There’s something unmistakably cozy about a Midwestern Thanksgiving. Maybe it’s the casseroles that seem to multiply with every family member who walks through the door. Or the way every dish has been passed down, tweaked, and perfected over generations. For us, it’s not just about the turkey—it’s the sides, the desserts, and the unapologetic use of butter that make this holiday uniquely ours.

Tater Tot Hotdish

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Forget mashed potatoes—this casserole is the true showstopper. Layers of ground beef, canned veggies, and cream of mushroom soup get topped with crispy tater tots and baked until golden. It’s hearty, satisfying, and unapologetically Midwestern.

Wild Rice Hotdish

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Wild rice hotdish is part comfort food, part history lesson. Harvested in Minnesota’s lakes, wild rice gets paired with cream, mushrooms, and a crunchy topping. It’s earthy and rich, a dish that feels both rustic and refined.

Funeral Potatoes

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This casserole, loaded with shredded potatoes, cheese, and topped with buttery cornflakes, is a staple at every Midwest holiday. Don’t let the name fool you—it’s comfort food at its finest, and there’s rarely a crumb left.

Ambrosia Salad

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Cool Whip, canned fruit, mini marshmallows—this “salad” is as sweet as it gets. It’s a Midwest classic that defies logic but wins hearts. Ambrosia isn’t just a side dish; it’s a tradition.

Corn Casserole

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Corn gets its moment to shine in this creamy, cheesy casserole. Made with Jiffy mix and creamed corn, it’s simple, indulgent, and impossible to resist. Every bite feels like a celebration of Midwest farming roots.

Sweet Potato Casserole

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In the Midwest, sweet potato casserole doesn’t settle for just marshmallows or pecans—it does both. The gooey marshmallows meet a buttery pecan streusel, creating a dish that’s equal parts dessert and side.

Green Bean Casserole

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No list of Midwest dishes is complete without this classic. Green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions combine for a dish that defines Midwest Thanksgiving.

Deviled Eggs

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Grandpa insists on these every year, and for good reason. Hard-boiled eggs filled with a tangy yolk mixture are the ultimate appetizer—simple, nostalgic, and always a hit.

Butter Cake

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This gooey, buttery cake is as simple as it gets—just a few basic ingredients baked to perfection. It’s indulgent without trying too hard, which feels very on-brand for the Midwest.

Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes

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These aren’t just any mashed potatoes—they’re whipped with cream cheese for extra richness. They’re the kind of side dish that disappears before you even get to seconds.

Thanksgiving Jello Salad

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Love it or hate it, Jello salad is quintessentially Midwest. Whether lime with shredded carrots or cherry with Cool Whip, it’s a nostalgic addition that refuses to fade away.

Scalloped Corn

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This baked dish combines sweet corn, crackers, and cream for a side that’s pure comfort. It’s not flashy, but it’s one of those dishes you’ll keep going back to.

Thanksgiving Rolls

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No Thanksgiving is complete without warm, fluffy dinner rolls. Whether homemade or straight from the grocery store, these rolls are vehicles for butter, gravy, or both.

Baked Ham

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Turkey might rule the roost, but many Midwestern families include ham on the table. Glazed, baked, and spiral-sliced, it’s the perfect addition when turkey just isn’t enough.

Alexandra Gates