26 Foods All Midwesterners Grew Up With

—jollyeliza

A generous sprinkling of cheese is mandatory. Recipe here.

—jevoss92

You can substitute the sirloin and sharp cheddar for your own choice of meat and cheese, but the thick Texas toast and French fries here are non-negotiables 🙅. Recipe here.

—savigra

Some call it muddy buddies, others call it puppy chow — but as long as it's made with Chex, peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar, no one has to be wrong. Recipe here.

—scruffyperson

I mean, the name itself should make your mouth water. Recipe here.

—Mike Jahncke, Facebook

Serve with a side of gravy or sour cream for the perfect quick meal. Recipe here.

—pawseyhailey

If your green beans aren't drowning in cream, you're doing it wrong. Recipe here.

—bringbackthebunny

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 — ZERO KETCHUP. Get it right by making it yourself. Recipe here.

—krbergh

If you can't get yourself to Nebraska to the popular eponymous chain, try this recipe, made with plenty of cabbage and onion just like the original stuff. More here.

—lteer22

Some recipes use crushed cornflakes instead of Ritz, but TBH any crunchy cracker will do. Dip them in ketchup for the full Frenchee experience. Recipe here.

—s477a9777f

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

—caraf4f24364df

Basically Wisconsin's gift to the world. Recipe here.

—jollyeliza

Despite its name, this hot dog actually hails from Detroit. Recipe here.

—caraf4f24364df

You'll know you stuffed the right amount of cheese into the patty if it explodes upon first bite 😆. Recipe here.

—hilaryf41eceed38

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

—emilyj4da43fef4

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

—hilaryf41eceed38

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

—kayflori

Canned tuna never tasted so good. Recipe here.

—brookeb46f0b094f

No potluck is complete without a serving of these. Recipe here.

—jmccune0908

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

—harlied

Chocolate-covered peanut butter balls that look like Buckeyes and taste like happiness. Recipe here.

—katelyne41cff93c0

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

—r48cdc783a

Thick, creamy, and oh so rich, just like the best frozen custards should be. Recipe here.

—joc44b769614

The perfect pork loin should be pounded and crisp but also retain some juiciness. Recipe here.

Our kind of salad. Recipe here.

—michellesk

Top with Chicago Johnny's Hot Giardiniera for a deliciously messy meal. Recipe here.

—gouwensd

Testament to the fact that where there's a will, there's a way (to stuff more cheese and bread into every pizza slice). Recipe here.