Wisconsin is a quiet state with low crime rates, good health care, access to quality schools, and a place to enjoy all four weather seasons and their heartwarming food.
It is famous for its beautiful parks, home to more than 800,000 deer in the Wisconsin woods, hunting, rich farmland, getting in touch with nature on the hiking trails, or enjoying the breathtaking waterfalls.
Wisconsin, United States, is distinguished by warm and wet summers and freezing, snowy, and windy winters. The visitors and residents can stay active while enjoying their favorite seasonal activities and experiencing the beautiful scenery of summer, spring, autumn, and winter.
“America’s Dairyland”, Wisconsin is most famous for cheese and other dairy products, such as frozen custard and cheese curds. Other notable Wisconsin state foods common to the region are bratwursts, butter burgers, fish fries and fish boils, booyah stew, beer and Old Fashioned cocktails, and many more.
Here we will try to capture the most famous and the best state foods of Wisconsin it can take pride in.
Table of Contents
15 Must-Try Wisconsin State Foods
Cheese Curds
The cheese curds are the youngest form of cheese and one of Wisconsin’s most popular iconic foods with a mild flower and firm texture. Although cheddar cheese curds are the most popular, having a mix of different cheeses makes this food even more fascinating.
A cheese curd isn’t a special kind of cheese; it is actually just a young cheddar that hasn’t been aged at all. These curds are separated from the whey in the cheesemaking process, and instead of being molded for a future cheese wheel, they are sliced up and bagged, ready for selling.
Cheese curds are an excellent source of nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin A, zinc, and phosphorus. In addition, it contains milk protein that helps to neutralize plaque acids and help your digestion. They also help to prevent acid demineralization of tooth enamel.
They are named curds because the cheese is made by curdling milk, which produces whey, a liquid, and curds, which are milk solids.
Someone calls them “squeaky cheese” or Crottes de Fromage, which literally means “droppings of cheese.” The cheese curds possess a unique springy and bouncy feel when you chew them, and they melt wonderfully in your mouth.
They can be used in many dishes or sides, but most Wisconsin natives enjoy them just as they are, straight from the farm! They are one of many notable state foods in Wisconsin.
Beer Brats
When it comes to beer brats, you want to make sure that you’re using the best beer for the job. Many people will tell you that any kind of lager or pale lager will do, but the truth is that the type of beer can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your cooked brats.
The best beer for beer brats is a malty, flavorful brew with a slightly sweet character. A good example is an Oktoberfest-style lager or marzen. These beers have a nice balance of maltiness and sweetness that bring out the flavor of the brats while also providing enough body to help keep them moist while they cook.
Beer brats have been around for centuries, first appearing in Germany during the early 1800s. They were originally made with a mixture of pork, beef, and sometimes veal and were often smoked over a fire. As time passed, brewers began to add beer to the recipe to give it a unique flavor. This has become the classic beer brat we know and love today.
The combination of pork and beer gives brats their distinctly juicy and flavorful taste. The added ingredients also help create a tender texture as they cook, which makes them an ideal choice for grilling or smoking.
Garlic Butter-Stuffed Chicken
Well known for its amazing state food, Wisconsin has a signature dish that truly stands out – garlic butter-stuffed chicken. This unique food combines succulent chicken with savory garlic butter stuffing, making it both tasty and filling. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
The beauty of garlic butter-stuffed chicken lies in its simplicity. It uses just a few simple ingredients to create an extraordinary result. Begin by marinating the chicken overnight with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to infuse flavor.
Then stuff each piece of chicken with a delicious combination of softened butter mixed with diced shallots and minced garlic. Be careful not to overstuff the pieces so that they can remain juicy! Finally, bake your creation until golden brown, and enjoy the juicy flavors you’ve created!
Frozen Custard
The frozen custard is a hybrid between ice cream and custard, and this treat is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. From the Milwaukee area to Madison and beyond, frozen custard can be found in many restaurants, dessert shops, and even roadside stands.
The creamy texture of Wisconsin’s frozen custard makes it stand out from regular ice cream. This unique treat includes egg yolks, giving it a silky richness unlike any other dessert.
The homemade recipes result in an endless variety of flavors like chocolate, strawberry, butter pecan and even seasonal pumpkin. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, there’s sure to be a flavor that satisfies your craving for this Wisconsin state food specialty!
