You have probably heard of the culinary delights that take the stage each year at the Minnesota State Fair, but what you might not know is that the Land of 10,000 Lakes is known for more than its indulgent fair food. Having grown up in Minnesota, I can speak to the diverse food scene my home state offers and I love visiting every year to bring back a little bit of nostalgia.
Let’s take a look at the iconic food of Minnesota:
Bundt Cake – A Minneapolis Staple
Originally based on the Gugelhupf, a German/Austrian round cake with a hole in the middle, the bundt cake was brought to Minnesota thanks to the women of Minneapolis’ Hadassah club in 1950. They went to the local company called Nordic Ware, which creates Scandinavian cookware, and asked them to create a pan similar to the ones they made Gugelhupf with, at home. The rest, of course, was history, as the bundt cake, which is made in the very same bundt pan created by Nordic Ware, can have everything from fresh strawberries and chocolate chips to a single flavor like chocolate and topped with vanilla ice cream.
Hotdish – Iconic Minnesotan Food
Hotdish, or hot dish, is a casserole that traditionally contains four elements: a starch, a meat, a vegetable, and a can of soup. Hotdish is cooked in a casserole dish, and it can serve many people, which is why you will often see hotdish at large family gatherings, church picnics, and other similar gatherings. It is also popular in other northern states including North Dakota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota.
The most popular type of hotdish is “tater tot hotdish,” which is traditionally made with ground beef and topped with golden brown tater tots. Some people might add other vegetables, like sweet corn, to the dish, but it always gets it’s “oomph” from condensed cream of mushroom soup.
Hot Dago – A Twin Cities Favorite
I know — let’s just look past the name. That’s what it’s called, and that’s what it’s always been called. Imagine one of the most delicious and oooey gooey sausage sandwiches you have ever eaten, and you will have the Hot Dago. This is almost a Minnesota-exclusive, and it’s very popular in the Twin Cities. Made of a flattened Italian sausage patty, it is topped with melted cheese, usually mozzarella cheese, and then covered in marinara sauce. All of it is served on a bread base.
Some people get a bit fancy by tossing on some fresh herbs, peppers, or onions. Others serve the sandwich open face. One thing is true — however you eat the hot dago, you are going to need a napkin.
Hmong Sausage – A Culinary Delight from a Far Away Land
People outside of Minnesota might not realize this, but most of the Hmong people in the US, who come from South and Southeast Asia, live in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Because of this, they have brought their native cuisine to the area, including the famed Hmong sausage.
Hmong sausage is made of ground pork and seasoned with flavors like lemongrass and Thai chili peppers. Popular around Hmong holidays, the sausage was introduced to Minnesota, and ultimately the rest of the world, after being served at the Minnesota State Fair in 2022, and then at Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins, in 2023.
Hot Beef Commercial – A What?
A “hot beef commercial,” is essentially a hot beef sandwich that is very popular in southwest Minnesota and South Dakota. The sandwich consists of sliced or shredded beef, mashed potatoes, and gravy served on white bread. Think of that sandwich you throw together on the day after Thanksgiving from leftovers, but substitute the turkey for beef.
The term “commercial,” here, is believed to refer to the commercial travelers, or salesmen, who would come to the area looking for a filling, yet inexpensive meal.
Iron Range Porketta – Familiar, Yet a Bit Different
You have heard of pork, but porketta? It is a traditional seasoned meat that comes from the Iron Range region of Minnesota. Almost always made of pork butt, pork shoulder, or pork belly, it has a bold and flavorful mix of traditional Italian seasonings including basil, oregano, fennel, garlic, and rosemary. Many people serve porketta on a sandwich to take advantage of the “crunch,” which comes from crust that forms during roasting these fatty cuts of meat.
Jell-O Salad – A Perfect Side to a Fish Fry
Jell-O salad is just as iconic in Minnesota as it is around the rest of the Midwest. Made with Jell-O and filled with any number of creative fillings, from fresh or dried fruit and nuts to yes….even vegetables…a Jell-O salad is typically served at events, potluck dinners, or other places where you need to feed a crowd. Often topped with whipped cream, this salad is a sweet way to end a meal after eating other traditional dishes of Minnesota.
Juicy (“Jucy”) Lucy – Matt’s Bar or the 5-8 Club?
