40 Retro Wisconsin Supper Club Recipes (2024)

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40 Retro Wisconsin Supper Club Recipes (1)Lisa KaminskiUpdated: Feb. 09, 2023

    Time to mix up an old-fashioned and enjoy these Wisconsin supper club recipes.

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    Brandy Old-Fashioned Sweet

    The brandy old-fashioned isthe Wisconsin supper club drink. This version is sweeter than a traditional old-fashioned thanks to extra cherries and a splash of lemon-lime soda. It’s just the drink to sip as you enjoy a relish tray. For a refreshing twist you can make at home, try this Frozen Brandy Old-Fashioned recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    2/40

    Beef Steaks with Blue Cheese

    My guests often ask for this winning recipe and are surprised at how simple it is to prepare.

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    3/40

    Taste of Home

    Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

    A wedge salad gets the creamy treatment when topped with blue cheese dressing. Keep the dressing as a topper, or make it a dip for Buffalo wings. —Jenn Smith, East Providence, Rhode Island

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    4/40

    Garlic-Butter Steak

    Made in a skillet, this quick-and-easy garlic butter steak is restaurant-quality and sure to become a staple at your house, too! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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    5/40

    Shrimp co*cktail

    During the ’60s, shrimp co*cktail was one of the most popular party foods around. And it is still a crowd favorite and a must-try Wisconsin supper club recipe. It’s the one appetizer that I serve for every special occasion as well as for munchie meals. —Peggy Allen, Pasadena, California

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    6/40

    Taste of Home

    Classic French Onion Soup

    Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah

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    7/40

    Broiled Lobster Tail

    No matter where you live, these succulent, buttery lobster tails are just a few minutes away. Here in Iowa, we use frozen lobster with delicious results, but if you’re near the ocean, by all means use fresh! —Lauren McAnelly, Des Moines, Iowa

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    8/40

    Taste of Home

    Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom Sauce

    When our kids are visiting Grandma, I make this recipe for just my husband and myself. It's a recipe my mother-in-law has been using for more than 30 years. I especially look forward to preparing it as part of a special Valentine's Day menu. —Denise McNab, Warminster, Pennsylvania

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    9/40

    Caesar Salad

    This crunchy, refreshing Caesar salad has a zippy, zesty dressing that provides a burst of flavor with each bite. It’s a fantastic salad to perk up any spring or summer meal. —Schelby Thompson, Camden Wyoming, Delaware

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    10/40

    Classic Creme Brulee

    My favorite dessert is this creme brulee recipe. Recently I was at a party where the guests finished preparing their own desserts by “broiling” the sugar on their portions with a small torch. What a great idea! —Joylyn Trickel, Helendale, California

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    11/40

    Taste of Home

    Horseradish Deviled Eggs

    People say "Wow!" when they taste these flavorful, tangy horseradish deviled eggs. The bold combination of ground mustard, dill and horseradish is so appealing. The plate is always emptied when I serve these eggs. —Ruth Roth, Linville, North Carolina

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    12/40

    Taste of Home

    Lemon-Batter Fish

    Fishing is a popular recreational activity where we live, so folks are always looking for ways to prepare their catches. My husband ranks this as one of his favorite fish fry batters. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan

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    13/40

    Lava Chocolate Cakes

    True decadence at its best, these chocolate lava cakes created by the Taste of Home Cooking School feature a warm, gooey chocolate center that oozes out onto the dessert plate. Whether you enjoy it garnished with a dollop of whipped cream or sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar, you’ll want to lick the plate clean!

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    14/40

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

    There are lots of ways to personalize this roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe to your own tastes, but it all starts with perfectly roasted sprouts. Oven temps vary, so keep an eye on them to make sure they get crisp but don’t burn. —Karen Keefe, Phoenix, Arizona

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    15/40

    Taste of Home

    Salt-Encrusted Prime Rib

    Restaurants have nothing on this salt-crusted prime rib recipe. For a true meat lover, it’s very easy and the results are beyond belief. —Roger Bowlds, Bakersfield, California

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    16/40

    Taste of Home

    Lemon Garlic Mushrooms

    I baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida

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    17/40

    Merlot Filet Mignon

    Although this is such a simple recipe, you can feel confident serving it to any guests. The rich sauce adds a touch of elegance. Just add a salad and rolls. —Jauneen Hosking, Waterford, Wisconsin

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    18/40

    Quick Cream of Mushroom Soup

    My daughter-in-law, a gourmet cook, served this cream of mushroom soup recipe as the first course for a holiday dinner. She received the recipe from her mom and graciously shared it with me. Now I'm happy to share it with my own friends and family. —Anne Kulick, Phillipsburg, New Jersey

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    19/40

    TMB studio

    Grasshopper

    A grasshopper is the perfect dessert co*cktail. It’s creamy and rich with refreshing minty flavor, plus it has all the retro fun to help celebrate any occasion. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    20/40

    Cast-Iron Skillet Steak

    If you’ve never cooked steak at home before, it can be a little intimidating. That’s why I came up with this simple steak recipe that’s so easy, you could make it any day of the week. —James Schend, Dairy Freed

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    21/40

    Mashed Red Potatoes

    These simple yet satisfying chunky mashed potatoes are rich enough to stand on their own—but a big pat of butter on top sure never hurts. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    22/40

    Taste of Home

    Traditional Cheesecake

    Here’s a delicious classic cheesecake that tastes great alone or with any number of garnishes. Use this basic recipe as a palette for your creativity!

