Every city has its own culture and diversity which makes it special in a unique way. Some of them have an impressive historical background, others are well known for their attractions, and some are just affordable. If you get to travel anywhere around the world not only in the USA one of the most important aspects of a place is the food culture.
There is an old saying, “love goes through the stomach” and it cannot be more accurate than that. People love food, and each time a bite of deliciousness hits your taste buds your brain releases the “feel good” substance that makes you want to go for another bite. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, the culinary world has something in store even for some of the pickiest eaters.
It’s not just food, in general, we are talking about, it’s American food. Not any food, but the best American foods out there. If you are reading this and haven’t experienced the American food culture, then we will not go as far as telling you that your existence is in vain. You still have the opportunity to try the best American foods ever. Here are some of the best American foods you need to try.
Table of content:
- What is considered American food?
- Traditional American foods
- Foods invented in America
- What is American cuisine?
What is considered American food?
Before diving into the mouthwatering foods within the American culture, we first need to define it. What is actually considered American food? Most people consider fast-food to be the definitory term for American food. This is not true and fast-food is just a tiny part of the American food culture. Even though fast-food restaurants are common, it doesn’t represent most of what Americans usually eat.
American food can be best described as a collection of different kinds of foods that originate from different parts of the world. These foods were taken from different cultures and adapted to create something unique that represents the American food culture.
Most commonly restaurants in America feature Mexican, Chinese and Italian foods. Although these cuisines are not American per se, the concept is taken and with a bit of creativity new dishes are created. The flavors, ingredients and types can be a little different from what we find in Mexico, China or Italy, making it unique. In a few words, we tried to explain what is considered American food. Now let’s see some dishes that will make you crave some of these foods.
Traditional American foods
These traditional American foods will make you hungry and if you ever have the opportunity to try any of these foods, don’t hesitate. Save yourself some caloric wiggle room for some of the best dishes in America.
Apple Pie
There is nothing like the sweet bite of an apple pie. Even now I can remember the times when our mother or grandmother would pull out the steaming apple pie from the oven and the excruciating time we had to wait for it to cool down. The lusciously flaky crust filled with thick-cut apples and the hint of cinnamon makes it the best apple you can ever have. To make it even better, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and your tastebuds will be in heaven!
Every state in the USA has a place that has perfected the apple pie over the year. One such bakery that is popular for its apple pie is located in the city of Nashville, Tennessee. Called the Sweet Creation Bakery they can bring back childhood memories with their famous apple pie.
The Cheeseburger
People will point out many different places where you can get a good cheeseburger whether it is a fast-food or fine dining restaurant. The iconic cheeseburger is one of the most loved American foods. The simple but high-quality ingredients usually make for the best cheeseburger and it is hard to believe that it all began with a mistake.
It is said that it all started in Pasadena, California with a young chef that burned a burger and slapped on some cheese to cover his mistake. The favor that you get from the layers of vegetables, meat, melted cheese and sauce found between two perfectly soft buns is out of this world and it is definitely a traditional American food.
Thanksgiving dinner
Not only a singular dish but an abundance of perfectly put together dishes that make for one of the most special dinners in American tradition. Thanksgiving is a holiday, celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday of November.
This holiday is well known for gathering some of the most special people in your life around a table filled with a variety of foods from which the iconic roasted Turkey that really stands out. The holiday is about being grateful and giving thanks for another holiday season where you get to gather amazing people around food prepared with care and love.
This holiday is about family and friends, but people usually can’t get the food out of their heads. Turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, green bean casserole and sweet potato pie are some of the dishes filling the thanksgiving table. Around this time you can get creative with your Thanksgiving with a couple of ideas on how to better celebrate this important holiday.
Pot Roast
Iconic for the American food culture, the pot roast also holds a sentimental favorite place in the top 10 American foods for taking us back in time for a Sunday family dinner. The beef brisket or chuck, along with vegetables are brought together in a perfect harmony of flavors by a juicy braising liquid that covers them.
