12 Foods Only Midwesterners Know About

The Midwest, or America's heartland, is known for its hearty, comforting foods and an emphasis on farming and agriculture. These classic recipes reflect Native influences and the German, Scandinavian, and Polish immigrants who settled in the Midwest.

Staple Midwest delicacies include braunschweiger, brats, and, of course, beer cheese soup, but there are also a few surprises that you probably haven't tried unless you're a born and raised Midwesterner!

This list is heavy on the upper Midwest foods because I grew up in Wisconsin and currently live in Minnesota, so if your Midwest state has a unique food that we missed, be sure to add it to the comments!

Braunschweiger

Braunschweiger, also known as liver sausage or liverwurst, is most commonly enjoyed as a sandwich, on toast, or as part of a charcuterie. Jam is not an uncommon accompaniment to add a fruity pop of flavor.

Liver sausage is surprisingly nutritious and is an excellent source of protein, iron, and vitamins.

Get the recipe: Braunschweiger Charcuterie Board.

Cheese curds

Cheese curds are a common Midwest snack, and there are a few forms of them! The most common is a fried cheese curd that's served hot and as an appetizer at many restaurants.

If you aren't from Wisconsin, you may have never had fresh cheese curds cold and without breading. The fresher they are, the more they squeak! Which, when it comes to cheese curds, is a good thing.

Brats

Brats, a pork-based sausage, are a Midwest summer meal staple. While they originate from Germany, they are eaten much differently there. In Germany, brats are often served sliced or with a curry sauce. Alternatively, Midwesterners are used to seeing it in a bun with toppings like ketchup, mustard, and maybe onions.

Many people boil the brats with beer before finishing them on the grill, but you can also air fry or slow cook them for a different texture profile.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Brats.

Ham Pickle Roll Up

This beloved Midwest snack is sometimes called Midwest sushi, obviously in jest. It's surprisingly delicious and packs a bit of protein into your snack time.

Take a nod from the Minnesota State Fair and try it with pastrami, too! The fair version is made with a big spear wrapped with pastrami or ham and a thick layer of cream cheese. Maybe you've just found your next “on the go” snack?.

Snickers Salad

If you think a salad always includes lettuce, think again. This salad doesn't contain a single vegetable! It's more of a dessert and tastes like a candy apple — in a good way.

Snickers salad consists of apples (at least there is one form of produce!), chopped-up Snickers candy bars, instant pudding mix, and caramel sauce.

Get the recipe: Snickers Salad.

Ham salad

The origin of ham salad is disputed, but it is a Midwest grocery store staple that's also easy to make at home. It's similar to tuna or egg salad in that it's combined with mayonnaise, diced onion, and celery.

If you want to try and make it yourself, chop up leftover roasted ham or deli ham into small pieces and mix with mayonnaise, chopped celery, minced onion, and any other desired seasonings. Serve on bread as a sandwich or over a bed of greens for a lighter meal.

Church Basement Fish Fry

Friday night fish fry is the meal of choice across Wisconsin. It's not uncommon to stumble upon one in a somewhat unexpected place, like a church basement, bowling alley, or VFW hall. This weekly meal became popular during Lent, as fish is a permitted food for Catholics on Fridays.

While it gained popularity during Lent, it's now a casual meal that's quite beloved all year long. Pieces of fried fish are served with some form of potato, a bit of coleslaw, and tartar sauce for dipping.

Walleye

Walleye is the most popular fish in Minnesota and a staple on menus across the Midwest. You may sometimes find it on a fish fry menu, but not always!

Typically pan-fried or deep-fried, walleye has more flavor than a mild fish like cod but is still reasonably sweet. It's a white, flaky fish that is native to the Great Lakes and Mississippi River.

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This creamy and filling soup utilizes two common Midwest ingredients — wild rice and canned cream of mushroom soup. It's rich, cozy, and totally delicious.

There are many different versions available, so if you prefer to make your own soup base, we won't judge you. For full nostalgia, stick with the can.

Beer Cheese Soup

You can probably guess by the name of this recipe that this creamy and cheesy soup hails straight from Wisconsin. The soup is thick and cheesy, with a little bite from the beer flavor.

It's always served with plenty of popcorn as a delicious, and yes, maybe slightly odd, topping. Don't ask where this tradition started. It's not a tradition to question!

Cincinnati Chili

Before you start thinking that you've had chili and it's all the same, think again! Cincinnati chili is like nothing I've ever tried before. It is made with a unique ingredient and served uniquely.

Cincinnati chili originated at Skyline Chili, a Cincinnati-based restaurant, and boasts a sweeter flavor from the added cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. It's also not served in a bowl with a spoon. You'll grab a fork and eat this Midwest delicacy over hot dogs or a bed of spaghetti with raw onions and shredded cheese.

Tater Tot Hot Dish

One bite of this Minnesota dish, and you'll understand why it's so popular. It's classic casserole (or hot dish, as they call dishes like this in Minnesota) fare: ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese.

The casserole mixture of browned beef, soup, cheese, and sometimes a few optional vegetables like green beans or mushrooms is topped with a layer of tater tots for a dish that may not look pretty, but it sure tastes delicious.