10 Best Foods To Try In Minnesota | What is Minnesota known for food

Minnesota is a state that is known for its diverse cuisine and unique local foods. From hearty comfort dishes to fresh and innovative farm-to-table cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Minnesota.

In this article, we will explore what Minnesota is known for food-wise, from iconic dishes like the Juicy Lucy to regional specialties like wild rice soup.

We’ll also provide a guide to the best famous local foods to try when visiting the Land of 10,000 Lakes. So, whether you’re a foodie looking to try new things or a Minnesota native curious about your state’s culinary heritage, read on to discover the best of Minnesota’s food scene.

What to eat in Minnesota?

Minnesota has a rich food culture, with a variety of unique and delicious dishes. Here are 10 famous local foods and cuisines in Minnesota:

1.Juicy Lucy

Juicy Lucy is a popular burger in Minnesota that is known for its unique preparation. Instead of placing the cheese on top of the burger patty, the cheese is placed inside the patty, creating a molten center of melted cheese when the burger is cooked.

There are different stories about the origin of Juicy Lucy, but one of the most widely accepted tales is that it was first created in the 1950s by either the 5-8 Club or Matt’s Bar, both located in Minneapolis. The 5-8 Club claims that it was the first to invent the Juicy Lucy, while Matt’s Bar insists that it was the first to serve it.

Regardless of its origins, the Juicy Lucy has become a beloved local delicacy in Minnesota and is now served in many restaurants throughout the state. Visitors to Minnesota often make it a point to try a Juicy Lucy during their trip.

It’s important to note that the Juicy Lucy is typically served piping hot, and biting into it too soon can result in a burn from the melted cheese. It’s recommended to let it cool for a few minutes before diving in.

2.Tater tot hotdish

A casserole made with tater tots, ground beef, and cream of mushroom soup, often served as a comfort food in Minnesota.

Tater tot hotdish is another popular dish in Minnesota, and it’s considered a staple comfort food in the state. It consists of ground beef, vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and tater tots, which are a type of crispy potato nugget.

Tater tot hotdish is believed to have originated in the Midwest, and it’s often served at potlucks, family gatherings, and school cafeterias. Many families have their own variations of the recipe, but the basic ingredients remain the same.

The dish is usually prepared by browning the ground beef and mixing it with vegetables such as corn, peas, or green beans. Cream of mushroom soup is then added to the mixture, which is then topped with a layer of tater tots. The dish is baked in the oven until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.

Tater tot hotdish is a filling and hearty meal that’s perfect for cold Minnesota winters. It’s also an easy and inexpensive dish to make, which is why it remains a popular choice for families and potlucks.

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3.Wild rice soup

Made with wild rice, chicken, and vegetables, this soup is a Minnesota staple, often served in restaurants and homes throughout the state.

Wild rice soup is a popular dish in Minnesota, and it’s often considered a staple in the state’s cuisine. The soup is made with wild rice, which is indigenous to the region and has been harvested by Native Americans for thousands of years.

The soup typically consists of a creamy broth, wild rice, vegetables such as carrots and celery, and either chicken or turkey. It’s often seasoned with herbs and spices such as thyme and sage, and some variations may include mushrooms, bacon, or even cheese.

Wild rice soup is often served as a hearty and comforting meal, especially during the colder months in Minnesota. It’s also a popular menu item in many restaurants throughout the state.

Wild rice soup has a long history in Minnesota, and it’s often associated with the state’s Native American culture. In fact, wild rice is the official state grain of Minnesota, and it’s often used in a variety of dishes, including soups, casseroles, and salads.

Overall, wild rice soup is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s become an iconic part of Minnesota’s food culture.

4.Lefse

Lefse is a traditional Norwegian flatbread that is popular in Minnesota due to the state’s large Scandinavian-American population. It is made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes cream, and is rolled out thin and cooked on a griddle. Lefse is often served with butter, cinnamon, sugar, or lingonberry jam, and is a staple of many holiday meals and celebrations in Minnesota.

Minnesota has a strong Scandinavian heritage, with many residents tracing their roots back to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. As a result, traditional Scandinavian foods like lefse have become a part of the state’s culinary culture, and can be found in bakeries, cafes, and restaurants throughout the state. In addition to being a beloved food in Minnesota, lefse-making is also a popular hobby and social activity, with many families and communities gathering to make and share this delicious flatbread during the holiday season.

5.Walleye

Walleye is a popular fish in Minnesota, and it is considered a delicacy by many locals and visitors. It is a freshwater fish that is commonly found in Minnesota’s many lakes and rivers, making it a staple of the state’s cuisine.