This special dinner is something to die for and definitely deserves to be mentioned amongst our list of traditional American foods.Also, with the addition of a Crock-Pot, you can easily wack a pot roast with minimal effort. This would be the perfect Crock-Pot recipe for the fall season to warm you up inside.
Tacos
The Tex-Mex cuisine is the beautiful bond between southern American and Mexican cuisine. This created some of the most delicious foods that people die for. Although Mexico claims ownership over the dish, tacos for a long time has been a top American food. This cuisine fusion brought forward some tacos that are just a mouthful of flavor. There are a variety of tacos out there but the main ingredients of any taco are tortillas, meat, vegetables, and cheese.
Cities around the state of Texas are renowned for this particular dish and if you are a taco lover definitely try out some of the tacos served here. If you find yourself in the city of Dallas, go to El Come Taco or Urban Taco for some of the best tacos around. Also, if you can’t hold back your love for tacos and you want to enjoy them year-round then we suggest you contact one of our top realtors in Dallas TX, in order to buy the best home near your favorite taco place.
The cornbread
We cannot talk about American food culture without mentioning cornbread. It is a true Southern staple that has won people’s hearts and taste buds nationwide. Cornbread is a must-have on any dinner table with its crunchy crust, soft interior, and sweet corn flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or as the show’s star, cornbread is a versatile treat that always satisfies you.
So, what makes cornbread a pillar of Southern cuisine? Well, for starters, its history is deeply rooted in Southern cuisine. Corn was a vital crop for early settlers in the South, and cornbread was a way to stretch the meal and make it more filling. Over time, cornbread became a beloved dish passed down from generation to generation.
A great thing about cornbread is that it’s easy to make. You don’t need fancy equipment or ingredients to whip up a batch of delicious cornbread. You only need cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, and butter. Mix everything, pour it into a pan, and bake until golden brown. It’s that simple!
Foods invented in America
Even though America owes a lot of credit to other cultures in terms of food, there are a couple of dishes that originated in the USA. Here is a list of foods invented in America that make locals proud.
Pecan pie
If you’re a fan of sweet and nutty desserts, pecan pie should be at the top of your list. It is one of the best American foods you won’t regret trying. This delicious pastry is a Southern classic that has been enjoyed for generations. But what exactly is pecan pie, and what makes it so unique?
At its most basic, pecan pie is a pastry made with a filling of pecans, sugar, and eggs, all baked together in a pie crust. The result is a sweet, nutty flavor with a rich, buttery, absolutely irresistible texture. Some variations may include additional ingredients such as chocolate chips, bourbon, or even maple syrup, but the core ingredients remain the same.
One of the things that make pecan pie so unique is its versatility. You can serve it warm or cold, which pairs perfectly with other desserts. Some people like to add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, while others prefer it plain. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy it, one thing is for sure: once you take a bite, you won’t be able to resist going back for more.
Buffalo wings
Another best American food originating in the country is the buffalo wings. They are a spicy and flavorful dish that has taken the culinary world by storm since its inception in 1964. These tasty wings are a staple at any sports bar or party and are beloved by gourmands around the globe.
The story of the buffalo wing begins in Buffalo, New York, hence the name “buffalo wing.” In 1964, Teressa Bellissimo, the co-owner of the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, sought a quick and easy snack to serve her patrons. She came up with the idea of deep-frying chicken wings and tossing them in a spicy sauce made from hot sauce and butter. The result was an instant hit, and buffalo wings quickly became the bar’s signature dish.
Today, buffalo wings are a staple at any sports bar, and there are many variations on the original recipe. You can make the sauce from various ingredients, including hot sauce, butter, garlic, honey, BBQ sauce, and more. Some sauces are milder than others, while others will set your mouth on fire.
Corn dog
There’s something irresistible about combining a juicy hot dog and a crispy cornmeal coating. That’s right; we’re talking about corn dogs, another best American food! This carnival favorite has been satisfying hungry fair-goers for generations.
