Classic Dishes (State)

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Wild Rice and Turkey Soup

Listed below are a few of the many dishes associated with the state of Michigan. Recipes for these classic dishes and many others can be found in the Recipes section.

Recipes for some ethnic dishes can be found in each state's Recipes section. For more comprehensive food culture and recipe information about a major ethnic group, go to the Browse by Ethnic Group main module and select a specific ethnic cuisine.

APPETIZERS

Hamburger Sliders — These bite-size hamburgers feature miniature beef patties topped with cheese and served on dinner rolls. Pair them with the usual hamburger toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, and pickles.

SOUPS

Wild Rice and Turkey Soup — This creamy soup recipe combines Michigan’s native wild rice and wild or farm-raised turkey meat to make a hearty dish.

SALADS

Michigan Salad — This sweet, crunchy salad showcases two of Michigan’s top fruits, cherries and apples, in a dressing made with maple syrup.

MAIN DISHES

Coney Dog — Although Michigan has many regional variations of its iconic Coney dog, it typically consists of a hot dog served in a bun topped with a meat sauce similar to chili but without the beans. Other toppings are also added, such as onions, cheese, and mustard.

Pasties — Cornish miners in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula introduced these portable, individual-size savory pastries filled with various combinations of meat and vegetables.

Detroit-Style Pizza — This regional pizza variation sets itself apart with its rectangular shaped, thick crust with crispy, caramelized cheese along the edge and a crunchy bottom.

SIDE DISHES

Green Bean Casserole — Green beans are mixed with cream of mushroom soup, topped with crispy French-fried onions, and baked in a casserole dish.

DESSERTS

Cherry Pie — Fresh Michigan-grown cherries in a thick sweet syrup are encased in a flaky pastry crust.

Chocolate Fudge — Michigan’s Mackinac Island is known for this creamy, sweet treat, which is made by boiling a mixture of sugar, cocoa, milk, and butter that hardens before being cut into pieces.

SNACKS

Jerky — Typically made from seasoned beef or wild game meat such as venison, jerky is a popular smoked meat snack.

Michigan Food Culture and Recipes