Wisconsin's Cannibal Sandwiches Are A Long-Standing Tradition (2024)

While eating raw meat isn't completely unheard of — tere siga (which translates to "raw meat") is an Ethiopian delicacy and just about everyone has heard of steak tartare — it isn't exactly a common practice. However, things are a little different in Wisconsin — the state may be defined by its cheeses, but there's actually a raw meat sandwich called the cannibal sandwich that is just as much a quintessential part of Wisconsin's food history.

The cannibal sandwich consists of raw ground beef, sliced raw onions, and spices served over a slice of bread or with crackers. The origins of the sandwich seem to date back to the 1800s, when Wisconsin saw an influx of German immigrants. In Germany, there's a similar raw pork sandwich called the "mett," also known as "hackepeter" in some parts of the country. As immigrant communities formed, the "mett" transformed into the cannibal sandwich, using beef instead of pork,and soon became a staple in Wisconsin. It eventually became a tradition to serve the cannibal sandwich for special occasions, such as weddings and holidays.

In fact, Jeff Zupan, the operations manager of Milwaukee's Bunzel's Meat Market, told Wisconsin Public Radio in 2019 that the market goes through over 1,000 pounds of raw beef for cannibal sandwiches alone, proving that Wisconsinites continue to love the raw meat dish.

Read more: Tips You Need When Cooking With Ground Beef

There Are Concerns About The Risk Of Eating The Cannibal Sandwich

Wisconsin's Cannibal Sandwiches Are A Long-Standing Tradition (1)

However, there are plenty of concerns out there about the cannibal sandwich. In December 2020, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services even took to social media to warn people of the risks of the staple sandwich, writing on X (formerly Twitter), "For many Wisconsin families, raw meat sandwiches are a holiday tradition, but eating raw meat is never recommended because of the bacteria it can contain. Ground beef should always be cooked to 160 degrees!" Further, on its website, it states that there have been eight separate cases of salmonella outbreaks, linked to the cannibal sandwich, since 1986.

However, the warnings have not stopped the lovers of the cannibal sandwich from indulging in the risky meal — even doctors. Dr. Zorba Paster — a physician and host of a radio show about healthy lifestyles — spoke to Wisconsin Public Radio, giving advice on the safest ways to consume the product (instead of advising against eating it). Paster advised consumers to seek fresh quality meat, such as steak, and ask for it to be freshly ground by the butcher, noting that there's a bigger risk of E.coli if you eat pre-packed ground beef.

Many Wisconsinites cite cultural traditions as to why they continue eating the sandwich. Anna Altschwager, who works for a history museum called Old World Wisconsin, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "We want to maintain the tradition and we want to give our kids the holidays that we remember."

Read the original article on Tasting Table

Wisconsin's Cannibal Sandwiches Are A Long-Standing Tradition (2024)

FAQs

Wisconsin's Cannibal Sandwiches Are A Long-Standing Tradition? ›

As immigrant communities formed, the "mett

mett
Mett (German: [mɛt]), also known as Hackepeter (Northern Germany, Eastern Germany and Berlin), is a preparation of minced raw pork seasoned with salt and black pepper that is popular in Germany. It is frequently spread on halves of a bread roll, with raw onion optionally on top.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Mett
" transformed into the cannibal sandwich, using beef instead of pork, and soon became a staple in Wisconsin. It eventually became a tradition to serve the cannibal sandwich for special occasions, such as weddings and holidays.

Where do people eat cannibal sandwiches? ›

Cannibal sandwiches: A Wisconsin tradition

In Wisconsin, Cannibal sandwiches, (also known as tiger meat or steak tartare) are a treat for some to eat during the holidays. These raw ground beef sandwiches are a tasty treat to some, and downright irresistible to others, despite the health warnings.

What is the animal sandwich in Wisconsin? ›

An appetizer of raw, lean ground beef served on bread (especially rye co*cktail bread) with sliced onions, salt and pepper. Also known as "tiger meat," "steak tartare," or simply "raw beef and onions," the sandwiches have traditionally been served at holiday parties and other festive gatherings in the Milwaukee area.

