It's popular in the Midwest—especially Wisconsin.
What Is a Cannibal Sandwich? Here’s Your Answer
Updated on Mar. 20, 2019
What is a cannibal sandwich? If you’re from the Midwest, you probably already know. The good news for the rest of you—it has nothing to do with snacking on your neighbor. Sometimes known as “tiger meat,” “steak tartare” or simply “raw beef and onions,” it’s an appetizer of raw, lean ground beef usually served on rye cocktail bread with sliced onions, salt and pepper.
While you’re at it, check out our best Wisconsin recipes.
Where Did the Sandwich Get Its Start?
Making cannibal sandwich is a long-held tradition at parties, especially holiday gatherings, in the Milwaukee area. So much so that cannibal sandwiches even rate a mention on the Wisconsin Historical Society website.
But beyond that, the history isn’t clear. There are several versions of the sandwich’s origins. Legends link it to the Tartars (Mongols) of Central Asia. Others say it was born in Germany or France. But in the early twentieth century, it was called steack à l’Americaine in France—so no one knows for sure.
It’s Not Just Beef
Outside of the Dairy State, you can still find a cannibal sandwich, though it’s most likely going to be called steak tartare. This dish is usually served on rye bread with onions, capers, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and other seasonings. It’s often topped with a raw egg yolk.
While the ground beef version is the most common, you can also find venison, lamb and bacon tartare. These dishes have surprising origins, too!
How to Play It Safe
The consumption of raw meat has its detractors. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have urged people to pass on raw meat dishes because of the danger of harmful bacteria.
In fact, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has reported eight outbreaks in the state linked to the consumption of raw ground beef from 1986 to 2018.
The USDA says beef should be cooked to at least 145°F. Nevertheless, there are many people who swear they’ve been eating cannibal sandwiches for years with no ill effects. Just make sure you talk to your local butcher about the best cut of meat to buy!
Find more strange regional foods you’ve never heard of.
Meat Appetizers to Keep the Carnivores Happy
Tangy Barbecue WingsI took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri
Bacon-Wrapped SmokiesThese bacon-wrapped smokies are a delightful blend of savory and sweet and are a breeze to prepare. Perfect for a tailgate or party, they are sure to be a hit, and you'll be amazed at how easy they are to make.
Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce MeatballsEasy and delicious are the two main characteristics of any good appetizer, and these grape jelly and chili sauce meatballs fit the bill. From Superbowl gatherings to Oscar parties, these meatballs are sure to hit the spot.
Spicy Butterscotch WingsWe love big-time-spicy chicken wings. I do a caramel sauce to balance the heat, but you could also glaze the wings with melted brown sugar. —Aaron Salazar, Westminster, Colorado
Mini Corn DogsThese bite-sized mini corn dogs are a hit with kids, and make a fun appetizer for adults, too.
Coconut Chicken and ShrimpI was looking for a fun, easy weeknight dinner based on our favorite shrimp dish that was healthier than fast food. This has become a favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Texas Taco Dip PlatterWhen I'm entertaining, this colorful dish is my top menu choice. My friends can't resist the hearty appetizer topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and olives. —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas
Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato BitesAfter making little bacon-wrapped sausages for years, I needed a change! I had an extra sweet potato and half a package of bacon on hand, so I put on my thinking cap and came up with this treat. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Cherry-Chicken Lettuce WrapsI came up with this amazing recipe when I had a load of cherries on hand. My family polished them off fast, and asked for more. Luckily I had enough fruit to make them again the next day! —Melissa Barlow, Fruit Heights, Utah
Pork SatayThis easy pork satay recipe combines savory, sweet and spiced flavors with a rich peanut sauce. Whether you’re hosting or craving something special, this dish is sure to impress.
Smoky JalapenosWhen I make these bacon-wrapped appetizers, there are no leftovers. They can also be made with mild banana peppers or yellow chili peppers. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa
BBQ Chicken BitesChicken bites wrapped in bacon get a kick from Montreal seasoning and sweetness from barbecue sauce. We love the mix of textures. —Kathryn Dampier, Quail Valley, California
Cuban SlidersThese Cuban sliders are packed with ham, cheese and pickles and baked with a buttery, Dijon mustard topping.
Hearty Pork & Black Bean NachosMy husband and I are both graduate students right now, so we don't have a lot of time to cook dinner. Our family loves coming home to this incredible nacho platter, and I love how easy it is to prepare. —Faith Stokes, Chickamauga, Georgia
Honey-Mustard WingsHomemade baked honey-mustard wings are packed with flavor, thanks to spicy mustard and your favorite honey, and they're easy to make for any gathering.
