Ruth Graves Wakefield was the chef responsible for introducing the world to one of the most iconic desserts of all time - chocolate chip cookies! But sadly, she isn't a household name today, and many people don't even know that chocolate chip cookies were an American creation.
Similarly, there are so many other dishes that we don't know were invented in the U.S.!
Similarly, there are so many other dishes that we don't know were invented in the U.S.!
Cheeseburger
Originated in the United States, a cheeseburger is a hamburger topped with lots of cheese and veggies. You must have noticed people drooling over this burger in American shows, but you might not know about its origin. A cheeseburger was introduced in 1924 by Lionel Sternberger at the age of 16, when he worked as a cook at his father’s sandwich shop in Pasadena, California.
According to his accounts, he accidentally dropped a slab of American cheese on a hamburger which we also call cheeseburger, and that’s how it was created!
Ambrosia
Ambrosia is a creamy fruit salad loaded with marshmallows. This dish was created in the 1800s in the Southern United States using pineapples, navel oranges, coconut, grapes, kiwi, and some Grand Marnier. One can eat it after a heavy meal, as a dessert because it is sweet and is healthy.
In Greek Mythology, this dish is referred to as the elixir of life, which you’ll know once you taste it!
In Greek Mythology, this dish is referred to as the elixir of life, which you’ll know once you taste it!
Burgoo
When you dive into the regional specialties, you’ll find one of the best American dishes. One of them is this Kentucky stew, similar to the Irish or Mulligan stew often eaten with cornbread or muffins. This hearty stew prepared with barbecue sauce, meat, and vegetables, is served at social gatherings.
While Burgoo’s original version included squirrel and raccoon meat, modern versions have pork in them.
When you dive into the regional specialties, you’ll find one of the best American dishes. One of them is this Kentucky stew, similar to the Irish or Mulligan stew often eaten with cornbread or muffins. This hearty stew prepared with barbecue sauce, meat, and vegetables, is served at social gatherings.
While Burgoo’s original version included squirrel and raccoon meat, modern versions have pork in them.
Jambalaya
Another surprising creation by the Americans is Jambalaya, a rice dish having African, French, and Spanish influence. Jambalaya is cooked by mixing rice with chicken or pork, seafood such as crawfish or shrimp, andouille sausage, and vegetables. Since all the ingredients in this dish are cooked together, it is easier to make and is flavorful.
As a regular side dish for Jambalaya, nothing goes better than cornbread. But one may also eat it with Cornbread salad, pudding, or muffins.
As a regular side dish for Jambalaya, nothing goes better than cornbread. But one may also eat it with Cornbread salad, pudding, or muffins.
Cincinnati Chili
A sweet chili made using spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cocoa powder, and allspice is often called Cincinnati chili. It is a Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce by Tom Kiradjieff that is used as a topping for hot dogs or spaghetti. It is undoubtedly one of the most iconic foods to have ever been born in the U.S. because of its rich flavor and ingredients.
A sweet chili made using spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cocoa powder, and allspice is often called Cincinnati chili. It is a Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce by Tom Kiradjieff that is used as a topping for hot dogs or spaghetti. It is undoubtedly one of the most iconic foods to have ever been born in the U.S. because of its rich flavor and ingredients.
Pecan Pie
Usually served as holiday meals, Pecan Pie is considered a specialty of the Southern U.S. It is a dish created using pecan nuts with eggs, butter, and sugar. This pie is a native of the U.S. and the official state dessert of Texas.
Tater Tots
Grated and deep-fried potatoes in the shape of cylinders, tater tots were created by F. Nephi Grigg and Golden Grigg in 1953. Tater tots are served as a side dish because people love them very much! So much that Aussies took a stab at cooking them, giving it a brand new name - potato pom-poms.
The taste of tater tots is similar to that of hash browns, which is another American dish created in the 1890s.
Grated and deep-fried potatoes in the shape of cylinders, tater tots were created by F. Nephi Grigg and Golden Grigg in 1953. Tater tots are served as a side dish because people love them very much! So much that Aussies took a stab at cooking them, giving it a brand new name - potato pom-poms.
The taste of tater tots is similar to that of hash browns, which is another American dish created in the 1890s.
Parting Words
You must already know that burgers, cheesesteaks, milkshakes, and lobster rolls are American. But it doesn't mean that America owes the sophisticated dishes to the world. We hope this list has convinced you that Americans have created dishes besides fried chicken and pizza!
You must already know that burgers, cheesesteaks, milkshakes, and lobster rolls are American. But it doesn't mean that America owes the sophisticated dishes to the world. We hope this list has convinced you that Americans have created dishes besides fried chicken and pizza!
