The 95 Most American Recipes Ever
Updated: Apr. 05, 2024
We Americans love our burgers, taco salad and good ol' apple pie. But what's on the menu in your neck of the woods? We crossed the country to find the most American recipes of all time.
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Texas-Style Beef Brisket
A friend had success with this recipe, so I tried it. When my husband told me how much he loved it, I knew I’d be making it often.—Vivian Warner, Elkhart, Kansas
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All-American Banana Split
In 1904, the first banana split recipe was made here in Latrobe, Pennsylvania by David Strickler, an apprentice pharmacist at a local drug store. We still use his original formula when we make banana splits in our restaurants. —Melissa Blystone, Valley Dairy
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Wisconsin Butter-Basted Burgers
It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter.My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
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Tater Tot Casseroles
Ground beef, sausage and cheese make this tater tot casserole with green beans a crowd-pleaser. Cayenne pepper and hot Italian sausage give it a pleasant kick. —Ryan Jones, Chillicothe, Illinois
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Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
This is the ultimate creamy mac and cheese recipe. It’s saucy, thick and very rich, with a wonderful cheddar flavor. Once you taste it, you’ll be hooked. —Cindy Hartley, Chesapeake, Virginia
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Golden Apple Pie
Pies are the dessert I like best to prepare. This one’s the favorite for family get-togethers, and it has been awarded blue ribbons at a couple of local fairs. —Theresa Brazil, Petaluma, California
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Pressure-Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Melt-in-your-mouth delicious! For this steak and cheese recipe, I like to saute extra onions and green pepper just until they are al dente to add to the top of the meat before melting the cheese. —Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
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Easy Key Lime Pie
You need only five ingredients to create this refreshing, easy Key lime pie. It’s special enough for weekend potlucks, but easy enough to make for a weeknight dessert. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Barbecue Pork Cobb Salad
My lunchtime salad gets way more interesting topped with barbecue pork, cheddar cheese and creamy avocado. It’s as satisfying as it is scrumptious. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California
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Deep-Fried Cookies
My kids love this delicious, indulgent treat. I like to give the batter a kick by adding a pinch of cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. — Margarita Torres, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
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Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
This is an old Southern biscuits and gravy recipe that I’ve adapted. Homemade sausage gravy is a classic, hearty breakfast that takes you on a trip to the South every time it’s served. —Sue Baker, Jonesboro, Arkansas
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Tangier Island Virginia Crab Cakes
I grew up eating these crab cakes, which are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re absolutely delicious every time I make them. —Ann Girucky, Norfolk, Virginia
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Pretzel Gelatin Dessert
This is one of my mother’s absolute favorite desserts. The salty pretzel crust is the perfect complement to the sweet cream cheese filling. —Erin Frakes, Moline, Illinois
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Classic Macaroni Salad
This classic macaroni salad recipe is a refreshingly light take on an all-time favorite. It’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or festive weekend barbecue. —Dorothy Bayes, Sardis, Ohio
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Sticky Honey Chicken Wings
This honey chicken wings recipe was given to me by a special lady who was like a grandmother to me. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario
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Gooey Butter Cake
A friend gave me a quick version of this gooey butter cake recipe using a cake mix, but I prefer baking from scratch, so I made my own version. My family can’t get enough! The middle will sink a little; this is normal. This dessert is delicious served warm or cold. —Cheri Foster, Vail, Arizona
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California Tamale Pie
When I serve California Tamale Pie, I know I’ll see smiles on the faces of everyone at the table. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy the taste and texture of classic tamales, without the time and hassle. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California
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Texas Pecan Rice
For a special holiday side dish, I dressed up an old recipe to give it a little more Texas character. Everyone loved the savory flavor and crunchy pecans. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, TX
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Carolina-Style Pork Barbecue
I am originally from North Carolina (where swine is divine) and this recipe for the slow cooker is a family favorite. My husband swears my authentic Carolina ‘cue is the best BBQ he has ever eaten! —Kathryn Ransom Williams, Sparks, Nevada
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All-American Sheet Cake
My sweet and tangy sheet cake piled with fresh whipped cream and juicy fruit is so good, you might just want to eat it for breakfast. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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Favorite Barbecued Chicken
Is there a place better than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
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Three-Bean Baked Beans
I got this recipe from my aunt and made a couple of changes to suit my taste. With ground beef and bacon mixed in, these satisfying beans are a big hit at backyard barbecues and church picnics. I'm always asked to bring my special beans. —Julie Currington, Gahanna, Ohio
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New York-Style Pizza
This New York-style pizza recipe makes a no-nonsense pie. Since the crust is pliable enough to fold, cut the pizza into larger pieces if you want to eat your slices in the traditional New York way. Who says pizza isn’t portable? —Mariam Ishaq, Buffalo, New York
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Amish Sugar Cookies
The Amish seem to be master bakers, and they did not skimp on Amish sugar cookies.