Sausage Wonton CupsHere’s a tasty hot appetizer for all those parties that feature fun finger foods. I’ve made this recipe several times, and these bites always disappear so fast. It’s really easy. —Shirley Van Allen, High Point, North Carolina
Cheeseburger Mini MuffinsI invented these cute little muffins so I could enjoy the flavor of cheeseburgers without resorting to fast food. I often freeze a batch and reheat however many I need, including as appetizers. —Teresa Kraus, Cortez, Colorado
Bacon Roll-UpsThis family recipe dates back to the 1930s, when my grandmother started making these hearty breakfast rolls. —Janet Abate, North Brunswick, New Jersey
Orange-Glazed Chicken & Chorizo MeatballsThese tasty southwestern meatballs warm up a buffet. I add pomegranate seeds, jalapeno pepper jelly and cilantro to make everything pop with color. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Ground Beef Snack QuichesMy husband, Cory, farms, so supper can sometimes be quite late. A hearty appetizer like these meaty mini quiches is a perfect way to start the meal. They taste super made with ground beef, but I sometimes substitute bacon, ham, ground pork or sausage. —Stacy Atkinson, Rugby, North Dakota
Pizza Roll-UpsSince getting this recipe from our 4-H club, it's been a regular after-school snack. We like to dunk these bite-sized pizza treats, made with refrigerated crescent rolls, in spaghetti sauce. —Donna Klettke, Wheatland, Missouri
Sausage Stuffed JalapenosEasy to make, just spicy enough to excite and great-looking, too, these sausage-stuffed jalapeños will be an appetizer you prepare again and again.
Spicy Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese DipThese fall-off-the-bone tender wings have just the right amount of heat, and the cool blue cheese dressing makes the perfect dip. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin
Australian Sausage RollsKeep reading for how to make authentic Australian sausage rolls, which make for a fantastic appetizer for your next dinner party.
Ham Balls with Brown Sugar GlazeThese smoky-sweet meatballs are a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty. I like setting them out when folks come to visit. —Janet Zeger, Middletown, Pennsylvania
Ham-Spinach Crepe CupsUsing ingredients you likely already have on hand, these savory crepes will add fun to your celebration for mere pennies. Plus, by changing the filling to something sweet, such as berries and whipped cream you can create a great dessert. —Kathi Grenier, Auburn, Maine
Turkey Bolognese Polenta NestsThis delicious appetizer combines two of my favorite foods, polenta and bolognese meat sauce, uniting them into one incredibly tasty bite! —Lidia Haddadian, Pasadena, California. Next, try this delicious Emily Blunt's turkey bolognese recipe.
Steak & Blue Cheese Bruschetta with Onion & Roasted Tomato JamAn appetizer bursting with flavor from bleu cheese, caramelized onion, jam and balsamic vinegar—tasty bites that vanish in a hurry. —Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida
Turkey SlidersWe love how easy these no-bake turkey sliders are to throw together for a party or an easy (and fun!) dinner.
Buffalo Chicken CalzonesCraving a spicy treat? Our buffalo chicken calzone is the answer. Enjoy the perfect balance of heat and bold flavors in this pizza turnover with a comfort food twist.
How to Make Mini Meat LoavesMy family and I can't get enough of these little meat loaf muffins topped with a sweet ketchup sauce. They are the perfect portion size. This recipe requires no chopping, so it's quick and easy to make a double batch and have extras for another day. I've given them to new moms, too. —Joyce Wegmann, Burlington, Iowa
Fried Chicken and Pulled Pork Cornbread PoppersThese fun little apps are an instant conversation starter wherever they're served. We love them on game day, but they'd be a hit at brunch, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Mini Crescent BurgersA friend first brought these snacks to a Sunday school party. The original recipe called for pork sausage, but I substituted ground beef with taste-tempting results. —Pam Buhr, Mexico, Missouri
Butter Chicken MeatballsMy husband and I love meatballs, and we love butter chicken. Before an appetizer party, we had the brilliant idea to combine these two loves, and the new creation got rave reviews! Want them as a main dish? Just serve with basmati rice. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken DipSlow-cooker Buffalo chicken dip will be the hit of the party. The combo of shredded chicken, cheese and wing sauce is melty, gooey and delicious.
Mini Mac & Cheese DogsWe wanted to get creative with hot dogs, so we made a mac-and-cheesy one. Pile on the extra cheese, relish and even bacon. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Pork & Rice MeatballsMy appetizer meatballs combine two of my favorite Asian dishes —Chinese pork dumplings and steamed chicken balls. —Elizabeth Dumont, Madison, MS
