The Fifty Greatest Foods That Changed America Forever
Every American dish, ingredient, and cooking technique has a unique story. These dishes weave together flavors, cultures, and historical moments that have shaped the nation. This article captures the essence and spirit of America, recounting fifty foods that have forever changed the country, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to shape our dining tables today.
Apple Pie
Apple pie is often referred to as the quintessential American dessert. It has been a staple in American households since the early days of colonization. The combination of apples, sugar, and spices encased in a flaky crust quickly symbolized national pride and independence.
Hamburger
Hamburger originated in Hamburg, Germany, but it was in America that it rose to popularity. In the late 1800s, German immigrants brought over their recipe for ground beef patties cooked between two slices of bread, and it quickly became a staple in American cuisine.
Hot Dogs
Another food with German roots, hot dogs have become a beloved street food and ballpark snack in America. They are made from a mixture of meats, typically beef and pork, and served in a long bun with toppings like mustard, ketchup, onions, and relish.
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a soul food classic that has made its way into the hearts and stomachs of Americans. Its crispy golden exterior and juicy tender meat make it hard to resist this iconic dish. It has its roots in African-American cuisine and became popular during the Civil Rights era.
Macaroni and Cheese
A comfort food favorite, macaroni, and cheese is a classic combination of pasta, cheese, and butter. This dish has existed since colonial times but gained widespread popularity during the Great Depression when it was seen as an affordable and filling meal.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a lunchtime staple for many Americans. The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly spread between two slices of bread has been a go-to meal for kids and adults alike. It became popular in the early 1900s when peanut butter was introduced as a nutritious food.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are an American favorite, with their origin story dating back to the 1930s. These buttery, chewy cookies feature chunks of chocolate that melt into gooey perfection when baked. They can be dunked in milk or used as an ingredient in other desserts like ice cream sandwiches or cookie dough ice cream.
Barbecue
Barbecue has been a part of American cuisine since colonial times, but it was in the 19th century that it became a popular food in the South. It involves slow-cooking meat over an open flame, often with a tangy sauce, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes like ribs, pulled pork, and brisket.
Pizza
Pizza is another food that originates outside of America but has been embraced by Americans as their own. Italian immigrants brought pizza to the United States in the late 19th century, and it quickly became a popular street food in cities like New York and Chicago.
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is the world’s most famous soft drink, with its signature red and white logo recognized by people all over the globe. It was created in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1886 by pharmacist John Pemberton as a cure for headaches. It’s now enjoyed as a refreshing and iconic beverage in every state.
Twinkies
Twinkies were invented in Illinois in 1930 and became an instant hit. These cream-filled sponge cakes have been a childhood favorite for decades, with their long shelf life making them a convenient snack for kids and adults on the go.
Chocolate Milkshake
The chocolate milkshake has been enjoyed in America since the early 1900s but gained widespread popularity during the 1920s when it became a popular drink at soda fountains. It is a sweet drink with ice cream, milk, and chocolate syrup. This treat is still enjoyed by people today.
Donuts
Donuts have existed for centuries but became iconic American food in the early 20th century. They were a popular breakfast food during World War I, and soldiers often sent them back home to their families. Today, donuts come in countless flavors and are enjoyed as an indulgent treat any time of day.
Bagels
Bagels originated in Eastern Europe but became a staple in Jewish communities in New York City in the late 19th century. They are typically made from yeast dough, boiled, and baked to create a chewy texture. Today, they are enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and can be topped with various spreads and fillings.
Tacos
Tacos have become one of America’s favorite foods, with their roots traced back to Mexican cuisine. They are made with a corn or flour tortilla filled with various meats, vegetables, and sauces. The popularity of tacos has led to the rise of taco trucks and restaurants all over the country.
S’mores
S’mores are a classic campfire treat in America, consisting of graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows. They first appeared in a Girl Scout handbook in 1927 and have been a beloved dessert for families and friends gathered around a fire ever since.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a southern dish popular throughout the United States. The tangy unripe tomatoes are coated in cornmeal, fried to perfection, and served with various dips like ranch dressing or remoulade sauce. This dish gained widespread popularity in the 1990s after the release of the book and movie “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.”
Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings are a beloved American food originating in Buffalo, New York. They consist of chicken wings coated in hot sauce and served with blue cheese dressing and celery. They became popular in the 1960s and are a staple at sports bars and restaurants nationwide.
Clam Chowder
Clam chowder is a hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, broth, and cream. It has been enjoyed in America since the 1700s, with different variations on the East and West coasts. New England clam chowder uses milk or cream, while Manhattan clam chowder contains tomatoes.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled cheese sandwiches have been a popular comfort food in America since the 1920s. They consist of melted cheese between two slices of bread, grilled to perfection. Today, this simple yet satisfying meal has countless variations, from classic cheddar and white bread to gourmet versions with various cheeses and bacon or avocado.
Reuben Sandwich
The Reuben sandwich originated in a New York City deli in the early 20th century and has become a lunchtime favorite. It consists of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing between two slices of rye bread, grilled until crispy and warm.
Pancakes
Pancakes are a breakfast staple in America, dating back thousands of years. They consist of batter cooked on a grill and can be topped with various fruits, syrups, or other toppings. Pancake houses and diners are popular places to enjoy this classic morning meal.
Caesar Salad
The Caesar salad is a classic American dish created in Tijuana, Mexico, by Italian chef Caesar Cardini in the 1920s. It consists of romaine lettuce, croutons, and a dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, and garlic. It’s served in the United States as a refreshing, tangy side dish or main course.
Cheeseburger
The cheeseburger is a quintessential American food, with its origins traced back to the early 20th century. It consists of a ground beef patty topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and various condiments between two buns. It’s enjoyed at backyard barbecues, fast-food restaurants, and high-end burger joints nationwide.
Nachos
Nachos were invented in Piedras Negras, Mexico, in the 1940s and quickly gained popularity across the border in Texas. They consist of tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and toppings like beans, salsa, meat, and guacamole. They are enjoyed as snacks or appetizers at parties and sporting events.
Lobster Roll
The lobster roll is a New England delicacy that has become popular throughout the United States. It consists of chunks of fresh lobster meat mixed with mayonnaise and served in a buttered and toasted hotdog bun. The dish originated in Connecticut in the 1920s and can now be found on menus nationwide.
Philly Cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak holds a special place in the hearts of sandwich enthusiasts, tracing its roots back to Philadelphia. This creation features thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and onions, all nestled within a long roll. Numerous restaurants and food stands throughout the city boast of being the masterminds behind this iconic culinary masterpiece.
Blueberry Pie
Blueberry pie is a timeless American dessert with a rich history. It contains a buttery, flaky crust filled with juicy blueberries and sweetened with sugar. The pie emerges golden brown and bubbling when baked to perfection. Although it can be enjoyed any time of the year, it is particularly beloved during the summer when fresh berries are abundant.
Clam Bake
The clam bake is a traditional New England feast. It involves steaming seafood like clams, mussels, lobsters, and corn on the cob in layers of seaweed over hot rocks or coals. The result is a deliciously flavorful and communal dining experience highlighting the region’s fresh seafood bounty.
Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a spicy, one-pot dish originating from Louisiana’s Creole cuisine. It typically consists of rice, meat (such as chicken or shrimp), and vegetables cooked with Cajun seasonings like cayenne pepper and paprika. This hearty and flavorful dish has become famous throughout the United States, especially in the South.
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a quintessential American comfort food with several regional variations. The dish consists of breaded and fried chicken pieces, often served with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits. It is a staple in Southern cuisine but can now be found nationwide at fast-food chains or high-end restaurants specializing in it.
Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits and gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish. It features flaky buttermilk biscuits smothered in a savory, creamy gravy made with sausage and seasoned with black pepper. This hearty and indulgent meal has become famous throughout the United States, often as a brunch or comfort food option.
New York Cheesecake
New York-style cheesecake is a rich, dense dessert made with cream cheese, eggs, and sugar. This decadent treat has its roots in the early 1900s when German immigrants brought their traditional cheesecake recipe to New York City. It is a creamy and delicious dessert.
Cobb Salad
The Cobb salad is an iconic American dish created in Hollywood in the 1930s by Bob Cobb. It typically consists of chopped lettuce, hard-boiled eggs, chicken or turkey, bacon bits, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, and a vinaigrette dressing. This hearty salad can be enjoyed as a meal or side dish at restaurants throughout the US.
Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and waffles is a unique American dish that combines two unlikely but delicious components. It consists of crispy fried chicken served on top of fluffy, sweet waffles, often drizzled with syrup or honey. This savory and sweet meal has become famous throughout the US, particularly in Southern cuisine.
Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie is a tangy, refreshing dessert made with key lime juice, eggs, and condensed milk in a graham cracker crust. It originated in Key West, Florida, in the 1800s and has become synonymous with Southern cuisine. Its vibrant color and flavor make it a popular summertime dessert.
Cuban Sandwich
The Cuban sandwich, also known as the Cubano, is a hearty and flavorful sandwich from Cuba that gained popularity in Florida. It features sliced roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard pressed between crispy bread. This mouth-watering sandwich can now be found on menus throughout the United States.
Gumbo
Gumbo is a hearty and flavorful stew. It typically consists of a thick broth, meat (like chicken or sausage), seafood, and vegetables served over rice. Gumbo is often considered the official dish of New Orleans and has become famous throughout the country for its rich taste and cultural roots.
Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits are beloved dishes from Southern states, particularly South Carolina. It features creamy, stone-ground grits topped with sautéed shrimp and a rich sauce from pan drippings, chicken broth, and spices. This savory dish has become a staple in Southern cuisine and is enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a staple dessert during the fall and winter, especially for Thanksgiving. It consists of a flaky crust filled with spiced pumpkin custard and baked until set. This classic American dish originated from early European settlers adapting to using pumpkins as an ingredient in pies.
Tex-Mex Enchiladas
Tex-Mex enchiladas are a popular dish that combines Mexican and American flavors. They typically feature corn or flour tortillas filled with meat, cheese, and other ingredients like beans and vegetables, topped with sauce, and baked until bubbly. This fusion cuisine has become famous throughout the United States, particularly in Southern states.
Monte Cristo Sandwich
The Monte Cristo sandwich is a delicious and indulgent twist on the classic ham and cheese. It features sliced ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese layered between two slices of bread, dipped in egg batter, and fried until golden brown. This sweet and salty sandwich is often served with powdered sugar and jam.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a staple dish during the holidays, particularly Thanksgiving. It features mashed sweet potatoes mixed with butter, brown sugar, and spices, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, and baked until bubbly. This decadent and flavorful side dish is a must-have on many American tables during the holiday season.
Tater Tots
Tater tots are a popular side dish made of grated and fried potatoes. They were invented in the 1950s by the Ore-Ida company and have since become a beloved snack or accompaniment to meals throughout the United States. These bite-sized, crispy potato treats can be served with ketchup, cheese sauce, or as a tasty finger food.
Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is a Russian-inspired dish that has become popular in American cuisine. It contains tender strips of beef, mushrooms, and onions cooked in a creamy sour cream sauce and served over egg noodles. This flavorful and hearty meal is enjoyed by many as a classic comfort food.
California Roll
The California roll is a sushi originating in Los Angeles in the 1960s. It consists of rice, avocado, and crab meat rolled inside seaweed and served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. This popular dish has become a staple in many sushi restaurants throughout the United States.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a side dish of cooked spinach, cream or milk, and seasoning. It originated in French cuisine but has become a staple in American steakhouses as a delicious and nutritious meal accompaniment. This creamy and flavorful dish can also be used as a topping for baked potatoes or mixed into pasta dishes.
Red Velvet Cake
Red velvet cake is a rich and decadent dessert made with cocoa, buttermilk, and red food coloring. Its origins are debated, but it has become synonymous with Southern cuisine and is often served during special occasions or holidays. This moist and delicious cake is typically topped with cream cheese frosting.
Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread is made through dough fermentation using naturally occurring lactobacilli and yeast. It has become popular in San Francisco and throughout the United States for its tangy flavor, chewy texture, and unique fermentation process. Sourdough bread can be used in various dishes or enjoyed with butter or jam.
Boston Cream Pie
Contrary to its name, the Boston cream pie is a cake. It has two layers of sponge or butter cake filled with pastry cream and topped with chocolate ganache. This delicious dessert originated in Boston’s Parker House Hotel in the 1850s and has become a classic American treat.
