Midwestern USA foods the rest of the world thinks are weird are more than unusual dishes. They are integral part of the history, family tradition and culture of this region. Whether it's the crispy St. Louis-style pizza topped with Provel cheese or the sweet Scotcheroos or the rich frozen custard, these recipes have many loyal fans from coast to coast in the Midwest.

A lot of visitors are amazed at the ingredients and how it is prepared, but after one bite of the food, they change their minds. These special dishes bring a sense of comfort and are enjoyed for generations and are a part of the Midwestern American heart and soul, whether it's served at a community gathering or a family dinner at home or at a local restaurant.

Why Midwestern USA Foods Stand Out?

Midwestern USA foods stand out because they combine simple ingredients with rich flavors and long-standing family traditions. These unique regional dishes reflect the area's farming heritage, community gatherings, and love for comforting homemade meals.

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Only in the Midwest

What are fried cheese curds, a butter burger, funeral potatoes, and a Snickers salad? This list of must-try food staples exists solely in the American Midwest. While many dishes from the heartland look or sound pretty outlandish, countless devotees across all parts of America pledge their allegiance to these odd concoctions because of their intriguing flavor profiles and nostalgic connections.

Here, we take a closer look at the marvelous Midwest dishes that most people in the rest of the USA wouldn't even know exist. We know you probably haven't tried them, and we suspect that we’re unsure if you've even heard of them.

St. Louis–style pizza

Although most other regional styles of US pizza gain acceptance elsewhere around the country, St. Louis-style pizza has yet to break out beyond the Midwest.

This unique style features a cracker-thin, crispy crust, and the whole pizza gets chopped up into party-size pieces, always made with St. Louis' claim to cheese fame, Provel cheese (a combination of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone cheeses developed in 1947). You can find this distinct pizza experience at local pizza chain Imo's, which boasts approximately 100 locations spread across Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas.

Scotcheroos

These, by the way, taste so much better than ordinary Rice Krispie treats and are almost as rare to find as Iowans who lack a love for “The University of Iowa - the premier institution of higher education in the state.”

Back in the 1960s, the company included the recipe on Rice Krispies cereal boxes, but The Hawkeye State has come to embrace these delicious bites made of, you know, Rice Krispies, corn syrup, peanut butter, and sugar - all of which are melted together and poured onto a cookie sheet before being slathered with a mix of chocolate and butterscotch morsels, claiming them entirely and exclusively as their own. (Iowans proudly make them for home eating, local bake sales and other gatherings.)

Frozen custard

“America’s Dairyland.” The ‘Custard Capital of the World’. Yes, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, holds that title, though someone sampled the very first taste of frozen custard in Coney Island, NY.

That said, many people consider Milwaukee the city’s mecca. Some folks even assert that frozen custard created with additional egg yolks, hence a denser, creamier, and velvety smooth consistency than its summer sibling is indeed better than ice cream (and yes, it does make such a thing a culinary possibility).

Booyah

Food enthusiasts believe that the Hearty Meat and Vegetable Dish, known as Booyah, started in Belgium - yet it has since become the hot ticket across the American Midwest! People consider the ingredients to be a personal matter, generally involving the stewing together of chicken, beef, pork, and assorted vegetables (like green beans, carrots, potatoes, and corn) along with meat bones and greasy drippings.

Instead of simmering in just one pot like most stews do, the preparation of Booyah typically takes two days, with cooks keeping the booyahs bubbling away on the hob. This meal is becoming less popular over time, but it is still often found at larger social gatherings.

Chicken Vesuvio

What’s to love about Chicago Chicken Vesuvio? Usually, you can find this signature dish appearing in Italian American restaurants scattered throughout the city, as it beautifully combines chicken (on the bone) and tender potatoes in a savory, oil-and-white wine-based sauce made with fragrant garlic and oregano, while chefs typically season it with fresh green peas.

While its name likely refers to Italy’s active volcano, it may also be an invention of a 1930’s Chicago establishment known as Vesuvio, which proudly popularized this culinary masterpiece. Whichever the explanation, you will discover that this dish is a Chicago classic that definitely warrants trying during your next visit to the Windy City!

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Shredded chicken sandwich

• Shredded chicken sandwich. At this point that’s hardly an impressive culinary feat. The state of Ohio, however, takes the humble chicken sandwich to a slightly different place.
• The cook braises the sandwich meat in a can of condensed cream of chicken soup, seasons it with poultry seasoning, and tops it with broken potato chips or crumbled Ritz crackers.
• A warm and soft bun then scoops it up – just like that – it tastes salty, and surprisingly delicious.

Johnny Marzetti

1896: Teresa Marzetti opened an Italian eatery in Columbus, Ohio, and in due time, she crafted a dish that bore her brother-in-law's name. 1920s: This casserole soon became the quintessential American dish of the Midwest. A savory medley of pasta, ground beef, cheese, and tomato sauce, it essentially resembles an all-purpose, no-mess Bolognese. Whoever you were, real Johnny Marzetti, you ought to take credit for this delicious creation.

FAQs

1. What are the most popular Midwestern USA foods the rest of the world thinks are weird?

Some of the best-known dishes include St. Louis-style pizza, Scotcheroos, frozen custard, Booyah, Chicken Vesuvio, Johnny Marzetti, funeral potatoes, butter burgers, and shredded chicken sandwiches.

2. Why are Midwest foods considered unusual?

Many Midwest recipes use unique ingredients, regional cheeses, creamy sauces, casseroles, and unexpected food combinations that are uncommon outside the region.

3. Is St. Louis-style pizza different from regular pizza?

Yes. It has a thin cracker-like crust, uses Provel cheese instead of mozzarella, and is cut into small square pieces instead of traditional slices.

4. Where can visitors try authentic Midwestern dishes?

Local diners, family-owned restaurants, community festivals, and regional chains across states like Missouri, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Iowa serve authentic Midwest specialties.

5. Are Midwestern foods worth trying?

Absolutely. While some dishes may sound unusual, they are known for their comforting flavors, rich traditions, and unique regional character, making them a memorable part of American cuisine.