41 Best American Foods To Try in 2025
Are you looking to try some of the most iconic American food but don’t know where to begin? You’ve come to the right place. There are many things America is famous for, like stunning national parks, towering skyscrapers, and an unmatched film and music industry; however, if there's one standout ingredient that makes America one of the most renowned countries on Earth, it's the food.
From modern interpretations of Italian classics to fresh new inventions, the American food scene is a melting pot of countless flavors. So get ready to take your taste buds on an adventure by trying the best American food on our list!
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What Is American Food?
With such a wide variety of ingredients culminating in flavors inspired by an extensive list of countries worldwide, the question, "What is American food?" leads to a complicated answer. American food is innovation. It’s reinvention and the creation of new flavors from classic favorites and creative contemporary recipes.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, both locals and tourists alike have an idea of the types of American food they can expect from street vendors, corner cafés or Michelin-starred restaurants. Staple main meals include pizza, hot dogs, pies and meat specialties.
You can also expect to indulge in desserts such as pancakes, waffles and, of course, plenty of doughnuts. According to DoSomething.org, more than 10 billion doughnuts are eaten in America every year (not only by those on the police forces).
The list of popular meals goes on and on, but the best way to enjoy the most popular and delicious American foods while learning more about the institutions that serve them is by joining food tours near you. Led by experienced guides, these immersive experiences give you the opportunity to taste delicious meals from well-known restaurants, all while enjoying the company of passionate foodies by your side.
41 Best American Foods Worth Trying
1. Pot roast
This heartwarming and cozy American meal is a family favorite because it is easy to make. It originated in France as a peasant dish used to slow-cook tougher cuts of meat. Making this popular American food is easy. All you need to do is choose your preferred cut of meat, such as tender beef brisket, and chuck it into a deep roasting pot with potatoes, carrots and onions. The added red wine is what gives this dish that immense flavor.
2. Smithfield Ham
Smithfield ham is not just any kind of ham; it traditionally comes from peanut-fed hogs raised in Virginia, where they are cured, treated, smoked and processed in Smithfield, which is where the name comes from. This salty and delicious American food is available in various flavors, from sweet honey and hickory-smoked to brown sugar glaze and maple.
3. Jerky
If you’re looking for the best American food for road trips or your next wilderness journey, jerky is a popular choice. This dehydrated high-protein meat snack has been a favorite since its origins in the Americas and South America (when it was known as "charqui") well before the 19th century.
Jerky is typically made with lean cuts of meat like turkey and beef, thinly sliced and left out to dry. The meat is then marinated in a mixture of sugar and spices to achieve a sweet and savory flavor.
4. Smoked Corned Beef
If there’s one thing Americans love more than football, it is smoking meat. Smoked corned beef is a popular dish that is fall-apart tender and deliciously decadent. Its flavor and texture are similar to pastrami, making it the perfect accompaniment to a classic Reuben-inspired sandwich.
Corned beef is a brisket that has been cured in salt, so the meat naturally has a saltier flavor. The beef is soaked and rubbed with a delicious spice mixture to remove excess salt before being smoked.
5. Fried Chicken and Waffles
There is no better combination than crispy fried chicken on soft golden waffles, which is why this is a staple American food perfect for any time of the day. This iconic meal can be traced back to Pennsylvania Dutch in the 1600s when it was made with pulled, stewed chicken in gravy and served on waffles.
In the South, particularly in African-American cuisine of the 19th century, stewed chicken was replaced with fried chicken, and now it’s a popular meal.
6. Barbecue Ribs
No cookout is complete without a serving of tender and sticky barbecue pork or beef ribs. For added flavor, this American food is often slathered in a rich and delicious sauce made from brown sugar, ketchup and soy sauce, mixed in with garlic, mustard and rum. Vinegar, tomato paste and spices are also popular ingredients that are sometimes used to add flavor to the basting sauce.
7. Buffalo Wings
You haven't tried classic American food until you've experienced the culinary magic of Buffalo wings, and contrary to the name, there is no buffalo meat in them. Its name relates to its origin story, which took place in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s, where the wings were invented at a popular spot called Anchor Bar. This dish is so popular that there are even food festivals dedicated to it.
Typically, the unbreaded chicken wing is deep-fried and coated in a sticky vinegar-based sauce with cayenne pepper, hot sauce and melted butter. However, the great thing about Buffalo wings is that they can be made in just about any flavor. Pair this dish with a blue cheese dipping sauce to enjoy it like the locals do.
