American foods: 60+ classic American dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner

American foods: 60+ classic American dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Meals in the United meat and vegetables mixed with rice. The commonly used types of meat are andouille sausage, chicken, pork, and seafood. Everything cooks together, making it an easy and flavorful dinnercome across for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Waffles, burger and mac and cheese
American foods: Classic American dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Photo: @Brigitte Tohm, @wesweaver @Robin Stickel (modified by author)
Source: Facebook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • American foods taste different from Ghanaian dishes because the ingredients vary.
  • Burgers and pizzas are the most popular American dishes.
  • Americans have many traditional meals, like stuffed turkey, a staple for the Thanksgiving holiday celebration.

Delicious American foods for breakfast, lunch, & dinner

Below is a compilation of the most popular American foods you should try in 2025, with more details about them.

1. American pancakes

Pancakes on a plate topped with some blueberries and strawberries
Pancakes are mainly served for breakfast. Photo: pexels.com, @Anete Lusina
Source: UGC

USA pancakes are among the top 10 American foods for breakfast. They are light and fluffy pancakes. They are also pretty easy to make at home. You can get pancake mix if you want to make it even easier.

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2. Bacon and eggs

Bacon and eggs on a pan
Bacon and eggs are among the most popular American foods. Photo: pexels.com, @Mateusz Feliksik
Source: UGC

Bacon and eggs make a classic breakfast combination that has been a staple for many households. This meal is pretty filling, easy to prepare, and one of the best options for people on a Keto diet.

3. French toast

French toast on a white plate served with beer
French toast is always found on any American food list. Photo: pexels.com, @Rachel Claire
Source: UGC

You cannot miss French toast on the American food list in 2025. You can use any type of bread to make French toast. All you need to make it is a skillet and a few staple ingredients. Did you know the best French toast is made with day-old slices because they absorb the egg mixture better than fresh ones?

4. Scrambled eggs

Scrambled eggs
Scrambled eggs make the top 10 American foods. Photo: pexels.com, @Annushka Ahuja
Source: UGC

Scrambled eggs are one of the traditional dishes and little luxuries of everyday life in the USA. They are soft, creamy, rich and flavorful. The best part is that it takes less than five minutes to prepare scrambled eggs. You can load them up with ingredients like butter or sour cream if you wish.

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5. Cinnamon rolls

Cinnamon rolls
Cinnamon rolls are among traditional American foods. Photo: pexels.com, @Pixabay
Source: UGC

Cinnamon rolls are sweet rolls commonly served in Northern Europe and North America. They are fluffy, soft, and delicious. Did you know the trick to keeping cinnamon rolls soft and fluffy is bread flour?

6. Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict served with coffee and juice
Eggs Benedict are mostly served for breakfast. Photo: pexels.com, @The Castlebar
Source: UGC

Eggs Benedict is a traditional American breakfast or brunch dish that originated in New York City. Before making the eggs, ensure you have warm, crispy bacon and hot buttered, toasted English muffins.

7. Avocado toast

Avocado toast
Avocado toast is a delicious breakfast meal. Photo: pexels.com, @Kasumi Loffler
Source: UGC

Did you know avocados are full of heart-healthy unsaturated fats? Having avocado toast occasionally for breakfast can help you improve your brain health. You can enjoy this simple and delicious dish for breakfast, snacks, or light meals.

8. Hash browns

Hash browns are among the top 10 American foods for breakfast. They are made of finely julienned potatoes fried until golden brown. They are normally fried on a large common cooktop or grill in diners.

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9. Waffles

Waffles
Waffles rank among the top 10 American foods. Photo: pexels.com, @Brigitte Tohm
Source: UGC

Unlike pancakes, waffles are crisp on the outside and light on the inside. They are made from a batter cooked between two patterned plates that give a characteristic size, shape, and surface impression.

10. Breakfast burritos

Breakfast burritos served with two slices of lemon
Breakfast burritos are filling and delicious. Photo: pexels.com, @Pixabay
Source: UGC

Breakfast burritos are wraps commonly served for breakfast in the Southwest of the USA. They are made of breakfast items, e.g., sausage, eggs, cheese, and avocado salsa, wrapped inside a flour tortilla burrito.

11. Breakfast sandwich

Breakfast sandwich
The breakfast sandwich is one of the most popular American foods. Photo: pexels.com, @Angele J
Source: UGC

A breakfast sandwich is any sandwich filled with items associated with breakfast, e.g., sausages, eggs, and cheese. Usually, a toasted croissant is used.

12. Breakfast sausages

Breakfast sausages
Breakfast sausages are common in most American households. Photo: pexels.com, @Edwin Jaulani
Source: UGC

The breakfast sausages can come in links or patties. The latter is more common if they are homemade. In most cases, the sausages are made using a combination of spices and pork with a good pork-to-fat ratio.

13. Bagels with cream cheese

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Bagels with cream cheese served in a pink plate
Bagels with cream cheese are incredibly delicious and can be lunch or breakfast. Photo: unsplash.com, @Kwon Junho
Source: UGC

Bagels and cream cheese are common food pairings in the USA cuisine. This dish is made of sliced bagels spread with cream cheese. The bagels can be homemade or store-bought.

15. Biscuits and gravy

Biscuits and gravy
The biscuits and gravy combination is among traditional American foods. Photo: pixabay.com, @mccartyv
Source: UGC

Biscuits and gravy is a dish in which home-baked or store-bought biscuits are split in half, and then the gravy is ladled over. It is quite filling and is commonly eaten for breakfast.

16. Oatmeal

Oatmeal served with strawberries
Oatmeal is common for breakfast. Photo: pexels.com, @Mateusz Feliksik
Source: UGC

Oatmeal is another commonly consumed breakfast dish. Considered among easy classic American dishes, oats are associated with healthy eating. They are a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

17. Fruit smoothie

Fruit smoothie
Fruit smoothies are best served after meals like lunch. Photo: pexels.com, @Element5 Digital
Source: UGC

The American food culture will undoubtedly include smoothies. A fruit smoothie is a thick and creamy beverage made from a variety of fruits placed in a blender. Fruit smoothies are healthy, nutritious, and filling.

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18. Breakfast parfait

Breakfast parfait
Breakfast parfait is a classy American dish. Photo: pexels.com, @Jana Ohajdova
Source: UGC

Most breakfast parfaits are made of yoghurt layered with fruit and granola, making them filling and healthy for breakfast. Many households prefer parfait because they are easy to put together, so you can make several ahead of time.

19. Croissants

Croissants
Croissants can be served with soup. Photo: pexels.com, @Felicity Tai
Source: UGC

Croissants are crescent-shaped rolls made with yeast-risen dough. The dough is typically layered with butter, then rolled and folded several times in a process called lamination. The result is a layered, flaky-textured roll that almost resembles puff pastry.

20. French toast casserole

Did you know you can have French toast casserole for breakfast, lunch, midday snacks, dinner, or even dessert? This dish is made of custard-soaked bread that is flavoured with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a nutty crumble topping, and baked until golden.

21. Beef burgers

Beef burger
The beef burger is one of the most popular American foods. Photo: pexels.com, @Valeria Boltneva
Source: UGC

These are among the most common American lunch foods. Beef burgers are flat, round masses of minced meat or vegetables, which are fried and often eaten in a bread roll. They are convenient for lunches and dinners.

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22. Classic hot dog

Hot dog
The classic hot dogs are an American staple. Photo: pexels.com, @Caleb Oquendo
Source: UGC

Hot dogs are made of grilled or steamed sausages served in partially sliced buns. They make great lunches and dinners. They are particularly common for summer barbecues. Besides, you can use any toppings you like.

23. Reuben sandwich

The Reuben sandwich is a popular North USA grilled sandwich. It is one of the top 10 American foods for lunch. It is made of thinly-sliced corned beef, cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread.