Beer Cheese Soup
This dish combines Wisconsin’s famous beer with creamy cheddar cheese to make a delicious and comforting soup. Bursting with flavor, this popular soup is enjoyed all over the state.
For those who have yet to experience this iconic dish, Beer Cheese Soup is made of sharp cheddar cheese that has been melted into a savory broth seasoned with onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and, of course, beer.
Its hearty texture makes it both filling and flavorful. It can be served plain or as an accompaniment to other meals such as burgers or sandwiches. Regardless of how it’s served, Beer Cheese Soup is sure to please any palate!
Cheese Plates
As we mentioned, Wisconsin is known for its cheese. And when it comes to signature food, locals and tourists alike love the classic Wisconsin cheese plate. Combining a variety of Wisconsin cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruits or vegetables, this iconic dish has been delighting taste buds for generations.
A great Wisconsin cheese platter usually features a selection of some of the state’s best cheeses, like sharp cheddar or Colby Jack. It may also include crackers and other accompaniments like dried fruit or nuts to add flavor and texture.
For those looking to complete their experience, wine pairings are the perfect complement to any Wisconsin-style cheese plate. From smooth reds to crisp whites, there is something that will perfectly suit every palate!
Any visit should include a sampling of this beloved Wisconsin state food, so don’t forget the cheese plate!
Cornish Pasties
There aren’t many Americans who enjoy this dish for breakfast, but in Wisconsin, this dish can be found in many restaurants across the state.
These savory pastries are a traditional English dish made with a thin outer crust filled with beef, potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables.
The ingredients are all mixed together in a large bowl before being placed inside the pastry and baked to perfection. Despite its British roots, Cornish Pasties have become a staple food throughout Wisconsin.
The dish has been embraced by locals who appreciate its hearty combination of flavors and convenience as an easy meal on the go. Many Wisconsinites enjoy these pasties for breakfast or lunch; they’re also great for snacking while fishing or hiking.
Wisconsin Sausage
Wisconsin is renowned for its wide range of culinary delights, but nothing symbolizes Wisconsin quite like sausage. Sausage has been a staple of Wisconsin state food since the 1800s when German and Polish immigrants brought their recipes to America.
In addition to being a beloved food, this delectable dish is an integral part of the state’s culture and culinary identity.
This savory dish can be found at local festivals, tailgates, and grocery stores throughout the state, making it easily accessible no matter where you are.
Usinger’s Famous Sausage has been a staple of Wisconsin state foods since 1880 and is widely considered to be the best sausage factory in the state.
This beloved family-owned business produces numerous types of Wisconsin sausage, including brats, kielbasa, Italian sausages, Polish sausages, and more.
Usinger’s Famous Sausage is renowned for its unique flavor that comes from using only premium ingredients such as lean pork cuts, classic spices, and natural casings.
All of these high-quality ingredients come together to create a delicious taste that is distinctly Wisconsin. The Usinger’s team also puts extra effort into creating their amazing recipes without added nitrites and MSG for a healthier product that still satisfies all your cravings.
Mac and Cheese Pizza
One more iconic dish that has become a favorite for Wisconsinites and visitors alike is Macaroni and Cheese Pizza. This unique combination of two popular classic dishes creates a flavor like no other.
This cheesy concoction first originated at The Glass Nickel Pizza Co. in Madison, Wisconsin. Since its inception in 1998, this delightful pizza has gained immense popularity among locals and faraway foodies.
Its classic macaroni and cheese base is combined with savory tomato sauce and thick-crusted dough sprinkled with Parmesan cheese – creating a truly flavorful experience that can be enjoyed by all ages!
The Macaroni and Cheese Pizza from The Glass Nickel Pizza Co. is an irresistible treat that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime.
Butter Burgers
Wisconsin is home to one of the most delectable and mouth-watering burgers. One of the most beloved and iconic Wisconsin state foods is the butter burger.
This Wisconsin classic consists of a juicy patty nestled between two halves of a buttered bun. It’s a simple yet magnificent dish that continues to draw locals and tourists alike from all over the state.
The secret to this savory sandwich lies in its simplicity; it’s only composed of fresh ingredients, such as ground beef, butter, and soft buns.
However, what truly sets it apart is how high-quality these ingredients are. Grass-fed beef from local farms provides an unparalleled juiciness and flavor profile that many other burgers lack.