Walleye is a versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including frying, baking, grilling, and broiling. It is often served with a side of wild rice, another staple of Minnesota cuisine, as well as vegetables like green beans, carrots, or corn.

One of the most popular ways to prepare walleye in Minnesota is to fry it in a batter made of flour, cornmeal, and spices. This crispy, golden-brown fish is often served with a side of tartar sauce or lemon wedges.

Many restaurants in Minnesota feature walleye on their menus, and some even specialize in walleye dishes. Some popular walleye dishes in Minnesota include walleye sandwiches, walleye tacos, and walleye cakes.

In addition to being a delicious food, walleye is also an important part of Minnesota’s fishing culture. Many Minnesotans enjoy fishing for walleye in the state’s many lakes and rivers, and the fish is often caught and cooked by families and friends during summer vacations or weekend getaways.

6.Swedish meatballs

Swedish meatballs are a popular dish in Minnesota, which has a strong Scandinavian heritage. Swedish meatballs are a type of meatball that is made from a mixture of ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, and spices like nutmeg and allspice. The meatballs are typically pan-fried or baked, and are served with a rich and creamy gravy made from beef broth, cream, and flour.

Swedish meatballs are often served as an appetizer at holiday gatherings or as a main course for a hearty dinner. They are typically served with lingonberry jam, which provides a sweet and tart contrast to the savory meatballs and gravy. Lingonberry jam is a traditional accompaniment to Swedish meatballs and is often served alongside other Swedish dishes like lutefisk and pickled herring.

Swedish meatballs are a beloved dish in Minnesota, and many restaurants throughout the state feature them on their menus. The meatballs are often served with mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes, as well as a side of green beans or carrots.

In addition to being a popular dish in Minnesota, Swedish meatballs have gained worldwide popularity thanks to the Swedish furniture retailer IKEA, which sells them in its stores around the world.

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7.Hot dish

A casserole made with a variety of ingredients, including ground beef, noodles, vegetables, and cheese, often served at potlucks and family gatherings.

Hot dish is a quintessential comfort food in Minnesota, and it is a casserole-like dish that is typically made with a combination of meat, vegetables, starch, and a creamy sauce. The dish is called “hot dish” in Minnesota, but it is also known as a casserole in other parts of the country.

Hot dish is often made with ground beef, chicken, or turkey, and it may include ingredients like green beans, corn, peas, or tater tots. The sauce is typically made from condensed cream of mushroom soup, although some recipes call for other types of cream soups or a homemade sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.

Hot dish is a popular food in Minnesota because it is easy to make, feeds a crowd, and can be customized to suit individual tastes. It is often served at potlucks, church suppers, and other community gatherings, as well as at family dinners and holiday celebrations.

One of the most famous types of hot dish in Minnesota is the tater tot hot dish, which features a layer of tater tots on top of the meat and vegetable mixture. This dish is often referred to as “hot dish with a roof” because the tater tots form a crispy, golden-brown crust on top of the dish.

Hot dish is a beloved part of Minnesota’s culinary culture, and many families have their own favorite recipes and variations on this classic comfort food.

8.Juicy Lucy Pizza

Inspired by the famous Juicy Lucy burger, this pizza features a crust stuffed with cheese, sauce, and toppings.

Juicy Lucy Pizza is a unique twist on the classic Juicy Lucy burger, which is a famous food in Minnesota. The Juicy Lucy burger is a cheese-stuffed burger patty, where the cheese oozes out when you take a bite. Juicy Lucy Pizza takes this concept and applies it to pizza, creating a cheesy, gooey, and delicious dish.

Juicy Lucy Pizza typically features a thin crust pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and toppings like pepperoni, sausage, onions, and peppers. The twist comes in the form of a layer of Juicy Lucy patties sandwiched between the crust and the cheese. When the pizza is cooked, the cheese from the Juicy Lucy patties melts and mixes with the other toppings, creating a truly unique and delicious flavor experience.

Juicy Lucy Pizza is a popular menu item at many pizzerias and restaurants in Minnesota, particularly in the Twin Cities area. It is often served as a specialty pizza or as a seasonal menu item. Some restaurants even offer variations on the dish, such as a bacon-wrapped Juicy Lucy Pizza or a vegetarian version made with a plant-based patty.

Juicy Lucy Pizza is a testament to the creativity and innovation of Minnesota’s culinary scene. By taking a beloved local food and putting a new spin on it, Minnesota chefs have created a dish that is sure to satisfy pizza lovers and Juicy Lucy fans alike.

