58 Most Popular and Traditional American Dishes/Foods

Hamburger, or burger, is an iconic American sandwich consisting of a ground beef patty served between two halves of a bun. Common toppings include lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise.

Interestingly, although hamburgers have their name derived from the German port city of Hamburg, the connections between the two are ambiguous. Modern hamburgers apparently appeared in the 19th century, and there are multiple claims of invention from various individuals.

Nowadays, hamburgers are among the most popular snacks and fast food in the US, with countless possible variations in toppings and styles. Americans love them because of their high protein content and the convenient dining experience they offer.

Cheeseburger is a classic American dish prepared by adding cheese to a hamburger and letting it slightly melt under the heat of the cooked meat. Common choices of cheese include American cheese, cheddar, Swiss cheese, and mozzarella.

While this American twist on the hamburger emerged in the 1920s or 1930s, its exact origin is disputed among several US restaurants.

However, Lionel Sternberge, the son of a sandwich shop owner in Pasadena, California, is widely credited as the inventor of cheeseburgers.

Pepperoni pizza is an American pizza dish that gained popularity in the mid-20th century. It was created partly to satisfy American soldiers who returned from the European front after WWI and wanted something to remind them of Italian food.

A typical pepperoni pizza features a hand-tossed and slightly chewy crust, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and slices of pepperoni (a spicy Italian-American salami made from cured pork).

This distinctive American pizza variety first appeared in the 1950s at a pizzeria called New Heaven. Today, sliced pepperoni is the most preferred pizza topping in the US.

Since pepperoni pizza is an American creation, you’re unlikely to find it in Italy, the birthplace of pizza.

Hot dog is a universally popular American dish consisting of grilled or steamed sausage served in a sliced bun and with various toppings. The sausage is usually made of beef or a blend of pork and beef and is based on German frankfurter.

There are multiple regional topping variations in hot dogs. For example, the New York style has sauerkraut and mustard, while Chicago-style hot dogs are loaded with anything from pickles and tomato slices to celery salt but never ketchup.

Hot dogs were invented by German immigrants in the mid-19th century and quickly became a symbol of American cuisine. This convenient street food has long been associated with public events and sports in the US.

There are some theories regarding the origin of the name “hot dog.” For example, the name might have stemmed from the expression “to put on the dog” or the phrase “doggy hots.”

French fries are a ubiquitous side dish in American cuisine. Although they originated in France or Belgium, these crispy bites are widely served with various dishes in the US, from hot dogs to hamburgers.

US-style french fries are typically cut into thin strips, deep-fried until crispy, and salted. There are many ways to prepare this potato-based dish, including crinkle-cut, waffle, and curly fries.

In terms of dipping sauces, Americans usually enjoy crispy french fries with ketchup, mayonnaise, or ranch dressing.

Apple pie is a famous American dish that symbolizes local culture and tradition. Interestingly, while there is a saying “as American as apple pie,” this pie actually hails from medieval England and only became popular in the US in the 20th century.

An American apple pie is characterized by its flaky, buttery crust and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling made from sweet-tart varieties. Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Honeycrisp apples are the preferred ingredients for this pie.

The most beloved way of serving apple pies is apple pie à la mode, meaning to enjoy each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Chicken and waffles, or Southern fried chicken, is a popular American dish in the Southern region. It was created in the 17th-century Pennsylvania Dutch country.

Chicken and waffles involves seasoning and coating chicken pieces in flour or batter, then deep-frying them until crispy and golden brown. Popular sides for this combo are mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits.

Originally, fried catfish was served with waffles, but Americans replaced it with chicken. The mix of fried chicken and waffles is often associated with soul food and African-American cuisine.

Pancake is a breakfast staple in American cuisine. A light, fluffy pancake is commonly prepared from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, butter, and a leavening agent like baking powder.

Some versions of pancakes feature blueberries, chocolate chips, or bananas in the batter for added flavor.

People often serve pancakes in stacks and serve them with maple syrup, jam, or fruits. But feel free to customize this versatile dish to your heart’s content, such as pairing it with savory sausage and bacon or beverages like tea and milk.

Chocolate chip cookie is an American classic baked treat that was invented by Ruth Wakefield in Massachusetts during the 1930s.

