8 Foods Every Minnesotan Craves When They Leave Minnesota

If you’ve lived in Minnesota long enough, there are probably a few foods you love eating no matter who you are. They’re foods so good – or so nostalgic – that, even when you leave the state, you find yourself daydreaming about them. From classic burgers to iconic Minnesota eateries, here are some foods that every Minnesotan craves when they leave the state:

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Regardless of where you prefer to order your Juicy Lucy, you're guaranteed to have a delicious burger. After all, what's more tasty - and more Minnesotan - than a burger filled with warm, melty cheese? In addition to Matt's Bar and 5-8 Club, there are dozens of other restaurants across Minnesota that offer their own variation on the famous burger. It's just not something you can find in other states.

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Tater tot hotdish is a Minnesota classic, but you can put just about anything in a piece of bakeware and call it hotdish. Other areas may call them casseroles, but they just taste better when they're made in Minnesota.

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Because wild rice is native to Minnesota, it only makes sense that Minnesotans have come up with more than a few ways to serve the versatile crop. Wild rice soup far and away the favorite. This creamy soup, especially when loaded with vegetables and chicken, makes for a hearty meal in the colder months. But even if the temperature is warm wherever you are, there's nothing like a bowl of this classic soup to make you think of home.

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While there are a few Perkins restaurants in other parts of the United States, they just don't have the same appeal as one in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Many Minnesotans grew up going here as kids, spending time with friends here as teenagers, and occasionally stopping in as adults. A stop at Perkins is always a nostalgic affair for Minnesotans, and we all have our own menu favorite.

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A fish as plentiful as walleye in Minnesota lakes is bound to be popular. Here in Minnesota, fresh walleye is king. But there are many other ways to prepare the fish. Whether you prefer it freshly caught from the lake or breaded, fried, and served on a bun, walleye will always be the taste of home for Minnesotans.

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Anyone who grew up in Minnesota has been to a potluck here. And anyone who has been to a Minnesota potluck is familiar with the dessert bar. They come in an endless assortment of flavors. Whether you prefer something chocolaty or something fruity, there is a dessert bar for you. If you're really creative, you can even invent your own. But no matter what your favorite type is, this classic Minnesota dessert will always be missed by those who leave the state.

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Minnesota's large population of people with Scandinavian heritage means that there are a lot of people who grew up eating lefse. This flatbread originates from Norway and carries on in popularity here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Many make their own, but there are good store-bought versions as well. Because it's hard to find outside of Minnesota, it's the ultimate taste of home for many.

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That's right. Just like Chicago and New York, Minnesota has its own pizza style. According to one popular Twin Cities pizza chain, pizza made in the Land of 10,000 Lakes is distinctly Minnesotan. The crisp crust is loaded with fresh sauce, toppings, and cheese and cut into square pieces. No matter where in the world you end up, there's nothing like a piece of the ultimate comfort food to make you think of home.

Minnesotans, are there any other foods you’d miss if you moved away? People who have moved from Minnesota, what foods would you add to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!