8 Iconic Foods From Wisconsin

We all know Wisconsin as the land of cheese and dairy, but what other foods hail from America’s Dairyland? Take a look at eight iconic dishes that come from Wisconsin:

 

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Frozen Custard

You may be surprised to learn about the deep love Wisconsin residents have for frozen custard, especially considering how bitterly cold their winters are. But who can resist this hopped-up version of ice cream? Unlike regular ice cream, custard includes eggs in addition to cream and sugar. It may not have originated in Wisconsin (it was actually invented in Coney Island, New York), but that doesn’t matter to anyone who calls America’s Dairyland home. All that matter is that it is unbelievably tasty at any time of year.

 

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Kringle

Did you know the kringle became Wisconsin’s state pastry in 2013? Did you even know states had state pastries? Needless to say, the Danish kringle is pretty darn popular in Wisconsin, and if you’ve ever eaten one you would quickly understand why. A sweet and flaky pastry, the kringle came over with Danish immigrants in the 1800s and left a serious mark on the community. You can find them in a variety of flavors, often filled with cream cheese and topped with fruit, nuts or icing.

Cheese Curds

This list would be incomplete without the addition of cheese curds. When you make cheese, you cook the milk until the whey separates from the curds. What do you do with the curds? Put them in a mold and press them to create delicious snacks that can be enjoyed as is or flavored with other ingredients, such as jalapeños or garlic. This famous food has become an absolute staple among Wisconsin residents, so don’t be surprised if you see it on a variety of restaurant menus.

See more: 9 Cheese Experiences You Need to Have in Wisconsin

Maple Syrup

If you are one of those people who lives for pancakes and waffles, you understand the importance of high-quality maple syrup. This crucial breakfast and brunch ingredient is a true labor of love, involving a lot of time, energy and commitment. Interestingly this is a booming industry in Wisconsin, which ranks fifth in the country for its maple syrup production. Their 2019 maple syrup production even weighed in at an impressive 270,000 gallons!

See more: Trees, Taps and Sap: How Maple Syrup is Made

 

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Beer Cheese Soup

As if beer and cheese weren’t good enough on its own, let’s talk about beer cheese soup. Yes, you heard that right. Beer and rich, tangy cheese can be transformed into a soup and enjoyed all winter long with fresh bread and bacon crumbles. Who wouldn’t want to put that on the menu? Some would even say that beer and cheese are two of the primary food groups in Wisconsin. Be sure to order this next time you’re visiting a restaurant in the area, as you can spot it on menus in pubs and fine dining restaurants alike.

See more: Cheesemaking 101: How to Make 3 Popular Varieties at Home

 

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Morel Mushrooms

There are more than 50,000 species of mushrooms out there, but the one that receives top billing in Wisconsin is the morel. They tend to grow in sandy soil and on south-facing slopes, and there are plenty of places in Wisconsin where you can find them if you look hard enough. There are several public forests in the state that allow you to forage for these scrumptious treasures, but make sure you double check with the proper authorities before you head out on the hunt.

 

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Butter Burgers

Several people will tell you that the butter burger is one of the greatest foods to come out of Wisconsin, but you want to enjoy this hearty meal in moderation. This burger is the one you dream about when you’re trying to stick to a diet. The meat is cooked in butter, the onions are cooked in butter, and the buns are brushed with butter to provide you with ample fats to keep you full and unbelievably satisfied all day long.

 

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Beer Bratwurst

Beer is considered by many to be its own food group in Wisconsin. Is it any surprise, then, that many of their best bratwursts are cooked in beer? There are a lot of opinions floating around out there about the proper way to cook and serve this dish, but we doubt you can go wrong as long as you’re on board with a little culinary indulgence.