This Is MN’s Favorite Winter Comfort Food, According to Google Trends

When it’s cold outside, nothing warms Minnesotans quite like wild rice soup, according to a recent analysis of Google Trend data.

To find out which dishes Americans turn to on cold winter days and nights, California-based Surety First Insurance Services pulled and analyzed a year’s worth of Google Trends data for the most searched winter comfort foods in every state.

The survey revealed that during the colder months, regional preferences significantly influence the food choices made for dinner. There were some common themes, though.

The most popular winter comfort food is wonton soup. This savory soup is particularly favored in cold-weather states and Pacific states with strong Asian culinary influences. It topped searches in California, Hawaii, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Washington.

French onion soup — a rib-sticking soup with a rich broth, caramelized onions and melted cheese — is the most popular winter comfort food in a half dozen states: Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin.

Green bean casserole is a holiday classic that has gained year-round appeal in five states — Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, New Mexico, and Texas.

Residents in four states — Indiana, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma — turn to baked potato soup loaded with cheese, bacon, and chives for comfort during the winter.

Also showing up on the survey:

• Southern mac and cheese — Georgia, Maryland, and South Carolina
• Loaded mashed potatoes — Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi
• Chicken and dumplings — Arkansas, Tennessee, and West Virginia
• Beef stroganoff — Alaska, Montana, and Oregon

Do you agree that wild rice soup is Minnesota’s top comfort food? Join the conversation in the comments and tell us about your go-to food in the winter.