America is such a big country, home to immigrants from all over the world. It’s no wonder, then, that it features such a big variety of food.
We’ve compiled this list of classic American Recipes, ones that originated right here in the States. You’ll find dishes from coast to coast and everywhere in between.
Many of them you know, and some are very regional recipes that are just too good to leave off this list. The recipes are as varied as the people.
So go through this amazing list and enjoy your childhood favorites, and some new flavors. Have fun!
American Recipes:
1. Chili
We’re starting our list with one of the most iconic American recipes. This giant batch of Chili is loaded with three types of meat and three types of beans.
Go ahead and have seconds, there will still be plenty for leftovers!
2. Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits is a Lowcountry southern classic. Succulent shrimp and smoky andouille sausage are smothered in a savory gravy that tastes out of this world delicious.
Then, all is piled on top of creamy, cheesy grits. Just perfect…
3. Johnny Marzetti (A Midwest Classic)
Who is Johnny Marzetti? One hearty and nostalgic American casserole, that’s who.
Also known as American Goulash and American Chop Suey, this classic vintage casserole of pasta with beefy tomato sauce and melted cheese is always a hit.
4. Loco Moco
Say Aloha to this Hawaiian Favorite, Loco Moco… Now who wouldn’t be a little intrigued by a dish named “Loco Moco”? Let’s get a little taste of Hawaii going on in your kitchen.
Loco Moco is a fun, yet delicious, thing where a heap of rice is topped with a beef patty, smothered with gravy, and finished with a sunny side up egg. How cool!
5. Red Beans and Rice
This Red Beans and Rice recipe is pure New Orleans comfort food. It’s an easy and budget friendly weeknight dinner full of flavor.
6. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Chip cookies!! Chocolate chip cookies originated in the United States around 1938, when Ruth Graves Wakefield chopped up a Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate bar and added the chopped chocolate to a cookie recipe. They look and taste exactly like they came fresh from the bakery, and are a fun way to spend time with your kiddos.
Just be prepared for cookie requests all the time once you make this yummy recipe for your family!
7. Salisbury Steak
Salisbury Steak is a vintage comfort food originated in United States, where a ground beef patty is smothered in a flavorful mushroom gravy.
8. Smothered Chicken
Smothered Chicken is the ultimate Southern comfort food. Generously seasoned seared chicken thighs smothered in an amazing gravy. This is soul food at its best!
9. Shrimp Creole
This New Orleans classic is one of my favorite American recipes. Plump juicy shrimp drenched in a tomato based sauce with my beloved Creole flavors. You’ll make this one again and again!
10. Barbecue Ribs
These Oven Baked Ribs are the BEST, hands down! They cook low and slow, until the meat is so tender that teeth are totally optional.
It’s so simple to cook perfect baby back ribs, just a few minutes of hands on time, then your oven does the work.
11. New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp has nothing to do with barbecue sauce. Plump shrimp are smothered in a decadent butter sauce loaded with great seasonings. Enjoy with some crusty bread for a super hit meal.
12. Shrimp de Jonghe
Shrimp de Johnge… This is a classic Chicago restaurant appetizer. Sizzling jumbo shrimp laced in butter, garlic and sherry, adorned with a crispy bread crumb topping.
If you love scampi, give this recipe a try!
13. Cincinnati Chili
Chili with spaghetti? You bet! If you’re looking for a unique new chili recipe, here it is! Cincinnati Chili is very different from other chilis you’ve had, but is totally awesome.
Typically served over spaghetti noodles, it has a lot of flavorings you might not expect, like cinnamon, cloves and even chocolate. How cool!
14. Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits and Gravy are the South’s ultimate stick to your ribs breakfast. They’re also about as “comfort foody” as you can get.
Who wouldn’t want to wake up to fresh, hot buttermilk biscuits loaded up with a creamy gravy full of flavorful pork sausage?
15. Reuben Sandwich
This Classic Reuben Sandwich is not just your regular sandwich, it’s cheesy paradise!
Though it features Jewish rye, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and is eaten on an Irish holiday, this amazing sandwich is an American invention!
16. Po’ Boys
Shrimp Po’ Boys are a great sandwich. This recipe is so succulent, with fried crunchy shrimp loaded on soft French rolls and topped with tomato, crunchy lettuce and remoulade.
These Po’ Boys are super easy to make and perfect for friends and family.
17. Country Captain
Country Captain Chicken… Indian curry meets Lowcountry cooking. Simply known as Country Captain, this is a Southern Icon you may have never tasted.