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9.Minnesota-style pizza

Minnesota-style pizza is a unique and beloved regional style of pizza that has its roots in the Twin Cities area. It is characterized by a thin crust that is crispy on the bottom and chewy on the inside, topped with a generous layer of sauce and cheese.

One of the defining features of Minnesota-style pizza is the use of a special type of cheese called “Minnesota cheese” or “pizza cheese.” This cheese is a blend of mozzarella and provolone, and it has a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other types of cheese used on pizza.

Another hallmark of Minnesota-style pizza is the use of unique toppings that reflect the state’s culinary traditions. These toppings might include wild rice, walleye, or even hot dish ingredients like tater tots and ground beef.

Minnesota-style pizza is a popular food in Minnesota, and many local pizzerias and restaurants offer their own variations on the dish. It is often served at community gatherings, like high school sports events or church suppers, as well as at family dinners and special occasions.

Overall, Minnesota-style pizza is a unique and delicious expression of Minnesota’s culinary culture. Its distinctive flavor and toppings make it a must-try for anyone visiting or living in the state.

10.Grain Belt Beer

A local beer brand that has been brewed in Minnesota since 1893, offering a variety of classic and seasonal beers.

Grain Belt Beer is a brand of beer that has a long and storied history in Minnesota. The beer was first brewed in 1893 by the Minneapolis Brewing Company, and it quickly became a favorite of Minnesotans.

Grain Belt Beer is a light-bodied, easy-drinking beer that is known for its smooth, clean taste. It is brewed with a blend of malted barley, corn, and hops, and it has an alcohol content of around 4.6%.

Over the years, Grain Belt Beer has become an iconic symbol of Minnesota, and it is often associated with the state’s working-class heritage and blue-collar traditions. The beer’s logo, which features a silhouette of a man holding a mug of beer, is instantly recognizable to many Minnesotans.

In recent years, Grain Belt Beer has undergone a revival, thanks in part to the efforts of the August Schell Brewing Company, which acquired the brand in 2002. Today, Grain Belt Beer is still brewed in Minnesota, and it is available in a variety of different styles, including Grain Belt Premium, Grain Belt Nordeast, and Grain Belt Lock & Dam.

Overall, Grain Belt Beer is a beloved part of Minnesota’s cultural and culinary landscape. Its history and heritage make it an important part of the state’s identity, and its smooth, easy-drinking taste make it a favorite among beer drinkers in Minnesota and beyond.

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Foods invented in Minnesota

Minnesota is known for its culinary innovations and has given birth to several iconic foods that are enjoyed around the world. Here are some foods that were invented in Minnesota:

• SPAM: The famous canned meat product was invented by Jay C. Hormel in Austin, Minnesota in 1937.
• Tater tot hotdish: This classic Minnesota casserole consists of ground beef, tater tots, and cream of mushroom soup, all baked together in a single dish.
• Scotch tape: Although not a food, Scotch tape was invented by 3M engineer Richard Drew in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1925.
• Heggies Pizza: This popular frozen pizza brand was started in 1989 in Milaca, Minnesota and is known for its thick crust and generous toppings.
• Pearson’s Candy Company products: Minnesota-based Pearson’s Candy Company has been producing iconic candies like Bit-O-Honey, Salted Nut Roll, and Nut Goodie since 1909.
• Green Giant vegetables: The Green Giant brand of canned and frozen vegetables was started by the Minnesota Valley Canning Company in 1903.
• Honeycrisp apples: This popular variety of apple was developed by the University of Minnesota in the 1990s and is known for its sweet and juicy flavor.

Minnesota’s culinary legacy continues to inspire and delight foodies around the world.

FAQs:

Q: What are some iconic foods to try in Minnesota?

A: Minnesota is known for its iconic Juicy Lucy burger, which is a cheeseburger with the cheese melted inside the patty. Wild rice soup is also a regional specialty that is a must-try for visitors to the state.

Q: What is lutefisk?

A: Lutefisk is a traditional Norwegian dish that is popular in Minnesota, particularly among Scandinavian-Americans. It is made from dried whitefish that has been soaked in lye and then boiled or baked.

Q: What is a hotdish?

A: A hotdish is a type of casserole that is a staple of Minnesota cuisine. It typically consists of a meat, a starch (such as potatoes or noodles), and a vegetable, all baked together in a single dish.

Q: What is wild rice?

A: Wild rice is a type of aquatic grass that is native to North America. It is an important ingredient in traditional Native American cuisine and is often used in dishes like soups, stews, and salads.

Q: What are some popular breweries in Minnesota?

A: Minnesota is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with popular breweries like Surly Brewing Co., Summit Brewing Company, and Fulton Brewing Company. Visitors can take brewery tours and sample a variety of locally-made beers.