Wisconsin, also known as the cheese state or dairy land, is known to have some interesting, but great food. As an out-of-state student, I have to admit the first time I tried the typical “Wisconsin food,” I was a little skeptical and slightly confused. After seeing some of the menus here, it was safe to say I had already accepted the inevitable freshman 15. Once I accepted the fact that Wisconsin will fry just about anything, I realized just how amazing the food is in this state. So here it goes, the five best food items in the state of Wisconsin.

1. Cheese Curds (fried and/or fresh)

Cheese curds are probably one of the greatest things the state of Wisconsin has to offer. I am still not sure how these fried balls of cheese are different than mozzarella sticks, but I am definitely not complaining.

2. Bratwurst

The Bratwurst (aka the brat) is another standard Wisconsin food that is essentially just a sausage. Not really sure how to go about describing brats so I’ll just say they are good and definitely worth trying!

3. Mac n’ Cheese Pizza (from Ian’s Pizza)

It's mac n’ cheese on pizza. I rest my case.

4. Spotted Cow

Brewed in-state, this beer is a Wisconsin favorite and one of the best-known beers in the state. Give it a try, it will not disappoint.

5. Anything that is fried or contains cheese

One of the best things about Wisconsin is the fact that it is socially acceptable to fry just about anything or put cheese on everything. Some of my favorites include fried mac n’ cheese bites, fried pickles, fried cookie dough and the best of both worlds, fried cheese.