Midwestern Cuisine - Heartland Hearty & Homey

The Midwest is comfort cooking scaled for community—potlucks, church basements, and game-day spreads. Abundant dairy, grains, and pork shape a cuisine that’s filling, approachable, and nostalgic. Immigrant waves (German, Polish, Scandinavian, etc.) left delicious fingerprints. Expect casseroles (“hotdish”), slow roasts, and generous pies. Lakes and rivers contribute walleye and Friday fish fries, while farmstands load the table with sweet corn and summer tomatoes. Cheese culture—from curds to aged cheddars—runs deep. Regional icons include Chicago deep-dish pizza, Detroit-style pizza, Cincinnati chili, Kansas City barbecue, bratwurst with sauerkraut, pierogi, pasties, butter burgers, and kringle. At the dairy counter: cheese curds, custard, and malted shakes.