10 Amazing Classic American Dishes You Need to Try at Least Once

Buffalos do not have wings, for sure! This popular dish is named after the city of Buffalo, New York, as its birthplace. First prepared in the Anchor Bar in 1964, it soon became the country’s favorite way to eat chicken wings. 

The chicken wings are marinated in vinegar, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce. Then they are deep-fried to seal the flavors. The wings are hot, tangy, and spicy. Many people compliment buffalo wings with a blue cheese dipping sauce to counter the heat. Buffalo wings are usually eaten as an appetizer or a snack.

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While American cuisine is much more complex than the fast food it is usually associated with, the popularity of burgers is undeniable. 

Burgers can be thought of as glorified sandwiches. Burgers are an old concept. However, the oh-so-renowned cheeseburger was created by Lionel Sternberger in 1924. How? He simply took a hamburger and placed a cheese slice inside it. And Bam! Ever since then, the cheeseburger with all kinds of variations has been a staple dish of the country. Millions love and consume it each day in America.

They are so popular because burgers are a complete meal. They contain carbohydrates, proteins, and other essential minerals and vitamins. Further, cheeseburgers are affordable and convenient to eat when you are on the go, making it the perfect American dish for working people. 

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Hot dogs and baseball is a match made in American heaven it seems. Baseball is the national sport, and by this standard hot dogs should be the national dish. All American dishes have some outside influences and the hot dog has a connection to Germany. That is right the 500 birthday of the humble hot dog was celebrated in 1987 in Frankfurt, few processed foods have the honor of being celebrated in such a way. 

The hot dog consists of a grilled sausage placed inside elongated buns, accompanied with ketchup and mustard. The result is an easy-to-eat dish that is a complete meal. It is a must-try American food. Bonus points if it is from a vendor at a baseball game. 

The American South is famous for its soul food and nothing touches the soul quite like deep fried chicken. There are plenty of fried chicken variations all around the world, like Korean fried chicken or the Italian pollo frito, but the fried chicken of the South is a dish that you must try for a uniquely American culinary experience. 

Large pieces of chicken are first tenderized in buttermilk. Then they are covered in a mixture of seasoned flour. And later deep-fried. The chicken is crispy on the outside, while soft and juicy on the inside. This contrast of textures combines with rich and spicy flavors.

The cooking technique can be traced back to Scottish cuisine. On the other hand, the flavor profile has heavy West African influences. In other words, this fried chicken is born out of a union of two very distinct but wonderful cuisines.

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Yes, it is more of a cooking technique than a dish. Agreed! However, the culture surrounding American barbecue is so omnipresent that it would be a crime to exclude it from this list. Barbecues are often a family affair with loved ones gathering in the backyard to cook a meal.

Brisket and ribs form the preferred choice. However, any kind of meat will do as long as it is cooked for a long time over low heat. The meats are marinated and well-seasoned for maximum flavor. This is why American barbecue is supposed to melt in the mouth when done right. 

A roast dinner, also called a Sunday dinner, is a hearty dish generally consumed by the whole family. the roast consists of meat that has been cooked slowly for optimal tenderness and juiciness. It is usually served with a side of mashed potatoes and any number of boiled or stir-fried vegetables. Many also add in stuffing or gravy to elevate meals. 

Roast dinner for many Americans is not just a dish, it is an experience. For many, it brings back memories of time spent with the whole family. even the Thanksgiving feast, which is a distinctly American celebration, is a roast dinner on a grand scale. The roast Sunday dinner may be of British origin, however, it has been integrated with American cuisine and become an intrinsic part of the culture. 

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The apple pie is just as American as the bald eagle. But all kinds of pies are a hit – you can simply add a fruit of your liking to craft a dessert that fits your preference. Florida, in particular, is known for its key lime pie which adds a tangy touch to the beloved dessert. 

A pie consists of a flaky crust that surrounds the gooey goodness of cooked fruit. Assembled and baked to ensure that the pastry turns a beautiful golden hue, the pie goes well with vanilla ice cream.

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The Philly refers to Philadelphia, one of the largest cities in the US. If there is a national sandwich then that title should go to the Philly Cheesesteak. Few outside the US even know what a cheesesteak is. It is a sandwich made up of very thin pieces of beef, usually rib-eye steak, that has been sautéed and seasoned. The sandwich also contains caramelized onions and lots of cheese. All of these are placed in a hoagie roll, a long bun similar to hot dog buns, and toasted on a griddle. 

This beef sandwich is for those with an appetite. It is not a light tea sandwich. Trying the Philly cheesesteak is a San Francisco staple.

If you thought we were done with sandwiches then you are wrong. There is one other iconic American sandwich dish that needs to be mentioned, the sloppy Joe. This is not an elegant dish as it consists of ground beef being placed inside a bun along with a whole lot of sauces. It is hard to avoid a mess when eating a sloppy Joe, which explains the name, but the taste makes it worth it. 

Lean ground meat is used to make sloppy Joes. The dish also contains a special sauce made with tomatoes, spices, barbecue sauce, and ketchup. It has a rich savory and spicy taste. Further, adding a cheese slice can make the whole dish more decadent. Sloppy Joes are the dish of choice of the working people as it is a well-balanced and flavorful meal. 

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Ending on a sweet note; the cheesecake. Amongst Americans, specifically New York-style cheesecake is more famous. It is a minimalistic and elegant take on a classic dessert. Its velvety texture melts in the mouth. The smoothness comes from the use of egg yolks to make the cream cheese base. A delectable dessert that goes well after any meal or tea, or simply eaten on its own.