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Blue-Ribbon Beef Nachos
My beef nachos recipe is quite the tasty topper for tortilla chips. Chili powder and sassy salsa season a zesty mixture of ground beef and refried beans that’s sprinkled with green onions, tomatoes and ripe olives. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
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Green Tomato BLT
I absolutely love tomatoes, any kind, any size. Being from the South, that includes fried green tomatoes. I created a special summer sandwich to show them off. —Hillian Holmgren, Del Rio, Texas
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Air-Fryer Potato Chips
These crispy air-fryer potato chips require just four ingredients, and one of them is optional. Thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy homemade chips anytime!
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Old-Time Custard Ice Cream
I think my most memorable summertime dessert for get-togethers has always been homemade ice cream. This recipe is so rich and creamy and the perfect indulgence on a hot summer afternoon. —Martha Self, Montgomery, Texas
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Patriotic Taco Salad
One year, my daughter decided to celebrate her July birthday with a patriotic theme. This colorful and refreshing salad was the main dish on the menu. The kids gobbled it up! —Glenda Jarboe, Oroville, California
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Mini S'mores
Want to sink your teeth into s’mores all year long? Here’s the answer! Just combine marshmallow creme, chocolate and graham crackers for an awesome bite.—Stephanie Tewell, Elizabeth, Illinois
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The Ultimate Grilled Cheese
These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
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Fry Sauce
Want a change of pace from ketchup? Try fry sauce! You’ll often find this spiced-up blend of ketchup and mayo in Utah and Idaho. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Shrimp Po’Boys with Pineapple Slaw
This twist on the traditional po’boy sandwich adds flavor and veggies while reducing fat and calories. For a smoked flavor, grill the shrimp. For a lower-carb option, serve the po’boy open-faced on a baguette half. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
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California Lemon Pound Cake
Citrus trees grow abundantly in California, and I’m always looking for new recipes which use the fruit from the orange and lemon trees in my yard. This is one of my favorites! My mother passed this recipe down to me. —Richard Killeaney, Spring Valley, California
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Honey-Glazed Turkey
Even during the holidays, my husband wouldn’t eat turkey…until I tried this recipe. Now, he loves it! The sweet and spicy turkey glaze gives the bird a wonderful flavor. —Mary Smolka, Spring Grove, Illinois
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Bean & Beef Slow-Cooked Chili
This chili may be already chock-full, but we love to build it up even more with toppings like pico de gallo, red onion, cilantro and cheese. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin
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Southwestern Rice
I created this colorful side dish after eating something similar at a restaurant. It complements any Tex-Mex meal wonderfully. Sometimes I add cubes of grilled chicken breast to the rice to make it a meal in itself. —Michelle Dennis, Clarks Hill, Indiana
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Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins
These buttermilk blueberry muffins are a tasty treat to grab as you head out the door or to savor alongside all of your favorite breakfast foods.
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Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread
The kids will get a kick out of pulling off gooey pieces of this delectable monkey bread. It's hard to resist a caramel-coated treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup
Whether you include the beer or not, this soup tastes wonderful. I always make extra and pop single servings into the freezer. —Lori Lee, Brooksville, Florida
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De-Lightful Tuna Casserole
This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
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Homemade Boston Cream Pie
This elegant-looking Boston cream pie is so easy to prepare. Our dinner guests always seem to enjoy it. —Jane Uphoff, Cunningham, Kansas
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Crispy Fried Onion Rings
I use this onion rings recipe as a burger topper to add an extra element to already-fantastic burgers. These onion rings are also perfect for giving your salads a little crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Pea 'n' Peanut Salad
Even people who don't like peas love this crunchy recipe, including my own children. I love the fact that it's so easy and makes a refreshing alternative to more traditional salads. A friend gave me the recipe years ago and I've been making it ever since. —Laurinda Nelson, Phoenix, Arizona
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Chicken Noodle Soup
You don’t need a whole chicken to make homemade chicken noodle soup. Here's how to make it with bone-in chicken, chewy egg noodles and an aromatics-infused broth.
