We all have those moments when only a true classic will do for dinner or dessert. From weeknight heroes to weekend showstoppers, these are the irresistible American recipes you can always count on.
1. All-American Bacon Cheeseburgers
The tale goes that back in the 20’s, a brilliant mind in Pasadena whipped up the first cheeseburger on accident! Some say that the chef was trying to recover from a burnt patty by covering it in melted cheese.
Whatever the true origin story, this classic is definitely a showstopper. Top it off with crisp, savory bacon for a truly awe-inspiring treat!
2. Beef Stroganoff
This fantastic dish includes perfectly seasoned pieces of beef tenderloin in a fantastic cream of mushroom sauce.
Its perfect when poured over a bed of rice, pasta, or egg noodles, and is so delightful that even mushroom haters will change their minds. I always thought this dish took hours, but now its in my regular weeknight rotation.
3. All-American Banana Split
This dessert is the only fruity thing my nieces will eat. They’ll pass up any other fruits or berries, but are always willing to have a banana split. That proves just how incredibly delicious it really is.
How could anyone say no to scoops of ice cream, banana slices, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, nuts, and cherries?
4. Cheesy Bacon and Egg Hash
Bacon, hash, eggs, and cheese in one bowl? How delicious! Its wonderful.
This bowl is the ultimate breakfast, but it’s so good, that I want to enjoy it for lunch and dinner too. It is rich, flavorful, and has everything that I love.
5. Tamale Pie
You should not confuse this Southwestern favorite with a tamale or pie. Instead, it’s a beautiful casserole made of cornbread and ground beef.
Its been around since the early 1900s and continues to be a well-loved meal. What could be better than expertly seasoned ground beef topped with a layer of sweet, crumbly cornbread?
6. Southern Pecan Pie
Here’s another awesome dessert from the south that’s simple to love! Pecan pie is that perfect pairing where sweet caramel meets savory, toasted pecans.
When you serve it warm with either a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, you have something really special.
7. Steak and Potatoes
It’s almost impossible to think of a better combination than tender and juicy steak with crisp, perfectly roasted potatoes.
They’re baked on the same pan at the same time, so this hearty and flavorful dish is also really easy. It just doesn’t get any better than that.
8. Philly Cheesesteak
This sandwich, featuring tender steak, melted provolone, and sauteed onions all piled into a roll, is about as good as it gets. For me, it’s the sweetness from the sauteed onions and the richness of the cheese that really takes it to the next level.
The bread–crusty and soft–is the perfect delivery method for this amazing combination of flavors.
9. Maple and Bacon Cornbread
There’s just something so comforting about cornbread. The classic treat makes for a great pairing with chili!
Though you can’t go wrong with the traditional version, its great to spice it up. If you love bacon and maple with cornbread, you should really give this recipe a shot.
10. Oven Baked Chili Cheese Dogs
This incredible comfort food combination combines two famous American dishes. I’m talking chili cheese dogs!
A savory hot dog rests in a bun that is topped with amazing chili and cheddar cheese. After one bite of these, you will never want a plain hot dog ever again.
11. Maine Lobster Rolls
Sweet lobster and mayonnaise in a hot dog bun? Yes, please! Maine lobster rolls are unbelievably good and deserve to be celebrated.
Whether buttered or dressed with mayo and lemon, they are a seafood lover’s dream. Maine is known for the best lobster rolls, but you can enjoy them at home with this simple recipe.
12. Apple Pie
No list of American recipes is complete without apple pie! Tender and crisp apples are covered in a cinnamon sugar syrup and baked to perfection. Even the smell of it baking can put your mind at ease.
That magical blend of apples, cinnamon, and sugar is just the best. And the buttery crust? Amazing!
13. New York Pizza
A true NY style pizza has a hand-tossed, thin crust that has a thick, crispy edge. Its commonly served in big slices, and just one is really enough.
Because its so large, folding the pizza in half makes it easier to eat. Try this out with some rich tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, or anything else you like!
14. American Cheese Sauce
Oh, liquid gold, how I love you! Its magic how this sauce makes everything ten times better. Its kind of like gravy, but so much better.
Try this recipe if you are obsessed with cheese like I am. Create a large batch, and then store it in jars so you can add it to whatever you might be eating.
This dip is amazing with chips, nachos, and breadsticks. I even add it to my sandwiches!