24. Barbecue ribs

Barbecue ribs
Barbecue ribs are among the best American foods for dinner. Photo: pexels.com, @Pascal Claivaz
Source: UGC

The delicious barbecue ribs are among the top 10 American foods for dinner. In most cases, ribs usually refer to barbecue pork ribs served with various barbecue sauces. Sometimes, beef ribs are served.

25. The BLT

The BLT is a type of sandwich named from the initials of its primary ingredients, i.e., bacon, lettuce, and tomato. It is often served as a triple-decker sandwich on toast.

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26. Philly Cheesesteak

A Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese in a long roll. It is a popular regional fast food for lunches and dinners. It has its roots in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

27. Beef jerky

Beef jerky
Beef jerky can be a snack or a full meal when paired with other dishes. Photo: pexels.com, @Evilowl
Source: UGC

Jerky is lean, trimmed meat cut into strips and dehydrated to prevent spoilage. Beef jerky is a nutrient-dense meat snack.

28. Baked Alaska

A baked Alaska is a dessert made of sponge cake and ice cream in a meringue covering. It is cooked in a hot oven for a short time. It is also known as Bombe Alaska.

29. Chicken fried steak

Chicken-fried steak is one of the popular American dinner foods. It is a cut of tenderised steak coated in seasoned breading, then pan-fried or deep-fried.

30. Buffalo chicken wings

Buffalo chicken wings
Buffalo chicken wings can be served as a snack to go with drinks. Photo: pexels.com, @Meraj Kazi
Source: UGC

Buffalo chicken wings are also called hot wings. They are deep-fried, unbreaded chicken wings or drumsticks coated with a hot sauce mixed with butter. They are often served with celery and a blue cheese dipping sauce.

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31. Cheeseburgers

Cheeseburgers
Cheeseburgers are among the top 10 American foods for lunch. Photo: pexels.com, @Engin Akyurt
Source: UGC

Cheeseburgers are hamburgers topped with cheese. Usually, the slice of cheese is placed on top of the meat patty. It is added to the hamburger patty near the end of the cooking time to melt it.

33. Nachos

Nachos
Nachos are among American lunch foods. Photo: pexels.com, @Arya Bajra
Source: UGC

Nachos must have tortilla chips, large amounts of melted cheese, and some chili. They are among the most popular American foods for dinner. Nachos originated from Mexico.

34. Pizza

Three pizzas
Pizzas are among the top 10 American foods for dinner. Photo: pexels.com, Narda Yescas
Source: UGC

Pizza is a dish of Italian origin and is one of the most popular classic American dishes for a party. It is made of a flat round base of dough baked with a topping of tomatoes and cheese, usually with added meat, fish, or vegetables.

35. Blueberry cobbler

The blueberry cobbler is a warm and sweet dessert recipe. The key ingredients are blueberries, sugar, butter, lemon zest, and batter.

36. Chocolate-chip cookies

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Chocolate-chip cookies
Chocolate-chip cookies are great for a snack. Photo: pexels.com, @Sara Santos
Source: UGC

Chocolate-chip cookies are snacks, usually eaten with a glass of milk. A chocolate chip cookie is a drop cookie with chocolate chips or chocolate morsels as its distinguishing ingredient.

37. Green Chile stew

Green Chile Stew
Green Chile Stew is great for lunch or dinner. Photo: pixabay.com, @foodie
Source: UGC

The traditional green Chile stew can be traced to Mexico. It is simple and one of the most commonly consumed dishes in the United States. Its primary ingredients are roasted Hatch chiles, jalapenos, roasted and shredded pork shoulder, broth, onions, cumin, tomatoes, and flour.

38. Po’ boy

A po' boy is a sandwich originally from Louisiana. It uses French bread that is crusty, not soft like in the common sub sandwich. The meat is usually fried, unlike other sandwiches.

39. Frito pie

The basic ingredients in a Frito pie are chili, cheese, and corn chips. Additions can be salsa, refried beans, sour cream, onion, rice, or jalapeños.

