Top 30+ Midwestern recipes you need to try

The Midwest, with its sprawling farmlands and rich cultural history, serves as a melting pot of culinary traditions that have shaped its distinctive comfort food. From the creamy, dreamy depths of Indiana's sugar cream pie to the hearty, spiced layers of homemade Cincinnati chili, these recipes are a testament to the region's love for robust, comforting meals.

As we delve into classics like the Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and innovative twists like tater tot breakfast casseroles, prepare to be surprised by the diversity and depth of flavors the Midwest has to offer.

Click through to the gallery to celebrate the soul-satisfying, heartwarming dishes that make Midwestern cuisine truly iconic.

Broccoli chicken casserole

A quintessential Midwestern comfort dish that brings together broccoli, chicken, and a creamy cheese sauce. For best results, bake until the cheese and breadcrumb topping is golden.

Breaded pork tenderloin

A crispy, savory favorite, showcasing the Midwest's love for hearty meats. The key to perfection is evenly tenderizing the pork and achieving a golden, crunchy breading.

Meat loaf with oatmeal

A comforting blend of ground meat, seasonings, and oatmeal, resulting in a moist, flavorful loaf. Soaking the oatmeal in milk beforehand ensures a tender, moist meatloaf.

Chicken wild rice casserole

This casserole combines tender chicken and nutty wild rice in a creamy sauce. The key is cooking the wild rice to the right texture—tender yet firm.

Easy cornish pasties

A nod to the British influence, these handheld pies are filled with meat and vegetables. For a successful pasty, the pastry should be flaky and the filling generous and flavorful.

Old-time custard ice cream

Summertime in the Midwest wouldn't be complete without homemade ice cream. The secret to its creamy texture is cooking the custard base slowly to avoid scrambling the eggs, resulting in a smooth, rich ice cream.

Sharp cheddar scalloped potatoes

A cheesy, comforting side dish that pairs well with any meal. It involves thinly slicing the potatoes for even cooking and layering them with generous amounts of cream and sharp cheddar for a deep, rich flavor.

Gooey butter cookies

Originating from St. Louis, these cookies transform the gooey butter cake into bite-sized treats. The trick is to not overbake them, ensuring they remain soft and gooey in the center.

Sauerkraut hot dish

A dish that combines the tanginess of sauerkraut with the richness of meat and potatoes. Balancing the sourness of the sauerkraut with the creaminess of the sauce is key to a harmonious dish.

Grilled beer brats with sauerkraut

A staple at Midwestern barbecues, the beer-infused bratwursts are best when grilled to perfection. Simmering the brats in beer before grilling adds depth of flavor, while a topping of sauerkraut offers a crunchy, tangy contrast.

Homemade Cincinnati chili

A unique blend of Mediterranean spices distinguishes this chili served over spaghetti. The key to its depth of flavor lies in simmering the spices with the meat, allowing the chocolate to subtly enrich the background without overpowering.

Toasted ravioli puffs

A St. Louis original, these breaded and fried ravioli make the perfect appetizer. Achieving a crispy exterior while ensuring the filling stays warm and gooey is essential for that first delightful bite.

Michigan cherry pie

Celebrating Michigan's cherry harvest, this pie pairs tart cherries with a sweet filling and flaky crust. Using fresh cherries and a lattice crust allows steam to escape, preventing the filling from becoming too runny.

Chicago-style deep-dish pizza

Known for its thick crust and inverted layering of cheese and toppings, the secret to authentic deep-dish pizza is in the crust. It should be buttery and cooked until just crisp on the outside while remaining soft inside.