25 U.S. Presidents’ Favorite Foods

Updated: Jan. 05, 2022

The most famous house in the United States comes with a big perk: a personal chef. Here's a look at U.S. presidents' favorite foods and how you can make them at home – no personal chef required!

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Sour Cherry Pie

Whenever my mom is invited to a party or potluck, everyone requests her homemade double-crust fruit pies. In the summer, she uses fresh tart cherries for this recipe. I love a slice topped with vanilla ice cream. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
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Easy Dill Pickles

This treasured dill pickle recipe is like an old friend. These crispy spears have a slightly salty, tart flavor with a good balance of dill, garlic and peppers. —Betty Sitzman, Wray, Colorado
3 / 24

Porcini Mac & Cheese

This recipe was inspired by a mushroom mac and cheese I had at a local restaurant. I incorporated the fall flavor of a pumpkin ale, and it turned out better than the original. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
4 / 24

Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Our vanilla ice cream recipe is perfect for those who have never made ice cream in their life, as well as ice cream aficionados looking for a go-to, tried-and-true recipe to keep in their back pocket.
5 / 24

Potluck German Apple Cake

My mother made this German apple cake for my brothers and me when we were kids. It's an excellent choice for a Christmas potluck or actually any time of year. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
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Ribbon Pudding Pie

Cool, smooth and creamy, this pretty pie is a slice of heaven for people with diabetes and anyone who likes an easy yet impressive dessert. The lovely pudding layers feature a yummy combination of vanilla, chocolate and butterscotch. —Doris Morgan, Verona, Mississippi
7 / 24

Creole Shrimp & Sausage

Add diversity to weeknight meals and get a taste of low-country cuisine with this simple take on a Louisiana Creole classic that uses bulgur instead of rice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

8 / 24

Root Stew

While inventing a new form of comfort food, I made a stew of carrots, turnips, parsnips and rutabaga. When I'm in the mood to change things up, I add potatoes or chicken. —Maria Davis, Flower Mound, Texas
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Lemon Tarragon Butter

Tarragon is a native herb of central Asia and was brought to Spain by the Moors. It has been an important ingredient to French cooking since the 16th century.—Michelle Clair, Seattle, Washington
10 / 24

Gingerbread Cookies with Buttercream Icing

When it’s time to start the cookie-baking season, this recipe always kicks off the festivities. My mother-in-law first shared it with me, but it’s too good to keep to myself! You can tint the buttery gingerbread cookie icing a cheery pink or green and pipe it on with a decorating tip. —Ann Scherzer, Anacortes, Washington
11 / 24

Parmesan Ranch Popcorn

Whether you need a quick gift idea or yummy munchies for movie night, we've got you covered with this cheesy twist on regular popped popcorn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

This comforting dessert is a wonderful way to end any meal. As a girl, I always waited eagerly for the first heavenly bite. Today, my husband likes to top his with a scoop of ice cream. —Sandra Melnychenko, Grandview, Manitoba
13 / 24

Cornbread Pancakes

If you’re bored of your traditional flapjack recipe, try making these cornbread pancakes. They’re fluffy and full of comforting flavors and will delight any brunch spread. 
14 / 24

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Tender meat, hearty vegetables and a spicy horseradish sauce make this one of the best corned beef and cabbage recipes you'll ever make.
15 / 24

How to Make the Best-Ever Fried Chicken

The best fried chicken recipe is super crunchy on the outside but oh-so juicy and tender on the inside. Surprisingly enough, we make it without buttermilk!
16 / 24

Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches

Parmesan cheese and dill make this the most incredible chicken salad I’ve ever tasted. These sandwiches are a simple entree to serve at parties, showers or picnics.—Jaclyn Bell, Logan, Utah
17 / 24

Chicken Potpie

Learning how to make chicken potpie from scratch is 100% worth it. This chicken potpie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust packed with chicken, vegetables and a creamy sauce.
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Mom's Roast Beef

Everyone loves slices of this fork-tender roast beef with its savory gravy. The well-seasoned roast is Mom's specialty. People always ask about the secret ingredients. Now you have the delicious recipe for our favorite meat dish! —Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania
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Corn Chowder with Potatoes

I developed this soup out of two others to create my own low-calorie recipe. It turned out so well that I entered it in my county fair and won a blue ribbon. —Alyce Wyman, Pembina, North Dakota
20 / 24

Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

When our son, Chris, wants something other than cold cereal in the morning, he whips up these eggs. Cheese and evaporated milk make them especially good. They're easy to make when you're camping, too. —Chris Pfleghaar, Elk River, Minnesota
21 / 24

Mama's Million-Dollar Fudge

No other fudge I've tasted comes close to the smooth, chocolate taste of this million-dollar fudge recipe, which my mother-in-law introduced me to one Christmas (I've never been able to make it as good as she does, though). Since it makes such a large batch, I always save some for last-minute gifts. —Gloria Heidner, Elk River, Minnesota
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Grandma's Seafood Chowder

My grandmother makes this every year for Christmas morning—the only time we ever had it. Why wait, when you can enjoy this satisfying chowder anytime? It's also delicious topped with biscuits! —Melissa Obernesser, Utica, New York
23 / 24

The Best Buttermilk Waffle Recipe

On leisurely weekend mornings, a stack of golden buttermilk waffles hits just right.
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Easy Cheesy Loaded Grits

A tasty bowl of grits inspired me to develop my own recipe with sausage, green chiles and cheeses. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas