30 Midwest Comfort Foods 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. The base layer is made from crushed pretzels mixed with melted butter and sugar, providing a crunchy texture. The middle layer consists of a creamy mixture of cream cheese, whipped topping, and sugar. Finally, the top layer features strawberry gelatin with sliced strawberries, making it a refreshing and visually appealing dish. Cooking Instructions: Mix crushed pretzels with melted butter and sugar, press into a baking dish, bake. Beat cream cheese with sugar and fold in whipped topping, spread over the pretzel crust. Prepare gelatin according to package instructions, stir in 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. The cereal is coated in a melted mixture of chocolate and peanut butter, then generously dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Each bite is crunchy, chocolatey, and peanut-buttery. Cooking Instructions: Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together. Pour over cereal and stir until evenly coated. Transfer to a large bag, add 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. The soup is thickened with a roux and finished with sour cream for extra creaminess. Topped with chives and more cheese, it’s a perfect dish for cold days. Cooking Instructions: Cook bacon until crispy and set aside. In the same pot, make a roux with butter and flour, then add milk, stirring until thickened. Add diced baked potatoes and cook until heated through. Stir in sour cream, shredded 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. The doughnuts are fried until golden and typically dusted with powdered sugar or glazed with a simple icing. They make for a perfect breakfast or snack. Cooking Instructions: Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Combine the two mixtures to form a dough. Roll out the dough 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. These burgers are typically served with American cheese, pickles, and special sauce on a soft bun. The simplicity and flavor make them a favorite at cookouts and diners alike. Cooking Instructions: Preheat a griddle or skillet to high heat. Form 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 cheese, then serve on buns with pickles and 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. Baked until the tots are crispy, this dish is hearty and comforting, perfect for family dinners. Cooking Instructions: Brown ground beef with chopped onions, drain excess fat. Stir in mixed vegetables and soup, spread mixture in a baking dish. Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top. Bake 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. This chili is typically served “five-way,” including spaghetti, chili, beans, onions, and shredded cheese. It’s a must-try for its unusual but delightful taste. Cooking Instructions: Brown ground beef with onions and garlic. Add tomato sauce and spices, simmer to develop flavors. Serve over cooked spaghetti, topped with kidney beans, chopped onions, and 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. Garnished with croutons and sometimes bacon, it’s a warming and indulgent soup perfect for chilly evenings. Cooking Instructions: Make a roux with butter and flour, then gradually add chicken broth and beer. Stir in milk and bring to a simmer. Add shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and 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. Typically made with American cheese, it’s served on a bun with pickles and onions. This burger offers a delightful surprise with each bite. Cooking Instructions: Form ground beef into thin patties, place a slice of 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. The nutty flavor of wild rice pairs perfectly with the creamy broth, making it a comforting meal. Cooking Instructions: Cook wild rice according to package instructions. In a large pot, sauté diced carrots and celery in butter, add flour to make a roux. Gradually add chicken broth, cooked chicken, and wild rice. Stir in cream and 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. This meal is perfect for weeknights or as a hearty lunch. Cooking Instructions: In a large skillet, cook Polish sausage until browned. Add sauerkraut and 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. The chili is made with ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, simmered to perfection. The cornbread, often baked in a cast-iron skillet, is served warm alongside the chili. This combination is perfect for cold winter nights. Cooking Instructions: Brown ground beef and simmer with beans, tomatoes, and chili spices. In a separate bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, milk, and eggs to form a batter. Bake cornbread in a preheated cast-iron skillet 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. The beer adds a unique depth to the taste of the brats. Cooking Instructions: Simmer bratwursts in beer with sliced onions 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. They are typically served with a side of ranch dressing or marinara sauce. Cooking Instructions: Coat cheese curds in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and roll in 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. The dish is baked until set and has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with savory dishes. It’s a comforting and versatile side that’s always a hit. Cooking Instructions: Mix corn, milk, eggs, sugar, and melted butter. Pour into a baking dish and bake 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. These meatballs are made with a mixture of beef and pork, seasoned with allspice and nutmeg, and served in a creamy gravy. They are typically served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. The rich, savory flavors make them a comforting meal. Cooking Instructions: Mix ground meats with breadcrumbs and spices, form into meatballs. Brown meatballs in a skillet, then remove and make a gravy with beef broth and cream. Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the gravy until cooked through.

