One of the most distinctive foods that we Nebraskans associate with home is the Runza — that delightful pocket of beef and cabbage. But as most people know, the Runza is based on an old European recipe that was brought over by our immigrant ancestors. And in one town, that classic recipe has remained largely unchanged.

Sehnert's Bakery has been a staple in McCook for 60 years, but the Sehnert family's history as bakers goes back much, much further. The Sehnerts can trace the family business as far back as the 1500s in Germany, and the first Sehnert's bakery in the US opened in 1897.

In 1999, with the acquisition of the building next door, the bakery expanded to become Sehnert's Bakery and Bieroc Cafe. In addition to their beloved traditional bakery offerings, Sehnert's began to offer espresso-based drinks, teas, smoothies, and Italian sodas in a beautiful cafe seating area.

The modern advances have really brought this traditional family business into the 21st century, but it's the old classics that earned Sehnert's a place in the hearts of Nebraskans. Ask anyone who's been there, and they'll tell you that you won't find bierocs this good anywhere else outside of Germany.

The old-world sandwiches are like pockets of fluffy sweet dough stuffed with seasoned ground beef, cabbage, onions, and if you choose, cheese. The delectable bierocs (sometimes spelled bierocks) were adapted into the regionally-famous Runza sandwiches, which are pretty great. But for a true homemade German bieroc experience, head to Sehnert's.

For the full German experience, get it with a side of melt-in-your-mouth potato salad — but we'd never say no to a cup of Sehnert's homemade soup, either.

The bakery's other big-name item is the Jiffyburger. It's like a hamburger... but way better. Seasoned beef and a magical mustard sauce are hugged by a pillowy, bakery-fresh bun. Be warned, though — the Jiffyburger will probably ruin you for all other burgers.

Everything from Sehnert's Bakery and Bieroc Cafe is a carefully-prepared work of art. There's a whole range of creative, thoughtful sandwiches, like the Turkey Planter (turkey breast, bacon, provolone, apple slices, honey mustard, and mayo on focaccia), the Not Yo Mama's BLT (guacamole, smoked gouda, cheddar, bacon, and tomato on house-made focaccia, grilled and buttered), and even the humble classic ham and cheese.

There's a respectable selection of wraps and salads to choose from as well. We had to mention the Walt's Salad because it might be the most Nebraska salad we've ever encountered. According to the Sehnert's site, it consists of "salt & peppered sliced tomato, onion, cucumber, carrots, sprouts, sauerkraut, chicken, bacon, and Dorothy Lynch dressing. Piled high on mixed greens."

And, like any great bakery, Sehnert's has a large selection of always-fresh pastries. Enjoy one for dessert, eat one as an appetizer, or just make a whole meal out of pastries. There are no wrong answers here, folks. Just mouthwatering homemade goodies that will remind you that life is oh-so-sweet.

And if you still needed another reason to visit Sehnert's, the company is strongly committed to the betterment of the community and state. The bakery's flour comes from Wauneta Roller Mills, one of the last family-owned mills in the state, and its other ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible. The owners have been repeatedly awarded for their service to the community and the local economy.

Whether you're stopping in for a traditional bieroc, a distinctive Jiffyburger, a fresh salad, or a decadent pastry, Sehnert's is a Nebraska classic that you've got to try. Find this can't-miss bakery and cafe at 312 Norris Avenue in McCook. Visit Sehnert's website here and check out the Facebook page for specials.

For more delicious Nebraska goodies all throughout the state, check out 16 of our favorite places to get donuts in the Cornhusker State.