History of American Food
Before the British people first established settlements in New England, the tribes of Native Americans in North America had been living on the land for centuries. They grew crops like squash and beans. Today, you can still see their influence in foods such as succotash and baked beans. When the pilgrims came to Massachusetts in 1620, they brought vegetables and meats with them.
The American Food - American Cuisine
Food by Country » North America Food » American Foods - Cuisine in America, Food in American
Cuisine American
American History
About American Food
Traditional American Food
Many Americans eat breakfast, and it might consist of anything from cereal to pancakes, waffles, omelets, fruit, egg, ham, sausage or bacon and even muffins. Coffee is a common morning beverage, but so is tea, juice and milk. Many Americans only eat a small lunch such as a salad, burger, sandwich or fruit. Fast foods are a large part of the cuisine in the United States. For many Americans, dinner is the largest meal and might include lamb, beans, chicken, pork, meatloaf, steak, pie or chili.
American Dishes
American Food Dishes
- Buttermilk pancakes - These are a mixture of buttermilk, eggs, butter, and flour.
- Hot dog - This is a sausage made of pork or beef that is served hot in a long bun. It is often eaten with ketchup, mustard, onions and relish.
- Turkey and dressing - This is the traditional "Thanksgiving dinner" with turkey, that is served with bread crumbs soaked in chicken broth or liquid and mixed with celery, onion, pepper and salt.
- Southern Fried Chicken - This is a meal where chicken pieces are coated in flour or batter and fried in a pan or deep fried.
- Macaroni and Cheese - This is a favorite that is made of cooked macaroni and melted cheeses.
- Chocolate chip cookies - This is a sweet dough with chocolate chips that is then baked to make cookies.
- Mashed potatoes - This is made by boiling potatoes and mashing them with milk and butter until soft and fluffy.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches - A sandwich with cheese that is heated until the bread becomes toasted and cheese is melted.
- Meatloaf - A meal where ground meat is mixed with breadcrumbs, onions and other ingredients and shaped into a loaf before baking.
- Fried rice - This is very common in the US. Made of rice that has been fried in a wok with other ingredients such as meat, vegetables and eggs.
American Drink
America Drink
- Bloody Mary - This is a cocktail that has tomato juice, vodka and seasonings.
- Mint julep - This is a mixed cocktail that is made of bourbon, water, sugar and mint.
- Soft drinks - Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Coca-Cola, as well as 7 Up are American favorites.
About America
Discover more American Food and Drinks Resources
- USA Background Information - provided by U.S. Department of State
- Traditional Food in USA - popular dishes and favorite foods.
- Vacation in USA - travel guides.
- Typical Drinks in USA: soft drinks, beer, whiskey, wine.
- American Dessert - a typical American dessert which is served at various restaurants.