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    23/40

    Taste of Home

    Duck Breasts with Apricot Chutney

    When serving this entree as part of a buffet, try using chafing dish to keep it warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    24/40

    Crispy Fried Onion Rings

    We use this onion rings recipe as a burger topper to add an extra element to already fantastic burgers. These onion rings are also perfect for giving your salads a little crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    25/40

    Savory Stuffed Pork Chops

    Wisconsin supper club recipes are so much more than steaks! Stuffed pork chops are a perennial Midwestern favorite. —Rebecca Nossaman, Ballwin, Missouri

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    26/40

    Taste of Home

    Basil-Butter Steaks with Roasted Potatoes

    A few ingredients and 30 minutes are all you’ll need for this incredibly satisfying meal. A simple basil butter gives these steaks a very special taste. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    27/40

    Tom Collins

    This Tom Collins co*cktail has been popular for a long time, but the origin of the name is still up for debate. Some think it was named after a sweet gin called Old Tom, and others believe the drink was named after the bartender who invented it. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    28/40

    Grilled Lamb with Mint-Pepper Jelly

    I used jalapeno pepper jelly to make the somewhat predictable duo of lamb and mint a little more exciting, and it paid off in a big way! —Lori Stefanishion, Drumheller, Alberta

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    29/40

    Grilled Ribeye Steaks

    In summer, I love to marinate these steaks overnight, then grill them for family and friends. When the weather is not as nice, the grilled ribeye steaks can be cooked under the broiler instead. —Tim Hanchon, Muncie, Indiana

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    30/40

    Bloody Mary

    Horseradish makes this the best Bloody Mary recipe we’ve tasted. Without the horseradish, you’ll have a more traditional Bloody Mary, and without the alcohol, you’ll have a Virgin Mary. Serve with a stalk of celery, dill pickle spear or olives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    31/40

    Taste of Home

    Green Beans Amandine

    It’s hard to improve on the taste Mother Nature gives to fresh green beans, but Mom has done just that for years using this green beans amandine recipe. I have always thought the crunchy almonds were a super addition. —Brenda DuFresne, Midland, Michigan

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    32/40

    Taste of Home

    Honey Walleye

    In Minnesota and Wisconsin, walleye is abundant. You’ll find this fish on many supper club menus. —Kitty McCue, St. Louis Park, Minnesota

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    33/40

    Best Ever Stuffed Mushrooms

    At party time, I bring out a platter of my easy stuffed mushrooms. I like to make mine with reduced-fat sausage, but you can use regular for an indulgent treat. —Debby Beard, Eagle, Colorado

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    34/40

    Taste of Home

    Grilled Lobster Tails

    I had never tried grilling lobster tails at home until I tried this convenient and deliciously different recipe. It turned out amazing, and has left me with little reason to ever order grilled lobster tail at a restaurant again. Here's how to cook lobster tails on the grill. —Katie Rush, Kansas City, Missouri

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    35/40

    Taste of Home

    Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce

    If you’re hosting meat lovers, these impressive cast-iron skillet steaks are guaranteed to please. They’re perfect for a special-occasion dinner without too much fuss. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    Cobb Salad

    Made on the fly by Hollywood restaurateur Bob Cobb in 1937, the Cobb salad is a world-famous American dish. This salad has mad its way onto menus everywhere including steakhouses and Wisconsin supper clubs. Here’s a fresh take, with all the original appeal and an extra special presentation. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    37/40

    Grilled Salmon Fillet

    Growing up on a family-owned resort, I was expected to help around the kitchen. This grilled salmon fillet recipe became my specialty. —Paul Noetzel, Grafton, Wisconsin

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    38/40

    Taste of Home

    Flourless Chocolate Torte

    Here’s the perfect dessert for chocoholics—like me! I bake this melt-in-your-mouth torte all the time for special occasions. For an elegant finish, dust it with confectioners’ sugar. —Kayla Albrecht, Freeport, Illinois

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    39/40

    Brandy Slush

    This slush with a hint of citrus keeps you cool on hot summer days. It’s also one of our favorite Wisconsin supper club recipes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    40/40

    Air-Fryer Breaded Shrimp

    These quick air-fryer shrimp are so good you won’t even miss the fat! Eat them alone with co*cktail sauce or put them on a salad or sandwich. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    Originally Published: December 15, 2017

    40 Retro Wisconsin Supper Club Recipes (41)

    Lisa Kaminski

    Lisa is a formerTaste of Home editor and passionate baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa also dedicated her career here to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.

