American cuisine blends influences from around the world with unique regional dishes such as Southern barbecue, New England seafood, and Southwest Tex-Mex. Here are some of the most loved American foods that everyone should try.
Texas Barbecue
Slow cooked to perfection, Texas barbecue brisket is a hallmark of Southern cuisine, particularly cherished in the state of Texas. This method involves smoking the beef brisket over low heat for several hours, resulting in tender meat that pulls apart easily. The smoky flavor, enhanced with a dry rub or a mop sauce, captures the essence of American barbecue.
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie, consisting of pecans mixed with a filling of eggs, butter, and sugar (typically corn syrup), is a Southern U.S. dessert staple, especially popular during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The sweetness of the filling and the crunchiness of the nuts make it a beloved treat. Its origins can be traced back to the 1800s.
Biscuits and Gravy
A classic Southern breakfast, biscuits, and gravy consist of soft dough biscuits covered in creamy sausage gravy. This dish originated as a hearty, inexpensive meal for the region’s working class. It’s comforting qualities continue to make it a beloved comfort food across the country.
Clam Chowder
New England clam chowder, known for its creamy base, is loaded with tender clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon. This thick soup is a staple in the Northeastern United States, particularly in Massachusetts. It’s traditionally served in a bread bowl and is especially comforting on cold, windy days by the sea.
Apple Pie
The sweet filling made from tart apples, sugar, and cinnamon, encased in a flaky pastry, offers a comforting taste. It’s often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a style affectionately called “a la mode.”
Buffalo Wings
Originating from Buffalo, New York, these deep-fried chicken wings are coated in a vinegar-based cayenne pepper hot sauce and butter. They are typically served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. Buffalo wings have become a quintessential American snack.
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
This pizza, characterized by its thick, sturdy crust that can be up to several inches tall, is designed to hold a generous amount of cheese, meat, and tomato sauce. Originating from Chicago, the deep-dish pizza offers a hearty version of the Italian classic.
Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie, named after the small Key limes that are native to the Florida Keys, is a dessert that features a lime juice, egg yolk, and sweetened condensed milk filling in a graham cracker crust. Topped with meringue or whipped cream, this pie is a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Grits
Grits are made from ground corn and are a staple in Southern American cuisine. They are often eaten with butter and salt or sugar, but can also be topped with cheese, sausage, or shrimp. Grits exemplify traditional Southern cooking and are a comforting, versatile dish enjoyed at any meal.
Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a Creole dish with roots in New Orleans, combining rice with chicken, sausage, seafood, and vegetables, mixed with a rich stock and seasoned to spicy perfection. It reflects the multicultural history of Louisiana, incorporating French, African, and Spanish flavors.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a traditional Native American food that has become a staple in Southern U.S. cooking. It’s made from cornmeal and baked in a skillet, often sweetened in the North but left savory in the South. This bread is frequently served alongside chili or barbecue.
Reuben Sandwich
The Reuben sandwich, which combines corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing grilled between slices of rye bread, originated in Omaha, Nebraska. It’s a staple of Jewish-American delicatessens and is renowned for its savory, tangy flavor profile. This sandwich is a filling, flavorful meal that has been embraced by diners across the country.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole, a dish featuring green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions, is a traditional American side dish, particularly popular during Thanksgiving. It was created in 1955 by the Campbell Soup Company to promote the use of its cream of mushroom soup. This casserole is cherished for its creamy texture and savory taste.
Tater Tots
Tater tots, grated and deep-fried potatoes, were invented in the 1950s to use leftover potato scraps in the processing of French fries. They are now a beloved side dish in the U.S., often served with ketchup or, in some regions, vinegar.
S’mores
A campfire treat that consists of a roasted marshmallow and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker, s’mores are an American favorite, particularly among children. The name “s’more” is a contraction of the phrase “some more,” reflecting everyone’s reaction to this gooey treat. S’mores are synonymous with family camping trips.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
The peanut butter and jelly (PB&J) sandwich is an iconic American comfort food beloved by children and adults alike. This simple concoction, consisting of peanut butter and fruit jelly spread between slices of bread, was popularized in the United States during the first half of the 20th century. Its enduring popularity is due to its sweet and salty flavor.
Cobb Salad
Cobb salad is a distinguished American garden salad typically made with chopped salad greens, tomato, crisp bacon, grilled chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, chives, Roquefort cheese, and a red wine vinaigrette. It originated in Hollywood, California, at the Brown Derby restaurant, where it became a hit with the stars.
Meatloaf
Meatloaf, a dish of ground meat mixed with other ingredients such as onions, bread crumbs, and eggs, then formed into a loaf shape and baked, is a staple of American home cooking. It is often glazed with ketchup, which caramelizes in the oven to add a rich flavor. This dish exemplifies home-style comfort food, often served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a Southern dish made from unripe tomatoes coated with cornmeal and fried. This dish gained popularity across the U.S. after the novel and film “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café” brought it to wider attention. The tangy flavor of the green tomatoes contrasts beautifully with the crispy, savory coating.
Chicago-style Hot Dog
A Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun, topped with mustard, green relish, chopped onions, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers, celery salt, and a dill pickle spear. This style of hot dog eschews ketchup to maintain the integrity of its other flavors. It is a culinary icon of Chicago, embodying the city’s rich history of street food.
Bagel and Lox
Bagel and lox is a traditional Jewish-American dish consisting of a bagel topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and often capers, onions, and tomatoes. This dish originated from Eastern European immigrants and has become a popular breakfast and brunch item.
Hushpuppies
Hushpuppies, small, round dough made from cornmeal that is deep-fried, are a traditional dish in Southern U.S. cuisine. They are believed to have been created by fishermen who used them to quiet their barking dogs. These crispy on the outside and soft on the inside bites are often served as a side dish with seafood.
Po’ Boy
The po’ boy is a traditional sandwich from Louisiana, typically consisting of meat, usually roast beef or fried seafood such as shrimp, crawfish, fish, oysters or crab. The key to an authentic po’ boy is the French bread, which is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. This sandwich reflects the rich flavors and history of New Orleans.
