With its wide array of unique dishes, American foods often surprise and confound people from other cultures. From deep-fried concoctions to unusual combinations, the United States has a knack for creating American foods that are both beloved and bewildering.
In this article, we’ll explore some of these American foods that many consider gross, bizarre, or simply puzzling.
One of the most notorious examples is deep-fried butter. Originating at a Texas State Fair, this dish involves dipping a stick of butter into the batter and frying it until golden brown. While deep-frying is familiar, using butter as the main ingredient shocks many. The result is a crispy exterior with a rich, melty center, often leaving international visitors questioning the indulgence of such a dish.
Rochester, New York is known for its signature dish, the Garbage Plate. It’s a hearty meal typically consisting of meats (like hamburger patties or hot dogs), home fries, macaroni salad, and baked beans, all slathered in a rich, spicy meat sauce. Despite its name, the dish is a beloved comfort food for many locals. The seemingly random assortment of ingredients and the overwhelming portion size can be puzzling for those unfamiliar with American-style “everything goes” plates.
Chitlins (or chitterlings) are another dish that raises eyebrows. Made from the small intestines of pigs, chitlins are a traditional Southern dish, often enjoyed on special occasions. The preparation involves thorough cleaning and long cooking to remove any unpleasant flavors. While they have a distinctive taste and texture, chitlins are an acquired taste, often appreciated by those who grew up eating them.
The concept of Jell-O salad often confounds non-Americans. This dish, popularized in the mid-20th century, combines flavored gelatin with ingredients like fruit, marshmallows, and sometimes vegetables or cottage cheese. The sweet and savory versions both have their devotees, but the texture and combination of flavors can be off-putting to those unfamiliar with the dish.
Burgoo is a thick stew with roots in Kentucky, traditionally made with whatever meat was available, including game like squirrel, rabbit, or even possum. The dish reflects a “use what you have” mentality, which can seem strange to those used to more standardized recipes. Burgoo is a communal dish, often made in large quantities for events, further emphasizing its rustic, utilitarian origins.
In some parts of the Midwest, particularly Indiana, brain sandwiches are a traditional dish. Typically made with pork brains, these sandwiches are a throwback to a time when using every part of the animal was common. The brain is usually coated in breadcrumbs and fried before being placed in a bun. The idea of eating brain can be unsettling to many, and the texture is often described as creamy, which may not appeal to everyone.
Clam pizza, especially the white clam pizza from New Haven, Connecticut, is another American food specialty that can be perplexing. While seafood on pizza isn’t universally odd, the combination of clams with garlic and cheese on a pizza crust isn’t something you’ll find everywhere. This dish highlights regional variations in American pizza that can be quite distinct from the Italian originals.
Spam Musubi is a Hawaiian favorite that pairs the ubiquitous canned meat with rice and seaweed, resembling Japanese onigiri. The dish reflects Hawaii’s unique culinary influences, blending local traditions with American American food products. Despite Spam’s reputation as a low-quality meat product, Spam Musubi is beloved for its salty, savory flavor and portability.
In certain parts of the United States, particularly Kentucky, lamb testicles, also known as lamb fries, are enjoyed. Like many offal dishes, this is another example of using every part of the animal. Lamb fries are typically breaded and fried, making them more palatable. However, the idea of eating testicles is still a cultural barrier for many.
The Southern United States, particularly Florida, is known for its popularity of Alligator Tail as a dish. The flavor of the meat is commonly compared to chicken and has a slightly fishy taste. Alligator is typically served fried, making it a crunchy and adventurous appetizer. The idea of eating an animal as fearsome as an alligator is what often intrigues or repels people from trying it.
The Southern United States invented Koolickle, a colorful and bizarre snack that blends Kool-Aid and pickles. The process involves soaking pickles in Kool-Aid, resulting in a sweet and tangy treat. The vibrant colors and unique mix of flavors can be surprising, making it a food that people either love or dislike.
A staple at American Thanksgiving dinners, green bean casserole combines green beans with cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions. The dish was created in the 1950s by the Campbell Soup Company and has become a holiday tradition. While it might seem like a strange concoction, it holds a nostalgic place in many American food lovers.
Spray cheese, or cheese in a can, is another American innovation that puzzles many. Crackers or sandwiches often have this processed cheese product used as a convenient topping. Its artificial taste and texture, along with the method of delivery, make it a unique and sometimes controversial food item.
Pickled pigs’ feet are another Southern delicacy that can be off-putting. These are exactly what they sound like pigs’ feet preserved in vinegar and spices. The gelatinous texture and strong vinegar flavor are an acquired taste, often enjoyed by those who grew up with the dish.
Cornmeal and pork scraps are the ingredients used in the Pennsylvania Dutch dish Scrapple. It’s sliced and fried, often served for breakfast. The use of “scraps” can be unappealing to some, but scrapple is cherished in the Mid-Atlantic states as a comforting, savory food.
Turducken is an elaborate dish consisting of a chicken stuffed into a duck, which is then stuffed into a turkey. This triple-layered meat extravaganza is often served during holidays. The sheer quantity of meat and the effort involved in preparing it make turducken a unique and somewhat overwhelming dish.
Also known as Rocky Mountain Oysters, bull testicles are a traditional dish in the American West. They are usually deep-fried and served as a starter. The idea of eating testicles can be a hurdle, but those who try them often find them surprisingly tasty.
Pineapple on pizza is a divisive topic. While some Americans and Canadians enjoy the sweet and savory combination, many purists argue that fruit has no place on pizza. This debate highlights the cultural differences in what is considered acceptable pizza toppings.
American cheese is a processed cheese product known for its smooth texture and mild flavor. It’s a staple in many American households, especially for making grilled cheese sandwiches. However, its artificial ingredients and plasticky feel can be off-putting to those used to more traditional cheeses.
One aspect of American food that often surprises visitors is the huge portion sizes. American restaurants are known for serving large plates of food, which can be daunting for those accustomed to smaller portions. This practice reflects a culture of abundance and indulgence, but it can also lead to food waste.
American tacos differ significantly from traditional Mexican tacos. They often feature a hard shell, ground beef, lettuce, shredded cheese, and sour cream. This version is a far cry from the simple, flavorful tacos of Mexico, and many consider it a poor imitation.
Chicago’s deep-dish pizza is a hearty meal with a thick crust, loads of cheese, and a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s more of a casserole than a traditional pizza, which can be a shock to those expecting a thin, crisp crust.
Sweet potatoes with marshmallows is a dish often served at Thanksgiving. The sweet potatoes are mashed and topped with marshmallows, then baked until gooey. The combination of a vegetable with a sugary topping can seem strange, but it’s a nostalgic favorite for many.
The donut burger replaces the traditional bun with a glazed donut. This delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors is rich and high in calories, so it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal.
Sloppy Joes are sandwiches made with ground beef in a tangy tomato-based sauce, served on a bun. They’re messy but beloved for their simplicity and flavor.
Chicken gizzards are the stomachs of chickens, often breaded and fried. They have a chewy texture and are popular in Southern cuisine.
Poor Man’s Gravy, or red-eyed gravy, is made from ham drippings and coffee. It’s a Southern staple often served with biscuits.
In the United States, nachos typically consist of tortilla chips covered with a cheese sauce, ground beef, and a variety of toppings. While not authentic, they’re a popular snack at sports events and casual gatherings.
These gross American foods, whether loved or loathed, reflect the diversity and creativity of American culinary culture. They may be puzzling to outsiders, but they hold a special place in the hearts of many Americans. Whether you find these American foods appetizing or appalling, there’s no denying the unique character of these dishes.