    40 Retro Wisconsin Supper Club Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    What is served at a Wisconsin supper club? ›

    What makes a supper club, well, a supper club?
    • The food is from-scratch American cuisine, including steaks, seafood, fish fry and broasted chicken. ...
    • They're usually operated by families, who often live on the premises.
    • They might have unusual hours of operation, such as being open four nights a week.
    Nov 21, 2023

    What makes a supper club a supper club? ›

    A supper club is a traditional dining establishment that also functions as a social club. The term may describe different establishments depending on the region, but in general, supper clubs tend to present themselves as having a high-class image, even if the price is affordable to all.

    Why are supper clubs so popular in Wisconsin? ›

    A Return to Nostalgia: Step Back in Time

    One of the primary reasons supper clubs have gained a cult-like following in Wisconsin is their ability to transport patrons back in time. These establishments have a strong retro vibe, evoking nostalgia for a bygone era.

    How long does a supper club last? ›

    It's Open for Supper

    Supper clubs are open for supper—or dinner, depending on what term is favored where you live. Either way, they serve the evening meal. A typical supper club opens at 5 p.m. and wraps up service by 9 p.m. Any supper club that offers lunch is living a lie.

    What is a traditional supper club relish tray? ›

    Relish Trays

    This supper club staple is a must. Every respectable establishment starts off with a relish tray. It's like an appetizer to your appetizer. While each relish tray is different, expect to have a creamy cheese spread accompanied by assorted crackers and fresh or pickled vegetables.

    What is the oldest supper club in Wisconsin? ›

    Immerse yourself in the warm and welcoming ambiance of the Red Circle Inn, a true homage to Wisconsin's cherished supper club tradition.

    Are supper clubs just a Wisconsin thing? ›

    Every state has its diners, bistros, cafes and chophouses, but Wisconsin lays claim to the supper club, and a renaissance is well under way. We are realizing that what we took for granted for generations is regionally unique and a precious part of our state's culinary character.

    What is the difference between a supper club and a restaurant in Wisconsin? ›

    Supper clubs focus on creating intimate and exclusive dining experiences, with limited seating, fixed menus, and a warm ambiance. On the other hand, restaurants cater to a larger clientele, offer a wide range of menu choices, and have more flexible operating hours.

    How should you dress for a supper club? ›

    Dress – Wear whatever you're comfortable in. Personally, I think a bit of sparkle never hurt anyone and some guests even like to make their private dinners a black tie event – it's up to you.

    How many supper clubs are left in Wisconsin? ›

    Wisconsin Supper Clubs List by Ron Faiola. Here is the updated list of over 250 supper clubs in Wisconsin, including those that have been profiled by Ron Faiola in his three books. The clubs have been checked to make sure they are open for business as of February 25, 2024.

    What state has the most supper clubs? ›

    I knew Wisconsin was lousy with supper clubs (there are, supposedly, more than 400 of them in the state), and I would learn that they exist in Illinois and Iowa, too.

    What makes a supper club unique? ›

    A supper club could be considered a type of restaurant, but the experience between a supper club and a standard restaurant differs in key ways. Supper clubs are generally independently owned and located in rural areas. The menu will usually be limited, with primarily surf and turf entrees, with homemade food.

    How do you run a successful supper club? ›

    Give yourself plenty of time to test out your concepts and to build initial interest. Go to other supper clubs to get an idea of how the event should run. While you're there talk to other diners about your plans and hear thoughts from supper club lovers!

    What do you need to start a supper club? ›

    How to start your own supper club
    1. Have a clear concept. You need to ask yourself: why would people want to come and eat at my supper club? ...
    2. Decide on the format. Every supper club is different, that is the beauty of supper clubs. ...
    3. Chose your venue. ...
    4. Tell your story. ...
    5. Set your price. ...
    6. Host a “test” event.
    Apr 13, 2022

    What makes a supper club different from a restaurant? ›

    Supper clubs focus on creating intimate and exclusive dining experiences, with limited seating, fixed menus, and a warm ambiance. On the other hand, restaurants cater to a larger clientele, offer a wide range of menu choices, and have more flexible operating hours.

    How many supper clubs are in Wisconsin? ›

    Here is the updated list of over 250 supper clubs in Wisconsin, including those that have been profiled by Ron Faiola in his three books. The clubs have been checked to make sure they are open for business as of February 25, 2024.

    What is a secret dinner club? ›

    Secret dining clubs, also known as underground dining or supper clubs, are clandestine culinary gatherings that blur the line between restaurant and private event. These exclusive establishments operate covertly, often in undisclosed locations or private residences, providing a sense of exclusivity and intrigue.

    References

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