Americans prepare this type of cookie from a dough of flour, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, baking soda, and numerous semi-sweet chocolate chips. These ingredients create a buttery treat with crispy edges and a soft yet chewy interior.

Macaroni and cheese, also known as mac and cheese or mac ‘n’ cheese, is a beloved American comfort food with European origins.

The main ingredients of macaroni and cheese are cooked macaroni pasta and a creamy cheese sauce, which consists of a mixture of cheeses and is baked until bubbly and golden. Breadcrumbs are sometimes added to the top of this dish.

Since the 18th century, mac and cheese has been a cornerstone of both home-cooked meals to upscale restaurant menus in the US.

Barbecue rib, or BBQ rib, is a famous American smoked or grilled dish hailing from the Southern region in the early 20th century. It is famous for its rich, savory taste and fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

To make this grilled staple, pork or beef ribs are seasoned with a dry rub (a mixture of spices and salt) or marinated in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce before being smoked for many hours or even days on hot coals. The slow cooking process lends a rich and deep flavor to the dish.

People often serve barbecue ribs with coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread. Popular BBQ rib varieties include Kansas-style, Carolina-style, Texas-style, and Memphis-style BBQ.

Buffalo wing is a famous appetizer and main dish made with chicken wings. It is a 1960s invention of a bar in the city of Buffalo in New York, hence the name.

A Buffalo wing consists of a deep-fried chicken wing that is topped with a special sauce (including spicy cayenne pepper sauce and melted butter) before serving.

Americans often enjoy Buffalo wings with celery sticks or fresh carrots and blue cheese while they are still hot and crispy. These side dishes help balance the spicy, tangy, and savory flavors of the deep-fried wings.

Ice cream is a prevalent dessert in American cuisine and comes in many various flavors. The high fat content makes American ice cream stand out: it is always at least 10%.

While ice cream was already popular in the US in the mid-19th century, improvements in refrigeration in the 1920s and 1930s elevated it into a mainstream indulgent treat.

A particularly famous American ice cream treat is the banana treat, which was invented by David “Doc” Strickler in 1904 in Pennsylvania. This recipe pairs a split banana with ice cream and tops it with whipped cream, nuts, and cherries.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a beloved American dish that is particularly among children. Its origins trace back to the early 20th century when both peanut butter and jelly became widely available.

The popularity of this kid-friendly sandwich lies in its simplicity, affordability, and sweet and salty flavor combination. Americans even dedicate April 2nd each year to celebrate National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day.

Brownie is a renowned American dessert and snack characterized by its dense, fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor. Its main ingredients are flour, butter, sugar, eggs, chocolate or cocoa powder, and nuts or chocolate chips.

Since their introduction in the late 19th century, brownies have been a well-liked treat to pair with milk or ice cream, offering a contrast between the crispy exterior and the moist, chewy interior.

Interestingly, people categorize brownies as cookies or cookie bars, not cakes.

Cheesecake is a rich and creamy American baked dessert that stands out for its dense, smooth texture and slightly tangy flavor. These qualities result from the use of cream cheese, eggs, and sugar, plus the fresh fruits on top.

There are two major cheesecake varieties in the US: New York-style and Chicago-style. The main difference between these two versions is the content of cream cheese.

Americans love cheesecakes so much that they have designated July 30th as the National Cheesecake Day.

Cornbread is a traditional American bread that is particularly prevalent in Southern cuisine. It dates back to Native American cuisine and was adopted by European settlers

The core ingredients of cornbread are cornmeal, flour, milk, eggs, a leavening agent, and optional additions like cheese and jalapenos. Depending on the components, cornbread can be sweet or savory.

Cornbread goes well with many savory dishes, such as chili con carne and BBQ ribs.

This classic bread comes in two main varieties. The Northern (or original) cornbread has a buttery taste and a spongy, appealing cake-like texture, while the Southern version is drier, more crumbly, and less sweet.

Biscuits and gravy, or biscuits ‘n’ gravy, is a classic American dish in the South. It dates back to the late 19th century and is often enjoyed as a filling breakfast or brunch item.

In this combo, the biscuits are smothered in a creamy, savory gravy traditionally made from the drippings of cooked pork sausage, flour, and milk. The flaky, buttery biscuits complement nicely the rich, meaty gravy, creating a wonderful comfort dish.

