Have you ever eaten something, only to think “this is so American?” When we think about American recipes, our thoughts instantly go to fast food chains – but there are still some yummy traditional dishes that you can try in your own kitchen. If you want an all-American day, here are some dishes that you may cook up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

1. Apple Pie

There’s a popular saying that goes somewhere along the lines of “as American as apple pie.” Therefore, if you want to have an all-American evening, then you may want to try American apple pie. The beauty of this recipe is that while the main ingredients are the apples, it can also be customized.

Chef Penny from Stankiewicz from the Institute of Culinary Education brought up a special apple pie with rum and spices. “The secret ingredient in this recipe is caramelized white chocolate,” she says, adding that the sweet flavor and the boozy kick will add fire to every note. She also mentions that “If you're going to eat dessert, it better be worth it. This is worth it.”

2. Pancakes

Watch any American movie you want – you’ll see the standard fluffy pancakes with maple syrup. These pancakes are very healthy, packed with nutrients (if made right), and can keep you going throughout the entire day. Also, they don’t require many ingredients: just eggs, flour (or a banana, as modern recipes have it), baking powder, and perhaps a bit of vanilla extract.

3. Clam Chowder

It’s basically against the law to live in New England and not have clam chowder now and again. Whoever had the idea of mixing quahog shellfish with salted pork, tender potatoes, herbs, and heavy cream had a stroke of genius. Sure, the soup may look strange, being white and all – but its taste is divine. Not only does pretty much every restaurant have it on the list, but many people like cooking it at home too.

This soup is convenient among Americans, because you may use it with a variety of other ingredients if you don’t have the basics. You are “clamming” the leftovers so that you may “chow” on them. “This soup is also my favorite way to use up leftover ham or a ham bone. It’s super easy, but not always super quick… unless you use a pressure cooker,” recommends famous cook Gordon Ramsay in one of his recipes. 

4. Hamburger

Yes, it may not be the healthiest (but it can be with the right ingredients and the proper cookware), but you can’t spell “American” without thinking of hamburgers.

There are still theories on the origins of the hamburger, some saying that the recipe came from overseas – but what we know is that it has become such a staple that it’s now traditional. Depending on your preferences, you can turn the hamburger into a cheeseburger – which is as rooted in traditional custom as its sibling.

5. Mac and Cheese

Every person in America knows about mac and cheese, just as everyone that is not in America knows about mac and cheese. Kids love it, and the gooey super cheesy flavor usually sends every cheese lover into the seventh heaven. Plus, the advantage of this dish is that while it’s super nutritional (protein and carbs), it does not take you ages to convince your kids to eat it.

6. Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is also very popular in America, particularly around Thanksgiving. During that time, it’s all about the pumpkin. Pumpkin spice lattes are everywhere, and you may find pumpkin pie slices at pretty much any sweets shop. The only way to make this recipe even more American is to cook a roast turkey and place it right next to it.

Plus, it’s very easy to put together. Mix the eggs and pumpkin, add some milk, flour, maple syrup, ginger, cinnamon, and salt – and then pour them into the pie crust. It should take at most an hour for it to cook.

The Bottom Line

There are many other recipes that we deem “American,” but the main thing about these dishes is that they seek good taste. Whether you want sweets or a full meal, there are many options that you may go for.