11 Best Minnesota Foods You Need to Try
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Loading... - Conor Murphy
- 12 Apr 2022
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Minnesota is best known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Next to that, it’s known as the state that gets blanketed in tons of snow from September to June!
Having been there personally though, I can vouch for two more reasons why you should make the trip to Minnesota.
Number one is its natural beauty. Minnesota is absolutely stunning and there are several parks and beaches there that are well worth seeing in person.
The other reason why I think you should plan your trip to Minnesota sooner rather than later is because of all the great food there. Minnesota rarely gets mentioned as one of the top food destinations in the United States and that’s a glaring omission in my opinion.
Tourists have so many fantastic Minnesota food options to choose from if they ever find themselves in that part of the US.
The sheer number of great restaurants across the state means tons of potentially delicious dining experiences.
I want to take this opportunity and introduce you to the best food in Minnesota. Keep reading and find out what special treats await you there!
1. Swedish Meatballs
“But with a name like that, aren’t they from Sweden?” Well yes, originally they are, however, a good chunk of Minnesota’s population are descended from Scandinavian peoples, including the Swedes, who brought this national favorite to the States.
So good news! You don’t have to travel to another country to dine on this scrumptious delight! Many locals in Minnesota have adapted, chopped, changed, and perfected recipes over the years it and they’re more than happy to share their spin on it with anyone seeking them out.
One of the things I like so much about Swedish meatballs is their versatility. They can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Swedish meatballs can be served after pan-frying with some small potatoes. They also pair well with velvety smooth mashed potatoes. You can also try coating them with cream sauce and then serving them with pasta.
Swedish meatballs are a popular Minnesota state food, particularly on cold days, when you’ll likely see them served in a hearty soup.
Swedish meatballs are pretty easy to prepare at home assuming you have the right ingredients. The spices are responsible for imparting the distinct flavor of Swedish meatballs. Pick some of those spices up so you can cook this terrific example of delicious Minnesota food.
2. Wild Rice
Next up on this list of Minnesota famous foods is wild rice. This is yet another item that stands out for its versatility.
A lot of folks in Minnesota like to serve wild rice as a side dish. Its inherent nuttiness serves as a great backdrop for stronger flavors.
Wild rice also has this great texture when it is cooked right. It can possess a pleasant crispness that makes it more interesting or a satisfying chew that feels grand between your teeth if cooked for longer periods.
Residents have long recognized the greatness of wild rice and they’ve taken full advantage of it. Wild rice pancakes are very popular in Minnesota and they are often served for breakfast.
You will also find wild rice used in soups. The wild rice adds some body to the soup, thus making it more filling. Gourmet wild rice soups are absolutely worth trying if you’re in the area.
Wild rice also belongs on the list of foods to try at the Minnesota state fair. The locals get very creative with it so you’ll see some exciting dishes that feature wild rice front and center.
3. Polish Sausage
Earlier, we talked about the European influence on Minnesota food when we highlighted the state’s love for Swedish meatballs as a prime example of how the residents there have embraced the cuisines of immigrants who settled in the state in the 19th-century.
Yet another example of that is the Polish sausage. The hearty Polish sausage in Minnesota pays homage to what you’ll find if you travel to continental Europe. Of course, it has still been tweaked (purists may say dumbed down) to better fit the American palate.
The fantastic Polish sausage I tried in Minnesota had a rich garlicky and smoky taste, which is always a great flavor combination. You’re sure to love Minnesota’s take on Polish sausage if you’re a fan of that flavor profile.
I would recommend adding Polish sausage to your list of Minnesota state fair food to try. The cooks in the area know just about every way to prepare that treat. Some purveyors in the area have also come up with their own blends for Polish sausages.
Check out some of the Polish restaurants in Minnesota to get a taste of how classic Polish sausage is classically prepared and served, otherwise, its Americanized cousin is pretty common in a lot of Minnesotan eateries.
4. Jucy/Juicy Lucy
What food is Minnesota known for?
Ask residents of the state and folks from neighboring areas and the first thing you’ll likely hear them talk up is the state’s culinary pride and joy; the Jucy Lucy.
The Jucy Lucy, which is also sometimes referred to as the Juicy Lucy, is Minnesota’s signature burger. It’s a hugely popular dine-in and takeout item there.
The idea behind the Jucy Lucy is rather simple. Instead of placing a slice of cheese on top of the meat patty as you would in a regular cheeseburger (although plenty of places serving Lucies will put a slice on top too!), the cheese is instead buried between two meat patties.
Those meat patties are then molded together to create a single hunk of meat with a core of cheese. Read More...