The Wisconsin dairy industry also helps contribute to this unique burger’s unique taste with its premium butter for added richness and texture.
Almond Cranberry Bread
One of the most loved dishes in the state is the traditional almond cranberry bread served during Thanksgiving.
This delicious bread has been a staple in Wisconsin households since the late 19th century and has become a symbol of the state’s culture and identity over time.
The recipe calls for almonds, dried cranberries, flour, eggs, baking soda, salt, and sugar for sweetness, all baked together in a loaf pan. It is then served with butter on top or as part of a larger Thanksgiving meal.
The almond cranberry bread from Wisconsin captures everything that makes this state so special; its unique combination mixed with traditional flavors creates something truly extraordinary.
Cream Puffs
One of the most famous treats that stands out, in particular, is the cream puff, an iconic pastry that has been served at the Wisconsin State Fair since 1924. Wisconsin even holds the record for the world’s largest cream puff, with a weight of 125 pounds.
These delicious treats, made of flaky pastry dough and filled with sweet cream, are a must-have every year when people visit the fair. In addition to being delectable in terms of taste, their relation to Wisconsin’s history makes them all the more special.
Not only do they bring back memories for those who have enjoyed them for years on end, but they also provide newcomers with a unique experience unlike anything else found elsewhere in the U.S.
The cream puff is a symbol of what makes Wisconsin so great; hearty food made with love and care that anyone can enjoy time and time again!
Honey Bee and Vanilla Bean Pudding
Wisconsin honey is a sweet and delicious treat, sure to tantalize even the most discerning palates. The perfect blend of sweet honey bee nectar and creamy vanilla bean pudding will delight any connoisseur.
This delectable treat has been enjoyed by Wisconsin locals for generations and is an integral part of the state’s rich culinary heritage.
The unique combination of ingredients makes Wisconsin Honey truly one-of-a-kind; the freshness and quality of the honey bee nectar ensure its unmistakable flavor, which pairs perfectly with smooth vanilla bean pudding. Not only does this tasty combination provide a unique flavor experience, but it also comes with an array of health benefits as well!
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, this tasty snack provides essential nutrients for improved physical well-being.
This scrumptious pudding combines honey, vanilla beans, heavy cream, egg yolks, butter, cornstarch, and sugar to make a richly flavored treat that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
The creamy texture makes it an ideal topping for ice cream or pound cake. Plus, it’s easy to make; with just five minutes of prep time, this dessert can be whipped up in no time!
Kringles
This popular pastry originated in Racine, Wisconsin, and has since become a favorite treat across the country. Kringles are made up of layers of flaky dough filled with various sweet fillings such as fruit or nut pastes.
The dough is stretched and folded multiple times to create intricate patterns before it is baked in a round shape similar to that of a pretzel.
Kringles are so beloved because they offer something for everyone. With an array of flavors from classic raspberry to unique combinations like cranberry walnut, there’s sure to be something for everyone’s taste buds in the delectable treat!
In addition to their mouthwatering variety, Kringles are also incredibly convenient. You can easily grab one on the go for breakfast or snack time!
Sprecher Root Beer
Sprecher Root Beer has been around for over 30 years and originated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It’s a classic root beer made from natural ingredients like honey, licorice root, and anise oil, which gives it an unmistakable taste unique to Wisconsin.
What makes this beverage even more special is that it can also be found in select restaurants as a delicious draft beer! This combination of flavors makes it the perfect pairing with traditional Wisconsin state food such as fish fry or cheese curds.
Wisconsin State Food: Conclusion
If you’re looking for delicious food that will warm your heart while on a trip to Wisconsin, look no further! Wisconsin state foods present an array of unique and tasty treats that you must try.
From traditional dishes like cheese curds and bratwurst to classic desserts such as kringle, there’s something for every palate.
We hope we gave you some helpful hints and advice on what foods you should definitely have on your list when visiting this great state.
And, of course, don’t forget to pair your cheese curds with a cold beer or glass of wine!
Visiting other destinations in Wisconsin? Check out our other delicious guides:
- 8 Best Mequon Restaurants | Where to Eat in Mequon, Wisconsin
- 5 Best Pizza Restaurants In Mequon
- The 10 Best Restaurants In Superior Wisconsin
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever