Americans love their food. Yes, you’ll find plenty of fine dining spots scattered all over the country, but the homespun classics capture the American spirit and evoke the true spirit of what it means to be American.
With that in mind, let’s look at 20 of the best examples of all-American dishes, snacks, and desserts, those that have defined the country’s cuisine over the years.
1. Apple pie
Is there anything more American than homemade apple pie? From the scent of the pastry baking in the oven to that first taste when it’s freshly made, it’s a sheer delight – a quintessential American dessert.
2. Cheesesteak
Thinly sliced, sumptuous steak and melted cheese enveloped in a long hoagie, a Philly cheesesteak is the ultimate American street food snack.
3. Cheeseburger
Americans always want to take things to the next level. A burger wasn’t enough. Cheese was added. The rest is history.
4. Sloppy Joes
The marvelously messy contender for the king of comfort food. Put a twist on a traditional classic with an incredible Lamb Sloppy Joe.
5. Hot dogs
The ultimate ball game delicacy, few foods hit the taste buds quite like a grilled hot dog with fried onions, smothered in mustard.
6. Mac and cheese
Rich, creamy, and downright delicious, classic American mac and cheese is comfort food at its finest.
7. BBQ ribs
That melt-in-your-mouth texture, that smoky barbecue taste, that unbelievable succulent flavor… is there anything better than perfectly cooked BBQ ribs?
It really doesn’t get any better than this Smoked Beef Short Ribs recipe.
8 Thanksgiving Turkey
The star dish at any Thanksgiving meal, nothing says a feast like a perfectly cooked turkey. Get it right, and your festivity will be one to remember.
- Grab the recipe here: Whole Smoked Turkey
9. Chocolate Chip Cookies
This sweet, delicious all-American treat is a long-time favorite. When it’s done right, the soft, chewy texture and buttery richness are unforgettable.
Cutting down on sugar? Try these sugar free chocolate chip cookies.
10. Meatloaf
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Meatloaf is the epitome of an inexpensive dish that can be tweaked to your personal tastes. It is almost exclusively American-made and, when done right, is utterly delicious.
11. Clam Chowder
Probably the most delicious of all American soups, clam chowder is a coastal favorite, bellowed from Maine in the north to Florida in the south. Head to New England for the best clam chowder you’ll ever taste.
12. Buffalo Wings
The deep-fried smoky sensations, Buffalo wings go down well at just about every event or game day get-together.
Go meat free with these amazing Buffalo cauliflower wings.
13. Gumbo
Gumbo is like a warm hug in a dish, a soul food classic, a time-honored Southern staple. If you visit New Orleans, it’s practically essential.
14. Biscuits and gravy
Another Southern soul food classic. When down south, sourdough biscuits covered in white gravy are the proper way to start the day.
15. Buffalo Wings
The deep-fried smoky sensations of Buffalo wings go down well at just about every event or game day get-together.
Go meat free with these amazing Buffalo cauliflower wings.
16. Beef jerky
Much more than just a snack, beef jerky is an explosion of flavor, a traditional soft and tender American ingredient that has stood the test of time.
17. Po’boy
Originally from Louisiana but with variations all over the South, this all-round classic of a sandwich is possibly at its best when made with fried oyster and shrimp.
18. Popcorn
Native Americans first started popping corn way back in 3600 BC. Then, in 1893, a confectioner made the first popcorn machine and created the modern version of the legendary snack.
19. PB&J sandwich
A match made in heaven. The creamy, rich, and nutty flavor of the peanut butter meets the sweet fruitiness of the jelly for the perfect union.
20. Lobster Rolls
Like the hot dog of the salty seas, lobster rolls are a New England classic. Serve them with butter, lemon juice, garlic, and a hit of black pepper for pure satisfaction!
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