The Most Popular Food in Wisconsin, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the food you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:38
In the heart of the Midwest, Wisconsin's culinary scene reflects its rich cultural heritage and diverse agricultural base. Whether it's a cozy meal on a snowy evening or a summer feast by the lakeside, knowing which foods top the list in popularity can enhance your dining choices and inspire your next meal. This ranking helps locals and visitors alike connect over shared favorites and encourages a deeper appreciation of regional flavors.
Join in the community spirit by casting your vote! Your participation shapes this dynamic list, keeping it fresh and relevant. By voting for your go-to dishes, you not only celebrate Wisconsin's rich culinary tradition but also influence what might be the next big hit. It's a fun opportunity to engage with others who share your tastes, and see how your favorites stack up against the rest.
What Is the Most Popular Food in Wisconsin?
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152votesWisconsin is known as the "Cheese State" and produces over 600 varieties of cheese, making it the top producer in the country. Wisconsin cheese is enjoyed in various forms including cheese curds, cheese plates, and cheese soups.Cheese is a popular taco topping that adds a creamy and rich flavor to any taco. It is typically made from cow's milk and can vary in texture and taste depending on the type of cheese used. Common varieties used as toppings include cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso fresco, and cotija.
- Nutritional Content: Good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins
- Versatility: Can be used in numerous taco varieties, from traditional to fusion
- Popularity: Cheese is one of the most popular taco toppings worldwide
- Varieties: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso fresco, cotija
- Texture: Can range from smooth and creamy (cheddar, Monterey Jack) to crumbly (queso fresco, cotija)
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216votesA popular sausage in Wisconsin, bratwurst is often grilled and served on a bun with sauerkraut and mustard. The state hosts a number of bratwurst festivals throughout the year.Bratwurst is a traditional German sausage made from finely minced pork, veal, or beef. It is seasoned with a mixture of spices, typically including salt, pepper, nutmeg, and ginger. Bratwurst is characterized by its juicy and tender texture, which is achieved through a unique combination of ingredients and cooking techniques.
- Origin: Germany
- Meat Types: Pork, veal, or beef (minced)
- Flavor Profile: Savory, mildly spiced
- Typical Spices: Salt, pepper, nutmeg, ginger
- Texture: Juicy and tender
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321votes
Eatcha · CC BY-SA 4.0A Friday night tradition in Wisconsin, fish fry typically consists of beer-battered cod or perch served with fries, coleslaw, and rye bread.Fish Fry is a popular Caribbean dish characterized by deep-fried fish served with various accompaniments. It is typically made by marinating fresh fish fillets in a flavorful mixture of herbs and spices, such as garlic, onion, thyme, and pepper. The fish is then coated in a seasoned flour or cornmeal mixture before being fried until crispy and golden brown. Fish Fry is often enjoyed as a street food or at casual seaside eateries, where it is served hot and fresh. It is a beloved dish that showcases the rich flavors of the Caribbean seas.- Main Ingredient: Fresh fish fillets
- Marinade: Herbs, spices, garlic, onion, thyme, pepper
- Coating: Seasoned flour or cornmeal mixture
- Cooking Method: Deep-fried
- Serving Style: Street food or casual eateries
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420votes
Butter Burger
Solly's GrilleA Midwest classic, the butter burger is made by topping a burger patty with a slice of butter before grilling. Served on a buttered bun, it is a decadent and delicious option.The Butter Burger is a popular delicacy in Wisconsin, known for its rich and indulgent flavors. It consists of a beef patty typically made from ground chuck that is seasoned and cooked to perfection. The burger is then served on a lightly toasted bun, topped with a generous amount of butter that melts and coats the patty and bun. This unique combination creates a mouthwatering experience with a perfect balance of savory and buttery goodness.- Beef Patty: Made from ground chuck
- Bun: Lightly toasted
- Butter: Generously applied and melts on the patty and bun
- Cooking Method: Typically grilled or fried
- Size: Varies, but usually larger than a standard burger
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518votesA Danish pastry popular in Wisconsin, kringle is a sweet, flaky pastry filled with fruit, nuts, or cream cheese. The town of Racine is known for producing some of the best kringles in the state.Kringle is a Danish pastry that has become the most popular dessert in Wisconsin. It is a sweet, flaky, and buttery pastry filled with a variety of flavors such as fruits, nuts, and chocolate. The dough is rolled thin and shaped into an oval, then filled with the chosen flavor and folded over. It is often topped with a sweet glaze or icing and is served in slices.
- Origin: Denmark
- Shape: Oval
- Flavor variations: Fruits, nuts, chocolate, and more
- Dough texture: Sweet, flaky, and buttery
- Filling: Various flavors and combinations
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610votesWisconsin has a long history of beer production and is home to a number of breweries, including MillerCoors and New Glarus Brewing Company. Beer is a popular drink and often served alongside Wisconsin's famous cheese.Beer is a picturesque coastal village located in the stunning county of Devon. It is renowned for its natural beauty, charming English architecture, and a peaceful ambiance that attracts visitors from all around. The village is nestled along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering breathtaking views of the dramatic cliffs and the shimmering sea. Beer is also home to a small fishing fleet, and you can find colorful fishing boats lining the pebble beach, adding to the village's charm. The village is surrounded by lush green hills and offers an abundance of outdoor activities such as coastal walks and exploring the nearby nature reserves. Beer is truly a tranquil and captivating destination that captures the essence of Devon's beauty.
