beef broth and 2 tablespoons flour. Spread the mixture in a baking dish, top with 2 cups mashed potatoes. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes until the potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbling.

Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is a rich and creamy dish featuring tender beef strips in a savory mushroom and sour cream sauce. It’s often served over egg noodles or rice. Sauté 1 pound beef strips with 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves garlic, add 2 cups sliced mushrooms and cook until tender. Stir in 1 cup sour cream and 1 tablespoon paprika, simmer until heated through. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a hearty dish combining chicken, wild rice, and vegetables in a creamy sauce. The casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, making it a comforting meal. Cook 1 cup wild rice and set aside. Sauté 1 cup diced carrots, 1 cup diced celery, and 1 cup diced onions in 1/4 cup butter, then add 2 cups cooked chicken and 1 can cream of chicken soup. Stir in wild rice and transfer to a baking dish, bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until heated through and golden on top.

Kolaches

Kolaches are sweet pastries with a fruit or cheese filling, popular in areas with Czech heritage. The dough is soft and slightly sweet, and the filling can vary from apricot to cream cheese. Make a dough with 4 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons yeast, and 1/2 cup butter, let rise. Roll out the dough and cut into circles, fill with 1 cup fruit preserves or cream cheese. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Custard Pie

Custard Pie is a simple yet delicious dessert with a smooth, creamy filling in a flaky crust. This pie is a favorite for its light and silky texture. It’s often served chilled, making it a refreshing dessert. Beat 3 eggs with 2 cups milk, 1 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour into a pie crust and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until the custard is set and the crust is golden. Let cool before serving.

Potato Salad

Potato Salad is a classic side dish made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and various add-ins like eggs and pickles. It’s creamy and tangy, often served at barbecues and picnics. Boil 4 potatoes until tender, cool and dice. Mix with 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon mustard, 2 chopped eggs, 1/4 cup pickles, and 1/4 cup onions. Chill before serving.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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