America's 50 Best Dishes, Ranked

Crack a few eggs, fry some bacon, and set a bowl of grits on the table, because we’re about to celebrate what makes American food so irresistible. We ranked the 50 most iconic dishes from coast to coast, saving the biggest crowd-pleasers for last. Warning: do not read this hungry, and be ready to argue about which dish belongs in the top ten.

Classic Crispy Fried Chicken, America's Favorite

Fried chicken earns the top spot for good reason. It hits every note: crunchy, juicy, salty, and downright satisfying. It’s a Southern icon but lives everywhere, served solo, with sides, or even alongside waffles. Versatile, beloved, and comfort-packed, it’s the dish people crave most.

Thanksgiving Turkey, More Than Just Dinner

Turkey ranks high not just for taste, but for what it stands for. Thanksgiving brings families together, and the turkey is the ritual centerpiece of that gratitude. The work that goes into roasting one shows care, and sitting down to a shared bird is as much about feeling thankful as it is about flavor.

Mac and Cheese, Comfort in a Bowl

There’s something innocent and addictive about mac and cheese. It’s not heavy, but it hits the comfort-food sweet spot with creamy, cheesy goodness. Different places do it better or creamier, but as long as there’s a generous helping of cheese, you’ve got one of America’s most beloved dishes.

Apple Pie, The Scent of Home

Apple pie is shorthand for home, holidays, and something warm coming out of the oven. The cinnamon aroma alone feels like a promise. Bite through a flaky crust into a soft, spiced center and it’s hard to find anything more satisfying. It’s everywhere for a reason.

46. Marshmallows

Marshmallows might not be the healthiest thing to eat, but boy are they extremely tasty. They're also one of the most commonly used foods in American dessert recipes, from Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows, Marshmallows in your Hot Chocolate, or some classic S'mores by the fire. When you're out camping with your friends, there's nothing better than roasting these bad boys and watching the inside get all gooey while the outside becomes charred. Okay, now we're really getting in the mood for some!

45. Twinkies

As long as we're on the subject of unhealthy foods, what better time to talk about Twinkies? They aren't the only Hostess product that gives us cravings at three in the morning, but they're by far the most popular. From the soft doughiness on the outside to the creamy filling on the inside, there's a reason that Twinkies are a staple snack in any 7/11, Walgreens, or basic convenience store. They're simply divine, and we're proud to put it on this list.

44. Maryland Crabcakes

Here’s another popular dish that’s especially popular in one particular state. Maryland crabcakes are a finger-food that took the world by storm over the last century, and we were never the same as a result. They became especially popular as hors d'oeuvres at wedding receptions (not just in Maryland), and it’s not hard to see why. They have a certain crispiness to them that cannot be denied, and they’re usually served with a tasty dip.

43. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes can obviously be found in any country, but America has always had a very special relationship with it. Indeed, there are countless amazing American dishes that wouldn't be possible without this orange root vegetable. For instance, can you imagine a Thanksgiving dinner without a delicious helping of Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows? Yeah, we didn't think so. Or how about Sweet Potato Cobbler on a warm Saturday night? During the cold winter months, sweet potato is a hearty and welcome addition to any recipe.

42. Fajitas

Considering how close America is to Mexico, their cuisines have always been strongly influenced by one another. It didn't take long for Americans to catch on to the fact that Mexico holds some delicious gastronomical secrets—and boy did they run with it! One of the most popular dishes that America has come with that's influenced by Mexico is fajitas. A tortilla-like structure which opens up and allows for the insertion of cheese, meat, salsa, guacamole, and all kinds of tasty treats, fajitas are one of the most commonly eaten foods in America!

41. Baked Beans

Baked beans is one of those dishes that can be delicious on its own and also work well with others. As far as Mexican cuisine goes, beans are generally a major part of tacos, quesadillas, and many other dishes. However, beans are eaten across the board as well, finding itself in basic American salads, soups, or simply eaten on their own! Considering the fact that beans are extremely healthy, American culture has embraced it widely.

40. Cobb Salad

It is said that the Cobb salad was created by a chef named Paul J. Posti for the owner of the restaurant he cooked at, named Robert Cobb. But regardless of how it came into being, we're happy it did, because it's truly delicious. Comprised of basic lettuce, bacon, chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, Roquefort cheese, and avocado, this is an elaborate salad for those who have a taste for adventure. To this day, the Cobb salad is one of the most popular dishes in American history.