8. Hot Dog
When you think of American food, we'd wager that one of the first things that comes to mind is hot dogs. What started off as a simple food is now a symbol of American cuisine. Polish-German immigrant Nathan Handwerker’s hot dog stand on Coney Island helped popularize it in the 1900s. However, this American food can be traced back to German sausages introduced to the U.S. in the 19th century.
There are so many variations, but the key component is a grilled or steamed sausage served in a bun with mustard, ketchup and relish. Popular toppings include diced onions, coleslaw and sauerkraut.
9. Hamburger
While the hamburger may have originated in Hamburg, Germany, it is now also an iconic American food. This meal consists of a ground beef patty topped with lettuce, onion and tomato, as well as cheese, pickles and ketchup, all stacked on a soft bun.
Nowadays, there is a hamburger for every taste preference, with innovative toppings like fruity pineapple, fried eggs and blue cheese. For those who aren't meat-eaters, veggie burgers have also become a staple served at many restaurants and food chains.
10. Sloppy Joes
A sloppy Joe is a simple comfort American food that became very popular in the 1930s, with its origins tracing back to loose meat sandwiches. This meal is a hamburger bun filled with a mixture of ground beef, onions, ketchup or Worcestershire sauce and traditionally served with coleslaw. The "sloppy" part of the name comes from the fact that it can be quite messy to eat, but it is the perfect blend of sweet and savory.
11. Texas-Style Beef Brisket
When it comes to meat, the Texans know how to do it best, considering they’re in the barbecue belt of America. Texas-style beef brisket uses the authentic low and slow smoking method, where the brisket is left to smoke for up to 20 hours to give it that rich and distinct taste.
What makes Texas brisket stand out from others is the bark — a crispy and flavorful crust formed by a salt and pepper rub. Texas brisket is usually served with potato salad and beans for an overall filling meal.
12. Philly Cheesesteak
You can’t talk about American food without mentioning the Philly cheesesteak. This popular sandwich was created by Italian-American brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri. In the 1930s, they ran a hot dog stand near South Philadelphia's Italian Market and wanted to offer sandwiches as well. This American food consists of thinly sliced beef steak strips served on a hoagie roll with sautéed onions and melted cheese.
13. Cobb Salad
California is known for its trendy food scene and the Cobb salad is an American food that was born from this scene. It is said that this refreshing meal was invented by Bob Cobb in 1937 as a late-night salad, and today, it is a popular American food. This salad combines blue cheese, cold chicken breast and hard-boiled eggs, as well as avocado, crispy bacon and tomatoes, all served over chopped lettuce and topped with a vinaigrette dressing.
14. Chicken Fried Steak
A list of American foods wouldn't be complete without the classic chicken fried steak. This dish is the American version of the schnitzel from Germany. It features a delicious tender slab of steak coated and fried in the same breading as fried chicken, which is how the name originated. This popular meat-lovers choice is often covered in a creamy gravy and served with fried okra, mashed potatoes and vegetables.
15. New York-Style Pizza
Talk to any New Yorker and they’ll tell you that New York pizza is the best in the world. It’s hard to disagree, though. This American food is known for its flexibility thanks to thin slices that locals fold so they can eat while walking. Don't worry, you'll still get to enjoy a thick, crispy crust with the last few bites. Standard toppings for this type of pizza include a fair amount of mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage and onions.
16. Seafood Po'Boys
Louisiana is known as the birthplace of the ultimate American sandwich — the po’boy, which was created in 1929. This American food is a crispy French bread stuffed with roast meat and seafood. While there are plenty of variations to try, the traditional way of eating po'boys is with fried oysters, shrimp and lettuce, combined with tomatoes and pickles. A dash of hot sauce tops it off for a New Orleans-inspired meal.
17. Lobster Roll
Seafood lovers will want to add this American food to their foodie bucket list. Lobster rolls are popular in New England and other states along the Eastern coast.
This delectable meal features grilled lobster meat served cold, mixed with mayonnaise, lemon juice and simple salt and pepper seasonings. The delightful seafood mix is served on a grilled hot dog bun for a filling meal that can be eaten on the go or enjoyed at a restaurant.
18. Turkey
Stuffed, roasted or deep-fried? There are many ways to enjoy this American food that's synonymous with Thanksgiving. The traditional way is to stuff the turkey with a mix of vegetables, bread cubes, herbs and broth. Some people like to add raisins and nuts to their stuffing, too.
