Global InformationCuisine of Minnesota information
The cuisine of Minnesota is a type of Midwestern cuisine found throughout the state of Minnesota.
Typical Minnesota cuisine is based off of Norwegian, Swedish, and German cuisine, with heavy Native American (particularly Ojibwe and Dakota) influences. Other European cuisines that influenced Minnesota cuisine include Czech, Cornish, Italian, and Polish cuisine. Since the 1960s, Minnesota's cuisine has also been influenced by the cuisines of the various immigrant and refugee groups who have settled in Minnesota; immigrant cuisines popular in Minnesota include Somali, Hmong, Mexican, Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Ethiopian, Burmese, Laotian, and Liberian cuisine. Minnesotan cuisine also has regional variations, in rural Minnesota, Scandinavian dishes and foods like hotdishes are made. Fusion cuisine is popular in the Twin Cities, with many new dishes being created like the jucy lucy, and bundt cake. In the Iron Range, Italian inspired dishes are eaten, like pizza rolls and porchetta sandwiches. Pasties are also eaten in Northern Minnesota.
Foods typical in Minnesota cuisine are generally affordable, filling, and hearty, reflecting Minnesota's long, cold winters. The majority of dishes are comfort foods. Meats in Minnesota cuisine typically include: Spam, white fish, walleye, pork, beef, turkey, chicken, lake herring, salmon, trout, and cod. Grains such as corn, wild rice, and wheat are used. Canned fruits and vegetables are used in hotdishes and dessert salads. Minnesotan cuisine is notable for the common use of wild and foraged foods, including wild rice, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, chokecherry, morels, hazelnuts, and pecan truffles. Though not typical Minnesota cuisine, archetypal fair foods are offered at the Minnesota State Fair including dozens of foods offered "on a stick", such as Pronto Pups and deep-fried candy bars.