12 Iconic Midwest Sandwiches You Absolutely Need to Try
The Midwest is where comfort food rules, and the sandwiches here are as bold and unique as the folks who make them. Check out these legendary picks for a taste of heartland tradition and a few wild surprises along the way.
Runza
Soft, golden bread wrapped around a hot pocket of seasoned beef, onions, and cabbage. Nebraska’s proud answer to the hand pie will keep you coming back. Where: Nebraska. GET THE RECIPE
Fried Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Pounded thin, breaded, and fried until golden, then sandwiched in a bun so small the meat hangs over the edges. Indiana makes this the king of crispy bites. Where: Indiana. GET THE RECIPE
Hot Beef Sandwich
Thick slices of roast beef on soft bread, drowned in brown gravy and paired with mashed potatoes. Midwestern comfort doesn’t get more classic. Where: Minnesota. GET THE RECIPE
Loose Meat Sandwich
Ground beef, simply seasoned and piled onto a soft bun. It’s messy, juicy, and pure Iowa nostalgia in every bite. Where: Iowa. GET THE RECIPE
Olive Burger
A Michigan classic loaded with briny olive mayo and sharp cheddar. It’s bold, punchy, and unforgettable. Where: Michigan. GET THE RECIPE
Italian Beef Sandwich
Thin-sliced beef simmered in garlicky juices, piled onto a roll and drenched with hot giardiniera. Pure Chicago magic. Where: Chicago, Illinois. GET THE RECIPE
Jucy Lucy
Cheese stuffed inside a burger patty, not on top. Bite in and watch the molten cheddar pour out. A Minneapolis classic. Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota. GET THE RECIPE
Pepperoni Rolls
Soft, doughy rolls stuffed with pepperoni and baked until golden. These are lunchbox legends across West Virginia and parts of the Midwest. Where: West Virginia. GET THE RECIPE
Beef on Weck
Slow-roasted beef, caraway-seeded kummelweck roll, and a smear of horseradish. Buffalo’s proudest, juiciest invention. Where: Buffalo, New York. GET THE RECIPE
Fried Bologna Sandwich
Thick-cut bologna, pan-fried and loaded onto white bread with American cheese. A blue-collar favorite from the Southern Midwest. Where: Southern United States. GET THE RECIPE
Patty Melt
Beef patty, onions, and melty cheese, grilled between slices of buttery rye. Simple, timeless, always hits the spot. Where: United States. GET THE RECIPE
Primanti Brothers Sandwich
Thick Italian bread, grilled meat, provolone, vinegar slaw, and a fistful of fries—stacked high and served Pittsburgh-style. Where: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. GET THE RECIPE