America is a melting pot of different cultures, which has contributed to its diverse cuisine and endless culinary creativity. European, Native American, African, Asian, and other dishes have influenced America’s cuisine. Here are 18 American foods everyone should try at least once.
Classic Cheeseburger
When cattle ranching in the Great Plains became commonplace in the late 19th century, Americans began to consume beef regularly. Hamburgers became a popular food, and the cheeseburger followed in 1920. Essential details of a classic cheeseburger include the patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions in a bun.
Apple Pie
Better Homes & Gardens argues that “there’s nothing more American than eating a slice of homemade apple pie.” Apple pie has been a favorite of Americans since the 1700s and was included in American Cookery, America’s first cookbook. Today, fruit pie is associated with the Fourth of July and is enjoyed year-round.
Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Chicago-style deep dish pizza resembles a pie, with a crust at least an inch deep and layers of cheese, meat, and sauce. This unique style of pizza was invented in Chicago in 1943 and is baked in a round steel pan resembling a cake pan.
Clam Chowder
Clam chowder originated in the Northeast and has become a favorite dish of Americans nationwide. The most famous variant is New England clam chowder, made with milk or cream, but other popular variants include the tomato broth Manhattan clam chowder, Rhode Island’s clear broth, and Long Island, which mixes milk and tomato.
Cornbread
This southern staple originates in Native American cuisine and can be baked, fried, or steamed. Cornbread in the South tends to be savory, while northern states cook their cornbread with sugar or honey.
Biscuits and Gravy
This comfort food breakfast dish, which dates back to the American Revolutionary War, consists of white sausage gravy-covered dough biscuits seasoned with black pepper. It’s a staple at breakfast and lunch restaurants.
Lobster Roll
Lobster rolls are native to New England and consist of lobster meat in a grilled hot dog bun, seasoned with lemon juice, butter or mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. The dish is also popular in Nova Scotia, served in hamburger buns, pitas, or baguettes.
Jambalaya
This Creole and Cajun dish originates in southern Louisiana, with African, French, and Spanish influences. The Athletic explains, “Cajun jambalaya is brown with meat caramelized from the bottom of the cast-iron skillet,” while “Creole jambalaya is red with a tomato base.”
Tex-Mex Cuisine
Tex-Mex cuisine is one of the most popular in America and originates from Tejano culinary creations. Fajitas, nachos, and queso are famous examples of this cuisine that have become popular worldwide.
S’mores
This campfire classic originates from the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and consists of chocolate and toasted marshmallows sandwiched in graham crackers. The dessert is also celebrated on Hershey’s S’mores Day on August 10.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
This southern-style fried chicken is famous for its tangy taste. Unlike deep-fried chicken, the chicken is marinated in buttermilk and then pan-fired in a skillet. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, and its acidity gives it a crispy exterior.
Shrimp Boil
Shrimp boil, known as Lowcountry boil in the Southeast, usually contains shrimp, potatoes, corn, sausage, and Old Bay seasoning. Some recipes recommend adding a can of beer, crab, lobster, and clams to the water.
Buffalo Wings
Deep-fried chicken wings have been a southern staple for decades, but buffalo wings are a more recent creation. The National Chicken Council notes that the “concept of cooking wings in peppery hot sauce was born in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York.” The wings are usually served with celery sticks and blue cheese dipping sauce.
Mississippi Pot Roast
This variant of the classic American slow-cooked beef dish includes pepperoncini, ranch seasoning, and garlic. The roast is slow-cooked for eight hours and can be served with rice or potatoes.
Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is similar to English trifle, with layers of custard, and is a favorite in the South. It’s easy to prepare, doesn’t require cooking, and contains bananas, custard, vanilla wafers, and vanilla flavoring.
Key Lime Pie
The official Florida state pie, key lime pie, is made from condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks. This pie allegedly originated in late 19th century Key West, Florida, one of a few possible origin stories.
Barbecue Ribs
Serious Eats notes that “barbecued ribs are an early 20th-century innovation” driven by “the rise of industrial meatpacking, mechanical refrigeration, and commercial barbecue stands.” Carolina, Kansas City, Memphis, and Texas ribs offer different takes on this American classic, with various sauces and herbs.
Cobb Salad
Cobb salad originated in California and is served as a main course. It usually contains salad greens, hard-boiled eggs, chicken breast, bacon, tomatoes, and blue cheese (usually Roquefort) in a red wine vinaigrette.