14 American Foods That Non-Americans Really Want To Try

The US is not just leading when it comes to technological innovations and economic power; it also stands at the forefront of a diverse and dynamic food culture. American cuisine offers a wide range of flavors and dishes that captivate taste buds around the world.  There are American foods that non-Americans are particularly eager to try, based on their unique flavors, cultural significance, and iconic status.

Apple Pie

Often referred to as “as American as apple pie,” this dessert features a flaky crust filled with spiced apples. To make it, prepare a pie crust or use store-bought. For the filling, mix sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of lemon juice. Pour into the crust, cover with another layer of dough, and bake until the crust is golden and the filling bubbly. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic American treat.

Clam Chowder

New England clam chowder, with its creamy base, tender clams, and diced potatoes, is a hearty soup that showcases the flavors of the northeastern U.S. To make it, sauté onions and celery in butter, then add flour to make a roux. Gradually add clam juice and milk, then simmer with diced potatoes until tender. Add clams and cook until heated through. Serve with oyster crackers or sourdough bread for a warming, satisfying meal.

Reuben Sandwich

This deli staple features corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread. To make it, spread butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. Layer corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut between the bread slices, then grill in a skillet until the bread is toasted and the cheese melted. For the dressing, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and paprika. Serve hot and enjoy the unique combination of flavors.

New York-Style Pizza

Known for its thin, foldable crust and generous toppings, New York-style pizza is a slice of culinary heaven. To make it, prepare a pizza dough and let it rise. Roll out thinly, top with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings. Bake in a hot oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese melted. This simple yet delicious pizza offers an authentic taste of New York.

Key Lime Pie

This tart and creamy pie, made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust, is a Floridian favorite. To make it, combine key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks, then pour into a pre-baked graham cracker crust. Bake until set, then chill before serving. Top with whipped cream for a refreshing and tangy dessert.

Chicken and Waffles

This Southern dish pairs crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles, drizzled with syrup. To make it, fry chicken untin golden and crispy. For the waffles, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, milk, and melted butter. Cook the batter in a waffle iron until golden and crisp. Serve the chicken on top of the waffles, and drizzle with maple syrup for a delightful blend of sweet and savory.

Philly Cheesesteak

Hailing from Philadelphia, this sandwich is packed with thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and often sautéed onions and peppers. To make it, cook thin slices of ribeye steak on a griddle, then top with cheese (typically American or Provolone) and let it melt. Serve on a hoagie roll with sautéed onions and bell peppers. This hearty and indulgent sandwich is a must-try.

S’mores

This campfire treat consists of roasted marshmallows and chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers. To make them, roast marshmallows over an open flame until gooey, then sandwich with a piece of chocolate between two graham crackers. The heat from the marshmallow melts the chocolate, creating a deliciously messy treat that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings.

Cornbread

A staple of Southern cuisine, cornbread is slightly sweet and crumbly, often served with butter or honey. To make it, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour into a greased baking pan and bake until golden brown. Cornbread’s rustic texture and subtle sweetness make it a versatile addition to many meals.

Jambalaya

This Creole dish from Louisiana combines rice, meat (such as sausage or chicken), seafood, and vegetables, all cooked together with spices. To make it, sauté onions, bell peppers, and celery in oil, then add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, rice, and your choice of meats and seafood. Season with Creole seasoning and simmer until the rice is tender. Jambalaya’s bold flavors and rich history make it a fascinating dish to try.

Biscuits and Gravy

A Southern breakfast classic, this dish features fluffy biscuits smothered in savory sausage gravy. To make it, bake biscuits from scratch or use store-bought. For the gravy, cook sausage in a skillet, then add flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened, and season with salt and pepper. Serve the gravy over warm biscuits for a hearty and comforting breakfast.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

Unlike any other hot dog, the Chicago-style hot dog is topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, pickles, peppers, and celery salt, all on a poppy seed bun. To make it, steam or boil all-beef hot dogs, place them in poppy seed buns, and add the toppings. This hot dog is a flavorful, crunchy, and colorful culinary icon of Chicago.

Pumpkin Pie

A Thanksgiving staple, pumpkin pie features a spiced pumpkin filling in a flaky crust, often topped with whipped cream. To make it, mix canned pumpkin puree with eggs, sugar, and spices (such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves). Pour into a pre-baked pie crust and bake until set. Pumpkin pie’s warm, comforting flavors make it a favorite during the fall.

Southern Grits

Grits, made from ground corn, are a Southern breakfast staple. They can be served sweet or savory, often with cheese, butter, or shrimp. To make them, cook grits in water or milk until thickened, then stir in butter, cheese, or other flavorings. Grits’ smooth consistency and ability to absorb flavors make them a comfort food favorite.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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