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    Home » MSN

    What Foreigners Think Are the 12 Most American Foods

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 6, 2024, updated April 3, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Many things about American life leave foreigners baffled, but one thing that definitely makes sense is American food. But with the mix of cultures and cuisines that is the US - what is really, truly, American food? We dove into a public forum where foreigners discussed what they would make if asked to make American food for dinner. The results? Well, apparently, we barbecue all. the. time. And enjoy our comfort food. So, yeah, I guess they've got us pegged!

    Mac n Cheese

    A spoonful of cheesy Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Mac n Cheese may be super common in the US - but it's basically unheard of anywhere else. Whether store-bought or made from scratch, Mac n Cheese really is an American classic and a true comfort food!

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    Hungry? Make this Dump-and-Bake Mac and Cheese for an easy treat!

    Cheeseburgers

    A burger next to some chips.
    Photo credit: darynahuz/Shutterstock.

    One person shared, “Probably a bacon cheeseburger… I'm sorry I've never been there, so that's the only thing that comes to mind.” Well, you can never go wrong with a good old cheeseburger! Is it distinctly American? Maybe not. But it's definitely not NOT American, either!

    Smoked Brisket

    Texas bbq on a platter.
    Photo credit: Ant DM/Shutterstock.com.

    Another person mentioned smoked brisket, and they’re absolutely right. Americans have perfected the art of smoking meats, especially in the South. If you want good smoked food, you go to America!

    Barbecue Ribs

    Barbecue ribs.
    Photo credit: Tatiana Volgutova/Shutterstock.com.

    In a similar vein, another response mentioned barbecue ribs. That also makes a lot of sense, as Americans do love their barbecue ribs. But it’s also clear that foreigners seem to think Americans eat all barbecue, all the time. No, we don't! Just on weekends, holidays, and some weekdays.

    Corn Dog

    Corn dogs.
    Photo credit: JeniFoto/Shutterstock.com.

    One user mentioned corn dogs as the go-to for an American dinner. It’s more of a snack, but definitely an American thing. Another user explained the experience, “The first crunch into the outer shell; the sweet, soft breading; a juicy warm frank all combine to erupt warm memories of summer and freedom.”

    Great, now we’re hungry!

    Jambalaya

    Jambalaya.
    Photo credit: Matthew Yoder/Shutterstock.com.

    A more creative response came from one person, who has definitely visited Louisiana, and mentioned Jambalaya. Originated in South Louisiana, jambalaya it’s a rice dish with veggies and meat that has won hearts for centuries. But not many people would guess this spicy and colorful dish is American!

    Meatloaf

    Meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
    Photo credit: Svetlana Foote/Shutterstock.

    One person commented, “Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with onion gravy, and sauteed veggies in butter.” While that does sound like an American spread, meatloaf actually originated in Europe. Americans just made it better...

    PB & J Sandwich

    A peanut butter and jelly sandwich on a plate.
    Photo credit: baibaz/Shutterstock.

    One person mentioned peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. And, yes, that is for sure a quintessentially American snack. It's difficult to find an American who doesn't love this snack! And likewise, it's hard to find someone outside the US who enjoys it...

    Chicken Fingers

    A plate of chicken fingers.
    Photo credit: from my point of view/Shutterstock.com.

    One user commented, “Chicken "fingers" and jalapeno "poppers." Americans are experts at making finger food, and who doesn’t like finger food?

    Chicken and Waffles

    Chicken and waffles.
    Photo credit: Mohamed-Kareem Mohamed/Shutterstock.com.

    Another answer was chicken and waffles, which many Americans love but foreigners may find weird. Especially when syrup is added on top. Apparently, most folks like their chicken and waffles separately. It's a very American dish, about that there is no doubt!

    Deep Fried Turkey

    Deep frying a turkey.
    Photo credit: Chuck Westerlund/Shutterstock.com.

    One cautious person replied, “A deep fried turkey. although I've never had deep fried turkey.. and would possibly burn my house down attempting it.” Just type ‘deep fried turkey gone wrong’ on YouTube, and you’ll see what they mean. 

    Chicken Pot Pie

    An individual chicken pot pie.
    Photo credit: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com.

    Finally, one user mentioned the classic food that is chicken pot pie. Insanely comforting with chicken, gravy and a nice crusty top - and I'm surprised so many foreigners even know about it. But we know the world loves American comfort food, and this is literally a dish full of it!

    Source: Reddit

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN  and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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