Wisconsin has recently been rated one of the best states to raise a family, and there isn’t a single person I know in Wisconsin who would disagree. Almost everyone who lives there either never leaves or eventually returns. While it’s partially due to the sense of community and the amazing activities (like the relatively unknown Summerfest), the cuisine of Wisconsin simply can’t be beat. The first thing I do when I get off the plane coming home from college is get some cheese curds, a butter burger, and a unbeatable Sprecher root beer. If you haven’t tried some of the Wisconsin food specialities, book a road trip now before it’s too late.
1. Cheese Curds
Wisconsinites consider cheese curds to be one of our utmost delicacies. And no, when we’re talking about cheese curds we’re not talking about the squeaky cheese. We’re talking about wonderful, fried, cheese curds (usually from Culver’s). Although cheddar cheese curds are the most common, having a mix of different cheeses makes this food even more exciting.
2. Beer Brats
To make these, you submerge a bratwurst into boiling beer, adding a flavour that you just can’t get anywhere else. This was such a classic summer meal in my childhood that I was shocked when beer brats weren’t common everywhere else.
3. Garlic Butter-Stuffed Chicken
This garlic butter-stuffed chicken, known more affectionately by my friends and family as “peeing chicken” for the buttery liquid that oozes out on the first cut, is one of the best dinners out there. Despite the unattractive nickname, the intense amount of garlic and butter makes sure that this chicken never disappoints even the pickiest of eaters (AKA all of my little siblings).
4. Frozen Custard
Although the wonder that’s known as frozen custard has started slowly spreading its way across the country, it has been the ultimate dessert in Wisconsin for as long as I can remember. The egg yolk in custard makes it thicker, creamier, and just 1000 times better than regular ice cream.
5. Sprecher Root Beer
Having grown up with Sprecher Root Beer, I find all other root beer brands absolutely undrinkable. It’s always amusing when my family goes out to eat and all seven of us order a Sprecher Root Beer. It’s Wisconsin, though, so no one’s surprised.
6. Cheese Plates
Wisconsin is known for its cheese for a reason. There’s not just one type I can recommend, so get a cheese plate so you can try as many as absolutely possible. No matter what your favourite kind of cheese is, it’s likely that Wisconsin does it best.
7. Kringles
The kringle, which is the Wisconsin state pastry, originated in Racine, Wisconsin in the late 1800s. It is now a beloved Wisconsin food item and often given for special occasions or simply as a thank you. There’s no better place to try these danish kringles than the place they originated.
8. Cornish Pasties
Although Cornish pasties may be very popular in England, there aren’t many Americans who will enjoy this for dinner. Wisconsin is one of the few states where this differs, and we’ve mastered the craft over the years. The Great Wisconsin Baking Show is going to be the next big thing, trust me.
9. Honey Bee and Vanilla Bean Pudding
This recipe was made by Jill Prescott to honor her home state, Wisconsin. It features Wisconsin’s honey, which few people realize Wisconsin is known for. The University of Wisconsin-Madison chose the honey badger as its mascot for a reason, after all.
10. Beer Cheese Soup
If you’re looking to try the most quintessentially Wisconsin food, this is it. Someone decided to take our state’s love for cheese and our love for beer and to combine it into a single soup. Some people love it, some people don’t, but nobody can deny it’s as Wisconsin as can be.
11. Cream Puffs
Cream puffs are pretty much the only reason anyone goes to the Wisconsin State Fair. You certainly aren’t going to want to go on the rides after devouring several of these sugary delights. In fact, Wisconsin also holds the record for the world’s largest cream puff, weighing 125 pounds.
12. Wisconsin Sausage
Aside from the Bratwurst, Wisconsin has simply amazing sausage in general. Usinger’s Famous Sausage, which is well known all over, has its headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Instead of sending edible arrangements, a lot of times we send boxes of Usinger’s sausages.
13. Almond Cranberry Bread
Although cranberries are still featured in Wisconsin homes at Thanksgiving, we don’t serve it in the form of cranberry sauce. Instead, a loaf of almond cranberry bread is much more popular. Although we may not break out the cranberries year round, if you’re spending Thanksgiving in Wisconsin this is something you won’t want to miss.
14. Macaroni and Cheese Pizza
As if we didn’t already have enough of cheese in Milwaukee, Ian’s Mac and Cheese Pizza is incredibly popular. Originating in Madison, Ian’s has now spread across the state and is one of the go-to places when ordering pizza. Be careful when eating this pizza though, just one slice is enough to leave you satisfied but totally stuffed.
15. Butter Burgers
Is it even a burger if you don’t butter your bun? I was appalled when I came to New York and found that most people don’t put any butter on their buns at all. It’s even worse when they don’t toast it. Whether homemade or bought from Culver’s, you can’t go back once you’ve had a butter burger.
It’s hard not to miss home when remembering all the amazing food that just isn’t quite the same in New York. A lot of people travel to NYC for an amazing food experience, but if you’d like to eat something truly amazing (especially if you love cheese or beer), get yourself some Wisconsin food.