The United States boasts diverse regional cuisines, and the Midwest is no exception. From the popular gooey butter cake to the lesser-known "slinger" dish, the Midwest offers a range of culinary specialties. Some locals even contend that Detroit-style pizza surpasses the iconic pies of New York!
If you're in search of comforting and hearty cuisine to cook at home, look no further. These traditional dishes are popular for a reason—regardless of where you're from, you won't want to miss out on the unique flavors of these Midwest favorites.
1) Smashed Burger
With some of the country's leading beef-producing states located in the Midwest, it's no surprise that the region has a strong burger culture. Among the popular styles is the smashed burger, featuring a thick patty that's flattened on the griddle to achieve a crispy crust along the edges. This type of burger has been refined to perfection by the Steak 'n' Shake restaurant chain, which dominates the region. Don't have access to a griddle? Not to worry! All you need is a cast-iron skillet and spatula, and you can start smashing your own burgers at home.
2) Chicago-Style Hot Dog
The Chicago-style hot dog isn't your average frankfurter—it's a "run through the garden," as the locals say. This classic hot dog is loaded with toppings, and true aficionados are particular about their order. First comes yellow mustard, followed by bright green relish, chopped onions, sliced tomato, a pickle spear, two sport peppers, and a sprinkle of celery salt. When done correctly, you should taste all the toppings in every bite. And let's not forget about the poppy seed bun—it's just as essential!
3) Buckeyes
Buckeye nuts, derived from the Buckeye tree, are regarded as good luck charms as potent as four-leaf clovers or rabbit's feet. Native Americans in Ohio were struck by the resemblance of the round, dark nut with a light brown spot to a deer's eye, dubbing it "hetuck," which means "buckeye." Ohio eventually adopted "Buckeye State" as its nickname, designated the buckeye tree as its state tree, and named Ohio State University's cherished football team after the buckeye.
Given the significant attention given to the Buckeye, it was only a matter of time before someone invented a snack in its likeness. Buckeyes are a sweet, peanut-butter treat coated with chocolate, resembling the appearance of the Buckeye seed. They are commonly served at weddings, given away during Christmas, and make an appearance at football tailgates.
4) Hotdish
Minnesota's unofficial state food, the hotdish, is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together three basic components—starch, protein, and vegetables—with a creamy sauce in a single baking dish. While other parts of the country may refer to it as a casserole, Minnesotans insist that it's much more than that. In fact, it's a serious matter in the North Star State. Each year, senators and representatives from Minnesota compete in the Minnesota Congressional Delegation Hotdish Off. In 2019, Representative Tom Emmer emerged victorious with his tater tot masterpiece fittingly named "Hotdish of Champions." Even former Democratic Presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar participated with her "Gold Medal Curling Hotdish," featuring cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese.
5) Gooey Butter Cake
According to legend, a German baker in St. Louis in the 1930s made a mistake with the ingredient measurements while baking a coffee cake, resulting in a creation that featured pudding inside a crust. While alternative tales have surfaced, one aspect remains consistent: this cake aptly lives up to its name, Gooey Butter Cake. It's incredibly sweet and sticky, making it a dessert must-have in the Midwest.
6) Jello Salad
Jell-O salad is a versatile dish popular in the Midwest and can be either sweet or savory. Different versions of this dish are frequently served in potluck dinners, boasting vibrant colors and often adorned with fruit, marshmallows, nuts, whipped cream, tuna, or vegetables.
Gelatin, the key ingredient in Jell-O, provides several unexpected health benefits, including improving bone and joint health, strengthening nails and hair, and enhancing brain function. These advantages might help explain the widespread adoration of Jell-O salad in the region.
7) Detroit-Style Pizza
Although all pizzas are delicious, according to a 2019 Esquire article, Detroit-style pizza is "a crispy, cheesy, and greasy masterpiece."
Detroit was once the thriving center of the American car industry in the mid-1950s, but later suffered from an ailing economy during the latter part of the 20th century. Gus Guerra is credited with inventing this pizza style, by transforming steel pans used for carrying automotive parts into baking dishes to cook his mother-in-law's Sicilian-style pizza. The pie is topped with Wisconsin cheese and two "racing stripes" of marinara sauce are added after baking, resulting in a crispy-edged, deep-dish delicacy. Buddy's Pizza, available at several locations throughout Detroit, serves the original Detroit-style pizza.
8) Slinger
Ordering a plate of slinger for breakfast can indicate either a hearty appetite or a desire to recuperate from a night out. This dish features a mound of hash browns, over-easy eggs, and sausage patties, topped with chili, American cheese, and raw onion. Served alongside a slice of toast, slinger can be found in various iterations throughout St. Louis, ranging from classic greasy spoon to more upscale versions.