Often found on tables from Charleston to Savannah, it’s a delicious Southern curried chicken simmered in tomato sauce, a simple dish layered with vibrant spices resulting in amazing flavors.
18. Squash Casserole
This classic yellow Squash Casserole is a great every day side dish for your favorite Southern fare. Easy and delicious, this will be especially popular on your holiday spreads.
19. Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a famous rice dish from New Orleans and the surrounding areas. It’s loaded with meats and veggies and is boldly seasoned.
It’s great on the stovetop, or in a slow cooker or instant pot.
20. Denver Omelette
How about a hearty breakfast from the West… Denver Omelette! Also known as Western Omelette, this one is loaded with not only ham and cheese but plenty of veggies.
Now who wouldn’t want to start the day with such a colorful and delicious treat first thing in the morning?
21. New England Clam Chowder
There’s just something so comforting about a steaming bowl of clam chowder. This easy recipe for the New England version is creamy, delicious, and packed with clams!
22. Cornbread
Cornbread – This is a staple that pairs so well with things like chili and barbecue, or just tastes great on it’s own with a slab of butter.
23. Kalua Pork (Hawaiian Style Pulled Pork)
This Kalua Pork recipe uses minimal ingredients, but ends up super tasty and succulent. It’s perfect for a Hawaiian themed Luau party, and can be cooked in the slow cooker, instant pot, or oven.
24. Yakamein
This Yakamein is a classic Creole fusion of flavors. It’s famous in New Orleans for curing hangovers, but makes a delicious meal anytime!
25. Brunswick Stew
This hearty southern Brunswick stew is perfect for chilly nights. If you love barbecue flavors, this is sure to become one of your new favorites.
It’s loaded with smoked meats, veggies and great seasonings. And best of all, it’s super easy. Only a few minutes of hands on time is all it takes.
26. American Goulash
ow here’s a nostalgic dish from old time Americana… American Goulash! It’s a pantry staple comfort food that goes back over 100 years, and still tastes just as good today.
Tender macaroni, hearty ground beef, all tossed in a well seasoned tomato sauce along with plenty of cheese. Doesn’t that sound like the ultimate kid friendly dinner?
27. Oyster Stew
Oyster Stew is creamy, buttery and sooo delicious. This is a perfect winter warmer that you’ll want to come back to again and again.
And it’s so easy. Just a few little tips and you’ll be cooking this like a pro.
28. Grillades and Grits
Grillades ‘n’ Grits, a Creole classic. Tender medallions of meat simmered in a tomato based gravy over creamy, cheesy grits. This regional gem is one of the most delicious American recipes!
29. Succotash
Sufferin’ Succotash? Not quite! This pretty platter is packed with the perfect combination of sweet, savory and tangy flavors. Enjoy this classic side for the holidays or any time of year!
30. Cochon de Lait
Cochon de Lait is a delicious pulled pork recipe from Louisiana. Traditionally, it was an all day pig roast event for a crowd.
This recipe shows you the crockpot method and instant pot methods. The end result is succulent Cajun deliciousness…
31. Bacon Cheeseburger
Everyone loves Cheeseburgers, but this Bacon Cheeseburger recipe is the ultimate.
It’s packed full of flavor and texture, and honestly it’s something you can eat every time you crave cheeseburgers. This is one of the classic American recipes.
Get the Recipe @ foxvalleyfoodie
32. Fried Chicken
Sometimes, you just can’t beat a plateful of fried chicken. This Southern style recipe gives you plenty of helpful hints and tips to make sure your chicken turns out perfect every time.
Get the Recipe @ melissassouthernstylekitchen
33. Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
This recipe proves that you can make a good Chicago-style pizza right in your own home!
It’s easy to make, but it’s still filled with flavor thanks to its thick and buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and gooey cheese.
34. Cioppino
Here’s a hearty and tasty stew for you! Loads of seafood are simmered in a perfectly seasoned tomato and wine based broth. A San Francisco classic!
35. Chicken and Dumplings
Is there any single dish that says “comfort food” more than chicken and dumplings? Hearty chicken stew topped with big fluffy dumplings, all in one pot. So cozy!
36. Crab Cakes
Maryland style crab cakes are a huge hit with seafood lovers. This recipe uses very little filling, allowing the great crab flavor and texture to really stand out!
