Po-tay-to, Po-tah-to, Ya-may-to, Ya-mah-to
These 10 American Dishes Are Absolutely Iconic
We’d like to take you on a journey through American culinary heritage with a roundup of 10 iconic dishes that have shaped the nation’s palate.
From the crispy delights of classic fried chicken to the gooey indulgence of grilled cheese, these dishes are more than just food—they’re cultural touchstones that evoke memories of home and tradition.
Hungry for more? This summer, dive everything Americana with our 4th of July collection! From linens and tableware to décor glistening with red, white and blue, you’ll find everything you need for a truly American celebration.
Classic Fried Chicken
Until World War II, fried chicken in the US was considered a food for special occasions. Originating in the deep South and becoming a symbol of hospitality and celebration, it later transitioned to something that people ate for breakfast or dinner a couple of times a week. These days, it’s become so widely available that people eat it whenever the mood strikes.
Your standard Southern version is either coated in flour or batter and then fried to a crisp in oil. Some contemporary cooks are wary of frying, but here’s a reason to make an exception. This chicken is so moist, crunchy and savory that it’s worth any trepidation.
Skillet S’mores Dip
S’mores, a beloved campfire treat, are believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the US, with the first documented recipe appearing in a Girl Scouts publication in the 1920s. Their simple yet irresistible combination of toasted marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple of American outdoor gatherings.
In American culture, s’mores are the crux of summer nights, camping trips and cozy evenings by the fire. Our playful twist on this campfire treat is a gooey, shareable indulgence baked in layers of chocolate chips and blankets of marshmallows until golden brown. The skillet format is an easy, fuss-free variation for your next family gathering.
Vanilla Peach-Blueberry Cobbler
Cobbler traces its roots back to early British settlers in America. Early English and Dutch settlers would use what was at hand, integrating regional fruits and berries, and cooking them with biscuit dough over open fires in Dutch ovens. It was a dietary staple for early American settlers and was just as likely to be served for breakfast or dinner as it was for dessert.
In fact, cobbler wasn’t pigeon-holed as a dessert food until the latter part of the 19th century.
Nowadays, cobbler holds a cherished place as a comforting dessert that celebrates the abundance of seasonal fruits. This Vanilla Peach-Blueberry Cobbler is no exception, with a homemade biscuit topping that bakes up light and fluffy. A touch of sophistication to the beloved tradition of cobbler-making.
Chocolate Chip Cookies With Sea Salt
The chocolate chip cookie, a quintessential American treat, was invented by Ruth Graves Wakefield in the 1930s at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. Legend has it that she accidentally created the cookies when she added chopped chocolate to cookie dough, expecting it to melt and create chocolate cookies, but instead, the chocolate retained its shape, giving birth to the iconic chocolate chip cookie.
Chocolate chip cookies have become an integral part of American culture, popularly graced with a dash of Fleur de Sel. The contrast of sweet and salty brings out the richness of the chocolate and adds a gourmet touch to the beloved cookie.
Kerrygold Mac And Cheese
Macaroni and cheese, believed to have originated in Italy, gained popularity in the United States during the 18th century, with Thomas Jefferson famously serving a version of it at a state dinner in 1802. The dish evolved over time, becoming a staple comfort food in American households.
Mac and cheese holds a special place in American culture as a beloved comfort food, often associated with childhood. While this recipe isn’t a Kraft throwback, its blend of Kerrygold aged cheddar, Swiss and Dubliner cheeses add a depth and richness you didn’t know mac and cheese could have. A deliciously indulgent take on a timeless favorite.
New England Summer Clam Chowder
Clam chowder traces its roots to the maritime regions of New England, where it was first enjoyed by early settlers, likely inspired by traditional European seafood stews. Over time, variations emerged, with New England clam chowder becoming the most famous, characterized by its creamy base and chunks of tender clams.
In American culture, clam chowder holds a revered place as a quintessential comfort food, particularly in the northeastern states, where it’s considered a regional delicacy. A fun departure from tradition, this recipe uses seasonal ingredients like fresh corn and zucchini to capture the essence of summer in the dish.
Ale-Spiked Chicken Wings With Homemade Ranch Dip
Chicken wings, believed to have originated in Buffalo, New York, gained popularity in the 1960s when Teressa Bellissimo, the owner of the Anchor Bar, reportedly created Buffalo wings by frying and tossing them in hot sauce. Considered a throwaway part of the chicken, wings became a beloved bar snack and party food, eventually spawning countless variations and flavors.
In American culture, chicken wings are synonymous with sports events and social gatherings—a staple finger food we can’t get enough of. These ale-spiked wings follow suit, using a smoked Spanish pimento dry rub, tossed in dark ale sauce and a homemade ranch dip.
Get the Ale-Spiked Chicken Wings with Homemade Ranch Dip recipe!
Buttermilk And Feta Dressing
Ranch dressing may have been popularized at a California ranch, but it was enjoyed by hungry Alaskan plumbers long before any “ranch” entered the picture.
Around 1950, Steve Henson unknowingly made history when he whipped up a unique mixture of dry herbs and buttermilk. Originally a plumber, Steve came up with the concoction while working briefly in Anchorage as a construction worker and part-time cook for his crew.
Now an American mainstay, this buttermilk dressing is used on salads, chips and dip for everything from wings to pizza. This feta-infusion combines creamy buttermilk, feta and lemon zest—a beautiful pairing with salads, grilled vegetables or as a dip for crudités.
Cheddar And Bacon Stuffed Grilled Burgers
The origin of the cheeseburger is often credited to Lionel Sternberger, who reportedly invented it in the 1920s at his father’s sandwich shop, The Rite Spot, in Pasadena, California. Adding a slice of cheese to a hamburger was an innovative twist that quickly gained popularity across the United States.
Cheeseburgers hold an iconic place in American culture, representing a quintessential fast-food indulgence and backyard barbecue favorite. This bacon-stuffed masterpiece takes the love further, incorporating a surprise filling of sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon inside each patty.
Chili Honey Grilled Cheese
Although no one can pinpoint the precise origin of grilled cheese, its influence is undeniable. It became very popular in the 1920s when sliced bread and processed cheese became widely available, leading to the creation of the iconic comfort food.
Grilled cheese still stands as kids’ all-time favorite, but it is also a coveted comfort food for all ages, pairing a grilled cheese sandwich with a warm bowl of tomato soup. This recipe’s another one for the grownups, combining a spicy chili garlic sauce, sweet honey and creamy cheddar cheese on a fresh brioche.
Get the Chili Honey Grilled Cheese recipe!
Hungry for more? This summer, dive everything Americana with our 4th of July collection! From linens and tableware to décor glistening with red, white and blue, you’ll find everything you need for a truly American celebration.
Join The Conversation