Top 10+ Distinctly American Dishes We All Love & 10 We Don't

Beloved Recipes Vs. Letdowns

Food is never just food—it’s comfort and a reflection of who we are. In America, the table overflows with variety, but not every dish earns the same beloved reputation. Some dishes become undisputed icons, celebrated at gatherings and festivals, while others just can't seem to convince people. With that in mind, let's first turn our attention to 10 recipes Americans love beyond question.

1. Macaroni And Cheese

Since the 1800s, macaroni and cheese has been warming American hearts and homes. Thomas Jefferson's French travels introduced this cheesy delight to our tables. Even now, its popularity continues to soar, as multiple surveys consistently rank mac and cheese among America's top comfort foods.

2. Buffalo Wings

Back in 1964 at Buffalo's Anchor Bar, the very first Buffalo wings were served, and soon, they became an American classic. Today, these wings are a Super Bowl staple, with Americans consuming about 1.4 billion wings during that weekend alone.

3. Cheeseburger

The cheeseburger carries a simple and delicious legacy that dates back to the 1920s in Pasadena, California. Burgers are practically a national obsession, as an estimated 50 billion are enjoyed annually in the U.S. alone. They even have their own celebration day—National Cheeseburger Day on September 18.

4. Cornbread

Native American cooking traditions gave us this golden treasure, now essential in Southern and soul food cuisine. Whether sweet or savory (depending on your region), cornbread perfectly complements chili and BBQ dishes. The versatile bread connects us to our country's earliest culinary roots.

5. Apple Pie

Though apples aren't native to North America, apple pie became our national symbol by the 19th century. The phrase "as American as apple pie" gained popularity during WWII, cementing its patriotic status. Some regions even serve it with cheddar cheese, which creates perfect sweet-and-savory harmony.

6. Barbecue Ribs

Regional BBQ styles from Memphis, Texas, and Kansas City showcase America's diverse flavor profiles beautifully. This $4 billion industry boosts pitmasters to legendary status in Southern culture. Interestingly, the word "barbecue" traces back to Caribbean origins.

7. Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie warmed hearts during the tough Great Depression days and became a 1950s freezer favorite thanks to frozen versions. With roots in Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, chicken pot pie is often named a top comfort food that brings cozy vibes to any table.

8. Clam Chowder

Dating back to the 1700s in New England, this beloved soup is served in hearty sourdough bowls in San Francisco. Cross the country, and Manhattan's tomato twist stirs controversy, even as it remains worthy of presidential menus.

9. Meatloaf

When WWII rationing hit, meatloaf rose as a thrifty hero and won a spot in Betty Crocker's 1950s cookbook. It's typically topped with a tangy ketchup glaze, and interestingly, it was one of Elvis Presley's favorite home-cooked meals.

10. Pancakes With Maple Syrup

Maple syrup production thrives in Vermont, where sugar maple trees provide their golden sweetness. First tapped by Native Americans, this natural treat now tops millions of pancakes served each year at IHOP and continues a tradition cherished for generations.

Now, let's move on from the beloved dishes to the ones that don't quite win hearts.

1. Tuna Casserole

Rising to fame in the 1950s, tuna casserole paired canned tuna with cream of mushroom soup for an affordable and easy meal. While it symbolizes postwar convenience cooking, people find its mild flavor uninspiring. So, it may be nostalgic for some, but it’s quite bland for many. 

2. Jell-O Salad

Jell‑O Salad is a true relic of the 1950s and '60s, and combines gelatin with vegetables or fruits. Although Utah proudly holds the nation's highest Jell-O consumption, many Americans mock this odd, wobbly “salad” from mid-century menus.

3. Chipped Beef On Toast

In military mess hall slang, this creamy comfort food earned the nickname "SOS." During WWII, chipped beef fed troops reliably but divided taste buds. Today, it mostly survives in specific diners and on military bases.

4. Liver And Onions

In mid-century American diners, liver and onions sat alongside patty melts, and they also featured in early TV dinners. Though rich in iron, its unpopular taste turns off many Americans. These days, it's commonly seen as a meal your grandparents might have loved.

5. Green Bean Casserole

Created by Campbell's in 1955, this casserole of canned soup and fried onions is a festive dish. It's served during Thanksgiving dinners across the United States. However, it tastes more like a quick solution than a tasty dish.

6. Spam

Introduced in 1937 as an affordable, shelf-stable meat, Spam became a household name through heavy marketing. But these days, it's just overly processed canned food for Americans, and that too, with a highly salty profile. While Hawaii still celebrates Spam with musubi and festivals, national tastes lean elsewhere.

7. Egg Salad Sandwich

The egg salad sandwich is a lunchbox and picnic regular that blends mayonnaise with boiled eggs. Its soft texture and distinct aroma split opinions, and so, it's rarely spotted on restaurant menus. The sandwich is simply uninteresting.

8. Sloppy Joe

First cooked up in Sioux City, Sloppy Joe is a saucy marriage of ground beef and tomato sauce that has fed generations of schoolchildren. But fast forward to today, and the dish's incredibly untidy nature turns off many Americans.

9. Creamed Corn

Born from Native American traditions, this side dish carries a long heritage. However, it couldn’t win over modern taste buds. Not everyone likes its texture and sweetness, so it's a rare sight on upscale restaurant menus.

10. Ambrosia Salad

Coming from the late 19th century, Ambrosia salad blends canned fruit, marshmallows, and coconut into an overly sweet dish. Add in a jiggly texture, and most people avoid spending their money or time on this odd salad.