17 Quintessential American Foods
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The United States is a melting pot of cultures; one way this diversity manifests is through food. American cuisine has been shaped by immigrants worldwide, resulting in a unique blend of flavors and dishes.
From fast food to regional specialties, here are 17 quintessential American foods you must try.
Apple Pie
A list of American foods cannot be compiled without the famous Apple Pie. Slices of cinnamon-spiced apple are encased in a flaky pastry and typically served with vanilla ice cream. It is a common sight, from Fourth of July picnics to Thanksgiving feasts.
Hamburgers
Hamburgers are an essential American comfort food. The juicy patty is kissed with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and condiments like ketchup and mustard, and it is sandwiched between two soft buns. Whether you eat at a fast-food chain or at a backyard barbecue, you cannot go wrong with a hamburger.
Hot Dogs
That brings to mind another favorite American staple, also with German roots: the hot dog. They are served on a bun — sometimes sliced lengthwise so that a sausage can be nestled in, at other times with a sliver of the bun cut off to make room for fillings — with any number of condiments: relish, onions in any guise including chopped and stewed almost beyond recognition, chili. They are a game day favorite or great for any summer cookout.
Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic American comfort food loved by people of all ages. The dish consists of macaroni pasta coated in a creamy cheese sauce, with variations like breadcrumbs, bacon, or jalapeños added for extra flavor. It’s an essential side dish at many southern-style meals.
BBQ Ribs
One of the best American dishes made by barbecuing that can hold all barbecue flavors is BBQ ribs. Slow-cooked pork ribs loaded with BBQ flavor until they are moist and oh-so-tender. Various sides are typically served with them: coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread.
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a favorite in the South and just about everywhere else. The dish consists of seasoned flour-coated chicken fried to a crispy golden brown. It can be served with various sides, including mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and biscuits.
Pizza
Although pizza originated in Italy, it has become massive in the USA, and each region has a different spin on preparing a pie. Whether you prefer New York-style thin crust or Chicago deep-dish, there is a type of pizza for you. The usual toppings are pepperoni, mushrooms, and peppers.
Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings or buffalo chicken wings are an American appetizer of deep-fried, unbreaded chicken wing sections coated and dipped in vinegar-based cayenne pepper hot sauce and butter. They were invented in Buffalo, New York, and are often served with celery and blue cheese dressing. They’re a must-try for spicy food lovers.
Clam Chowder
Clam chowder is a rich soup containing clams, diced potatoes, onions, and cream. It is reportedly from the northeastern United States, prominently in states such as Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This dish has many regional variations, including New England (creamy) and Manhattan (tomato-based) styles.
Lobster Roll
The lobster roll is a quintessential dish from the Northeast that many Americans love. It is a sandwich made of lobster, chunks of fresh lobster meat, and a little bit of mayonnaise in a buttered and toasted hot dog bun. It is commonly seasoned with lemon juice, parsley, and salt.
Tacos
Undeniably, due to the Mexican influence in the United States, Tacos have also become a language of American cuisine. Flour or corn tortillas with filling are folded into a “U” shape, and various fillings involve seasoned meat, vegetables, beans, cheese, and tomato sauce. They are but are not limited to that. Street food and specialized Mexican cuisine restaurants serve them.
Biscuit and Gravy
Biscuit and gravy is a delicious Southern treat of soft, buttery biscuits buried in sausage-laden creamy goodness. It is often eaten with a hearty breakfast or brunch and is considered comfort food by many in the United States.
Cornbread
Cornbread is another staple in southern cuisine. It is typically made with cornmeal, flour, milk, eggs, and sugar. It can be baked in various forms, like muffins or loaves, and is commonly enjoyed alongside BBQ ribs or chili.
Gumbo
Gumbo is a rich stew from Louisiana. It typically contains roux (a mixture of flour and fat cooked together), stock, meat, or seafood, such as ham or Andouille sausage, okra, vegetables like bell pepper and onion, and seasonings like cayenne pepper. It is a common dish served during Mardi Gras.
Key Lime Pie
A Florida dessert, Key lime pie is an American classic. It is made of a graham cracker crust sweetened with key lime juice, condensed milk, and egg yolks. It can also be covered in whipped cream or meringue. It is a refreshing and delicious dessert perfect for the warm summer months.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
The peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a staple lunch in America. This easy yet flavorful combination usually consists of fruit jelly and peanut butter between two slices of bread, making it a common item in children’s lunches and picnics.
S’mores
S’mores are a classic American campfire treat made with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. All the ingredients are stacked and cooked until the chocolate melts and the marshmallows are toasted, creating a deliciously gooey sweet treat.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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