8 Food Dishes That Are Absolute Symbols of Minnesota

Located squarely in the Midwest is the beautiful state of Minnesota. Minnesota is known for its natural beauty, its over-the-top mall, and, of course, its good ‘ole fashioned, Midwestern comfort food! In order to make it through the chilly Minnesota winters, warming, and hardy foods are an absolute staple of the state. Let’s take a look at some of the food dishes that are symbols of the Gopher State.

1. Hotdish Casserole

Minnesota‘s most iconic dish is the hotdish casserole. Hotdish casserole, also known as tater tot casserole, features ground beef and vegetables with mushroom soup, topped with cheesy tater tots. It’s a delicious winter staple, warming up bellies all around the state. Typically, hotdish is made with green beans, onions, and corn, but you can get creative with whatever veggies you have on hand. The most important part of a hotdish is its delicious tater tot topping!

2. Jell-O Salad

While Jell-O salad didn’t originate in Minnesota, it has become one of the state’s most iconic dishes. There are many ways to make Jell-O salad, and each household has its way of doing it best. Lots of Minnesotans are known to mix Jell-O with cottage cheese to create the salad. In our example above, the Jell-O salad is layered with a few other ingredients. Regardless of how you create it, Jell-O salad is a cheap and delicious bite of freshness at the table!

3. Swedish Meatballs

Another food that didn’t originate in Minnesota but became a staple is Swedish meatballs. Swedish meatballs are common in the Midwest and in Minnesota, it’s due to the high population of Swedish families. Swedes immigrated to Minnesota decades ago, and since then, folks in the region have enjoyed their delicious foods. Swedish meatballs are made with warming spices like nutmeg and allspice. Then, you top your meatballs with a delicious gravy!

4. Jucy Lucy

It wouldn’t be a Minnesota food article without a discussion of the Jucy Lucy sandwich. Matt’s Bar in Minneapolis is the home of the original Jucy Lucy. This burger is popular throughout the state. You can find it at lots of Minnesota restaurants, in fact! In a Jucy Lucy, the cheese is inside of two burger patties, making for a melty and delicious flavor explosion. These can be served with all sorts of toppings, but traditionally, pickles appear on the burger.

5. Bundt Cake

Another classic Minnesota dessert is the bundt cake. Minnesota is the birthplace of the bundt pan, so the cake is a celebrated part of this Midwestern state’s cuisine. While to many of us, the bundt pan is a kitchen staple, it was only created in the 1970s! David Dalquist is the inventor of the pan, and now 70 million households own one. Bundt cakes can be made in lots of flavors with many different toppings. Minnesotan bundt cake often has a pumpkin flavor!

6. Walleye

With the Great Lakes so close, it’s impossible to talk about Minnesota food without mentioning the walleye. Walleye is in most of the lakes and rivers around the state, so it’s an accessible and economical protein. There are lots of yummy ways to eat walleye, including grilled and fried. Make fish & chips or eat it with a side of steamed veggies. No matter how you eat your walleye, you’ll know a fisherman caught it with care!

7. Wild Rice Soup

Finally, wild rice soup is a major staple of every Minnesota household. This hardy soup is perfect for chilly winters and cool nights. You make wild rice soup with chicken, wild rice, vegetables, and chicken stock or broth. For creamier soup, add milk and cream. On a snowy Minnesotan night, there’s nothing quite like a bowl full of wild rice soup!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © rudisill from Getty Images Signature, RainingLeads/ via Canva.com