Throughout the roasting process in the oven, the turkey is basted in its juices and cooked until golden and crispy on the outside and tender inside. Sometimes, the turkey is deep-fried to achieve a delicious, crunchy exterior.
19. Meatloaf
German-Americans introduced meatloaf to Pennsylvania during colonial times, and it has since become a staple American food. It consists of ground beef shaped into a loaf that gets baked or smoked. To prevent the meat from drying out, bread crumbs, eggs, cheese and vegetables are often added to it during the cooking process. This American food is commonly served with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy.
20. Creole Jambalaya
Some of the most popular American foods include Creole cuisine, such as Louisiana's savory rice dish. This dish is influenced by African, French and Spanish cuisines. It's often made up of meats such as shrimp, chicken and andouille sausage, alongside vegetables like bell pepper, onions and celery. Rich spices are added to tie the dish together and tomatoes are added if the goal is to make the Creole "red" style.
21. Tater Tot Casserole
Tater tots are so versatile that they can even be used in a casserole. These small, deep-fried balls of grated potato can create an American-style shepherd's pie without much fuss.
This American food consists of cooked ground beef, canned soup and vegetables, usually peas. A layer of frozen tater tots covers the meat, and the dish is topped with cheese and baked until lightly brown.
22. Yankee Red Flannel Hash
Yankee red flannel hash is New England’s version of the popular dish. This American food, which originated in the United Kingdom, is usually a combination of chopped meat, potatoes and onions fried together. But in New England, chopped beetroot is added to the meal, which creates red patches that look like a flannel shirt. Enjoying hash with eggs for breakfast or served over a bed of rice for a full dinner is commonplace.
23. Macaroni and Cheese
If you want to try the ultimate American food that is cozy and comforting, don't miss out on macaroni and cheese. This dish can be served as a quick and simple dinner or spruced up and served at a gourmet restaurant. There are plenty of variations to try, but a popular twist is to top the dish with crushed Cheetos for added crunch.
24. Clam Chowder
From Maine to Florida, the East Coast is known for serving delicious clam chowder. In New England, this American food is a cream or milk-based soup with diced potatoes, salted pork and butter, combined with onions and clams. The chowder is served with oyster crackers that can be crushed into the soup as a thickener or used as a crispy garnish.
Places like Manhattan and Rhode Island offer different versions of clam chowder, including the former's tomato-based soup and the latter’s clear broth, which does not contain dairy or tomatoes.
25. Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup
Broccoli and beer? This surprising combination is a popular American food served in a creamy Midwest soup. It features broccoli, carrots and creamy potatoes in a rich, beer-based soup with a cheesy, earthy flavor and a hint of nutmeg. Before serving, more cheese is grated on top and the meal is often served with a slice of thick bread.
26. Tuna Casserole
Casseroles are a popular American food, and the tuna variant is even more prevalent. It's a simple dish that has been an affordable family meal since the 1950s. It uses pasta or rice with canned tuna and a soup base like mushrooms. Vegetables and cheese are added, and crisps are sprinkled on top for extra crunch.
27. Creamed Corn
This American dish is found on dinner plates across the country and is very easy to make. Corn is cooked in cream, butter and sugar, and flour and milk are added to thicken the mixture. Cheese is then added and melted for extra creaminess. Creamed corn is often taken to barbecue cook-offs to be served as a side for other popular American foods like hot dogs and meatloaf.
28. New England Bean and Bog Cassoulet
In New England, slowed-cooked French stews like cassoulets are very popular. This American food that pays homage to French cooking is made up of boneless chicken thighs, Italian sausage and baked beans cooked in a rich tomato-based broth. Cranberries, rosemary and thyme are added for an aromatic flavor.
29. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Sandwiches are a staple American food, but none are as iconic as the delicious grilled cheese version. The great thing about this sandwich is that it can be enjoyed in many different ways. Try it in its simplest version with melted cheese only, or dress it up and serve it gourmet-style with pepper jack or brie, slices of honeycrisp apples, figs and mustard.
30. Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits and gravy is a classic American food that is a favorite in the Southern states. The biscuits are soft and traditionally made with lard, buttermilk or butter. They’re served with a creamy gravy featuring meat drippings and chunks of pork sausage with a hint of black pepper for flavor. Biscuits and gravy is a popular breakfast found at most fast-food restaurants.
31. Grits
This American food has ties to native Americans who would grind dried corn into a coarse cornmeal and cook it into a porridge or soup. Today, this dish is enjoyed across all states as a simple side dish or served in gourmet restaurants alongside fried shrimp.
