From Casseroles To Cherry Pie: 8 Midwestern Recipes Made For Gathering

Thanksgiving may take the spotlight, but Friendsgiving offers a lighter, laid-back way to share good food and plenty of laughs. Across the Midwest, comfort is always on the menu — hearty casseroles, buttery rolls and desserts that taste like home.

From classic potluck staples to nostalgic sweets, these regional favorites capture the heart of Midwestern cooking — the kind that fills both your plate and your soul.

1) Tater-Tot Hotdish

This is the Midwestern casserole icon — ground beef, soup or cream base, a vegetable fold and a golden tater-tot crown. Molly Yeh nails a “classic hotdish” version on My Name Is Yeh, complete with a homemade creamed sauce and the cozy familiarity of her family table. It’s hearty, nostalgic, easy to scale and designed for sharing. See the full recipe here.

2) Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

A staple at Midwest potlucks and holiday dinners, this crowd-pleaser layers shredded hash browns with sour cream, cream soup (or a homemade alternative), melted cheese and buttery crumbs. Salt & Lavender offers a clean, no-fuss version with ten minutes of prep. It’s fluffy, cheesy and an easy “everyone loves it” side. See the full recipe here.

3) Beer Cheese Dip

A nod to Wisconsin’s love affair with all things cheese, this creamy dip combines sharp cheddar, cream cheese and a splash of beer for just the right bite. Preppy Kitchen’s version balances richness with a little Dijon and Worcestershire for depth, resulting in a velvety smooth dip that’s just as good with pretzels as it is with veggies or bread. Warm, shareable and perfect for game day or Friendsgiving snacking, it’s the kind of recipe that keeps people hovering near the bowl. See the full recipe here.

4) Detroit-Style Pizza

With its thick, chewy crust, caramelized cheese edges, and signature “sauce on top” finish, Detroit-style pizza is comfort food at its finest. BLD in MT walks through a homemade version that nails the city’s signature look: brick cheese pushed to the edges of a rectangular pan and baked until bubbly and golden. The result is a slice that’s crisp on the outside, soft in the middle, and every bit as good as the real thing from Michigan. See the full recipe here.

5) Corn Pudding

Sweet, savory, and silky, this classic corn pudding from The Pioneer Woman brings Midwestern comfort to any table. The batter bakes into a soft, custardy texture that bridges the line between side dish and dessert, with bursts of corn in every bite. It’s quick to throw together and tastes even better reheated, making it a Friendsgiving MVP. See the full recipe here.

6) Parker House Rolls

Soft, golden and buttery, Parker House rolls are the definition of Midwest hospitality. Food52’s recipe stays true to the original 19th-century technique, folding each roll to create that signature pocket and brushing generously with melted butter. Warm from the oven and slightly sweet, they’re the kind of rolls that demand seconds — and maybe thirds. See the full recipe here.

7) Buckeye Candy

Ohio’s most famous confection combines creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate for a treat that’s impossible to resist. Sugar Spun Run’s version keeps it classic — smooth, sweet peanut butter centers dipped in chocolate, leaving a little circle of filling visible to resemble the buckeye nut. They’re simple to make, require no baking, and freeze beautifully, making them perfect for gifting or setting out on a dessert tray. See the full recipe here.

8) Door County Cherry Pie

Wisconsin’s Door County is famous for its cherries, and Little French Bakery captures that regional pride perfectly in this classic pie. Tart cherries are simmered with sugar and a touch of almond extract, then tucked into a flaky, golden crust that holds up slice after slice. Served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s as close to a Midwest postcard as dessert gets. See the full recipe here.

Happy feasting — because in the Midwest, the food brings you together, but the company keeps you at the table.

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