‘Middle Things’ Charcuterie

People automatically associate the state of Wisconsin with beer and cheese.

And though nobody does beer and cheese better than Wisconsin, there is so much more to the state to discover on a culinary level, and so much in Middleton to enjoy.

Come along on a micro-culinary journey of favorites found only in Middleton — as well as some popular choices statewide. (Keep scrolling)

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Only in Middleton

One cannot come to Wisconsin without trying one of the hundreds of types of bratwursts for sale at any local butcher, grocery or farmers market — but here in Middleton, there’s something special that people drive for miles just to have: Sofra Family Bistro‘s Albanian sausages. These homemade sausages are made with love and from a family recipe brought over from the Old Country. The sausages are popular for breakfast, brunch or lunch and can even be ordered frozen for carryout.

Middleton is home to the only National Mustard Museum, which is a free museum downstairs with thousands of mustards to view and hundreds of memorabilia to enjoy; and upstairs is a quirky, wonderful shop full of Wisconsin and mustard gift options and souvenirs. The gift shop sells hundreds of mustards and has a tasting counter for visitors to try different flavors before purchase. (The shop also has a full online catalog.) From sweet to savory to spicy to surprising — The National Mustard Museum will have the perfect pairing for any charcuterie board. The sweet maple and praline mustards, as well as the zestier raspberry and cranberry mustards go well with pretzels for a sweet treat; or try one of the spicier or more traditional mustards with salami, pigs in a blanket, mini franks or a giant soft pretzel.

Looking for a Bavarian soft pretzel worthy of any meal (or picnic or baseball game)? Clasen’s European Bakery has been in service through three generations and creates amazing desserts, pastries, breads, rolls and giant pretzels. And if looking for something sweet to add, try Clasen’s various truffles, available in packets of four.

Also an excellent choice with pretzels or crackers, and a Wisconsin staple, Longtable Beer Cafe‘s smoked trout spread comes with Potter’s crackers and sliced cucumbers. Longtable is also known for its Belgian-style frites, which are made fresh every day and are a local favorite. Order with beer cheese, tartar sauce, or one of four types of aioli.

Something unexpected is always welcome on any table or platter, and a hidden gem in downtown Middleton serves a whole menu of Creole flavors to choose from. Louisianne’s ETC is a New Orleans-style restaurant with plenty of starters that could fit beautifully on any board. Consider the goat cheese spread, lemon parmesan artichoke hearts, pecan crab cakes or stuffed mushrooms.

To round out any snack or meal, try one of Capital Brewery & Bier Garten‘s German-style lagers, IPAs or seltzers, available by can, bottle, or growler. And Hidden Cave Cidery is a locally owned and run hard apple cidery with traditional and fun flavors, many of which are available by bottle.

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Other Wisconsin Favorites

Cheese curds are another Wisconsin favorite. There are many restaurants in Middleton to purchase amazing fried or plain cheese curds, including Craftsman Table & Tap, Longtable Beer Cafe, The Village Green, 1847 at the Stamm House, Mid Town Pub, Free House Pub, Monk’s Bar & Grill, Nitty Gritty, Paul’s Neighborhood Bar, and Tanner’s Bar & Grill. Fresh curds are also available at grocery stores and the Greenway Farmers Market May-October.

It would be a shame to come to Wisconsin and not partake in a fish fry. Here is a link to Middleton restaurants that sell fish fry (check schedules, some restaurants only do a FRIDAY fish fry).

And of course, the state’s most popular signature cocktail, the Old Fashioned. Here is a link to Middleton bars and restaurants that serve up a traditional Old Fashioned, and many of which also offer their own spin on it.