America differs in several iconic foods that are deliciously made. Some cuisines trace back to immigrant culture, while others are just pure American innovations. Here are the top ten most popular foods in the United States.
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Burger
The burger is the king of American food; all initiated by German immigrants with their so-called “Hamburg steak” that they brought with them. A perfect burger is juicy, with a medium-rare beef patty, served on a toasted bun with simple toppings like onions, ketchup, and mustard.
Of course, you can add lettuce, tomato, or cheese, but some will argue that these additions take away from the true essence of the burger. Whatever one may like, the burger is an undeniable American classic that’s here to stay.
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Cupcakes
Cupcakes are small, personal-sized cakes that are baked in paper or foil cups. These desserts have been around for centuries, having their first written record in 1796, but did not actually carry the name “cupcake” until 1828.
The cupcakes have, over time, exploded in popularity. Recently, stores have popped up everywhere devoted solely to cupcakes. They are now their own industry and can be found in every flavor under the sun.
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Brownies
Who can resist a warm, fudgy brownie?
These dense, chocolatey bars are among the most beloved desserts in America. There is some dispute about their origin-one story has it that they originated with the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago for the 1893 World’s Fair, while another one claims that it was pure chance when a baker forgot baking powder in a cake.
In any case, the entities of Betty Crocker and Duncan Hines further made brownies more well-known once they came out with their boxed mixes in the 1950s.
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Cheeseburger
What’s better than a hamburger? A cheeseburger! This is just an American classic-a regular burger with a slice of cheese melted on top, commonly American, Swiss, or cheddar.
Though no man truly knows who invented it, the most popular story gives credit to a 16-year-old cook by the name of Lionel Sternberger working in Pasadena, California. Anonymously, he came up with this after setting a slice of cheese upon a burger and selling it in his dad’s restaurant.
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Barbecue
Barbecue has become one of America’s favorite traditions, but its origins spring from the Caribbean, where natives used to slow roast meat over an open flame.
This, in turn, found its way to America, most predominantly the South, where whole hogs could oft be found across many states, like Virginia and North Carolina, roasting atop pits. Today, barbecue is an art form, with an almost ameliorated style wherever one goes-whether it’s smoky Texas brisket or tangy Carolina pulled pork
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Donut
While donuts have been a part of life for hundreds of years, their popularity with a hole in the middle has likely been carried over to America with Dutch settlers.
Originally known as “oily cakes,” they were usually filled with fruit, such as prunes or raisins. By the time of World War I, the donut was an American classic, even being sent abroad to our soldiers as a taste of home. Chains like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ Donuts have sculpted the donut into a breakfast icon today
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Milkshake
Nothing quite beats a glass of cold milkshake on a hot day. Prepared from milk, ice cream, and syrup, the milkshake has come a long way since its initial mention was made in the year 1885, when it was a whiskey drink related to eggnog.
During the tail end of the 1800s, milkshakes came without alcohol, and due to malted milk powder and electric blenders, they emerged into the thick, creamy drinks we have today.
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Fudge
It is an exquisite sweet delight that melts instantly in the mouth to a soft liquid. Fudge is made by heating sugar, butter, and milk to the right temperature, after which it is beaten until it forms as a hard-sweet block or cake.
Although said to be an American invention, fudge has its roots in French foods such as caramel. Commonly in the U.S., it’s made using cream instead of milk, which makes it even richer.
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Fried Chicken
No dish is more argued over throughout the South than fried chicken. Everybody’s got a favorite recipe – what your grandmother made, your favorite spot by the roadside. But regardless of recipe, the key will always be the same: it’s got to be juicy and tender on the inside, with a crisp, golden brown crust on the outside.
Fried chicken began with Scottish immigrants who came southward with their recipes, along with African slaves, who added spices and seasoning to the dish, making it the comfort food that it is today.
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Burrito
Among those foods, the burritos are easy, delicious, and full of a meal. The filling may contain meat, beans, rice, lettuce, guacamole, and cheese, all wrapped around by a flour tortilla.
Other people claim it took this name “burrito,” meaning in Spanish “little donkey,” because the rolls looked like the packs that were carried by donkeys. Its origin is debated; many people believe it was created first by vaqueros in northern Mexico and others by farmers in the state of California.
These foods represent just a small slice of what makes American food so special. Each tells its own story, born from history and culture, but all have one thing in common-they are delicious.