40. Apple pie

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Apple pie
Apple pie is among traditional American foods. Photo: pexels.com, @Ekaterina Bolvtsova
Source: UGC

If you were wondering what are the top 20 American foods, this dish leads the list. Apple pie is often served with whipped cream, ice cream, custard or cheddar cheese. The perfect apple pie has a flaky, buttery crust and a tender, lightly-spiced apple pie filling. This is a popular dessert in the USA.

41. Tater tots

The Tater tots are grated potatoes formed into small cylinders and deep-fried or baked. They are often served as a side dish at lunch or dinner.

42. Lobster rolls

Did you know lobster rolls are native to New England? They are quite popular in American cuisine. They are made of lobster meat served on a grilled hot dog-style bun.

43. Enchiladas

Enchiladas
Enchiladas are one of the most delicious American foods. Photo: pexels.com, @Loren Castillo
Source: UGC

Enchiladas are pretty similar to burritos and are native to Mexico. They are made of corn or flour tortillas, stuffed with fillings and wrapped tightly.

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44. Clam chowder

Clam chowder is a rich and creamy soup made of clams, diced potatoes, salt pork, and onions. Depending on the person cooking, the recipe may include other ingredients. It is normally served with crusty bread for a starter.

45. Baked beans

Baked beans
Baked beans are great for lunch or dinner. Photo: pixabay.com, @pixel1
Source: UGC

Baked beans can be eaten at any time of the day. Baked beans are usually made with white beans and served in a tomato sauce. Spices and seasonings are also added.

46. Peanut butter sandwich

A peanut butter sandwich consists of peanut butter spread on bread. The sandwich may be open-faced, made of a single slice of bread folded over, or made using two slices of bread. Sometimes, jelly is added to make it a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The dish is common in America and served in small cafes.

47. Cioppino

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Cioppino is an Italian-American seafood stew mostly served at dinners. It is considered one of the most delicious American main dishes. Whitefish, clams, mussels, scallops, Dungeness crab, calamari, and other seafoods are cooked in a seasoned tomato and wine-based broth.

48. Crab cakes

Crab cakes are a type of fishcake popular in the United States. They are made of crab meat, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, eggs, and other seasonings.

49. French fries

French Fries
French Fries are among the top 10 American foods. Photo: pexels.com, @Ande_Hazel
Source: UGC

French fries are a popular side dish or snack. They are made from deep-fried potatoes that have been cut into various shapes, usually thin strips.

50. Macaroni and cheese

Macaroni and cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic American dish. Photo: pixabay.com, @wesweaver
Source: UGC

Macaroni and cheese is a classic American dish for dinner. It is made of macaroni pasta and a cheese sauce, usually a cheddar sauce.

51. Grits

Grits porridge is made from boiled cornmeal. Well-prepared grits should be thick, smooth, and have a mild flavour. It tends to taste like what you mix it with, so it is often made with added salt, butter, and cheese.

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52. Meatloaf

Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a popular American food for dinner. Photo: pixabay.com, @valtercirillo
Source: UGC

Meatloaf is a common dinner dish in America. It is made of ground meat combined with other ingredients and formed into the shape of a loaf. To make the dish, the loaf is then baked or smoked and is considered one of the traditional American food recipes.

53. California roll

A California roll somewhat resembles a sushi roll. In this dish, vinegared rice forms the outside of the roll, usually encompassing cucumber, crab, and avocado.

54. Jambalaya

Jambalaya is made of meat and vegetables mixed with rice. The commonly used types of meat are andouille sausage, chicken, pork, and seafood. Everything cooks together, making it an easy and flavorful dinner.

55. Cornbread

Cornbread
Cornbread is mostly served at dinner. Photo: pexels.com, @Nourishment Decoded
Source: UGC

Cornbread is commonly served at dinners. It is a popular food in South America and has been around for centuries. Cornbread is a nutritious, whole-grain food that can offer various health benefits.

