The Best Recipes from Michigan (2024)

Home Recipes Cooking Style Comfort Food

The Best Recipes from Michigan (1)Katie BandurskiUpdated: Feb. 13, 2024

    We found the best recipes from Michigan—all shared by local home cooks. In this collection, you’ll find recipes that appreciate the flavors and heritage of the Great Lakes State.

    1/22

    Michigan Cherry Japanese-Style Cheesecake

    Michigan is known for its amazing cherries, especially the tart ones, so we have plenty of opportunities to find new ways to try and use them. They became my muse for this recipe—a twist on the traditional American cheesecake recipe. I decided to make use of the extraordinary texture and unique taste found in a Japanese-style cheesecake, which is light and melts in your mouth. —Laura Kurella, Wellston, Michigan

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    2/22

    Cherry Pudding Cake

    A cross between a cake and a cobbler, this cherry dessert is awesome. Add it to your list of trusty potluck recipes, because this one is sure to go fast. —Brenda Parker, Kalamazoo, Michigan

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    3/22

    Taste of Home

    Michigan Cherry Salad

    This recipe reminds me what I love about my home state: picking apples with my children, buying greens at the farmers market and tasting cherries on vacations. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

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    4/22

    Contest-Winning Fresh Blueberry Pie

    I've been making this blueberry pie recipe for decades since the ingredients for the filling are readily available in Michigan. Nothing says summer like a piece of fresh blueberry pie! —Linda Kernan, Mason, Michigan

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    5/22

    Country Ribs Dinner

    Ribs slow-cooked with carrots, celery, onions and red potatoes are pure comfort food for us. To add a little zip, we sometimes sprinkle in cayenne. —Rose Ingall, Manistee, Michigan

    6/22

    Taste of Home

    Grilled Sweet Corn

    Since we have plenty of fresh sweet corn available in our area, we use this recipe often in summer. Parsley, chili powder and cumin accent the corn's just-picked flavor. —Connie Lou Hollister, Lake Odessa, Michigan

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    7/22

    Chili Coney Dogs

    From the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan

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    8/22

    Quick Buttermilk Cornbread

    The tattered recipe card for this buttermilk cornbread proves it's been a family favorite for years. It's my daughter's top request. —Judy Sellgren, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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    9/22

    Juicy Watermelon Salad

    This fruit salad has such a surprising yet fabulous mix of flavors that friends often ask for the recipe. Combine seedless watermelon varieties in yellow, red and pink for a colorful twist. —Heidi Haight, Macomb, Michigan

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    10/22

    Taste of Home

    Shredded Steak Sandwiches

    I received this recipe when I was a newlywed, and it's been a favorite since then. The saucy steak barbecue makes a quick meal served on sliced buns or even over rice, potatoes or buttered noodles. —Lee Deneau, Lansing, Michigan

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    11/22

    Berry Chicken Salad

    Bright berries and creamy goat cheese make this one a winner! —Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan

    12/22

    Taste of Home

    Apple Cranberry Slab Pie

    My husband loves pie, so I made one with apples, raspberries and cranberries. It’s so good, I bend the rules and let the grandkids have it for breakfast. —Brenda Smith, Curran, Michigan

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    13/22

    Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta

    I always loved Brussels sprouts growing up, so I decided as an adult to bring them home to our family table. I've been making them ever since.—Brenda Washnock, Negaunee, Michigan

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    14/22

    Taste of Home

    Fingerling Potatoes with Fresh Parsley and Chives

    We use seasonings like adobo, Sazon, fresh parsley and minced chives when we grill potatoes. We have even smoked the potatoes in our portable smoker before grilling. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

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    15/22

    Grandma's Carrot Cake

    My grandma was very special to me. She had a big country kitchen that was full of wonderful aromas any time we visited. This was one of her prized cake recipes, and it continues to be a favorite from generation to generation. —Denise Strasz, Detroit, Michigan

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    16/22

    Taste of Home

    Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

    These little cheesecakes make a fun dessert that's just right for cooks who don't have a lot of time for fussy recipes. Plus, you get to eat a whole mini cheesecake yourself! —Kay Keller, Morenci, Michigan

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    17/22

    Taste of Home

    One-Pot Unstuffed Cabbage

    Here is one of my favorite ways to cook and enjoy cabbage. It has all the good flavor of regular cabbage rolls, but it's a lot less bother to make. In fact, it's a one-pot meal! —Mrs. Bernard Snow, Lewiston, Michigan

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    18/22

    Favorite Dutch Apple Pie

    Everything about this Dutch apple pie recipe (especially the crumble!) makes it the top request at our family gatherings. The oat crust reminds me of a cookie, and the tart apple filling just can't be beat during harvest time. —Brenda DuFresne, Midland, Michigan

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    19/22

    Blueberry Romaine Salad

    I love to bring this delicious salad to school gatherings. The homemade dressing couldn't be simpler, so I whip it up in advance and just give it a quick toss with the other ingredients when I get to any event. —Kris Bristol, Charlotte, Michigan

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    20/22

    Spicy Oven-Fried Chicken

    My family adores this recipe. The coating keeps the chicken nice and moist. With the taste enhanced by marinating, the result is delicious. —Stephanie Otten, Byron Center, Michigan

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    21/22

    Taste of Home

    Cherry Bars

    Whip up a pan of these festive bars in just 20 minutes with staple ingredients and cherry pie filling. Between the easy preparation and the pretty colors, they're destined to become a holiday classic. —Jane Kamp, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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    22/22

    Contest-Winning Caramel Apple Crisp

    When my kids and I make apple crisp, we use all sorts of apples to boost the flavor and texture. Add melted caramels, and you’ve got something scrumptious. —Michelle Brooks, Clarkston, Michigan

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    Originally Published: July 15, 2018

    The Best Recipes from Michigan (24)

    Katie Bandurski

    As Senior Shopping Editor, Katie connects Taste of Home readers with the best gifts, deals and home products on the market. An avid foodie and a holiday enthusiast, Katie is an expert at cultivating meaningful moments.When she’s out of the office, you’ll find her exploring Wisconsin, trying out new vegetarian recipes and watching Christmas movies.

    The Best Recipes from Michigan (2024)

    FAQs

    What is Michigan's most famous dish? ›

    It is known for famous Mackinac Island fudge, Coney Island Hot Dogs, and Cornish Pasties, which were introduced by miners who came to the state from Cornwall, England. Tart cherries, Packzi (Polish Filled Donuts), and Superman Ice Cream are more popular foods you might enjoy when visiting Michigan.

    What is the state dish of Michigan? ›

    Guess what? Michigan is NOT on that list. It has neither a state fruit nor a state vegetable. There's no state dish, and (thankfully) we don't have a state meal.

    What is the state fruit of Michigan? ›

    State Fruit: Tart Cherries (Unofficial)

    Michigan is the nation's leading producer of the fruit, accounting for 75 percent of the country's supply. The majority are grown in the northwest counties of the state.

    What is Michigan's staple food? ›

    Meat is a large part of the state's diet and is predominately served as the main dish. Large cattle herds and numerous hog farms ensure there is plenty of beef and pork being cooked up across the state.

    What vegetable is Michigan known for? ›

    The state leads the nation in the production of several crops, including asparagus, black and small red beans, marigolds, and squash. Michigan agriculture contributes more than $104.7 billion annually to our state's economy, making Michigan one of the most diverse states in the United States.

    What food dish is Detroit known for? ›

    Living in Detroit means coney islands, square pizza, slow roasted shawarma, sliders, and corned beef egg rolls. It's lamb chops and baklava. Vernor's and Faygo, Better Made, and Boston Coolers. In other words, Detroit is filled with iconic dishes that speak to its global influence.

    What is the only state with an official state meal? ›

    The official Oklahoma state meal is a state emblem of Oklahoma. While many U.S. states have one or more official foods, it is the only official state meal.

    What is Michigan famous for making? ›

    Michigan ranks 6th in the nation for the production of milk , but Michigan dairy farmers also contribute to other products such as Hudsonville ice cream, Kraft cheese, Yoplait yogurt, Michigan Made cottage cheese, and Country Fresh sour cream.

    What is the special thing in Michigan? ›

    Michigan is famous for its steep, sweeping sand dunes, freckling of lakes, and unique fossils—but across the state, you'll find slews of automated wonders, past and present.

    What is Michigan famous for many things? ›

    Cities like Detroit are the heartbeat of America's car manufacturing, with giants like General Motors, Ford and Stax Chrysler all headquartered here. Beyond cars, Michigan has a growing tech scene and is an essential state in terms of national agricultural production, known for cherries, apples and blueberries.

    What is Michigan's state meal? ›

    Michigan. The Great Lakes State doesn't have an official state food, but one popular suggestion is the Coney dog. Though variations exist throughout the state, the most common denominators seem to be a steamed dog, steamed bun, meaty sauce, yellow mustard and maybe a sprinkle of onions.

    What food represents Michigan? ›

    In the end, it was the coney dog that was given top spot for the food readers most wanted to represent our great state. This dish is, undoubtedly, linked to Michigan, with specific regional differences (and passionate allegiances) based on whether you're ordering in Detroit, Flint, Jackson or Kalamazoo.

    What is a Michigan banana? ›

    They are the fruit of the Asimina triloba tree and are typically in season from the end of August through late November, depending on the region. Michigan just so happens to be one of the states that grow pawpaws, known colloquially as Michigan bananas.

    What is Detroit's signature food? ›

    Living in Detroit means coney islands, square pizza, slow roasted shawarma, sliders, and corned beef egg rolls. It's lamb chops and baklava. Vernor's and Faygo, Better Made, and Boston Coolers. In other words, Detroit is filled with iconic dishes that speak to its global influence.

    What seafood is Michigan known for? ›

    Michigan's largest production of food fish is lake whitefish and rainbow trout.

    What drink is Michigan known for? ›

    Vernors ginger soda

    The Detroit pharmacist put it in an oak cask, and upon his return in 1866, discovered a delicious drink that's now Michigan's most iconic beverage. A creamy variation, known as a Boston Cooler, combines Vernors Ginger Soda and vanilla ice cream.

    What is the state of Michigan known for? ›

    Michigan is known for fishing, thanks to its 3,288-mile coastline, the longest freshwater coastline in the United States. Forestry is another important industry, as 90 percent of the Upper Peninsula is covered in trees.

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