Grits naturally have a bland flavor, so they are often cooked in butter with salt and pepper. Some people enjoy adding chopped tomatoes, onions, bacon and okra to this American food for extra flavor.
32. California Tamale Pie
Tamale pies are a truly California twist on tamales. The Mexican versions are typically served with doughy corn steamed in a corn husk, but this American food makes cooking tamales simple.
While this dish is referred to as a "pie," there is no pie pastry; it is just a delicious mix of ground beef, cornmeal and chunky salsa, combined with beans and olives, all cooked in a slow cooker. You'll often find this American food being served with sprinkled cheese, sliced jalapeño and sour cream.
33. Nachos
Nachos is an American food staple with Mexican and Texan influences, popular across all states. Nachos are typically made with ground beef in a taco seasoning, refried beans and fresh salsa. The mixture is served over tortilla chips and topped with melted cheese. Popular toppings include black olives, sour cream, green onion and guacamole, as well as sliced and pickled jalapeños.
34. Texas Pecan Rice
Pecan rice is a staple American food in Texas that offers the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. It's a cooked rice meal with mushrooms, onions, bacon strips and toasted pecans. The added spices, such as cumin, pepper and dried thyme, give this dish a rich and aromatic flavor. While this meal can be enjoyed on its own, it pairs well with roasted turkey and fish.
35. Green Chile Stew
In New Mexico, green chile stew is a popular dish, especially during winter. This heartwarming dish is usually made from chunks of tender pork that have been slow-cooked in a rich chicken broth with garlic, roasted green chile and green tomatillos. For an added kick, peppers like jalapeño, serrano, hatch chile and habanero are used, so be prepared for a spicy meal!
36. Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread
In the Midwest, there is a holiday American food staple called monkey bread that you need to try. Don't worry — there’s no actual monkey in this food. Also known as "plucking cake," monkey bread is a soft, sweet and sticky pastry that is made to be pulled apart.
There are many different flavors you can choose from but the caramel and pecan version is usually a firm favorite. It's a delectable caramel-coated treat with a simple cream cheese glaze.
37. Key Lime Pie
When it comes to popular desserts, the key lime pie is often at the top of the list for a good reason. This zesty American food was first made in the Florida Keys and is now a staple dessert at any dinner party.
When tucking into a slice you'll get to enjoy a creamy mixture of condensed milk, key lime juice and egg yolks topped on a base of crushed graham crackers. This American food can be served with a topping of meringue for added sweetness.
38. Boston Cream Pie
Boston cream pie is a cake with a cream filling, topped with a chocolate fondant or glaze. This dessert was first served in 1856 by a French chef in Boston and has since become a popular American food for those with a sweet tooth. It's so popular that it's even Massachusetts' official dessert.
This cream pie consists of two layers of French butter sponge cake filled with a thick custard and brushed in syrup. The top of this American food is covered in a layer of rich chocolate ganache for an overall sumptuous treat.
39. Buckeyes
Buckeyes are small balls of peanut butter fudge that have been dipped in chocolate, just enough to leave a small section still visible. This American food resembles the poisonous nut found on the Ohio buckeye tree, which is Ohio’s state tree. The fudge balls are made with butter, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar and chocolate chips.
40. Apple Pie
This comfort food may have originated in England, but the apple pie has become a longstanding symbol of American food. They are made from various apples with added sugar, butter, cornstarch and lemon juice. The mixture is spiced with aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg for warm and slightly spicy flavors. This delectable dessert is usually served with vanilla ice cream.
41. Banana Pudding
Sticking to the theme of desserts, banana pudding is another favorite American food you'll find at most restaurants and cafés. This simple but delicious treat is served on any occasion and tastes even better as leftovers! It features layers of sweet vanilla custard, vanilla wafers and sliced fresh bananas. The top of this American food is usually slathered with whipped cream or meringue.
Learn How To Cook American Foods
Did something on this list catch your eye? If so, you can learn how to make some of the foods that make America famous by joining cooking classes near you. These exciting classes are led by expert chefs who are ready and eager to share their best culinary tips and tricks. If you'd like to have the same immersive experience in the comfort of your home, book online cooking classes to sharpen your culinary skills for your next gathering.
When it comes to American food, your choices are endless. From tender smoked meats and rich casseroles to creamy desserts and baked pies, there is a dish for every taste preference just waiting to be explored.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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