20 Favorite Wisconsin Recipes

June 01, 2012
Savor Badger State flavors -- cranberries, cheese, bratwurst and more -- in recipes from Wisconsin cooks and the Midwest Living Test Kitchen.
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Macaroni and Cheese Perfection

Forget what you know about store-bought packages-this is REAL macaroni and cheese. The children of cheese-makers Shelley and Randy Krakenbuhl accepted nothing else while they were growing up above the Prima Kase cheese factory in Monticello, Wisconsin. Here's the family recipe for Macaroni and Cheese Perfection, which Shelley prepares using Prima Kase's Emmentaler cheese and some Parmesan.Macaroni and Cheese Perfection

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Mooselips' Pumpkin Cheesecake

Customers at Mooselips Java Joint in Seeley, Wisconsin, love this because it's creamy, cool and not overpowered by the pumpkin or spice. It tastes even better with a hot cup of coffee.Mooselips' Pumpkin Cheesecake

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Brats and Beer Cheddar Chowder

Midwest Living created this hearty chowder to salute the Badger State's German beer, bratwurst and cheese heritage. The tang of the beer and smokiness of the brats hold up to the bold cheddar and caraway.Brats and Beer Cheddar Chowder

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Apple-Cranberry Walnut Pie

Sweet apples balance the tang of cranberries in this fall favorite.Apple-Cranberry Walnut Pie

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Garlic Chicken Italiano

Garlic lovers will enjoy the aroma of this chicken almost as much as its flavor. The recipe comes from Grand Geneva Resort and Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. We've reduced their suggested 40 cloves of garlic to about 16--though you can add more if you like!Garlic Chicken Italiano

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Crimson Slaw

Dried cranberries plump up when tossed with vinaigrette in this tangy coleslaw. The recipe was a winner at the Wisconsin State Fair.Crimson Slaw

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Badger State Muffins

Shredded apples and carrots, chopped cranberries, and nuts pack this cinnamon and coriander-spiced muffin from the M&M Cafe in Monticello, Wisconsin.Badger State Muffins

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Fork-Tender Pot Roast

Dan and Nancy Viste specialize in American classics at their Old Feed Mill restaurant in Mazonomie, Wisconsin. Their pot roast slow cooks until the meat turns brown and tender and the flavor mellows to an almost caramel overtone. Browned bits in the pan become the base for the rich red wine gravy.Fork-Tender Pot Roast

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Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Filet

A thick, juicy steak can't be improved upon, right? Wrong. We stuffed beef tenderloin with a cheesy mixture of mushrooms and onions then wrapped it in bacon. Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Filet

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Wisconsin Fish Boil

You may not normally cross the street to eat boiled fish and potatoes. But set them atop a blaze on a Door County summer evening, and it's an unforgettable experience.Wisconsin Fish Boil recipeDoor County Fish Boils

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Almond-Cranberry Bread with White Chocolate Glaze

Sweet bread balances tangy cranberries in this winning fall recipe. Like many quick breads, this loaf will improve in flavor and texture if you let it sit overnight before slicing it.Almond-Cranberry Bread with White Chocolate Glaze

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Showstopper Chicken Surprise

Cheese lovers can't resist a good recipe for stuffed chicken, like this one from the Roth Kase USA cheese factory in Monroe, Wisconsin. "This recipe is very adaptable -- it works just fine with boneless, skinless thighs or with smoked cheddar cheese," writes one of our website reviewers. "It's a huge family favorite!"Showstopper Chicken Surprise

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Wisconsin Rhubarb Cheesecake

This creamy dessert from Jayne Vosters of Appleton, Wisconsin, was a winner at the Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival in Little Chute.Wisconsin Rhubarb Cheesecake

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Peanut Butter-Fudge Pie

Vanilla ice cream, gooey fudge sauce and peanuts sit on a chewy rice-cereal crust. Trust us, it's out of this world-perfect for potlucks or family dinners.Peanut Butter-Fudge Pie

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Baked Oatmeal, Wisconsin-Style

If you're used to shaking your oatmeal out of a packet and adding hot water, you're in for a treat with this hearty baked version flavored with brown sugar and cinnamon. Serve warm with fresh fruit, if you like.Baked Oatmeal, Wisconsin-Style

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Beer-Braised Brats

Beer-Braised Brats get a liberal dose of cranberry-pickle relish for extra color and tang. This recipe, created by Midwest Living for a story on One-of-a-Kind Midwest Sandwiches, is a Badger State meal in a bun.Beer-Braised Brats

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Wisconsin Honey Bee and Vanilla Bean Pudding

Jill Prescott, a Midwest cooking-school teacher, shared this dessert named for her home state. Top the creamy pudding with fresh berries and whipped cream.Wisconsin Honey Bee and Vanilla Bean Pudding

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Brandy Old-Fashioned

Cooler than a Rat Pack film, the old-school Wisconsin supper clubs know sensible steaks and relish trays never go out of style. Don't miss sipping a Brandy Old-Fashioned.Brandy Old-Fashioned

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Maple-Apple Pudding Bake

The Wisconsin Maple Producers created this recipe to showcase maple syrup and juicy apples in a moist, rich dessert.Maple-Apple Pudding Bake

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Jumbo Coffee Cake Muffins

These tender cinnamon-sugar behemoths are a specialty at the Inn at Pinewood, 5 miles east of Eagle River, Wisconsin. The recipe was so popular with readers that it made Midwest Living's list of "Our 20 Best Recipes of All Time."Jumbo Coffee Cake Muffins

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