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. This recipe featured Cajun spiced shrimp atop a bed of creamy cheese grits. Oh, there’s bacon!
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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
6. 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.
7. 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!
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. 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?
10. 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!
11. Shrimp de Jonghe
Little know outside of Chicago, Shrimp de Jonghe is a classy restaurant appetizer of shrimp in a buttery, sherry laced garlic sauce topped with breadcrumbs and baked.
If you love scampi, give this recipe a try!
12. 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!
13. 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!
14. Country Captain
If you’ve never tried country captain, now’s the time! It’s a curried chicken dish popular in the South and was a favorite dish of General Patton. America’s very own curry!
Get the Recipe @ southernliving
15. 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
16. 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
17. 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.
18. 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!
19. 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!
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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
23. Po’ Boys
Shrimp Po’ Boys are a great sandwich. This recipe is so succulent, with fried crunchy buttermilk shrimp loaded on soft French rolls and topped with tomato, crunchy lettuce and spicy mayo.
These Po’ Boys are super easy to make and perfect for friends and family.
Get the Recipe @ number-2-pencil
24. New York Style Cheesecake
New York style cheesecake… Now who wouldn’t like to dig into this rich, creamy and smooth cheesecake? New York style cheesecake is a tad bit different than your regular cheesecake, being more creamy and dense.
Learn the tips and tricks and make this happen in your very own kitchen. You can top this with any topping of your choice.
Get the Recipe @ lifeloveandsugar
25. 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
26. Biscuits and Gravy
The ultimate Southern breakfast! Hot, homemade biscuits topped with the most amazing sausage gravy. You’ll keep coming back to this one!
Get the Recipe @ therecipecritic
27. 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
28. California Rolls
California rolls are one of the most popular sushi rolls in America. Imitation crab, cucumber and avocado are wrapped up in nori and rice. It’s a simple recipe perfect for beginners.
29. Clam Chowder (New England Style)
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!
Get the Recipe @ damndelicious
30. Clam Chowder (Manhattan Style)
Another great chowder recipe is this Manhattan style clam chowder. It has a savory tomato broth loaded with clams, potatoes, veggies and bacon. So good!
Get the Recipe @ dinneratthezoo
31. 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
32. Barbecue Ribs
This is an ultimate pork recipe for ribs lovers… Slow cooked ribs. These oven barbecue ribs are slathered in the most delicious sticky barbecue sauce!
Juicy, melt-in-your-mouth oven baked Barbecue Ribs are fall-off-the-bone delicious!
33. 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
34. Spam Musubi
Spam Musubi is one of the most popular foods in Hawaii. A slice of fried Spam sits atop sushi rice and all is wrapped together with nori. Give it a try in your own kitchen!
Get the Recipe @ favfamilyrecipes
35. 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
36. 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
37. 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
38. 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
39. 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
40. Corn Dogs
Who doesn’t love a corndog every now and then? These carnival favorites are actually quite easy to make, and are sooo much better homemade. An American tradition!
Get the Recipe @ carlsbadcravings
41. French Dip
The French Dip is one of the most delicious sandwiches. Originating in Los Angelas, 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
42. 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!
43. 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
44. Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and waffles is a combo with a past that has stirred some debate. According to various stories, it first originated in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the Deep South, or Harlem.
In any case, it really started gaining momentum in a famous restaurant in Los Angeles in the 70’s, and has been getting more popular ever since.
Get the Recipe @ therecipecritic
45. Chocolate Chip Cookies
We are ending the list of American recipes with one beloved by all… Chocolate Chip cookies!! 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!
Get the Recipe @ handletheheat
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
Filipino Recipes
Mediterranean Recipes
Mexican Recipes
Thai Recipes
Caribbean Recipes
Irish Recipes
Asian Recipes
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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