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Toasted Ravioli
While visiting a friend who had just moved to St. Louis, Missouri, I tried these toasted ravioli at almost every restaurant! When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and this recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Meat Loaf with Oatmeal
This hearty, wholesome meat loaf with oatmeal is a breeze to prepare. And leftovers make for excellent sandwiches!
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Chicken and Dumplings
Homemade chicken and dumplings from scratch harken back to my childhood and chilly days when we devoured those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It's one of those types of soup you'll want to eat again and again. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
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Homemade Fry Bread
Crispy, doughy and totally delicious, this fry bread is fantastic with nearly any sweet or savory toppings you can think of. We love it with a little butter, a drizzle of honey and a squeeze of lemon. —Thelma Tyler, Dragoon, Arizona
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Shakes
These rich chocolate peanut butter shakes will make you feel as if you’re sitting in a 1950s soda fountain. Make it modern with an over-the-top garnish like skewered doughnut holes, chocolate-dipped cookies or fluffernutter sandwich squares. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Frito Pie
Crunchy, salty Fritos corn chips are the star ingredient of Frito pie. Make this cheesy Tex-Mex favorite for dinner or game day.
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Apple Cider Doughnuts
A batch of these apple cider doughnuts will have you feeling like it's peak fall season, no matter the time of year.
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Kansas City-Style Ribs
Our family recipe for ribs has evolved to near perfection. These country-style beauties are a legend in our close circle. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Clam Pizza
Transport yourself to New Haven, Connecticut, with this white clam pizza recipe. The combination of smoky bacon, briny clams and bold garlic is nothing short of perfection!
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Deluxe German Potato Salad
I make this for all occasions because it goes well with any kind of meat. When I take the warm salad to bring-a-dish events, there are rarely leftovers! —Betty Perkins, Hot Springs, Arkansas
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Texas Jalapeno Jelly
A jar of this sweet and spicy jelly is always warmly appreciated. To add an extra southwestern accent, I trim the lid with a snappy bandanna print fabric. —Lori McMullen, Victoria, Texas
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State Fair Cream Puffs
The Wisconsin Bakers Association has served this cream puff recipe at our state fair since 1924. —Ruth Jungbluth, Dodgeville, Wisconsin
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Buckeyes
Buckeyes are an Ohio-born treat that need just five ingredients. The hardest part of this recipe will be saving any buckeyes for your loved ones.
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Creole Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a traditional Louisiana dish, coming from our Spanish and French culture. Rice is the main ingredient, with different meats or seafood mixed in. I particularly like this variation with shrimp and ham. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
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Deep-Dish Pizza
Learn how to make deep-dish pizza in a cast-iron skillet at home. This recipe makes a thick crust topped with a no-cook sauce, savory toppings and plenty of melty cheese.
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White Texas Sheet Cake
This classic white Texas sheet cake is delicious, and surprisingly quick and easy to make. You won't even need to wait for the cake to cool completely before icing it!
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Potato Clam Chowder
I ran across this recipe in one of my antique cookbooks. It's a timeless classic I like to prepare for friends and family throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. —Betty Ann Morgan, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
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Beignets
The Big Easy is known for its fresh, doughy beignets. Here is our recipe for making these iconic doughnuts at home.
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Yankee Red Flannel Hash
Hash is a classic diner dish. With potatoes and pastrami, this one's easy to make at home. The beets give it fabulous color and flavor. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont
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Creamy Corn
Out of all my corn recipes, this is my favorite. You need just a few ingredients and a slow cooker to make this delicious side dish. Because it cooks on its own, you'll have extra time to prepare the main course. —Judy McCarthy, Derby, Kansas
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Macaroon-Topped Rhubarb Cobbler
Crumbled macaroons are a surprising addition to this cobbler’s topping. We love that you can make the sweet treat in a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Stuffed Iowa Chops
Here's a hearty dish for big appetites. The corn and apples make a tasty stuffing for the chops. —Judith Smith, Des Moines, Iowa
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Georgia Peach Ice Cream
My state is well known for growing amazing peaches. This ice cream has been a family favorite for more than 50 years! —Marguerite Ethridge, Americus, Georgia
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California Roll
Making your own California sushi roll is surprisingly easy. You'll need a bamboo mat, sushi rice and nori sheets to get started, and with a bit of practice, you'll be a pro in no time.
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Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado
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Fried Okra
Crispy, crunchy and absolutely delightful. It’s hard to stop eating fried okra once you pop a few of these tasty bites!
