Hot Dish

What does Hot Dish mean?

A baked casserole, served warm, that comes in a dish is called ‘Hot Dish’.

Commonly found in the kitchens of the Upper Midwest, especially among folks in Minnesota and North Dakota, a ‘Hot Dish’ is a much-loved casserole recipe. The recipe can be tailored to include a variety of ingredients, but staple components usually include some form of meat, a starchy ingredient, canned vegetables, and soup.

Among the different types of hot dishes, the Tater Tot hot dish is a standout favorite. This particular version typically incorporates ground beef, onions, green beans, corn, cream of mushroom soup, and, as its name suggests, tater tots. Other popular variations of the hot dish include the Green Bean, Tuna Noodle, Shepherd’s Inn, Wild Rice, Ham & Cheese, and Meatball.

The exact roots of the term ‘hot dish’ are a bit hazy, but what is known for sure is that it became popular in the Upper Midwest, especially among large farm families and church gatherings. It’s not uncommon to find hot dishes served up in Scandinavian communities where they are loved for being easy to whip up in large quantities, economical, and perfect for those chilly winter nights. Furthermore, the ingredients used are often sourced locally, from nearby farms, making it a sustainable choice too.

Example for using ‘Hot Dish’ in a conversation

Hey, have you ever heard of hot dish? 🍲

Yeah, of course! It’s a classic comfort food from the Upper Midwest. 🌽πŸ₯˜

I heard it’s like a casserole, right? What’s in it? πŸ€”

Well, it usually has meat, like ground beef, along with some starch, canned veggies, and soup. Tater Tot hot dish is famous! πŸ₯©πŸ₯”