39. Blueberry Cobbler

Ahh, we can already smell the cooked blueberries wafting from the kitchen window out to the backyard where young children are running around without a care in the world. Why would they, when they have their grandmother baking such a delicious treat for them? This is the essence of the Blueberry Cobbler. The heart of the home, the love that a parental figure puts into a warm and sweet dish for their loved ones to enjoy. Such is the case with much of American food, and it's especially true for this one.

38. Jambalaya

Although jambalaya is influenced by Spanish, French, and West African cuisine, it's most likely been originated in New Orleans and is one of the staples of American culture. This Creole dish is made up over a bed of rice, with all kinds of meat and vegetables mixed into it. The meat is usually some kind of sausage, smoked meat, pork, or chicken, but jambalaya has also been known to have crawfish or shrimp in there as well. This dish is beloved by so many people in America that we’d be remiss if we left it out of this list.

37. Cornbread

Cornbread is yet another dish that's extremely popular in America, most notably in the South. Made with cornmeal and usually leavened with baking powder, cornbread is essentially bread for those who are looking for something sweeter. That being said, it's not sweet in the sense that it's a dessert, such as cake or brownies. Cornbread gives off a certain warmth that's hard to describe, but you know it when you taste it—which is why it's considered to be a kind of "Soul Food" by some cultures.

36. GORP - Good Old Raisins and Peanuts

Although GORP stands for "Good Old Raisins and Peanuts", it actually represents so much more than that. At its core, GORP is another way of referring to trail mix, which is one of the most popular American snacks of all time. GORP has so much more ingredients than just raisins or peanuts, including cashews, pecans, almonds, and all kinds of dried fruits and nuts. It's the optimal snack for those looking to munch on something healthy and avoid sugary sweets.

35. Cioppino

If you're someone who loves fish then you'd probably love cioppino. If you've already had it, then you know how amazing this fish stew is. This Italian-American delicacy originated in the vibrant city of San Francisco, but has since spread into the corners of hipster hotspots all across America. This is a dish particularly for those who strive for a refined palate, and those who've seen the light know what we're talking about. Bursting with flavor and brimming with warmth, cioppino is a true keeper.

34. Lobster Rolls

Another dish for those who love seafood, you'd be hard put to find anyone who isn't obsessed with a succulent lobster after a long day's work. Whether you're having it cooked at home, or whether you're dining at the popular Red Lobster, it's one of the most popular things to eat in America. Lobster rolls, in particular, have grown in popularity over the last few decades, offering a more modern take on traditional lobster dishes. If you're out on the town, this is one of the most unique meals America has to offer.

33. Banana Split

Americans know how to enjoy desserts just as well as everyone else in the world. When it comes to ice cream, no one does it better. Banana splits are the proof, offering just about everything you could ask for in a delicious ice cream dessert. There's nothing more delicious than ice cream mixed with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, cherries, nuts, and of course: bananas. It's arguably one of the most popular desserts in American history, and you can see why!

32. Meatloaf

Imagine if you could take the best parts of meat and the best parts of bread and then combine the two. That is the essence of meatloaf. It's meaty and juicy, but not necessarily gamey. It's fluffy like bread, but a heck of a lot tastier. Because of this match made in heaven, Americans have adored this dish for decades. Part of a well-balanced meal, it's perfect for a midweek dinner, especially when it's topped with some tangy barbeque sauce.

31. Pot Roast

When we think of pot roast, we think of home cooking. We think of the typical American family. We think of a meal where everyone's talking to each other and not on their smartphones. We think of warmth and comfort. Perhaps this is why we felt the need to place it on this list. It's the opposite of fast food, and therefore it's proof that fast food isn't the only thing that Americans eat. In that sense, it's a meaningful dish for families throughout American history.

30. Chicken Fried Steak

We'd like to make a quick distinction that chicken fried steak is NOT the same thing as fried chicken (We placed fried chicken much higher on this list, so stay tuned for that). That being said, chicken fried steak is still incredible, and without a doubt one of the most important dishes in American history. Comprised of a slice of steak deep fried with bread crumbs, this dish is a major staple in Southern America. Not unlike that of the Vienna-inspired Wienerschnitzel, we're happy that America adopted this classic.

29. Biscuits N' Gravy

Biscuits N' Gravy without a doubt deserves a spot in the top 30 of this list, and here's why. Outside of the fact that it's absolutely delicious, its deep value is more about what it represents. For those who think that a side dish can't make a difference, this dish is here to prove them wrong on so many levels. Heck, an appetizer as soft, tasty, crispy, and fluffy as Biscuits N' Gravy can have such an impact on a meal that people often forget the entree!

28. California Roll

Even though sushi is obviously a Japanese delicacy, Americans have embraced it heavily into their culture. And what better kind of sushi to place on this list than one that literally has an American state in its name? It's been said that the name of the California Roll is a reference to the way Californians drive: they don't stop fully at stop signs, and instead "roll" through them. One thing's for sure—this roll was invented in LA in the 1970s. Regardless of the reason for its name, however, this shrimp-filled roll has been an American classic for quite some time now!

27. Nachos

It's hard to imagine the Super Bowl being watched without a bowl of nachos and salsa on the table. Many other cultures have tried to replicate nachos and failed miserably, but America was lucky enough that Mexican immigrants brought nachos with them, and we never looked back. Together with salsa, guacamole, olive dip, and any kind of shredded cheese under the sun, nachos have become a true American classic. We've talked about a lot of different finger foods in this article, but authentic nachos make standard chips look like child's play.

26. Tater Tots

Tater tots, or small fried potato bites, is one of the most American side dishes out there. For the sake of efficiency, we're referring to hash browns as well when we discuss tater tots, because they're virtually the same thing. Either way, people love tater tots because they're delicious, unhealthy, and the perfect side dish for most fast-food sandwiches. Eating tater tots with ketchup is practically a must, and obviously they need to have a generous dose of salt. The crispier the tot, the better!

25. Mozzarella Sticks

Well, we've now entered the top 25, and guess what: you're going to start seeing some incredible American foods. At number 25 we have mozzarella sticks, and the only reason we didn't put it higher is because of how many other good dishes there are still to come. There's nothing quite as tasty as a deep-fried mozzarella stick to start your meal. Honestly, it might just be the greatest appetizer of all time. When the cheese oozes out of its crispy exterior, you just know all is good with the world.

24. French Fries

French fries are something that needs no introduction. You'd be hard put to find a person on this earth who's never tasted a French fry, and there's a good reason for that. You simply can't have a hamburger without fries, and this is why McDonald's takes pride in its iconic take on fries. Other countries offer their own versions of fries, obviously it was invented in France (or Belgium, it's still undecided) but who are we kidding? Nothing comes close to the classic thin and crispy American fries we know and love!

23. Reuben Sandwich

The Reuben sandwich isn't the most known sandwich on this list, but if you've tried it, you won't wonder why it's in the top 25. It's comprised of corned beef and Swiss cheese over a bed of Rye, and it's highlighted with a streak of Russian dressing. Due to the corned beef, the Rye bread, and the sandwich's name, one might think that it's a Kosher sandwich. However, the addition of cheese makes it actually non-kosher and adds an extra tasty twist to this already amazing sandwich.

22. French Toast

One of the tastiest breakfasts you'll ever find is none other than French toast. A basic bread dipped into some whipped eggs before fried lightly over a grill, and that's all you need to make this classic. To make this delicacy complete, of course, it's more than necessary to add a nice dose of powdered sugar and maple syrup. We'd be lying if we said that writing about it wasn't making us crave some French toast at this very moment—but that's how good it is!

21. Grits

When you think of American food, one of the first foods that comes to mind is grits. That being said, even though you can find grits all across America, it's without a doubt a Southern meal. You're a lot more likely to find grits being served in a Mississippi diner than in California, that's for sure. A porridge made of cornmeal, grits are quite simple to make, but they're one of the primary staples of American cuisine. Next time you head down South, be sure to order a serving!

20. Philly Cheese Steak

As the name suggests, a Philly Cheese Steak is local to the city of Brotherly Love—Philadelphia. That being said, this sandwich became so popular over the years that it started being served all across America, and also in many areas around the world! Cleanliness is not the point when it comes to this tasty sandwich. If there isn't grease seeping into the bread and onto your plate, there's a chance that you're not eating an authentic Philly Cheese Steak. The key is passion with this baby.

19. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies became such a popular baked good in America that cookie dough became a nationally known ice cream flavor. This is one dessert that is made across continents all over the world, and America does it best. When you're a kid visiting Grandma's house, is there a smell more coveted than the wonderful aroma of chocolate chip cookies? We think not. This is more than a smell of chocolatey sweetness. This is the smell of love, happiness, and comfort.

18. New York Pizza

New York City is known for many things. Therefore, it's a major testament to their pizza that it's one of NYC's most crowning achievements. No joke, the pizza in New York is arguably better than anywhere else in the world, and here's why. You might argue that Italy knows how to make the best pizza. But New York is basically a hub of Italians, and that's mixed in with countless other cultural influences, which is why we believe they brought pizza to another level. The grease, the folding, the wonderful thinness. It's just perfect.