- Location: Devon, England
- Coastline: Jurassic Coast
- Architecture: Charming English style
- Beach: Pebble beach
- Fishing: Home to a small fishing fleet
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79votesA hearty soup/stew made with meat, vegetables, and sometimes rice or noodles, booyah is a traditional dish in northeastern Wisconsin. It is often served at community events and fundraisers.Booyah is a popular hearty soup/stew dish in Wisconsin, known for its thick consistency and rich flavors. It is often served at community gatherings and events, and is considered a staple of Wisconsin cuisine.
- Ingredients: Booyah typically includes a combination of meat (often chicken, beef, or pork), vegetables (such as onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes), and various herbs and spices.
- Cooking Method: Booyah is traditionally cooked in large outdoor kettles or cauldrons over an open fire for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Portion Size: Booyah is generally served in generous portions, making it a great dish for communal gatherings or large family meals.
- Thick Consistency: Booyah is known for its thick and hearty consistency, often resembling a stew rather than a traditional soup.
- Community Involvement: Booyah is often prepared by volunteers in the community, with each individual contributing ingredients or assisting in the cooking process.
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88votesWisconsin is the top producer of cranberries in the country, with over 60% of the nation's crop grown in the state. Cranberries are used in a variety of dishes including sauces, pies, and breads.Cranberries are a dried fruit that is popular for its tart and slightly sweet flavor. They are native to North America and are typically harvested from the Vaccinium macrocarpon plant. Cranberries are widely consumed and recognized for their versatility in various dishes, beverages, and desserts. These dried fruits are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a healthy choice for snacking or incorporating into recipes.
- Size: Small
- Color: Dark red
- Taste: Tart and slightly sweet
- Texture: Chewy
- Nutritional Value: High in vitamins C, E, and K, antioxidants, and fiber
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96votes
Atyndall · Public domainA byproduct of the cheese-making process, cheese curds are small, solid pieces of fresh cheese with a mild flavor. They are often breaded and fried, and can be found at fairs and restaurants throughout the state.Cheese Curds are a popular snack made from fresh, young cheese that has been curdled and formed into small, irregularly shaped pieces. They have a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a soft, squeaky texture. The curds are often deep-fried, resulting in a crispy golden exterior while maintaining a warm, gooey interior. They are commonly enjoyed as a standalone snack or as a topping for poutine, a Canadian dish consisting of French fries covered in gravy and cheese curds.- Cheese Type: Fresh, young cheese
- Texture: Soft and squeaky
- Flavor: Mild and slightly tangy
- Cooking Method: Deep-fried
- Exterior: Crispy and golden
Cheese Curds in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular food at Culver's
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106votesWhile not traditionally associated with Wisconsin, jambalaya has become a popular dish in the state, particularly in the city of La Crosse. The spicy rice dish is often made with sausage, chicken, and shrimp.Jambalaya is a flavorful rice dish that originated in Louisiana, United States. It is a fusion of Spanish and French culinary influences with West African and Caribbean flavors. Jambalaya is known for its rich and complex taste, combining a variety of proteins, vegetables, and spices with rice.
- Key Ingredients: Rice, proteins (usually chicken, sausage, and/or shrimp), vegetables (often onions, bell peppers, and celery), and spices (such as garlic, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper)
- Cooking Method: Jambalaya is typically cooked in one pot, where the proteins and vegetables are sautéed, then the rice and liquid (like broth or tomatoes) are added and cooked until all the flavors meld together.
- Flavor Profile: Jambalaya is known for its bold and robust flavors. It can be mildly spicy or very spicy, depending on the amount of cayenne pepper or other chili spices used.
- Variations: There are different variations of jambalaya, including Creole jambalaya (red jambalaya) which includes tomatoes, and Cajun jambalaya (brown jambalaya) which omits tomatoes. Additionally, there are vegetarian and seafood versions available.
- Cultural Significance: Jambalaya is an iconic dish in the cuisine of Louisiana and is often associated with celebrations, festivals, and gatherings, particularly during Mardi Gras season.
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Ranking factors for popular food
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Local ingredients and resourcesConsider foods that are produced or sourced primarily in Wisconsin, such as cheese, dairy products, and meats.
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Cultural influence and historyThe state's cultural background and historical food traditions play a role in determining popular food. Wisconsin has a strong German and Scandinavian heritage, so dishes with roots in those cultures may be popular.
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Iconic dishes and food itemsDetermine the iconic and well-known dishes that are associated with Wisconsin, such as cheese curds, bratwurst, and butter burgers.
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Food and restaurant trendsKeep in mind the current popular food trends in the state and consider the top and most-hyped restaurants and eateries where locals and visitors alike flock to eat.
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Food festivals and eventsEvents that celebrate a specific type of food or dish, such as the Wisconsin State Fair or the Great Taste beer festival, can give an indication of what food is popular in the state.
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Media and online presenceCheck food blogs, social media, and local publications to see which food items in Wisconsin are being talked about and ranked highly.
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Seasonal availabilitySome popular food items may be more available during specific seasons, such as freshly harvested produce or seasonal catch from Lake Michigan.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular food in Wisconsin. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1532 views
- 166 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular food in wisconsin
Wisconsin is known for its cheese, bratwurst, and beer, but what is the most popular food among its residents? According to our polls, the answer is unequivocally the cheese curd. These deep-fried or breaded chunks of cheese are a staple in Wisconsin cuisine and can be found on menus across the state. However, other popular foods in Wisconsin include bratwurst, fish fry, and the iconic butter burger. With a rich agricultural history and a love for hearty, comforting meals, it's no surprise that Wisconsin has a diverse and delicious food scene.
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