Tater tots, or tots, are an American side dish invented in the 1950s to utilize leftover potato scraps. The potatoes are grated, mixed with spices, then formed into small, cylindrical pieces and deep-fried until crispy.

Americans typically serve golden tater tots with ketchup or other dipping sauces to enjoy the crispy exterior and fluffy interior of this wonderful deep-fried potato-based dish.

When you enjoy tater tots, don’t forget its inventors: the two brothers F. and G. Nephi Grigg of Ore-Ida, a frozen food company.

Breakfast sausage is a well-known American dish for the early meal of the day. Its main ingredients are ground pork (including lean meat and fat), herbs, and spices, though some versions use turkey or chicken or even add maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.

Traditional breakfast sausage is formed into small patties or links and pan-fried, baked, or grilled into a savory, spiced dish. Feel free to pair it with eggs, pancakes, sandwiches, or waffles.

Mashed potato is a creamy and buttery dish that most Americans are familiar with. The most popular way of making this potato-based dish is by boiling potatoes and then mashing them with butter, milk, and seasonings.

Mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish for various savory specialties for all occasions, from casual family dinners to Thanksgiving feasts. This ubiquitous side dish is a major contribution of British cuisine to the US.

Nachos are a widely enjoyed appetizer and snack in the US, especially in Tex-Mex cuisine. While nachos originated in Mexico in the 1940s, they are now a common sight in many American bars, restaurants, and sporting events.

The American version of nachos typically consists of tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, and optional ingredients like meats, beans, guacamole, and sour cream.

BLT is a classic American sandwich. Its name is formed from the initials of its main ingredients, which are bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes.

In a BLT sandwich, its namesake ingredients are put with mayonnaise between slices of toasted bread, offering a mix of crispy, crunchy textures and savory, refreshing flavors.

This simple sandwich was invented in the early 1900s. Its origins trace back to late Victorian tea sandwiches in Britain.

Philly cheesesteak is an iconic American sandwich made from thinly sliced sautéed ribeye beef and melted cheese on a long hoagie roll. Onions, peppers, and mushrooms are common additions.

The key to an authentic Philly cheesesteak lies in the choice of cheese (often Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American cheese) and the preparation of the beef.

Philly cheesesteak was created in the 1930s in Philadelphia and quickly became a renowned street food.

Reuben sandwich is a renowned American sandwich consisting of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. These ingredients are grilled between slices of dark rye bread.

Reuben sandwiches offer a complex flavor profile, combining the saltiness of the beef, the tanginess of the sauerkraut, and the richness of the cheese and dressing.

While this gourmet sandwich dish was named after its creator or the restaurant he worked at, various people claimed to have invented it. Omaha (Nebraska) and New York City are the two probable candidates for its birthplace.

While many kosher-style restaurants and delicatessens provide Reuben sandwiches, this sandwich type isn’t kosher-friendly.

Cobbler is a well-known American dessert, especially in the Southern states. It consists of a fruit filling poured into a large baking dish and covered with a biscuit or dough topping before baking.

Cobbler is a rustic, comforting dish with a juicy fruit base and a soft, doughy crust. Americans often serve it with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Seasonal fruits are the key to making a cobbler successfully. Peaches, berries (often blueberries), and apples are popular choices.

Lobster roll is a hearty American sandwich native to New England, particularly Maine and Massachusetts. The first restaurant to offer lobster rolls in 1929 is Perry’s in Milford.

A standard lobster roll has chunks of succulent lobster meat lightly dressed with mayonnaise or melted butter and served in a grilled, buttered New England-style hot dog bun. The freshness and quality of the lobster are a celebration of local seafood bounty.

Clam chowder is a superb American soup representing Northeastern cuisine, especially the cooking traditions of New England. It was apparently created by the Pilgrims in the early 17th century.

The main ingredients of this exquisite seafood soup are clams, diced potatoes, onions, celery, and a milk or cream base. Characterized by its thick consistency and comforting flavors, clam chowder is often served with oyster crackers or bread.

Manhattan clam chowder is a notable variant that features a tomato-based broth and a tangier flavor.

S’more is a beloved American campfire treat consisting of chocolate and a roasted marshmallow sandwiched between two graham crackers. The first recipe was published in 1927.

The name of s’mores was shortened from “some more,” reflecting the irresistible appeal of this campfire treat.

The combination of gooey, melted marshmallow with melted chocolate and crunchy crackers can easily evoke nostalgia for many Americans, bringing them back to the time they sat with their friends under the stars and ate s’mores together.

Corn dog is a popular snack and street food usually sold at American fairs and food carts.

It is made by coating a hot dog sausage in a thick layer of cornmeal batter, deep-frying it, and serving it on a wooden stick.

Corn dogs originated in the early 20th century thanks to German immigrants. This crispy-outside, juicy-inside snack typically goes with ketchup or mustard.

Key lime pie is a famous American dessert hailing from the Florida Keys. This pie features a crumbly graham cracker crust and a smooth, creamy filling made from Key lime juice, egg yolks, and condensed milk.

Since the late 19th century, Key lime pies have been a symbol of Floridian cuisine. The juice of Key limes contributes a pleasant tang, while the crust and toppings are wonderfully sweet and creamy.

Some people even top a Key lime pie with whipped cream or meringue for added flavor. You can say that this type of pie is even more “American” than apple pies.

Pecan pie is an American dessert deeply rooted in Southern cuisine. This sweet pie consists of a pie crust and a filling made from pecans, eggs, butter, and a sweetener such as corn syrup, sugar, or molasses.

Although a pecan pie is already sweet, rich, and nutty, Americans usually serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Pecan pies are a staple during holiday seasons, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Taco is a popular dish in many regions of the US, especially the Southwest. Hailing from Mexican cuisine, it consists of soft flour or corn tortillas filled with various ingredients, such as bacon, cheese, scrambled eggs, salsa, cilantro, avocados, etc.

Tex-Mex cuisine is particularly well-known for its colorful and flavorful tacos. Make sure you try breakfast tacos, a renowned taco variety served for the early meal of the day.

By some estimates, Americans consume up to 4.5 billion tacos every year.

Chicago deep-dish pizza is an interesting American pizza variation that originated in Chicago in the century. It is the most famous example of Chicago-style pizza.

A typical Chicago deep-dish pizza has a pie-like appearance, with a high-edged, buttery crust containing a large amount of cheese, meat, vegetables, and sauce. The sauce is placed on top of the cheese and fillings to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

To make Chicago deep-dish pizza, people prepare it in a round steel pan that can be as tall as 2 – 3 inches. When served, this hearty pizza spills out the cheesy content like a savory version of lava cake.

Cobb salad is an American main dish that originated in the 1930s at the Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles. It was named after its creator, the restaurateur Robert Howard Cobb.

The classic ingredients in Cobb salad include grilled chicken, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocadoes, cheese, and tomatoes, all of which are presented in neat rows over a bed of chopped lettuce.

From a dish made of leftovers, Cobb salad is now a well-liked choice to go with baked sweet potatoes, cheese breadstick, and many other side dishes.

Eggs benedict is an essential American breakfast dish with multiple origin theories. What’s clear is that it originated in New York City in the late 19th century.

A serving of eggs benedict consists of an English muffin topped with poached eggs, bacon or ham, and hollandaise sauce. Hollandaise sauce is a creamy concoction of butter and egg yolks.

Served with a side of potatoes or greens, eggs benedict creates a rich and creamy breakfast. April 16 is celebrated every year as the National Eggs Benedict Day.

Spaghetti and meatballs is an American dish created by people of Italian ancestry. It consists of spaghetti, well-seasoned meatballs, and a generous serving of marinara sauce.

A staple in Italian-American cuisine, spaghetti and meatballs is much heartier and include more meat and sauce than traditional Italian spaghetti dishes.

Mozzarella stick is a popular American appetizer prepared by coating elongated pieces of mozzarella in seasoned breadcrumbs and deep-frying them until golden and crispy.

Mozzarella sticks have a crispy exterior and a gooey inside. Locals often dip them in marinara sauce.

This iconic American appetizer became more popular in the early 1980s when people bought mozzarella sticks in bowling alleys or sports bars. Today, cheese sticks are also sold in many fast food stores.

Pot roast, or Yankee pot roast, is a classic American comfort food. Locals traditionally prepare it by braising or slow-cooking a tough cut of beef, such as chuck roast, in a pot with broth, herbs, potatoes, carrots, onions, and other vegetables.

