The Most Iconic American Foods We Love To Feel Guilty About Eating

America is a melting pot. Therefore, its cuisine is hugely influenced by various ethnicities and the rich diversity of its population. Despite that, there remain a few iconic foods that are distinctly American. Discover the most iconic foods that have strong ties to America.

1. Apple Pie

A closeup of a slice of apple pie in a white dish.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Few foods are as iconic for Americans as an apple pie. While its origin is not in America, apple pie has become a quintessential American dish that is served on special occasions and holidays, like Thanksgiving. No celebration is complete without an Apple Pie.

2. Cheeseburger

A fast food burger on a dark gray background.
Photo Credit: ER_09/Shutterstock.

Like apple pie, burgers did not originate in America. However, it has become a staple on the American culinary scene. The concept of the cheeseburger was traced back to the mid-1900s in Colorado. Nowadays, you’ll find this item on any American food menu.

3. Macaroni and Cheese

A white crock sits on a placemat filled with Homemade Mac and Cheese. A spoon rests in the pasta.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Good old mac and cheese is another quintessential American food. This recipe calls for an elbow-shaped pasta with a mild, cheesy sauce. It’s the simplicity of this dish that makes it a total comfort food for Americans (kids and adults alike).

4. Fried Chicken and Waffles

A fork holds some fried chicken from a stack of chicken and red velvet waffles on a plate.
Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Fried Chicken and Waffles is one of the soul comfort foods in America. It is popular in the South and is available in many American diners.

5. Buffalo Wings

Clean Eating Spicy Buffalo Wings Recipe
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

The American buffalo wings consist of fried chicken wings coated with a delicious, sticky, and rich buffalo sauce. These are popular as game day snacks, especially for the football-loving crowd. It is served in many American pubs and bars.

6. Barbecue Ribs

Clean Eating Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs Recipe Served
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Here is another iconic American food that has its roots in the South: BBQ ribs. Imagine digging into rib meat that falls off the bone. It’s coated with a delicious sweet, tangy, and spicy barbecue sauce. The authentic American rib experience makes it perfect for Sunday dinners, get-togethers, and game days.

7. S’Mores

Three s'mores on a parchment-lined cutting board. A bowl of chocolate site next to it.
Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

For the sweet tooth, here’s another American icon: s’mores. It is the quintessential American camping dessert. This simple dessert consists of graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. Every bite is as heavenly as it can get.

8. Coleslaw

A closeup of homemade, easy coleslaw on a white plate.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Coleslaw is another staple in the American food scene. It is made with crunchy and shredded veggies, like carrots and cabbages. Toss in some sauce to bring it all together. It makes the perfect side dish for any grilled meat.

9. Philly Cheesesteak

A Philly cheesesteak on a wood cutting board with a pile of french fries next to it.
Photo Credit: Corrie Cooks.

Many consider the Philly Cheesesteak as the father of American sandwiches. Originating in Philadelphia, the Philly Cheesesteak is an elevated version of the hotdog sandwich you’d find on street stalls.

10. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich

A closeup of jam sandwiches next to some sliced apples.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

America’s love affair for sandwiches continues with PB&J or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. As the name suggests, this sandwich consists of a peanut butter and jelly filling. It is nostalgic and a delight for the sweet tooth lovers.

Sick Of The Same Ol’ Chicken For Dinner? Here Are 101 New Ways To Make It!

A dutch oven with a cooked whole chicken topped with rosemary twigs.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Having chicken for dinner… again? Here are 101 new ways to level up your dinner game tonight.

Healthy Ground Turkey Dinner Ideas That Actually Taste Good

A skillet filled with ground turkey, chopped tomatoes, chopped avocado and garnished with fresh parsley.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Lean ground turkey is a great replacement for ground beef if you are working on your health. Here, we give you 17 Meals with ground turkey that are surprisingly good for you.

While You’re Cooking, Prep Breakfast For Tomorrow Too. It Only Takes 5 Minutes!

An overhead view of a small canning jar filled with overnight oats with raisins.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Prepping overnight oats the night before is a fantastic way to ensure that your morning runs smoothly. These delicious oatmeal recipes are prepped in just 5 minutes. In fact, you can even make homemade oatmeal packets with these recipes, so all you have to do is grab a packet and get it in the fridge.

This originally appeared on The Gracious Pantry.

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