28 Recipes for Favorite Midwest Foods (2024)

FAQs

What foods were introduced by the settlers in the Midwest? ›

Swedes, Norwegians, and Finns began to settle the Midwest in the late 18th century, introducing rich, butter-laden cakes and cookies. In addition to making cheese and butter, German and Swiss dairy farmers raised milk-fed veal and produced a type of white beer called weisse bier.

Culinary Capital of the Midwest

Milwaukee, the Cream City, Brew City, the Good Land, the Gathering…

Iowa is known for Sour Cream Raisin Pie, Iowa Ham Balls, Scotcheroos, Maid Rite sandwiches, Steak de Burgo, taco pizza, snickers salad, and corn, lots of corn. It's also the leading producer of pork in the U.S.A.

What's a hotdish, you ask? Only a Midwestern staple for which every home cook has a go-to recipe waiting in their back pocket. A hotdish is essentially a casserole that typically consists of a starch (potatoes or pasta are most common), frozen vegetables, a meat, and a can of cream-of-something soup.

Potato chips, pigs in a blanket, fruit kebabs, hummus and pita bread, roll-ups, bruschetta, cookies, brownie bites, deviled eggs, and potato skins are stellar snacks to bring to a potluck. You want to pick up snacks that are easy to eat and easy to clean up, too.

“Many of the ingredients and inspiration behind these casseroles came from our European ancestors who settled in the Midwest, such as noodle casseroles from Germany, potato gratins from France, and shepherds' pies and pot pies from England.”

The American Black Elderberry, American Wild Persimmon, and Plumb Cider Apple are three Midwestern heritage fruits included on the North America Ark of Taste catalog.

Anything with eggs, bacon, sausage or ham

While you will find plenty of casseroles, kringles and fried mush across the Midwest, you're more likely to find the standards: bacon, eggs and carbs. Like a proper Midwestern meal, the best recipes combine all these together, like in a breakfast skillet.

A typical Midwestern meal is considered "all-American." It might be roast beef, grilled steak, hamburgers, or meat loaf accompanied by potatoes (mashed or baked), green beans, corn on the cob, and apple pie for dessert. Kansas City, Missouri, is a leading producer of beef cattle and famous for its steaks.

What did pioneers eat for breakfast? ›

Beans, cornmeal mush, Johnnycakes or pancakes, and coffee were the usual breakfast. Fresh milk was available from the dairy cows that some families brought along, and pioneers took advantage go the rough rides of the wagon to churn their butter.

About midday, the travelers would stop for their “nooning” rest and meal. Lunch choices could include breakfast leftovers, more beans but now cold and with bacon, bread and crackers, rice and dried beef. A day's travel ended in the early evening.

Made up of countless small towns that come together to form what some call “America's Heartland,” the Midwest is known for its industry, farming, and residents with friendly, down-to-earth attitudes. On a trip to the region, you'll get a little bit of city, a little bit of country, and everything in between.

Top 10 famous American foods: burgers, pizza, hot dogs, fried chicken, apple pie, mac and cheese, BBQ ribs, chili, tacos, grilled cheese sandwich. There are many foods that are famous in America and have become a beloved part of the country's culinary culture.