If food could give warm hugs, classic American foods would be the ones to do it. Why, you ask? Because the US is the king of comfort, as proven by these 10 iconic foods that are more than just meals—they’re part of what makes us feel at home. Let’s take a look at what the US does best in the kitchen!
10. Cornbread
Butter and honey on cornbread is irresistible, but in terms of how to create this iconic comfort food, there have been many lively debates. Sometimes it’s sweet and cake like, other times it’s thicker and savory. The only certain thing is that there are fewer discussions on what to do with leftover cornbread, most likely because there aren’t really leftovers to deal with.
9. Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits and gravy are considered quintessential comfort food because of their rich, hearty flavor associated with home cooking. If there’s something off about this American dish. it’s the fact that the traditional version can’t be eaten on the go. US restaurants are getting inventive by the day, though. A new bagel egg sandwich just dropped with the biscuits and gravy goodness packed in it!
8. Mac & Cheese
Mac & cheese never fails to fulfil America’s quest for the cheapest source of protein. No wonder, you can find this creamy comfort food in many boxed variations, fast food restaurants, and cheese shops. Most of these places serve mac & cheese with at least three different types of cheese plus a wide variety of toppings to choose from. The best version of mac & cheese? Homemade—it’s a give from above!
7. Wings
US restaurants are hard to beat when it comes to making chicken wings, mainly because of the dish’s widespread popularity that led to numerous experimentations in cooking techniques and flavors. Americans eat nearly 1.5 billion chicken wings for the big game alone, according to the National Chicken Council, driving innovation in creating the best versions of wings.
6. Chicken and Waffles
African American cooks mainstreamed chicken and waffles in the early 1900s. Since then, the sweet and savory combination has been popular. Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles is one of the best places to get this dish, wherein the chicken isn’t fried and is served with a savory onion gravy. The waffles are also far from average, made with different spices including nutmeg and cinnamon.
5. S’mores
A true classic American dessert, s’mores is a representation of spending time outdoors and gathering around the campfire with loved ones. Not long after, s’mores found its way to different products in the US, including ready-to-eat bars, kits, and cereals. Gourmet s’mores are also a thing!
4. Cheeseburger
Whether you’re looking for an old-school fast food cheeseburger or a gourmet version, you can find one that will tick all the boxes in the US. American cheese has been described as the perfect burger companion because of its creamy, melty texture. Some restaurants take it up a notch by using corn-fed beef, promising high quality and richer flavor.
3. Apple Pie
Apple pie tastes like nostalgia, and that alone is hard to beat! This is one of the desserts that stood the test of time, making its way to every diner or restaurant menu. Also, it’s (almost) always the kind of pie that American homes make. The combination of sweet apples and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg inside a buttery crust never fails to induce comfort.
2. Chocolate Chip Cookies
The home of the first chocolate chip cookie is in Massachusetts, created back in 1930s. And so it’s safe to say that this ooey-gooey chocolatey treat is as American as apple pie. The cookies, with their distinct sweetness and chewy texture, have also earned fans in other countries, including Vietnam where chocolate chip cookies are often referred to as “American cookies.”
1. Philly Cheesesteak
Cheesesteak is an icon in the US, particularly in Philadelphia where it was born. Imagine thinly-sliced rib-eye steak with melty cheese on top, served on hoagie rolls that hold up well to those juicy fillings. And that drip of grease and cheese from the other end of the rolls? That’s the mark of a perfect cheesesteak you can only find in Philly!