Here Are 10 Sandwiches That Make the Midwest Proud

The Midwest knows comfort food better than most, and sandwiches are proof of that pride. These 10 creations show why the region’s heart and tradition shine between bread.

Benedictine Sandwich

A slice of white bread topped with herbed cream cheese and six cucumber slices, with another plain slice nearby on a wooden surface—perfect for trying out a classic Benedictine Sandwich Recipe.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Born in Kentucky, the Benedictine sandwich spreads cucumber and cream cheese between soft bread. Light yet proud, it’s a nod to Southern Midwest tradition. Get the recipe here.

Horseshoe Sandwich

Crinkle-cut French fries and a burger patty on a plate, topped with a generous drizzle of creamy yellow cheese sauce being poured from above—just like in a classic Horseshoe Sandwich Recipe.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Springfield, Illinois, stacks toast, hamburger patties, fries, and cheese sauce into a dish meant for big appetites and bigger pride. Get the recipe here.

Onion Burger

Two cheeseburgers on a light brown plate, each featuring a golden bun, melted yellow cheese, and a beef patty. The front burger takes center stage, styled like an Oklahoma Onion Burger, with the second burger partially visible behind.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Oklahoma’s fried onion burger caramelizes onions right into the patty, giving small-town roots to a big-time classic. Get the recipe here.

Runza

A white bowl filled with freshly baked golden brown runza bread rolls sits on a white cloth on a dark wooden table.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Nebraska’s Runza is bread stuffed with beef, onions, and cabbage. Portable and hearty, it’s been fueling the state since pioneer days. Get the recipe here.

Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

A crispy Fried Pork Tenderloin Sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and a sesame seed bun, placed on a wooden board.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Indiana’s oversized fried pork tenderloin hangs far off the bun. It’s golden, crispy, and a badge of honor for Midwest diners. Get the recipe here.

Loose Meat Sandwich

A Loose Meat Sandwich with toasted bread, ground beef, chopped onions, mustard, mayonnaise, and pickles sits on a wooden board beside a pile of diced raw onions.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Iowa’s loose meat sandwich skips the sauce, keeping seasoned ground beef simple and piled high on a bun. It’s comfort in its purest Midwest form. Get the recipe here.

Olive Burger

An Olive Burger featuring a juicy beef patty and grapes covered in white sauce is served on a wooden cutting board. A hand rests behind the burger, with extra grapes scattered nearby for a unique twist.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Michigan’s olive burger surprises first-timers with a briny olive mayo topping that locals swear by. It’s quirky, bold, and pure Midwest charm. Get the recipe here.

Cudighi Sandwich

A toasted Cudighi Sandwich with melted cheese, sautéed green and red bell peppers, and tomato sauce sits on a wooden board. Bowls of tomato sauce and bell peppers are beside the sandwich.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

From Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Cudighi is made with spicy Italian sausage, marinara, and mozzarella. It’s regional pride baked into every bite. Get the recipe here.

Bison Burger

bison burger
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Wyoming may not be thought of as Midwest by everyone, but its bison burger has that same rugged, hearty energy. Juicy and bold, it’s a regional staple. Get the recipe here.

Sloppy Joe

Close-up of a sloppy joe sandwich on a wooden surface, featuring a soft, golden bun filled with classic sloppy joe seasoned ground meat, diced onions, green peppers, and a layer of creamy mayonnaise.
Maddy Alewine/Them Bites

Ground beef simmered in tangy sauce and slapped on a bun makes the Sloppy Joe a household name. It’s messy, sure, but nobody in the Midwest minds that. Get the recipe here.

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