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Bacon Collard Greens
Collard greens are a staple vegetable of southern cuisine. This side dish is often eaten alongside smoked or salt-cured meats, such as ham hocks, pork or fatback. —Marsha Ankeney, Niceville, Florida
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Sugar Cream Pie
This rich, custardy sugar cream pie is an Indiana specialty. With just one bite of this decadent dessert, you’ll see why!
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Chili Coney Dogs
From the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
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Southern Pimiento Cheese Spread
A classic southern comfort food, this spread is used as an appetizer with crackers, corn chips or celery. It is also smeared between two slices of white bread for sandwiches and as a topping for hamburgers and hot dogs. —Eileen Balmer, South Bend, Indiana.
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Slow-Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
My mom made the best Italian beef. I’ve added to it over the years, but it’s still her recipe. She made these Italian beef sandwiches for family reunions, and there were never leftovers. —Mary McVey, Colfax, North Carolina
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Hawaiian Dinner Rolls
Pineapple and coconut give a subtle sweetness to these golden homemade rolls. If there are any leftovers, they're great for sandwiches. —Kathy Kurtz, Glendora, California
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Crustless Cheesecake
This crustless cheesecake recipe is naturally gluten-free, allowing anyone and everyone to enjoy a classic New York-style cheesecake whenever the craving hits.
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Jersey-Style Hot Dogs
I grew up in northern New Jersey, where hot dogs with grilled potatoes were born. It's a combo you’ll love. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
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Banana Pudding
This banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers tastes just like Grandma's: creamy, simple, comforting and filled with sweet banana flavor.
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Huli Huli Chicken
This huli huli chicken recipe will bring island flavor to your backyard. These grilled chicken thighs are marinated and finished with a sweet and savory sauce.
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Carolina Crab Boil
This pot is a fun way to feed a crowd for a tailgate. You can serve it two ways: Drain the cooking liquid and pour out the pot on a paper-lined table so folks can dig in, or serve it as a stew in its liquid over hot rice. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
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Baked Oysters with Tasso Cream
I love nothing more than a cold beer and a shucked oyster, so when my partners and I opened Saw’s Juke Joint in Birmingham, Alabama, we wanted to add them to the menu. We love making them, we love serving them and our guests love eating them. —Taylor Hicks, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Lobster Roll Recipe
There is only one recipe that fully captures the flavors of the East Coast—and it is easy to make, too.
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Jalapeno Buttermilk Cornbread
Whip up our spicy jalapeño cornbread with ease, blending the sweetness of fresh corn with the savory sharpness of cheddar and a spicy jalapeño kick for a delectably balanced treat.
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Coca-Cola Cake
Our coca-cola cake recipe uses not one but two cans of everyone’s favorite soda. Move over, mayonnaise! Cola is our new favorite ingredient for an irresistible chocolate cake with an amazing chocolaty glaze.
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Dad's Famous Stuffies
The third of July is almost as important as July Fourth in my family. We make these stuffed clams on the third every year, and it's an event in and of itself! —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island
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Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
I live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I make my version in the slow cooker. After the tempting aroma fills the house, your family is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
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Rustic Cranberry Tarts
I like to serve colorful desserts for gatherings with family and friends. These beautiful tarts are filled with cranberry and citrus flavor, and they’re easy to make and serve. —Holly Bauer, West Bend, Wisconsin
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Carolina Shrimp & Cheddar Grits
Shrimp and grits are a house favorite—if only we could agree on a recipe. I stirred things up with cheddar and Cajun seasoning to find a winner. —Charlotte Price, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Vibrant Black-Eyed Pea Salad
My black-eyed pea salad reminds me of a Southern cooking class my husband and I took while visiting Savannah, Georgia. People go nuts for it at picnics and potlucks. —Danielle Lee, Charleston, South Carolina
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New England Bean & Bog Cassoulet
When I moved to New England, I embraced the local cuisine. My cassoulet with baked beans pays tribute to a French classic and to New England in one hearty, heartwarming dish. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
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Cioppino-Style Soup
This classic San Fransisco soup makes an easy, healthy and flavorful dinner. I serve it every New Year's Eve, and I'll often include salmon along with the cod, shrimp and crab. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
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BBQ Brats
In Wisconsin, brats are a food group! We are always looking for new ways to cook them. This recipe is easy and a hit at any tailgate party or cookout, any time of year. —Jessica Abnet, DePere, WisconsinOriginally Published: March 01, 2021