17. Jerky

Imagine if there was a snack you could munch on that provided the savory nature of a regular meal but without making you feel heavy and bloated? Such is the essence of beef jerky, and why it's such an important part of American food. Jerky is like the tasty treat you eat when you need a friend. You're not trying to get overwhelmed with your meal, but you still need a taste you can trust. The subtle saltiness, the right amount of tanginess, the chewy texture. Beef jerky is the ultimate American snack.

16. Po' Boy

If you're heading down to New Orleans, there's one food that you'll most certainly find—the po' boy. This Louisiana sandwich is served over a classic New Orleans French bread, which usually has a fluffy white center and a crispy crust. But its heart is the meat on the inside. You'll usually find roast beef in between the two breads, but you can often find po' boys with shrimp, crawfish, or many other varieties of seafood. The po' boy is a classic in this city, just as important as the jazzy tunes that can be heard there as well.

15. Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are as American as they come. When you think of hot dogs, you think about the New York City boardwalk on a dim summer twilight. You think about the street musicians asking for change, right near a street vendor who's probably selling some hot dogs of his own. Hot dogs are made in bulk, making it the perfect kind of meat to put on a grill if you're making food for a large family. Together with ketchup, mustard, fried onions, and a bun that just won't quit, hot dogs are simply classic.

14. Tacos

It's about time that we arrived at tacos, right? As we mentioned with the fajitas and nachos, Mexican cuisine has embedded itself so deeply into the U.S. that it's become a major part of American cuisine! And this is especially true when it comes to tacos. There's a reason that Taco Bell, Del Taco, and other Mexican fast-food chains are so prevalent in America: people freaking love tacos! And then of course you have your food trucks. Slab together some meat, guacamole, and cheese, and we're ready to go.

13. Donuts

There's an overwhelmingly strong donut culture in America. There's the obvious stereotype of American cops hanging out at donut shops, but it's a stereotype for a reason. And honestly, we can't blame them, because donuts are freaking delicious. American bakeries have always known their way around sugary baked desserts, and that's why we've been privileged enough to eat at Dunkin Donuts, Krispy Kreme, and countless other places. Grab us a coffee to go and we'll be dunking our donuts from sunrise until noon!

12. Pancakes

Pancakes are the perfect breakfast food for people of all ages. If you're a high school student driving home at 3 AM from a Saturday night party with friends, the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) is a common place to grab a quick bite (yes, it happens all the time). Or if you're a parent, there's nothing more fulfilling than preparing a warm batch of pancakes for your kids on a Sunday morning. Just make sure you've got some classic Aunt Jemima's maple syrup, because that can be a dealbreaker!

11. Waffles

Waffles are like pancakes' soul sister. They're more or less the same, and we could've easily ranked pancakes ahead of waffles. However, we gave waffles the edge because of their texture. At the end of the day, waffles’ grid-like surface is a major part of their appeal, among countless other things. Waffles are so imperative to the American breakfast, and we're not only talking about diner culture. What would our childhood mornings have been like without delicious Eggo waffles drizzled with syrup on the table?

10. Grilled Cheese

We've officially arrived to the top of this mouth-watering list! And what better way to kick off the top 10 than with grilled cheese? Here's one dish that we really don't know where we'd be without it. From diners to lazy Mondays, grilled cheese is one of the most delicious (and easy) things Americans have been cooking for decades. Butter up your bread and add some mozzarella, cheddar, pepper jack, or muenster to the mix and we've got ourselves a tasty concoction. This right here is the American way of doing things!

9. S'mores

S'mores are the ultimate campfire food in America. We already mentioned marshmallows much earlier in this list, but S'mores take marshmallows to a whole other level. With S'mores, you're sandwiching the melted marshmallow with two crunchy graham crackers and adding melted chocolate to the mix as well. What could be better than this delicious snack? With the fire crackling and your camp counselor telling ghost stories, S'mores are a major part of the American collective consciousness—primarily when it comes to adventure and nature.

8. Buffalo Wings

Now that we've veered into the Elite Eight, we're really raising the stakes here. So much can be said about buffalo wings and what they mean to Americans. Where do we even start? We can talk about American sports, and how buffalo wings are basically the go-to food for game-watchers to munch on while watching a game either at home or at a bar. Or we can talk about hot wings, and how spicy wings have come to trend more and more in the last decade alone. Regardless of who you talk to, it'll be hard find someone who doesn't dig a tasty bite out of a buffalo wing dipped into some ranch dressing.

