American cuisine consists of a variety of flavors that have evolved over centuries of cultural exchange. Each dish, from apple pie to jambalaya, tells a story of regions, traditions, and those who created the recipe.
This list of must-try American foods is not only as a culinary guide but an invitation to experience the diverse history of American cooking.
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed foodie or just curious about American-originated food, these dishes provide a taste of the nation’s heart and soul.
Apple Pie
Dubbed as the quintessential American dessert, apple pie is a symbol of culinary delight in the United States. Made with crisp, tart apples and a flaky pastry crust, it is often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a slice of American culture and history.
Hamburger
The hamburger is arguably the most iconic American fast food item, adapted and loved worldwide. Originating from German immigrants in the United States, this culinary staple consists of a ground beef patty sandwiched between two buns. It’s customizable with a myriad of toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, and onions, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Clam Chowder
New England clam chowder, known for its creamy base, is a must-try American dish especially prevalent in the Northeast. It combines clams, diced potatoes, onions, and sometimes celery with cream or milk. This hearty soup is traditionally served in a bread bowl and offers a taste of coastal American cuisine.
Barbecue Ribs
American barbecue varies greatly across different regions, but barbecue ribs are a universally revered favorite. Slow-cooked to perfection, these ribs are often slathered in a rich, smoky barbecue sauce. Each region adds its own twist, making it a unique culinary experience in places like Texas, Kansas City, or Memphis.
Buffalo Wings
Originating from Buffalo, New York, this spicy finger food has become a staple in American cuisine. Buffalo wings are deep-fried chicken wings coated in a vinegar-based cayenne pepper hot sauce and butter. They’re typically served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Biscuits and Gravy
A classic Southern dish, biscuits and gravy features soft dough biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy. This comforting breakfast item is a hearty start to the day, showing the simplicity and richness of Southern cooking. The gravy, often made from the drippings of cooked pork sausage, milk, and flour, is what truly sets this dish apart.
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Chicago’s deep-dish pizza is a thick, hearty pizza that contrasts sharply with New York-style pizza. With its high edges and layers of cheese, meat, vegetables, and sauce, it’s almost like a pie. This style of pizza is baked in a round steel pan that gives it its characteristic crispy yet fluffy crust.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a traditional Native American food that has become a staple in Southern United States cuisine. It’s made from cornmeal and baked into a dense, sweet, and savory bread that pairs excellently with chili or barbecued meats. Cornbread can be found in various forms, from fluffy and cake-like to crumbly and moist.
Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a hallmark of Louisiana Creole cooking, influenced by French, Spanish, and West African cuisines. It’s a one-pot dish featuring rice, spices, and a mix of meats like chicken, sausage, and sometimes seafood. Each serving delivers a burst of flavors that encapsulate the diverse cultural heritage of the region.
Cobb Salad
The Cobb salad offers a taste of California’s fresh produce combined with the classic American desire for hearty meals. It’s a colorful salad consisting of chopped salad greens, tomato, crisp bacon, grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, chives, Roquefort cheese, and a red wine vinaigrette. This dish originated at the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant in the 1930s and has been a national favorite ever since.
Key Lime Pie
Originating from the Florida Keys, key lime pie is an American dessert made from Key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk in a pie crust. The pie is known for its tart and refreshing flavor, typically topped with meringue or whipped cream. Its unique taste comes from the small, aromatic Key limes that are native to the Florida region.
Grits
Grits are a staple in Southern cuisine, made from ground corn and served primarily as a breakfast dish. They can be enjoyed sweet with sugar and butter or savory, topped with cheese, shrimp, or gravy. Grits embody the simplicity and versatility of Southern comfort food.
S’mores
S’mores are a traditional campfire treat across the United States, consisting of a roasted marshmallow and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker. This sweet snack is synonymous with outdoor adventures and is celebrated for its gooey, melty texture and delightful combination of flavors. S’mores capture the essence of American summers and childhood nostalgia.
Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a classic American comfort food, often made with ground beef mixed with egg, breadcrumbs, and seasoning, then shaped into a loaf and baked. It’s commonly glazed with a ketchup or barbecue sauce to add moisture and flavor. This dish is a staple in American home cooking, often served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie, particularly popular in the South, is a must-have during American holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its filling is made from pecans mixed with eggs, butter, and sugar syrup or molasses, baked in a pie crust until the filling is firm. This pie offers a sweet, nutty flavor that is deeply satisfying.
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a beloved dish across the U.S., especially known for its roots in the South. It involves coating chicken pieces in seasoned flour or batter and deep-frying them until crispy. Often served with a side of mashed potatoes, biscuits, or green beans, fried chicken is celebrated for its crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Tater Tots
Invented in the 1950s to utilize leftover potato cuts, tater tots have become a beloved American snack and side dish. These grated potato bites are seasoned, shaped into small cylinders, and fried until golden brown. Tater tots are a versatile dish, often found in school lunches and paired with everything from ketchup to hot sauce.
Bagel and Lox
This iconic New York City breakfast combines a bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon (lox), onions, and capers. Originating from Jewish immigrant cuisine, this dish offers a savory, rich flavor that has become beloved nationwide. It showcases the cultural melting pot of American cuisine.
Thanksgiving Turkey
The Thanksgiving turkey is a centerpiece of American cuisine during the holiday season, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This tradition dates back to the 1621 Plymouth feast and continues today, involving roasting a whole turkey and serving it with sides like stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. It symbolizes gratitude and abundance, key themes in American culture.
Reuben Sandwich
The Reuben sandwich, consisting of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing grilled between slices of rye bread, originated in the United States as part of Jewish deli cuisine. It combines a delightful mix of flavors and textures, from the savory meat to the tangy sauerkraut. This sandwich is a staple in delis across the country and embodies the hearty, flavorful nature of American sandwich culture.
Chili Con Carne
Chili con carne, often referred to simply as “chili,” is a spicy stew containing chili peppers, meat (usually beef), and often tomatoes and beans. Other seasonings may include garlic, onions, and cumin. This dish is a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine and varies greatly from one cook to another, often served with a side of cornbread.
Nachos
Nachos were invented by a Mexican chef on the Texas-Mexico border and tailored to the tastes of American customers. They consist of tortilla chips covered in melted cheese and often jalapeños, sometimes accompanied by ground beef or refried beans. Nachos have become a favorite at American gatherings and sporting events, exemplifying Tex-Mex cuisine’s impact on American tastes.
Pumpkin Pie
A staple dessert in American culture, particularly during the Thanksgiving holiday, pumpkin pie is made from a spiced pumpkin-based custard filling in a pie crust. It’s traditionally seasoned with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This pie not only tastes like fall but also symbolizes the harvest and American tradition.