Originating from the British practice of Sunday roasts, pot roast is now a cherished American delicacy with hearty, savory flavors. Families or friends often gather on the weekends and prepare a large amount of pot roast for a filling, home-cooked meal.

Meatloaf is a classic meat-based comfort food in the US. Its preparation involves mixing ground meat (usually beef, pork, or veal) with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, then forming the mixture into a loaf shape and baking.

Many American families improve the savory flavor of meatloaf by glazing it with ketchup or barbecue sauce to add a tangy sweetness. The resulting meat-heavy dish goes well with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Meatloaf has European roots and became popular in America in the 19th century. During the Great Depression, many households opted for meatloaf as a substitute for actual meat.

Salisbury steak is a popular American steak dish named after its creator, James Henry Salisbury. He was a physician who recommended a high-protein diet of lean beef and invented this steak in the 19th century.

To make Salisbury steak, people shape ground beef into patties, add seasoning, pan-fry, and serve them with a rich gravy made from beef broth and onions. The steak is often accompanied by mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Salisbury steak shares many similarities with hamburger steak. In fact, at some periods when anti-German ran high in the US, “Salisbury steak” was used as an alternative name for “hamburger.”

Roasted turkey is a common American dish to serve at Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. To make this festive dish, people season the turkey with herbs, butter, and aromatics, then slow-roast it to achieve a golden, crispy skin with tender, juicy meat.

Generally, roasted turkey also has stuffings, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Most turkey stuffing recipes include bread, diced vegetables, sausage, and chicken broth.

Although roasted turkey was already a popular dish to serve at American celebratory meals in the early 1800s, it was only associated with holidays in the mid-19th century, thanks to writers like Charles Dicken and Sarah Josepha Hale.

Fish and chips, also known as fish fry, is a popular American fast food derived from the British dish of the same name. It is very well-known in the Midwest and Northeast.

Americans prepare fish and chips by breading or coating fish filets (like cod or haddock) with a seasoned batter, deep-frying them in oil, and serving them with french fries. American fries are often thinner than the British ones.

Coleslaw and tartar sauce are other classic accompaniments for American fish and chips. In the South, a more popular form of this fast food includes deep-fried catfish, chips, coleslaw, pickles, raw onion, and a slice of lemon.

Onion ring is an American snack and appetizer by deep-frying thick slices of onion dipped in batter or breadcrumbs. People usually serve it with ketchup or similar dipping sauces.

Onion rings were first mentioned in a 19th-century English cookbook and popularized in the US in the early 20th century. This snack and appetizer offers a contrast between the crunchy exterior and the soft, sweet inside.

California roll is a famous American fusion dish created in Los Angeles in the 1960s. Adapted from Japanese sushi, it is an inside-out sushi roll featuring rice, crab meat (or imitation crab), avocados, cucumbers, and sesame seeds or roe.

While not originating in California, this American sushi dish acquired its name since it incorporates staple ingredients in Californian cuisine. In addition, many of its original customers came from this state.

Besides Los Angeles chefs, Hidekazu Tojo, a Japanese chef based in Vancouver (Canada), is often cited as the creator of California rolls.

Cioppino is an American seafood stew that originated in San Francisco in the late 19th century. Italian immigrant fishermen came up with this hearty dish and originally cooked it with leftovers.

Today, cioppino is often made with crab, clams, shrimp, scallops, squid, mussels, and fish, with garlic, wine, and herbs for seasoning. Crusty bread is the ideal side dish for this stew.

The name “cioppino” was inspired by the Italian term “ciuppin,” referring to a traditional soup with seafood obtained on a sea voyage in Liguria.

Glazed ham is a staple dish in American celebrations, particularly Easter and Christmas. The ham is typically cured and smoked, then baked with a sweet glaze made from ingredients like honey, brown sugar, mustard, and spices.

Glazed ham offers a succulent texture and a balance of sweet, savory, and sour flavors. Americans typically serve it with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls.

The tradition of welcoming Easter and Christmas with glazed ham apparently began in the 20th century in the US.

Avocado toast is a relatively new American dish that is quickly becoming popular among health-conscious eaters. Since the 2010s, it has been a common sight at many cafés and breakfast restaurants in the US.

This simple type of toast consists of ripe, mashed avocado spread on toasted bread. There can be additional toppings, like poached eggs, salmon, tomatoes, or radishes.