7. Bacon

As fictional character Michael Scott declared in the NBC hit comedy series The Office, "I enjoy waking up to the smell of bacon. Sue me." We don't think it's a stretch to say that he speaks for all lovers of bacon, because it gives off one of the most intoxicating smells of all time. This pork-based delicacy can be enjoyed with eggs in the morning, in a sandwich for lunch, or simply on its own for dinner! It's a major part of American cuisine, and most certainly deserves a spot in our top 10.

6. Cheeseburger

Say what you want about American fast food, but this is about as American as it gets. Cheeseburgers are the epitome of fast food, and their popularity across the 50 states have caused countries worldwide to follow suit. From McDonald's to Burger King to Carl's Jr. to White Castle, the cheeseburger made our mouths water in just about every commercial we watched as a child. But once you sink your teeth into it, you learn that the commercials weren't misleading in the slightest.

5. Barbecue Ribs

Imagine you're at a family barbeque on a Sunday afternoon. The football game is on in the living room. Your uncle Ted is manning the grill in the backyard, glancing every so often at the television. And on top of all that, there's an incredible smell of searing barbeque ribs getting cooked. There's just about nothing better in the grand scheme of all things. Family connecting to one another, enjoying the trickling hours of the weekend fade away. Once the ribs are ready to be eaten, the taste is just on another plane of existence—and you know everything will be alright.

4. Apple Pie

When it comes to desserts, apple pie is America. Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas Sunday dinner, or any other night during the week, apple pie is just about as common and popular as any sweet dish you can think of. The cinnamon smell that enters your nose is like magic to your soul, and you already know before eating it that the pie is going to taste good. Once you sink your teeth into the crust and reach the warm, apple center, everything just tastes perfect! Can it get any better?

3. Mac N' Cheese

There's a certain innocence to mac n' cheese that takes nothing from its power. Mac n' cheese isn't the heaviest meal, but it's the kind of thing you can crave every single day. One of the best parts about mac n' cheese is its creaminess, and there are certainly certain restaurants that achieve creamier consistencies than others. Regardless, as long as there's a nice helping of cheese involved, you can bet your bottom dollar that you'll be eating one of American's most beloved foods.

2. Thanksgiving Turkey

The reason we put Thanksgiving turkey so high on this list has less to do with its taste, but more about what it represents. Thanksgiving is an American holiday dedicated to gratitude, and the turkey is a perfect representation of this gratitude. When a parent prepares a succulent turkey for their family, he or she does it out of love, and perhaps responsibility. But more than anything, it's about the gratitude this parent feels for their family. And on the flip side, haven't we all felt extremely thankful in the past for those who have made turkey for us in the past? Not just because they cooked it, but because they were there for us at all?

1. Fried Chicken

Ahh, fried chicken! Good old-fashioned crispy fried chicken receives the number one spot on our list of American foods, and for good reason! In our humble opinion, fried chicken has it all. On the one hand, it's a wholesome dish brimming with flavor, juiciness, warmth, and love. On the other hand, it represents so much to certain cultures in America, most notably to those who live in the South. Fried chicken can be eaten on its own, with various side dishes, and sometimes even with quirky sweet treats like waffles! It's versatile, tasty, and most of all—American!

Here's the Takeaway

What makes this list stand out is how familiar it feels. These 50 dishes are not museum pieces, they are the meals people actually cook, buy, and argue about. The ranking shows a country that loves comfort, celebration, and a good snack at 2 AM. If you walked into kitchens across America you'd find a version of many of these dishes bubbling away or cooling on a counter.

Comfort Food Rules

A big theme here is comfort food, plain and simple. From biscuits n' gravy to meatloaf to mac n' cheese, these dishes are built for warmth and familiarity. They show how food can be memory and mood as much as flavor. That is why fried chicken sits at number one, because it does all of that at once.

Regional Pride Shines Through

This list also reads like a food road trip. New England clam chowder, Maryland crabcakes, Philly Cheese Steak, New York pizza, jambalaya and the po' boy all shout their hometowns. Those dishes hold stories about place and people, and Americans wear that pride on their plates. Regional food is how tradition meets daily life.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks

Look at the range and you see the full day of eating covered. Pancakes and waffles for morning, grilled cheese and tacos for lunch, ribs and barbecue for dinner, and snacks like beef jerky, GORP, and popcorn in between. That spread is part of why this list feels so democratic. Everyone finds something they love, at every hour.

Go Cook Something

If this list leaves you hungry, good. Food is meant to be eaten and shared. Try making one of these dishes this week, invite someone over, and notice how cooking turns into storytelling. You might argue about which dish belongs higher, but you'll end the night full and smiling.