13 midwestern recipes that show up with cheese, carbs, and zero apologies

These Midwestern recipes commit to the basics — cheese, carbs, and the kind of cozy that doesn’t ask too many questions. There’s usually something baked, something generously portioned, and never anything pretending to be a salad. They don’t hold back, and no one really wants them to.

Loaded chicken tater tot casserole

You don’t really make loaded chicken tater tot casserole because you need to — you make it because you can. Creamy chicken sits under a golden layer of crispy tater tots, making this one of those midwestern recipes that fully commits to what the region does best. Ready in under an hour and easy to prep ahead, it’s the kind of dish that reminds you why Midwest cooking always hits the spot. Serve it with green beans or a simple salad if you’re feeling balanced.
Get the recipe: Loaded chicken tater tot casserole

Creamy Wisconsin beer cheese soup

Some days just call for a bowl of creamy Wisconsin beer cheese soup and no follow-up questions. Made with sharp cheddar, broth, beer, and a base of sautéed veggies, this soup is ready in about an hour and comes together in just one pot. It’s one of those midwestern recipes that makes you want to cancel plans and grab a spoon — bold, creamy, and built for staying in. Pair it with a warm pretzel or crusty bread for the full effect.
Get the recipe: Creamy Wisconsin beer cheese soup

Beer cheese party dip

It takes exactly one bite of beer cheese party dip to remember why it’s invited to every single get-together. Butter, beer, and sharp cheddar melt together into a warm dip that’s best served with pretzels and eaten while standing around the kitchen counter. It’s the kind of casual, low-effort starter that keeps showing up because it works every single time. You can also serve it with breadsticks, crackers, or whatever carbs are within reach.
Get the recipe: Beer cheese party dip

Fresh corn salad with lime vinaigrette

The rare Midwest side that skips the cheese and still gets invited back, fresh corn salad with lime vinaigrette keeps it light without being boring. Cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers, cucumbers, and red onion are tossed with a lime vinaigrette for a bright, simple side. Let it chill before serving so everything comes together — it’s easy to prep ahead and works with anything you’ve got on the table.
Get the recipe: Fresh corn salad with lime vinaigrette

Dill pickle chip dip

There’s a reason dill pickle chip dip shows up at every party and never gets leftovers. Made with sour cream, mayo, chopped dill pickles, and just a few seasonings, it’s chilled and ready to serve in about 30 minutes. It’s great with chips, crackers, or veggies, and always disappears faster than expected. Bring it to a potluck or just keep it in the fridge when a dip craving hits.
Get the recipe: Dill pickle chip dip

Bacon hash brown breakfast casserole

Nobody’s trying to reinvent the wheel here — bacon hash brown breakfast casserole just shows up and does the job. With frozen hash browns, eggs, cottage cheese, and bacon baked into one dish, it handles breakfast with the same no-nonsense charm most midwestern recipes are known for. This one’s perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or really any occasion where everyone’s hungry and nobody wants to wait. Add fruit or toast on the side if you’re trying to make it look like you planned this out.
Get the recipe: Bacon hash brown breakfast casserole

Slow-cooked caramelized onion dip

You make this slow-cooked caramelized onion dip once, and suddenly you’re the dip person for life. Rich, slow-cooked onions folded into a mix of sour cream and mayo. It’s the kind of dip that doesn’t try too hard but still disappears before the chips run out. Classic midwestern recipes like this one remind you that a few pantry basics and some patience are sometimes all you need. Pair it with potato chips, pita, or really anything that scoops.
Get the recipe: Slow-cooked caramelized onion dip

Cheesy broccoli bake

Somewhere in between vegetable and excuse to eat more cheese, this cheesy broccoli bake finds its place. It’s ready in under an hour, made with simple ingredients, and dependable whether you’re feeding the family or pulling together a last-minute dish for the church potluck. You’ll steam broccoli before mixing the rest of the casserole ingredients together, transfer that to a baking dish, and finish with shredded cheese and crushed cracker topping. Around here, if it’s baked and covered in cheese, it’s showing up again next week.
Get the recipe: Cheesy broccoli bake

Tuna noodle casserole

Tuna noodle casserole is proof that canned tuna deserves a little more respect. Canned tuna, pasta, and a creamy base come together in under an hour for a dish that’s filling, practical, and familiar without being boring. It’s especially helpful on nights when groceries are running low but comfort is still very much on the agenda. Best with a side of buttered peas or whatever you’ve got left in the fridge.
Get the recipe: Tuna noodle casserole

Crispy bacon-wrapped water chestnut bites

No one ever remembers who brought these crispy bacon-wrapped water chestnut bites, just that they’re gone. Whole water chestnuts get wrapped in bacon, brushed with a brown sugar glaze, and baked until everything caramelizes just right. Ready in about an hour, this is the kind of appetizer that quietly vanishes before anyone even asks what’s next. Serve it with toothpicks and don’t expect leftovers.
Get the recipe: Crispy bacon-wrapped water chestnut bites

Fully loaded baked tater tots

Fully loaded baked tater tots are the kind of thing that accidentally becomes dinner. Tots bake until golden, then get topped with melted cheddar, sour cream, crispy bacon, and green onions for a cheesy, craveable starter that doesn’t try too hard. Ready in 35 minutes, it’s perfect for gatherings, game nights, or whenever comfort food is the only answer. Pair with a cold beer or literally nothing — they hold up just fine on their own.
Get the recipe: Fully loaded baked tater tots

Creamy wild rice and mushroom soup

When midwestern weather turns into a personality, creamy wild rice and mushroom soup is how you deal with it. Wild rice, often called the state grain of Minnesota, pairs perfectly with mushrooms in this one-pot recipe. Ready in just a little over an hour, it’s a warm, filling option that’s great for weeknights or whenever you want something that feels a little more rooted. Serve with buttered rolls or a grilled cheese if you’re not messing around.
Get the recipe: Creamy wild rice and mushroom soup

Sugar-free rice krispie scotcheroos

Sugar-free rice krispie scotcheroos may skip the real sugar, but they show up with just as much attitude. With a chewy peanut butter base and chocolatey top, this grain-free, nut-free, and low-carb treat comes together in 20 minutes. It’s great for when you want to bring something to the table that feels classic Midwest but works for just about everyone. Perfect with coffee or stashed in your bag for emergencies.
Get the recipe: Sugar-free rice krispie scotcheroos