At its core, a corn dog is a hot dog on a stick coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter and fried to golden-brown perfection. The result is a deliciously crispy and savory treat perfect for snacking on the go.
While the origins of the corn dog are unclear, it’s believed it first appeared in the U.S. in the 1940s. Since then, it’s become a beloved staple of fairs, carnivals, and sporting events nationwide.
Part of the appeal of the corn dog is its versatility. You can dress it up with ketchup, mustard, and relish, or keep it simple and enjoy it. Some people even dip their corn dogs in honey or maple syrup for a sweet and savory twist.
Chocolate chip cookies
Who doesn’t love chocolate chip cookies? These tasty treats have been a favorite of kids and adults alike for generations. With their warm, gooey center and crunchy exterior, it’s no wonder they’ve become a classic in American food culture.
The story of the chocolate chip cookies goes back to the 1930s. Then, Ruth Wakefield, the owner of the Toll House Inn, was making a batch of Butter Drop Do cookies when she realized she was out of baker’s chocolate. So, she chopped up a bar of Nestle semi-sweet chocolate and added it to the batter, thinking it would melt and distribute evenly. Instead, the chocolate held its shape, creating pockets of gooey goodness in each cookie. And so, the chocolate chip cookie was born.
Since then, countless variations of the classic recipe have emerged, from adding nuts or oatmeal to using dark or milk chocolate. Some even replace the chocolate chips with other types of candy, like M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces.
But no matter how you like them, there’s no denying the simple pleasure of biting into a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. They’re the perfect comfort food, whether you’re feeling down or celebrating a special occasion. And with so many recipes available online, it’s easy to find one that fits your taste and dietary needs.
Key lime pie
We cannot talk about the best American food out there without mentioning the key lime pie. Are you craving something sweet and tangy that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise? Look no further than key lime pie!
For a good reason, this beloved dessert has been a staple of Southern American food culture for over a century. Its signature creamy filling made from tart key lime juice sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks are perfectly complemented by a crumbly graham cracker crust. And the best part? It’s quick and easy to make, so that you can whip up a batch in no time.
Legend has it that sponge fishermen first created key lime pie in the late 1800s, who mixed condensed milk and key lime juice to create a simple and delicious dessert that could be easily made on their boats. Over time, the recipe evolved to include the graham cracker crust and whipped cream topping we know and love today.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even put your spin on this classic dessert by adding in other flavors like coconut or chocolate. And if you don’t have access to fresh key limes, you can always use bottled key lime juice or even regular lime juice as a substitute.
What is American cuisine?
The American cities food culture is a melting pot of different culinary traditions shaped by the diverse history and cultural influences of the United States. Unlike other countries that have more of a defined cuisine with solid regional specialties, American cuisine is characterized by its eclectic and ever-evolving nature. American cuisine has something to offer everyone, from traditional dishes that reflect the country’s history to modern fusion creations that mix various flavors and ingredients.
Historically, American cuisine has its roots in the traditional foodways of Native American tribes, European settlers, and enslaved Africans who were brought to the country in the colonial era. Over time, these culinary traditions have blended to create new dishes and cooking techniques that have made the best American foods.
One of the best American foods and most recognizable is barbecue, a style of cooking that involves slow-cooking meat over an open flame or in a smoker. Barbecue has regional variations throughout the country, with Texas-style brisket, Memphis-style ribs, and Carolina-style pulled pork being some of the most famous examples.
Conclusion
I know that going through this article made your mouth water and your stomach growl, craving for all these foods. The amazing American cuisine has something for everyone and you have to try it for yourself to experience its unique flavors.
We definitely haven’t covered all the delicious foods that the American food culture has in store for us but, we would like to share these ideas with you so you can let us know what you think. What are the best American foods that you have tasted? Tell others what foods they need to try if they haven’t yet.