One of the most delicious, and most debated foods on this list is the Juicy, or Jucy, Lucy. This simple burger is made by taking a hamburger patty and stuffing it with American cheese. The concept is that when you bite into the burger, you get cheese in every bite.
Why the debate? Well, both Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club claim that they both invented the Juicy Lucy (Jucy Lucy), and the debate continues to this day. Other restaurants in the area also serve variations of the Juicy Lucy, too, and you can find those served with cheese curds, blue cheese, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and more.
My opinion is this — order one Juicy Lucy, add some french fries, and let the rest debate where it comes from. However, for me, Matt’s Bar has the best one!
Ke’Ke – A Portable Minnesota Delicacy
If you are familiar with the foods of Eastern Africa, you might have heard of chapati, which is an unleavened bread traditionally used to scoop up other foods. However, Minnesota became a destination for Somalians leaving their home country, and they brought their foods with them. Many of these immigrants became local cab drivers, and they needed something to eat when on the job…and this is where Ke’Ke was born.
Safari Restaurant, which is no longer in business, is known for creating the dish. It is essentially a soup, or stew, that is filled with strips of chapati. This bread thickens it, which makes it possible to eat this popular food with a fork and while on the go.
Lefse – A Norwegian Staple
Lefse is a traditional Norwegian flatbread that is most often made with potatoes, flour, butter, and cream or milk. Similar to a tortilla in shape, lefse is soft and thin, and it’s often cooked on a griddle like a pancake. You can serve lefse as a sweet or savory dish, too, which make it very versatile. Some of the ways people commonly enjoy lefse is with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, with maple syrup, or for the savory folks, with ham and cheese, or even as a wrapping for a hot dog or sausage. People also commonly serve lefse with lutefisk.
Lutefisk – Traditional Scandinavian Dish Brought to Minnesota
Lutefisk is a very traditional dish served in Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden, and Finland. This is a dried fish, traditionally cod, which is cured with lye. Sometimes still referred to as “lye fish,” the dried fish must be re-hydrated for several days before it’s ready to eat. In Minnesota, after re-hydrating for 4-5 days, it is cooked in a pan and commonly served with peas, bacon, gravy, lefse, or even Swedish meatballs.
Walleye – Deep Fried Delight Native to Minnesota
Walleye is Minnesota’s official state fish and a beloved staple in the local culinary scene. Known for its mild, flaky texture and delicate flavor, walleye is often served pan-fried, grilled, or breaded with a light crust. It’s especially popular at supper clubs, lakeside restaurants, and during fishing season across the state’s 10,000 lakes. The most popular way to eat it is on a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and tarter sauce. Why not pair it with some fried cheese curds or golden tater tots?
For many Minnesotans, enjoying a plate of walleye isn’t just a meal—it’s a cultural tradition rooted in the state’s deep fishing heritage…and it’s a great option for Friday night’s during Lent!
Wild Rice – Staple Food Rooted in the History of Minnesota
Wild rice is a native Minnesota grain that holds cultural and culinary significance, especially among Indigenous communities. Technically an aquatic grass seed, wild rice grows naturally in the state’s shallow waters, especially in Northern Minnesota. Nutty, earthy, and slightly chewy, wild rice is often used in soups, like wild rice soup, casseroles, and pilafs. It’s also a popular side dish for game meats and holiday meals. Wild rice also has a deep-rooted connection to Ojibwe traditions, which make it a meaningful part of the state’s food identity.
Cheese Curds
While they officially started in Wisconsin, you’ll find these at about every bar in Minnesota. These delicious deep fried cheese stuffed patties are incredible. (And, incredibly unhealthy!)
I tend to think The Hewing Hotel has a great one – but most places do them great.
Well, there you have it. My recap of the most popular foods in Minnesota. If you want a recap of the food where I live now, check out my blog about foods in Florida!
Minnesotan Food – A Wonderful Way to Embrace the State’s Culture
Though many people think that the food of Minnesota can only be served on a stick, here, you can see that there are plenty of foods that are the center of family meals, church potlucks, and feel-good reunions, all of which show us the community-focused traditions of this state. Various restaurants in Minnesota, and in other nearby states, serve these foods, and many of them have numerous variations that make them unique. Yes, you can find beer, pizza, and chicken everywhere, too, but the next time you are in Minnesota, why not try some of these traditional Minnesotan culinary delights?
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
