For families planning Thanksgiving desserts, Wisconsin now boasts two of the nation’s most celebrated pie bakeries. In USA Today’s 2026 ”10 Best Pie Shops” ranking, the expert‑panel‑selected list placed both Norske Nook and Stockholm Pie Co. inside the top five, highlighting the state’s strong tradition of handcrafted baked goods.
National recognition for Wisconsin bakers
The nationwide competition began with a panel of pastry experts who nominated bakeries across the United States. After the nominations, a public vote determined the final rankings. Both Wisconsin entries not only cracked the top ten but also secured spots in the top five, a rare achievement for any state.
Norske Nook – Hand‑Rolled Crusts from a 1973 Classic
Norske Nook, operating since 1973, has grown from a single bakery into a beloved regional chain with locations in Osseo, Rice Lake and DeForest. USA Today praised the shop for its “made‑from‑scratch, each crust rolled by hand” pies, a claim backed by decades of customer loyalty. The bakery currently holds the fourth‑best spot in the country.
For those who cannot visit in person, Norske Nook offers nationwide shipping. To guarantee delivery before the Thanksgiving feast, orders must be placed by Saturday, November 14 at 3 p.m.
Stockholm Pie Co. – A Swedish‑Inspired Flavor Palette
Just ahead of Norske Nook, Stockholm Pie Co. earned the third‑best ranking. The shop, located in the small town of Stockholm, WI, has a history of accolades, including the #1 Pie Shop title from USA Today in 2024 and 2025, a 2026 Best Pie award from Newsweek Magazine, and recognition as one of Food & Wine’s 11 Iconic Pie Shops in America.
USA Today highlighted the bakery’s weekend offering of more than 20 flavors, noting the popular lingonberry‑lemon pie that blends citrus with a classic Scandinavian fruit. Like Norske Nook, Stockholm Pie Co. ships pies nationwide, with a Thanksgiving order deadline of November 19.
Why the rankings matter for local families
These honors underscore the quality of family‑run businesses that prioritize traditional recipes and community service. For Wisconsin families seeking a reliable, award‑winning dessert, the two bakeries provide convenient ordering options and the assurance of a product that has been vetted by both experts and the broader public.
Local retailers and farmers’ markets can also benefit from the increased visibility, as the rankings draw attention to regional ingredients and the skilled artisans behind each crust and filling.
How to order
- Norske Nook: Visit any of the three Wisconsin locations or order online. Deadline: November 14, 3 p.m.
- Stockholm Pie Co.: Order through the bakery’s website or by phone. Deadline: November 19.
Both bakeries recommend ordering early to ensure timely delivery, especially given the high demand that follows a national ranking announcement.
Looking ahead
With the 2026 list now public, Wisconsin’s pie makers are poised to attract even more visitors and online shoppers. The state’s culinary reputation, already strong in cheese and craft beer, now includes a celebrated place in the nation’s dessert landscape.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