San Francisco sourdough bread is a unique American bread variety famous for its tangy flavor, chewy texture, and crisp crust. It results from a strain of bacteria only growing in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Dating back to the California Gold Rush, San Francisco sourdough bread is made using a natural leavening process that involves a “starter” culture and artisanal baking techniques.

Like other types of sourdough bread, this San Francisco specialty is ideal for pairing with various savory foods.

Fry bread, or frybread, is a popular American fried dough dish hailing from Native American cuisine. Today, it represents Southwestern cuisine and is a symbol of the resilience and adaptation of the indigenous peoples.

Fry bread is made from a simple dough of flour, water, and a leavening agent. The dough is rolled out flat and deep-fried until puffy and golden.

There are many suitable toppings for fry bread, such as honey, syrup, baked beans, steak, or vegetables.

Twinkie is an iconic American snack cake that was introduced in the 1930s by the Hostess Brands company. It has the form of a golden, thin sponge cake filled with vanilla-flavored cream.

At first, Twinkies were filled with banana cream, but when the banana became scarce due to WWII, the vanilla flavor was used.

Twinkies are very popular with children and are famed for their long shelf life and presence in popular culture.

Fortune cookie is an American dessert with origins in early 20th-century California. Despite its association with Chinese cuisine, it is actually an American invention and is largely unknown in China.

Fortune cookies are prepared from a simple batter of sugar, flour, water, and oil. The cookies are baked into flat circles, then quickly folded with the fortune inside while still warm.

The “fortune” is a piece of paper with a proverb, aphorism, or a vague prophecy. Fortune cookies are mainly served at Chinese-American restaurants.

Jambalaya is a flavorful one-pot stew in the American state of Louisiana. Hailing from Creole cuisine, it combines Spanish, French, and African culinary influences.

Jambalaya boasts a bold and savory flavor derived from meat or seafood, vegetables (like onion, celery, and bell pepper), rice, tomatoes (optional), and various spices, with cayenne peppers and bay leaves as must-have options.

Jambalaya is often served in a communal style and is a staple of Southern American cuisine.

Po’ boy is a traditional American sandwich from Louisiana, particularly New Orleans. It consists of a baguette-like New Orleans bread filled with either fried seafood (like shrimp, oysters, or catfish) or roast beef.

A typical po’ boy is often “dressed,” meaning to add lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, mayonnaise, and hot sauce or gravy to the filling. The crisp crust and fluffy center of the bread is vital to the savory flavor and diverse texture of po’ boy.

Created in the 1920s as a cheap, filling meal for streetcar workers, po’ boy has now become a symbol of New Orleans’ rich culinary tradition.

Surf and turf is a luxurious American main dish that combines a steak and seafood (often lobster, shrimp, or scallops) on the same plate. The word “surf” means waves or seafood, while “turf” refers to grass or beef.

Surf and turf was originally served in upscale restaurants and for special occasions. This fancy dish was popular among middle-class Americans in the 1960s and 1970s, but you can order it at many outlets these days.

Stromboli is a well-known baked turnover in the US, a contribution from Italian-American cuisine. It was invented in the 1950s and named after a volcanic island near Sicily.

Stromboli resembles a rolled-up pizza or a calzone. Ingredients like Italian meat products, cheese, and, sometimes, vegetables are rolled into a log and baked until the exterior is crispy while the interior is gooey and tender.

Next, stromboli is cut into slices to serve. Tomato sauce is a popular condiment for this Italian-American turnover.

Baked beans are a traditional American dish that originated in Native American cuisine and was adapted by European settlers. It consists of navy beans slow-cooked in a sauce made with tomatoes, molasses, brown sugar, and pork or bacon.

Baked beans offer a sweet, savory, and smoky flavor. Most Americans serve it as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, and casual family meals.

Jerky is an American meat product prepared by trimming meat of fat, cutting it into strips, adding seasoning, and drying the meat strips. American jerky is made primarily from beef, but turkey or bison is also an excellent alternative.

This form of meat preservation has been practiced for centuries in the US and is particularly widespread in the American West. Historically, pioneers, cowboys, and travelers had this high-protein food during their journeys.

Today, jerky is a convenient snack for long trips or a food ingredient to add to soups for stews.