You Know You're From The Midwest If You Eat These Things On Christmas

There's nothing like going home for the holidays — and is there any cozier place in the United States than the Midwest? It is the country's heartland, after all, filled with holiday celebrations that would make even Norman Rockwell feel nostalgic. The coziness of the region means that Midwestern cooking is comfort and convenience all rolled into one delicious package, and these classic Midwestern-inspired Christmas recipes prove it.

The classic cheese ball may feel like one a retro dish, but it never went out of style in the Midwest. While every recipe is distinctive, a classic cheese ball base features cream cheese, cheddar and nuts.

For the Crispy Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball recipe, click here.

Potato skins satisfy all your savory cravings: They're salty, cheesy, creamy and crunchy. This elevated twist on a classic stadium food adds some holiday elegance.

For the Idaho Potato Skins recipe, click here.

Convenience products like frozen puff pastry are a lifesaver for the holiday season. Pigs in a blanket are the easiest appetizer in the world to make, and they're always a crowd-pleaser.

For the Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket recipe, click here.

No holiday celebration in the Midwest is complete without plenty of beer. Whether you're drinking Great Lakes Christmas Ale, Bell's Christmas Ale, Thirsty Dog's 12 Dogs of Christmas or another delicious craft beer, you know these rich, spiced ales are the quickest way to warm up at any holiday party.

Is it below freezing? Yes. Is it snowing? Probably. Are all the men in your family bundled outside on the deck grilling steaks for Christmas Eve dinner, regardless of the weather? You betcha.

For the Steak and Wild Mushrooms in Red Wine Sauce recipe, click here.

A perfectly cooked pasta dish is a must-have for any holiday gathering. And in the Midwest, lasagna is not complete unless it's loaded with at least three meats and two cheeses, like this crowd-pleasing recipe.

For the Grandma's Lasagna recipe, click here.

A beautiful cut of beef doesn't need much to make for an elegant meal. Just a few simple seasonings help this prime rib along.

For the Holiday Herbed Prime Rib recipe, click here.

A tender pork roast is all you need for a special holiday dinner. This cheesy, flavorful recipe is as simple as it is sensational.

For the Fontina & Caper-Stuffed Pork Roast recipe, click here.

There are plenty of amazing ways to enjoy potatoes. But the heavy cream and butter in au gratin potatoes make this dish fitting for a special occasion.

For the Sage and Cheddar Potato Gratin recipe, click here.

Potatoes are the recurring theme of Midwestern Christmas sides, and that means mashed potatoes are essential for the holidays. Chicken stock, sour cream, cheddar cheese and bacon put a spin on a standard dish.

For the Loaded Mashed Potatoes recipe, click here.

Why choose between baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, cheesy potatoes and meaty potatoes when you can have them all in one dish? Twice-baked potatoes require a little more effort to prepare, but it it will pay off in the end.

For the Twice-Baked Potatoes recipe, click here.

If you don't cook your vegetables with cheese and cream, can you really even call yourself a Midwesterner? An additional surprise ingredient on top gives this classic casserole dish a satisfying crunch.

For the Cheesy Broccoli Tater-Topped Casserole recipe, click here.

A Central European influence across the Midwest means that certain traditional desserts from around the world are a mainstay on the holiday table, like these Linzer cookies, which trace their roots to Austria.

For the Cornmeal Raspberry Linzer Cookies recipe, click here.

Simple, small and buttery, Scandanavian spritz cookies can be made in a variety of festive holiday shapes and colors using a special cookie press. They're the perfect addition to any cookie platter filled with more of the best cookie recipes.

For the Spritz Cookies recipe, click here.

No Midwestern host would let a Christmas guest leave empty-handed. Peppermint bark is the perfect confection to send your guests off with this holiday season. And if you want to be a truly friendly host, also send your guests off with a slice or two of the best holiday pie.

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