Get the Recipe @ sallysbakingaddiction
37. Apple Pie
Apple Pie… Quintessential American dessert! This recipe has a super flaky crust and a perfectly seasoned apple pie filling. All you need is a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Get the Recipe @ natashaskitchen
38. Meatloaf
Basic, but oh so delicious meatloaf. This recipe, complete with a shiny glaze, is super easy and comes out tender and juicy every time. An American tradition!
39. Buffalo Wings
Everyone’s favorite game day food… Buffalo wings!! They’re smothered in an easy homemade buffalo sauce. So simple to make, they’ll be a total hit for any party table!
They’re crispy outside with tender and juicy meat inside and generously coated with the famous buffalo sauce. This one is a serious keeper.
Get the Recipe @ kitchensanctuary
40. Memphis Style Pulled Pork
Memphis is famous for its barbecue. This barbecue pulled pork is cooked low and slow in the crock pot so it turns up super tender and delicious.
Get the Recipe @ simplywhisked
41. Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
Philly Cheesesteaks are an easy, simple and quick recipe. They’re made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, sweet caramelized onions and provolone cheese on a roll.
If you like, you can add veggies too. This sandwich recipe is super awesome!
Get the Recipe @ natashaskitchen
42. Key Lime Pie
This Key Lime Pie is a real treat. It has a creamy, tangy filling inside a great tasting graham cracker crust. This one is a must dessert for all your potlucks and barbecue parties!
Get the Recipe @ savingdessert
43. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Here’s a vintage and classic comfort food. This Grilled Cheese Sandwich is something we all grew up on. So simple, but always such a treat. One of the very famous American recipes.
Get the Recipe @ natashaskitchen
44. Cuban Sandwich
Despite the name, Cuban sandwiches are a Floridian invention. They’re made of a variety of ham layered with pickles, mustard sauce and swiss cheese assembled in soft bread, then it’s toasted to perfection!
Get the Recipe @ therecipecritic
45. Pecan Pie
Here’s one of our absolute favorite American recipes, Pecan Pie. It has a great buttery, vanilla infused filling and is topped with crunchy pecans.
The salty/sweet combo is amazing. You don’t want to miss this one!
Get the Recipe @ sallysbakingaddiction
46. Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are a classic we all grew up on. They’re sweet, tangy, zesty and savory, with the perfect texture and consistency.
This is a perfect family meal to get ready in no time. It’s very simple and easy, too!
Get the Recipe @ thereciperebel
47. Eggs Benedict
Everybody’s favorite Eggs Benedict. You can now make this New York restaurant favorite right in your kitchen. Treat your family this weekend with this all time classic.
Get the Recipe @ recipetineats
48. Beignets
If you’ve never had a beignet, you’re in for a real treat. These famous New Orleans creations are like freshly cooked doughnuts without the hole, and loaded up with powdered sugar.
Even if you’re not in NoLa, you can easily make them right in your own home!
Get the Recipe @ bakerbynature
49. French Dip
The French Dip is one of the most delicious sandwiches. Originating in Los Angeles, it features juicy roast beef, melted cheese and an amazing French Dip Au Jus.
You won’t be able to resist this one!
Get the Recipe @ thecookierookie
50. Shrimp Cocktail
Invented in a Las Vegas casino, shrimp cocktail is a simple, yet elegant appetizer. Cooked shrimp served alongside cocktail sauce, anyone can master this recipe!
Get the Recipe @ natashaskitchen
We hope you enjoy these classic American Recipes as much as we do. There’s just so many varied flavors to choose from!
Check out these other great recipe collections!
Southern Recipes
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Mediterranean Recipes
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Caribbean Recipes
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The 45 BEST American Foods
This collection of classic American Food is as varied as it's people. From coast to coast, there are so many great dishes! You can't go wrong with this chili:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 14oz smoked sausage
- 3 15.5 oz cans of beans (kidney, black and great northern)
- 3 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 onion
- 10 cloves garlic
- 1 jalepenõ
- 4 Tbsp tomato paste
- 4 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 Tbsp cumin powder
- 1 Tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in large dutch oven (I used 7qt) over medium high heat.
- Chop onion, garlic and jalepenõ. Add to dutch oven and sauté 5 minutes.
- Add stew meat, sauté until browned.
- Dice sausage into 1/2 inch slices and add to pot. Sauté until slightly browned.
- Move everything to perimeter of pot and add ground beef to middle. Stir regularly and cook until cooked through.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Bring to low boil and simmer 1 hour. Adjust salt to taste.
Notes
- Let me know which recipes you try, I love hearing from you!
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