
American food usually means rich flavors, lots of choices, and new and innovative ideas. Some people may only see it as fast food, but the whole world loves classic American dishes. These cuisines truly showcase the soul and heart of America. On this list, find the 8 best American foods that are revered around the globe. From savory treats to comforting sweets, these cuisines cross borders. They bring familiar American flavors to people around the world.
Food is like a cultural link between people. These well-known dishes tell stories of old ways, new ideas and many different influences. It’s not just about the flavor of the food. It’s more about the memories people make when they come together to share a meal. We’ll taste eight of our favorite American foods from around the world.

1. **Hamburgers**: What’s more truly American than eating a grilled, sizzling hamburger? You have in your hands this food is the most popular comfort food in the world. Everywhere you go, it’s a hit.
The idea of mince pies started back in the 19th century in Germany. But the hamburger really found its best home in America.
Around the world, hamburgers change their form to suit local tastes. Japan prepares teriyaki burgers for the locals. India makes spiced veggie patties in their own way. The hamburger’s ability to change has made the world swoon over this favorite food.
Recipe details: Hamburgers
Level: Unknown Servings: 4
Total weight: 2569.8 g Calories: 7523.7 kcal
Energy: 7523.7 kcal Protein: 281.5 g
Carbs: 925.1 g Fat: 290.3 g
Dish Tags: american, sandwiches, lunch/dinner, Balanced, High-Fiber, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Fish-Free, Shellfish-Free, Milk
Ingredients:
1 ¼ pounds freshly ground beef from aged chuck or shin cuts that come from pastured traditional beef breeds with some (10 to 20 percent) beef heart (optional)
2 or 3 garlic cloves smashed and finely chopped
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Extra virgin olive oil or tallow
4 burger buns brioche style, freshly made, by an artisan baker
Butter preferably raw
Get the recipe: Hamburgers

2. **Mac and Cheese**: This dish is creamy and cheesy and makes you feel very full inside. Mac and cheese is a soul-soothing food that allows one to enjoy a meal far beyond the borders of the United States.
Mac and cheese first came over from Italy a long time ago. Americans made it into a gooey, cheesy skillet. Thomas Jefferson reportedly enjoyed the dish at large state dinners. Since then, it has become a staple in many American households. You can see mac and cheese in boxes or baked in family recipes.
All over the world, mac and cheese reaches into people’s hearts. It has also made its way into people’s stomachs. Many places have added unique twists to this familiar dish. For example, restaurants offer fancy versions with added truffle oil. Spicy macaroni from places like Mexico proves that comfort and simple flavors are king.
Recipe details: Grilled Mac and Cheese
Level: Unknown Servings: 24
Total weight: 2598.0 g Calories: 7546.5 kcal
Energy: 7546.5 kcal Protein: 359.7 g
Carbs: 463.0 g Fat: 471.8 g
Dish Tags: american, main course, lunch/dinner, Sugar-Conscious, Low Potassium, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Sulfites
Ingredients:
2 slices of bread
1-2 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon butter
1-2 slices extra sharp cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon
½ cup mac and cheese recipe follows
5-6 jalapeno slices pan seared (optional)
Mac and Cheese | Serves 8
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1½ teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 cups extra-sharp Cheddar grated
1 pound elbow macaroni cooked al dente
Get the recipe: Grilled Mac and Cheese

3. **Barbecue Ribs**: These ribs are so smoky that the meat comes right off the bone. Barbecue ribs represent the true meaning of American food culture. Kansas City uses a sweet and spicy sauce for its barbecue ribs. Texas, on the other hand, prefers a dry rub for flavor. Everyone agrees that ribs are a delicacy you must savor.
Barbecue gives a lot more than just cooking food. Smoking and slow cooking meats over wood is an art form. Over time, different regions of the United States have perfected this art. Each region proudly displays its own unique meat flavor. The meat made this way is so fluffy and flavorful that no one can resist it.
Across the globe, barbecue cooking traditions are widely spread. Countries like South Korea are very excited about the barbecue craze. They have added Korean-style ribs to their menus. This shows that when it comes to smoking delicious food, the whole world is on the same page.
Recipe details: Rub for Barbecue Ribs Recipe
Cook time: Unknown Total time: 10
Level: Unknown Servings: 4
Total weight: 220.3 g Calories: 819.4 kcal
Energy: 819.4 kcal Protein: 6.2 g
Carbs: 199.6 g Fat: 4.4 g
Dish Tags: american, main course, lunch/dinner, Low-Fat, Low-Sodium, Kidney-Friendly, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Dairy-Free
Ingredients:
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup turbinado sugar
2 tablespoon Kosher salt
2 tablespoons celery salt
2 tablespoons seasoned salt
4 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 teaspoons chipotle powder
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon mustard powder
Get the recipe: Rub for Barbecue Ribs Recipe

