This week on Heartland Hot Dish, we’re getting wonderfully twisted as we explore the Midwest’s deep, doughy love affair with pretzels. Michigan pretzels here aren’t just snacks — they’re soft, salty symbols of community, celebration, and a proud German-American heritage.

We’ll take you on a tour of:

• Classic Michigan bakeries
• Surprising dips
• And yes, we’ll dig into fun pretzel trivia, from medieval superstition to how the Midwest helped popularize America’s hard snack pretzels.

So grab a mug of something cold, tear off a piece of pillowy pretzel, and join us as we celebrate one of the Midwest’s crunchiest, coziest culinary icons.

This week on Heartland Hot Dish, we’re cracking open a cold one — of the fizzy, sugary sort — to explore the Midwest’s deep love affair with soda (or as most of us say, pop). From garage fridges stocked with Faygo and Vernors, to childhood memories of cracking cans at Little League games, we dive into why pop is practically a cultural cornerstone here.

We’ll trace how regional sodas got their start, share stories about quirky Midwestern flavors (red pop, anyone?), and tackle the age-old debate: is it pop or soda? Expect fizzy fun facts, taste tests, and a few burps along the way.

So grab a glass (or a straw straight from the can — we won’t judge) and join us for a bubbly ride through the Midwest’s pop culture.

This week on Heartland Hot Dish, we’re slicing into one of the Midwest’s most towering comfort foods: the 8-Layer Casserole. Part potluck legend, part family reunion hero, this dish proves that more really is more.

We’ll explore the origins of the layered casserole tradition — from church basement suppers to grandma’s kitchen — and break down what makes this stacked wonder so beloved. Is it the tangy tomato sauce? The gooey cheese? The cozy medley of beef, noodles, and veggies all getting to know each other in one dish?

Expect stories of generational recipes, playful debates over which layers must make the cut, and tips for building a casserole that stays tall and tastes like home.

On this episode of Heartland Hot Dish, we’re diving into the humble yet mighty Walking Taco — the snack that turns a bag of chips into a portable party. Born at county fairs, tailgates, and Friday night football games, this Midwest staple is equal parts convenience and comfort.

We’ll unpack the origins of the Walking Taco (a.k.a. “Taco-in-a-Bag”), explore its many regional twists — from Doritos to Fritos to even Flamin’ Hot Cheetos — and chat about why this crunchy concoction captures the spirit of Midwestern gatherings so well.

Get ready for stories from concession stands, family reunions, and maybe a few tips for hosting your own build-your-own Walking Taco bar. Spoiler: you’re going to want extra napkins.

This week on Heartland Hot Dish, we chase the sweet, creamy heart of summer with a trip through the Midwest’s ice cream obsession. From small-town parlors that still hand-pack pints, to dairy bars serving up towering soft-serve swirls, we explore why ice cream is more than just a treat here—it’s a tradition.

We'll taste-test local favourites, uncover the surprising history of frozen custard in the region, and debate the age-old question: cup, cone, or straight off the spoon? Nostalgic memories and a sprinkle of Midwest pride.

So grab your favourite flavour, and join us for a delicious deep-dive into America’s ice cream heartland.

In this episode, we head up to the sun-dappled fruit belt of Northern Michigan, where cherries are king, berries burst with flavour, and jam is practically a love language. Kieron, Daniel and Marcy sit down to talk American Spoon, the beloved small-batch preserve company that’s been bottling the essence of Michigan fruit since 1982.

This week on Heartland Hot Dish, we hit all four corners of Detroit to explore the city’s deep-dish devotion to its most iconic pie: Detroit-style pizza.
From the crispy, caramelized edges of Buddy’s Pizza where it all began, to the old-school charm of Loui’s, the legacy of Cloverleaf, and the new-school flair at Michigan & Trumbull, we take you on a firsthand journey through the pizzerias that shaped—and are still shaping—the Motor City’s cheesy, square-sliced legacy. Whether you're a crust connoisseur or a pizza purist, this episode delivers a delicious slice of Midwest food history.

Get ready to take a delicious journey through the crispy, cheesy, caramelized world of Detroit-style pizza! In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish, we explore how a humble Motor City invention grew into one of America's most beloved pizza styles. From its square roots at Buddy’s in the 1940s to today's creative corner pies and why that crunchy, cheesy edge is pure magic. Bring your appetite — and maybe a napkin!

In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish, we’re pouring out the history of breakfast cereal — and it all starts right here in Michigan. From the health-obsessed kitchens of Dr. Kellogg’s sanitarium in Battle Creek to the sugary, cartoon-filled cereal boom that swept America, we’ll trace how a simple idea for a better breakfast turned into a billion-dollar industry. Grab your spoon and join us as we crunch through the quirky inventions, the sibling rivalries, and the surprising Michigan roots of America’s most iconic breakfast!

In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish, we're diving into the juicy, mouthwatering world of Italian beef — a true Midwest icon with deep Chicago roots. We’ll uncover how this humble sandwich grew from Depression-era kitchens to becoming a citywide obsession. Along the way, we'll explore the secrets behind the perfect jus, the fierce debates over sweet peppers versus hot giardiniera, and why "dipped" means so much more than just a little sauce. Get ready for a rich, savory journey that’s as flavorful as the beef itself.