The Twin Cities, home to the bustling metropolises of Minneapolis and St. Paul, are a melting pot of culinary delights. From hearty wild rice soups to juicy burgers and crispy tater tots, the region’s comfort foods are sure to warm the hearts (and bellies) of locals and visitors alike. In this article, we’ll take you on a taste bud tour of the Twin Cities’ most beloved recipes, featuring 20 mouthwatering dishes that showcase the best of Minnesota’s cuisine.
From classic hotdish recipes like Tater Tot Hotdish and Midwest-Style Meatloaf to innovative twists like Beer-Battered Walleye and Spicy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, these Twin Cities live recipes are sure to please even the most discerning palates. So grab your apron, fire up your oven, and get ready to dig in with our collection of authentic Twin Cities recipes!
Minnesota Wild Rice Soup
This hearty soup combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with tender chicken and vegetables, perfect for a chilly Minnesota evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, onions)
– 1 cup wild rice blend
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chicken, vegetables, and butter over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
2. Add the wild rice blend, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the wild rice is tender.
3. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Juicy Lucy Burger
Experience the ultimate cheeseburgers with our Juicy Lucy recipe! This mouthwatering burger features a savory beef patty stuffed with melted American cheese, creating an ooey-gooey delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 slices American cheese
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Divide the ground beef into four portions and shape each into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly into patties.
3. Place one slice of American cheese in the center of each patty, leaving a 1/2-inch border around it.
4. Fold the edges over the cheese to form a seal, making sure not to trap any air pockets.
5. Grill the burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
6. Assemble the burgers with your desired toppings and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Tater Tot Hotdish
Satisfy your cravings with this creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious Tater Tot Hotdish. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (32 oz) bag of Tater Tots
– 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, cream of mushroom soup, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Arrange the Tater Tots in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Pour the meat mixture over the Tater Tots.
7. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the Tater Tots are golden brown and the hotdish is heated through.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Walleye Fish Tacos
Get ready to catch a flavorful fish-taco fix with this simple recipe that highlights the tender goodness of walleye.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound walleye fillets, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Shredded lettuce
– Diced tomatoes
– Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– Sliced avocado
– Sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the walleye pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the fish from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill the fish for 3-5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos with grilled walleye, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, and sour cream (if using).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Midwest-Style Meatloaf
This classic meatloaf recipe is a staple of Midwestern cuisine, packed with flavor and heartiness. A perfect comfort food dish for family gatherings or casual weeknight meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
3. Add chopped onion and bell pepper; mix until distributed evenly.
4. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Sweet Corn Chowder
Warm up with this creamy and comforting Sweet Corn Chowder recipe, perfect for a cozy evening or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or 1 can sweet corn)
– 1 large potato, diced
– 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
– 1/4 cup butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in the corn kernels (or canned sweet corn) and diced potato.
4. Pour in the milk or heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Blueberry Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with these fluffy and flavorful blueberry pancakes, drizzled with pure Canadian maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons melted butter, cooled
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, eggs, and melted butter.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Gently fold in blueberries.
5. Drop by 1/4 cupfuls onto a greased skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with pure Canadian maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Northwoods Venison Stew
Warm up with a hearty and flavorful Northwoods Venison Stew, perfect for a cozy dinner or outdoor adventure. This slow-cooked stew is packed with tender venison, aromatic vegetables, and rich broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb venison steaks or ground venison
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Sear venison steaks or ground venison until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add carrots, potatoes, beef broth, and thyme. Stir to combine.
5. Return venison to the pot, season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
These cheesy garlic breadsticks are the perfect combination of crispy and gooey, with a rich flavor that’s sure to please. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this tasty snack in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and melted butter.
4. Brush the garlic-butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dough, making sure to cover the entire surface.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing into breadsticks.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Minnesota State Fair Cheese Curds
Get ready to savor the sweet and tangy flavors of the Minnesota State Fair with this classic cheese curd recipe! These bite-sized morsels are perfect for snacking, sharing, or enjoying as a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (sharp or extra sharp work well)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the grated cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Stir in flour, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Using a spoon or piping bag, drop small curds (about 1/4 teaspoon each) into hot vegetable oil (350°F).