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56. Banana split

Banana split
A banana split is a delicious dessert. Photo: pexels.com, @Eiliv Aceron
Source: UGC

A banana split is a common American ice cream-based dessert. A peeled ripe banana is cut in half lengthwise and served with ice cream and sauce. The classic banana split is done with three ice cream scoops.

57. Fajitas

Fajitas are made of stripped grilled meat with stripped peppers and onions served on tortillas. Fajitas are native to Mexico but are commonly eaten in America.

58. Pot roast

A pot roast is an American beef dish made by slow-cooking beef in moist heat. Tougher cuts of meat are used for this dish. It is an easy-to-make comfort food that is hearty, filling, and can easily feed the whole family.

59. Cobb salad

Cobb salad
Cobb salad is a healthy American dish. Photo: pexels.com, @Alberta Studios
Source: UGC

Need quick American dinner ideas? Try a salad. Cobb salad is a salad of lettuce topped with pieces of chicken, cheese, bacon, hard-boiled egg, avocado, and tomato. It is usually served as a main course.

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60. Sourdough bread

Sourdough bread
Sourdough bread is a traditional American foods. Photo: pexels.com, @Cats Coming
Source: UGC

Sourdough is slow-fermented bread. It uses an ancient form of bread leavening. It is tastier than conventional bread and arguably more nutritious.

61. Chili

Chili or chili con carne is a hearty stew made with spices, peppers, meat, tomatoes, and beans. It is one of the best American dishes for dinner. Most homemade chili recipes feature ground beef, onion, spices, beans, and tomatoes.

62. Cheesecake

Cheesecake
Cheesecake is one of the most popular American foods. Photo: pexels.com, @Karolina Grabowska
Source: UGC

Cheesecake is a rich sweet tart made with cream and soft cheese on a biscuit base. It is normally served as a dessert. Common cheesecake toppings include sour cream, fruit sauces, chocolate syrup, nuts, caramel syrup, whipped cream, or pieces of fruit.

What is the most iconic American food?

The most iconic American food is the hamburger. It represents fast food and is a staple in American cuisine. Other favorites like apple pie, hot dogs, and BBQ ribs also stand out, each reflecting different parts of the country’s culture and history.

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What are some classic American meals?

Classic American meals are known for being hearty, comforting, and rooted in tradition.

  • Hamburgers
  • Hot dogs
  • Fried chicken
  • Mac and cheese
  • Meatloaf
  • BBQ ribs
  • Pancakes with syrup
  • Mashed potatoes with gravy

What are some stereotypical American foods?

Stereotypical American foods are often seen as bold, indulgent, and heavily associated with fast food culture.

  • Hamburgers
  • Hot dogs
  • Fried chicken
  • French fries
  • Apple pie
  • Donuts
  • Corn dogs
  • Pizza (American-style)

What is an original American dish?

An original American dish is one that was created or popularized in the United States, often blending Native American ingredients with immigrant influences. Some examples are;

  • Cornbread
  • Buffalo wings
  • Clam chowder
  • Gumbo
  • Cobb salad
  • Jambalaya
  • Philly cheesesteak
  • Thanksgiving turkey with stuffing

Some popular foods are French fries, burgers, pancakes, pot roast, and pizza.

What is the best food for lunch in the USA?

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The most preferred lunch foods in America are soups, sandwiches, and salads.

American foods are different from traditional African dishes, but they are still consumed in most African countries, like Ghana. If you want to diversify your palate, add American cuisine to your meals.

Yen.com.gh recently published the KFC Ghana menu, prices, delivery, branches and contacts. KFC Ghana's menu offers numerous fast-food delicacies at reasonable prices.

Ghanaians can order KFC online or buy from physical outlets. KFC prices and menus are similar across all the branches.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Ann Steffie avatar

Ann Steffie Ann Steffie is a content creator with 2+ years of working experience in the industry. She graduated from the Technical University of Kenya with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Technology. She lives in Nairobi, Kenya and spends her free time pursuing her interests which include web development, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Email: madigoann@gmail.com

Cyprine Apindi avatar

Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com

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