4. **Fried Chicken**: This dish is golden and crispy with a juicy inside. Fried chicken is a dish that has captured hearts across the globe.
The origins of fried chicken can be traced back to Scotland and Africa. But the dish has really found its special place in the southern states of the United States. People sometimes serve it with buttermilk cookie gravy or waffles.
In countries like Korea, fried chicken is recreated. They use a tangy sauce and fry it twice to make it crispier. This feels like a food revolution, showing how basic American foods are adapting to new tastes.
Recipe details: Northern Fried Chicken
Level: Unknown Servings: 4
Total weight: 1801.4 g Calories: 5236.1 kcal
Energy: 5236.1 kcal Protein: 246.6 g
Carbs: 80.3 g Fat: 433.8 g
Dish Tags: american, main course, lunch/dinner, Low-Carb, Sugar-Conscious, Dairy-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Fish-Free, Sulfites, FODMAP
Ingredients:
6 cups soy oil
1 whole (3-pound) chicken, cut into 8 pieces
4 large egg whites, whisked
1/2 cup matzoh meal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon finely ground white pepper
1 teaspoon Fried Chicken Seasoning
Chicken Gravy, for serving
Mexican honey, for serving
Get the recipe: Northern Fried Chicken

5. **Apple Pie**: Few desserts are as famous as apple pie. This dish practically shouts “America” to everyone. The thin, crispy crust and tangy apples make it a top-notch comfort dessert.
Apple pie started its journey in Europe a long time back. But it became very important in American culture, representing home and warmth.
Nowadays, variations of apple pie appear in many countries around the globe. The lattice-topped apple pie made in France shows their skill. As you know, the Middle East uses a lasagna crust for their apple pies. But no matter where you are, the first taste of sweet apples will give you an American flavor.
Recipe details: Apple Pie Smoothie
Level: Unknown Servings: 2
Total weight: 1162.4 g Calories: 524.0 kcal
Energy: 524.0 kcal Protein: 22.2 g
Carbs: 81.4 g Fat: 16.3 g
Dish Tags: american, drinks, desserts, breakfast, Balanced, Low-Sodium, Kidney-Friendly, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Sulfites
Ingredients:
2 Red apples, cored, peeled and cut into 4 slices
1 cup vanilla greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons Apple pie spice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups ice
Get the recipe: Apple Pie Smoothie

6. **Buffalo Wings**: Is there anything more American than Buffalo Wings? These messy wings have made a huge splash across the globe. It originated as a simple snack late at night in Buffalo. Slathered in hot sauce and dipped in cheese, they always taste great.
The appeal of its versatility is everywhere. The hot sauce is a classic, and other sauces such as Honey BBQ have won many fans. You can find wings all over the world; sweet chili sauce in Thailand, peri-peri in Africa.
Serve them at a party, sports bar or dinner and they are always delicious. Their huge popularity has made them a staple American food item you will see.
Recipe details: Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
Level: Unknown Servings: 3
Total weight: 516.4 g Calories: 380.1 kcal
Energy: 380.1 kcal Protein: 18.5 g
Carbs: 68.4 g Fat: 5.0 g
Dish Tags: american, starter, lunch/dinner, Low-Fat, Mediterranean, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Sulfites
Ingredients:
1 small cauliflower
1/2 cup chickpea flour
3 tablespoons rice flour
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
2/3 cup buffalo wing hot sauce
1-2 scallions, sliced
Get the recipe: Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

7. **Clam Chowder**: Many will agree that this creamy, rich soup is truly comforting. It comes from the New England coast.
The flavors of the sea, salty clams and rich cream are felt in every spoonful. New England stew is the most famous, and the Manhattan style has a loyal following. It’s beloved around the world because of its variety; chefs have refined it as well.
From American diner to Europe’s finest restaurants, this soup has left its mark. It demonstrates the simple depth of American food that tastes like the coast.
Recipe details: Clam Chowder
Cook time: Unknown Total time: 40
Level: Unknown Servings: 4
Total weight: 2022.3 g Calories: 1742.0 kcal
Energy: 1742.0 kcal Protein: 108.1 g
Carbs: 158.4 g Fat: 77.8 g
Dish Tags: american, soup, lunch/dinner, Pescatarian, Egg-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Sulfites
Ingredients:
Three 8-ounce bottles clam juice
1 pound starchy potatoes (such as idaho or russet) peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons butter
1 bay leaf
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup flour
5 (6.5) ounce cans of clams, diced, juices reserved
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup parsley, chopped (optional)
Get the recipe: Clam Chowder

8. **Pancakes**: Fluffy, buttery, covered in syrup for a top-notch treat. They had their beginnings a long time ago, but American pancakes lit the world’s breakfast light. Stack them high and top them with butter and maple syrup.
Across the globe, pancakes do have their own unique presence. Japanese pancakes are as fluffy as a soufflé, and Australian pancakes love fruit and cream.
Recipe details: Blueberry Pancakes + Pancake 101
Level: Unknown Servings: 16
Total weight: 1355.3 g Calories: 2090.2 kcal
Energy: 2090.2 kcal Protein: 64.4 g
Carbs: 287.9 g Fat: 77.9 g
Dish Tags: american, pancake, breakfast, Balanced, Low Potassium, Kidney-Friendly, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Peanut-Free, Sulfites
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or slightly less table salt
3 tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups buttermilk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus 1 tablespoon extra for brushing griddle (I’ve made these pancakes with and without the butter mixed in, and can say with confidence they work either way. They’re just richer with it, of course.)
1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen and thawed (optional)
Get the recipe: Blueberry Pancakes + Pancake 101

American food brings together the flavors, stories and traditions that make up the global treasures you know. Whether it’s comfort food or sweet treats, they showcase the American soul that craves sharing. So the next time you eat one, remember it’s more than just food. Indulge in these classic favorites that bind us together.
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