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, then remove with a slotted spoon.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes total (including preparation time)
Enjoy your delicious Minnesota State Fair-style cheese curds!
Spicy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
This hearty casserole combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with spicy chicken, sweet bell peppers, and creamy cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups cooked wild rice
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook wild rice according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, cook chicken, bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
5. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked wild rice, chicken mixture, and shredded cheese.
6. Top with chopped cilantro and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Apple Cider Donuts
These sweet and tender donuts are infused with the warmth of apple cider and topped with a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect for a crisp autumn morning or as a snack to brighten up any day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar and cinnamon for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, apple cider, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add melted butter and mix until smooth.
4. Pipe donuts using a piping bag or a spoon.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and cinnamon while still warm.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Porketta Roast with Vegetables
A hearty and flavorful roast perfect for a special occasion or family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) pork shoulder, boneless
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, peeled and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, and dried thyme.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and add the mixed vegetables around it.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes per pound, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6. Let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
Lefse with Butter and Sugar
Lefse is a traditional Norwegian flatbread that’s often served during the holidays. This simple recipe adds a sweet twist by pairing it with melted butter and sugar.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
4. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces.
5. Roll each piece into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
6. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
7. Cook lefse for 30 seconds on each side, until it’s lightly browned and slightly puffed.
8. Brush melted butter and sprinkle sugar onto the warm lefse.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes per batch
Minnesota-Style BBQ Ribs
Get ready to experience a unique take on traditional BBQ ribs with this Minnesota-inspired recipe, featuring a sweet and tangy glaze. This dish is perfect for a backyard gathering or a family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, bone-side down.
4. Brush the glaze evenly over both racks of ribs, making sure to coat all surfaces.
5. Bake for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulled away from the bones.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Caramel Apple Pie
Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
This Caramel Apple Pie recipe combines the classic flavors of caramelized apples and flaky pastry to create a delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until a crumbly mixture forms.
4. Press dough into a 9-inch pie dish.
5. In a separate bowl, combine sliced apples, caramel sauce, lemon juice, and beaten egg.
6. Pour apple mixture over pie crust.
7. Roll out remaining dough to form a lattice-top or crisscross pattern.
8. Place lattice top over apple filling and trim edges.
9. Brush with egg wash for golden brown finish.
10. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and apples are tender.
Beer-Battered Walleye
This recipe combines the flaky texture of walleye with the crispy exterior of a beer-battered fish, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create this delicious dish in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 pieces of walleye fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup beer, chilled
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour the beer into a separate bowl, then whisk in the cornstarch until dissolved.
3. Dip each piece of walleye into the beer mixture, coating thoroughly, then roll in the flour mixture to coat.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the battered walleye for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Hot Dish Pizza Casserole
Elevate your pizza game with this creative casserole that combines the flavors of hot dish and pizza. This comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup of chopped onion
– 1/4 cup of chopped bell pepper
– 1 cup of cooked ground beef or sausage, browned and drained
– 1 (12 oz) package of pizza dough, thawed
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the pizza dough according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, onion, bell pepper, and ground beef or sausage. Stir until combined.
4. Roll out the cooked pizza dough and place in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the hot dish mixture.
5. Sprinkle oregano over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cranberry Wild Rice Salad
This sweet and savory salad combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the tartness of cranberries, perfect for a healthy and delicious side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice and chopped nuts.
2. Add cranberries and toss gently to combine.
3. If using feta cheese, crumble it over the top of the salad.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Minnesota Honey Glazed Ham
A classic holiday dish with a sweet and tangy twist, this Minnesota Honey Glazed Ham is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined.
3. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Score the fat in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours total
Summary
Get ready to taste the flavors of Minnesota with these 20 delicious recipes! From hearty soups and stews to sweet treats and savory main courses, this collection has something for everyone. Classics like Juicy Lucy Burger and Tater Tot Hotdish sit alongside innovative twists on old favorites, such as Walleye Fish Tacos and Beer-Battered Walleye. Whether you’re a native Minnesotan or just visiting the Twin Cities, these authentic recipes will transport your taste buds to the North Star State.
Leave a Reply