Hamburger
Often eaten: Lunch, Dinner
Known for: Popular nationwide, with famous early roots debated between Midwestern cities such as Hamburg-style communities, St. Louis, and Seymour, Wisconsin
PicnicSummer BBQ
Photo: Harrison Keely (CC BY 4.0)
4 dishes to discover
Food of United States
The United States is a land of diverse cultures, and this is reflected in its wide variety of foods. From coast to coast, you'll find dishes that have been influenced by people from all over the world. Whether it's a classic burger or a slice of apple pie, American food is full of exciting flavors and stories.
Featured Dishes
Meal Culture
Meals in the United States vary by region and family background, but they are often a time for gathering, sharing stories, and enjoying a mix of traditions from many cultures. Quick everyday meals are common, while weekends and holidays often feature longer family meals or cookouts.
Eating Etiquette
In the United States, it is polite to say 'please' and 'thank you,' wait until everyone is served before starting in formal settings, and use utensils for most meals. In casual family meals and barbecues, the atmosphere may be more relaxed, but good manners and sharing are still appreciated.
When People Eat It
Apple Pie
Often eaten: Usually eaten as a dessert, especially at holidays, family dinners, and celebrations
Known for: Popular nationwide, with strong historical ties to Northeastern and Midwestern orchard regions
CelebrationThanksgiving
Barbecue Ribs
Often eaten: Lunch, Dinner
Known for: Southern United States
Summer BBQFamily Gathering
Macaroni and Cheese
Often eaten: Lunch, Dinner
Known for: Popular nationwide, with especially strong roots in Southern, Northeastern, and comfort-food home cooking traditions
Comfort Food
Make It Yourself
👩🍳 Cook together! Always ask a grown-up to help with hot or sharp steps.
HamburgerHamburger
Makes 4 burgersIngredients
- 1 lb (450 g)Ground beef
- 4 bunsBurger buns
- 4 slicesCheese slices
- to topLettuce, tomato, onion
- to tasteSalt and pepper
- to serveKetchup and mustard
How to Make It
- 1Gently shape the ground beef into 4 patties and season with salt and pepper.
- 2Ask a grown-up to cook the patties in a hot pan or grill for about 4 minutes per side.
- 3Lay a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.
- 4Lightly toast the buns.
- 5Put a patty on each bun and add lettuce, tomato, and onion.
- 6Add ketchup and mustard, then top with the bun — an American classic.
Apple PieApple Pie
Makes 8 servingsIngredients
- 2 crustsPie crusts (top and bottom)
- 6 applesApples, peeled and sliced
- 3/4 cup (150 g)Sugar
- 1 tspCinnamon
- 2 tbspFlour
- 2 tbsp (30 g)Butter
How to Make It
- 1Toss the apple slices with the sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
- 2Line a pie dish with the bottom crust.
- 3Pile in the apples and dot them with butter.
- 4Lay the top crust over and pinch the edges shut. Cut a few slits in the top.
- 5Ask a grown-up to bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 50 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- 6Cool before slicing — 'as American as apple pie'.
Barbecue RibsBBQ Ribs
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 2 lb (900 g)Pork ribs
- 2 tbsp, 1 tbspBrown sugar and paprika
- 1 tbsp eachSalt and pepper
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml)Barbecue sauce
How to Make It
- 1Rub the ribs all over with the brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 2Wrap them in foil and ask a grown-up to bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 2.5 hours.
- 3Carefully open the foil — the meat should be very tender.
- 4Brush the ribs all over with barbecue sauce.
- 5Ask a grown-up to broil or grill them for a few minutes to make the sauce sticky.
- 6Cut between the bones and serve with extra sauce.
Macaroni and CheeseMac & Cheese
Makes 6 servingsIngredients
- 1 lb (450 g)Macaroni pasta
- 1/4 cup (60 g)Butter
- 1/4 cup (30 g)Flour
- 3 cups (710 ml)Milk
- 3 cups (300 g)Cheddar cheese, grated
How to Make It
- 1Cook the macaroni until just tender, then drain.
- 2Ask a grown-up to melt the butter in a pot and whisk in the flour for 1 minute.
- 3Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until it thickens into a smooth sauce.
- 4Turn off the heat and stir in most of the cheese until melty.
- 5Fold in the cooked macaroni.
- 6For baked mac, top with the rest of the cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden.
Vocabulary
How does the variety of food in the United States compare to the food in your country? What are some special dishes that represent your culture?