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. The barbecue sauce adds a sweet and spicy element that complements the savory brats. Served on a bun with onions and pickles, they are a delicious handheld meal. Cooking Instructions: Grill bratwursts until cooked through, basting with 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. The sauce is made with ingredients like ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar. This sandwich is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Cooking Instructions: Brown ground beef with chopped onions. Add ketchup, mustard, and 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. The filling is thickened with a roux and often includes peas, carrots, and potatoes. This pie is baked until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners. Cooking Instructions: Cook and shred chicken, set aside. In a pot, make a roux with butter and flour, then add chicken broth, cooking until thickened. Stir in chicken and vegetables, pour into a pie crust, and top with another crust. Bake 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. The pie is baked until the filling is set and the pecans are toasted. It’s a must-have for holiday dinners and special occasions. Cooking Instructions: Mix eggs, sugar, corn syrup, and melted butter. Stir in pecans and pour into a pie crust. Bake 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. This dish is a staple in many Midwest households and is typically served with mashed potatoes and green beans. Leftovers make great sandwiches the next day. Cooking Instructions: Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, chopped onions, and spices. Form into a loaf and place in a baking dish. Spread ketchup on top and bake until cooked through.

Apple Crisp

Apple Crisp is a beloved Midwest dessert featuring a sweet, spiced apple filling topped with a crumbly oat streusel. The apples are mixed with cinnamon and sugar, then covered with a mixture of oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Cooking Instructions: Mix sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar, spread in a baking dish. Combine oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar to make the topping, sprinkle over the apples. Bake 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. The gravy is made from crumbled sausage, flour, and milk, cooked until thick and flavorful. The biscuits are typically homemade and served warm from the oven. This hearty breakfast is a great way to start the day. Cooking Instructions: Cook and crumble sausage in a skillet, stir in flour to make a roux. Gradually add 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. The potatoes are baked until tender and the top is golden brown. This dish is often served at holiday meals and family gatherings. The combination of tender potatoes and melted cheese makes it irresistible. Cooking Instructions: Slice potatoes thinly and layer in a baking dish. Make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, and milk, stir in shredded cheese. Pour sauce over the potatoes and bake 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. The filling is often made with ground beef or lamb, carrots, peas, and a rich gravy. The mashed potatoes are spread over the top and baked until golden. It’s a hearty meal perfect for cold weather. Cooking Instructions: Cook ground meat with chopped onions and carrots, stir in peas and make a gravy. Spread the mixture in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes. Bake 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. The dish is flavored with onions, garlic, and paprika, adding depth to the creamy sauce. It’s a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Cooking Instructions: Sauté beef strips with onions and garlic, add mushrooms and cook until tender. Stir in sour cream and 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. Wild rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture, while the chicken and vegetables make it satisfying. It’s a great dish for family dinners. Cooking Instructions: Cook wild rice and set aside. Sauté diced carrots, celery, and onions, then add cooked chicken and soup. Stir in wild rice and transfer to a baking dish, bake 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. They are often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or dessert. These pastries are a beloved tradition in many Midwest homes. Cooking Instructions: Make a dough with flour, sugar, yeast, and butter, let rise. Roll out the dough and cut into circles, fill with fruit preserves or cream cheese. Bake until golden brown.

Custard Pie

Custard Pie is a simple yet delicious dessert with a smooth, creamy filling in a flaky crust. The custard is made with eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, baked until set. This pie is a favorite for its light and silky texture. It’s often served chilled, making it a refreshing dessert. Cooking Instructions: Beat eggs with milk, sugar, and vanilla. Pour into a pie crust and bake 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. The salad is best when chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with many main courses. Cooking Instructions: Boil potatoes until tender, cool and dice. Mix with mayonnaise, mustard, chopped eggs, pickles, and onions. Chill before serving.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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