26 Foods All Midwesterners Grew Up With
Which ones are the best?

We recently asked people from the BuzzFeed Community to share their favorite Midwestern foods. Here are their best responses:
1. Cincinnati Chili

ājollyeliza
A generous sprinkling of cheese is mandatory. Recipe here.
2. Horseshoe Sandwich

3. Puppy Chow

4. Gooey Butter Cake

I mean, the name itself should make your mouth water. Recipe here.
5. Meat and Vegetable Pasty

āMike Jahncke, Facebook
Serve with a side of gravy or sour cream for the perfect quick meal. Recipe here.
6. Green Bean Casserole

āpawseyhailey
If your green beans aren't drowning in cream, you're doing it wrong. Recipe here.
7. Chicago-style Hot Dog

Everyone knows that the correct way to make a Chicago-style hot dog is with a poppy seed bun, yellow mustard, neon green relish, chopped raw onions, ripe tomato wedges or slices, kosher dill pickle spears, sport peppers, celery salt, and for the love of God ā ZERO KETCHUP. Get it right by making it yourself. Recipe here.
8. Runza

9. Cheese Frenchee

10. Lefse

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Serve with a bit of butter and sugar to prove how the simplest ingredients can make the most addictive of recipes. Recipe here.
11. Fried Cheese Curds

Basically Wisconsin's gift to the world. Recipe here.
12. Detroit-Style Coney Island Hot Dog

ājollyeliza
Despite its name, this hot dog actually hails from Detroit. Recipe here.
13. Juicy Lucy

You'll know you stuffed the right amount of cheese into the patty if it explodes upon first bite š. Recipe here.
14. Creamed Corn Casserole

While casseroles are in every Midwestern kitchen's year-round dinner rotation, this variation is particularly popular during the holidays. Recipe here.
15. Walking Taco

Step 1: Cut open bag of Frito chips. Step 2: Dump taco ingredients inside. Step 3: Go for the best walk of your life š. Recipe here.
16. Tater Tot Casserole

Some foods you grow out of, others you figure out how to turn into a hotdish. Recipe here.
17. Tuna Noodle Casserole

18. Scotcheroos

No potluck is complete without a serving of these. Recipe here.
19. Buffalo Chicken Dip

ājmccune0908
You know it's a good dip when you could do without the chips. Recipe here.
20. Buckeyes

21. Toasted Ravioli

Warning: Once you try toasted ravioli, you'll never want to go back to wimpy, untoasted pasta. Recipe here.
22. Frozen Custard

ār48cdc783a
Thick, creamy, and oh so rich, just like the best frozen custards should be. Recipe here.
23. Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

ājoc44b769614
The perfect pork loin should be pounded and crisp but also retain some juiciness. Recipe here.
24. Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Our kind of salad. Recipe here.
25. Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich

āmichellesk
Top with Chicago Johnny's Hot Giardiniera for a deliciously messy meal. Recipe here.
26. Deep-dish Pizza