Where to get a Cannibal sandwich in Wisconsin? ›

⬇️🥩Is there anything more Midwesty than a Raw Beef Sandwich AKA Cannibal Sandwich?! 🥪The Raw Beef Sandwich consists of Rye Bread, Raw Ground Beef, Pepper Jack Cheese , Raw Onion, Salt & Pepper! 📍Kuhtz General Store in Stone Bank, WI has been open since 1926 and is a local hidden gem.

What is another name for a cannibal sandwich? ›

It is also served in Wisconsin at holiday parties and other festive events. People often eat tiger meat to preserve German traditions. It is also known as "cannibal sandwich", "wildcat", "parisa", and "raw beef and onions". The origin of the name is not known.

What is the history of the cannibal sandwich in Wisconsin? ›

In Germany, there's a similar raw pork sandwich called the "mett," also known as "hackepeter" in some parts of the country. As immigrant communities formed, the "mett" transformed into the cannibal sandwich, using beef instead of pork, and soon became a staple in Wisconsin.

Is raw beef safe to eat? ›

Yes, it is dangerous to eat raw or undercooked ground beef because it can contain harmful bacteria. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends not eating or tasting raw or undercooked ground beef. To be sure all bacteria are destroyed, cook meat loaf, meatballs, casseroles, and hamburgers to 160 °F.

What is an iconic food in Wisconsin? ›

Known as "America's Dairyland", Wisconsin is famous for its cheese as well as other dairy products, such as cheese curds and frozen custard. Other notable foods common to the region include bratwursts, beer, brandy Old Fashioned co*cktails, butter burgers, fish fries and fish boils, cranberries, and booyah stew.

What is the state snack of Wisconsin? ›

Wisconsin has a state pastry (kringle), Louisiana has a state meat pie (Natchitoches), and Vermont has a state flavor (maple).

What sandwich is Wisconsin known for? ›

The cannibal sandwich consists of raw ground beef, sliced raw onions, and spices served over a slice of bread or with crackers. The origins of the sandwich seem to date back to the 1800s, when Wisconsin saw an influx of German immigrants.

What cut of meat do you use for cannibal sandwiches? ›

Freshly ground beef and onions on rye is how the cannibal sandwich is described. Basically, beef tartare on rye toast. Rachel and I love rare/raw game meat, so we decided to make some cannibal sandwiches with whitetail tenderloins. Instead of breaking out the grinder, we hand minced the tenderloin.

What is raw hamburger on crackers called? ›

Tiger meat: Raw hamburger seasoned and cured, eaten like a dip with crackers. Commonly referred to as "South Dakota steak tartare."

What meat is good on rye? ›

Thinly sliced deli Corned Beef or Pastrami is sandwiched between rye bread with sauerkraut and a tangy home-made dressing. Try this deli classic for lunch or dinner today. Thinly sliced deli Corned Beef or Pastrami is sandwiched between rye bread with sauerkraut and a tangy home-made dressing.

What meat is Wisconsin known for? ›

Bratwurst. If you like sausages, you'll love Wisconsin, where butcher shops churn out a cornucopia of links — the savory, spicy gift of diverse ethnic groups that have settled in the state throughout its history.

What is the sandwich that ate the world? ›

The Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich is one of the world's most delicious creations.

What is the old word for sandwich? ›

Before being known as sandwiches, this food combination seems to have been known as "bread and meat" or "bread and cheese". These two phrases are found throughout English drama from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Where do they eat brain sandwiches? ›

They remain popular in the Ohio River valley, where they are served heavily battered on hamburger buns. In Evansville, Indiana, they are still offered at several "mom and pop" eateries.

Where do people eat cucumber sandwiches? ›

Cucumber sandwiches are often eaten in the summer months or in warmer climates, such as in parts of India. The English influence on Indian culture has made the sandwiches popular during cricket matches and weekend picnics.

Where do people eat beef tongue? ›

In Ashkenazi Jewish, Russian and Ukrainian cuisine, boiled tongue is often served with chrain. Beef tongue or veal tongue is also found in classic recipes for Russian salad. In Austria, Germany and Poland, it is commonly served either with chrain or with horseradish cream sauce.

Where do people eat chipped beef? ›

Creamed chipped beef is also a standard fare on many diner menus, especially in the Mid-Atlantic, but has become harder to find in chain restaurants that serve breakfast. Among the restaurants still offering chipped beef on toast are Golden Corral and Silver Diner.

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