Classic summer dishes might make you think of backyard barbecues and state fairs, but not all of them got their start in the U.S. Some of our favorite warm-weather staples actually have roots in other parts of the world. From sweet treats to grilled favorites, these dishes traveled far before landing on American picnic tables. Let’s take a look at the global origins hiding behind some of our most beloved summer bites.
Hot Dogs
These spiral-cut hot dogs cook evenly and hold onto toppings for extra flavor and crunch. Although they’re a backyard favorite, hot dogs actually originated in Germany, making them a surprising entry on our list of global summer foods.
Get the Recipe: Spiral-Grilled Hot Dogs With a Twist
Mac and Cheese
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This ultra-creamy mac and cheese is slow-cooked to perfection and ideal for summer potlucks. While widely loved in the U.S., this dish has roots in Italy, making it a fun bit of food history trivia.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Apple Pie
This pie features sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery, golden crumb. Though apple pie is beloved in the U.S., it originally hails from England and the Netherlands.
Get the Recipe: Old-World Apple Crumb Pie
Coleslaw
This vibrant slaw adds crunch and color to any summer plate with its tangy, refreshing bite. Cabbage-based salads like this are popular in German and Eastern European cuisines, not American origin.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Red Cabbage Slaw
Sandwiches
These cucumber sandwiches are cool, crisp, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Inspired by English tea-time fare, they’re a delicious example of global summer foods.
Get the Recipe: Kentucky Cucumber Sandwiches, Elevated
Pasta Salad
Loaded with cured meats, cheese, and olives, this antipasto salad is bold, savory, and satisfying. It’s rooted in traditional Italian appetizers, making it a perfect globally inspired dish.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Antipasto Salad
Ice Cream
This creamy peach ice cream bursts with fresh, ripe flavor that’s ideal for cooling off in summer. While the fruit is Southern, the concept of frozen desserts comes from ancient China and Persia.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Peach Ice Cream
Burgers
These juicy burgers are topped with grilled pineapple rings for a sweet tropical twist. Pineapple is native to South America, adding a not-so-American flair to this summer classic.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Savory Pineapple Burgers
Potato Salad
Blended with ranch dressing and herbs, this potato salad is a hearty addition to any picnic table. Potatoes themselves have origins in South America, which may surprise fans of this dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ranch Potato Salad
Grilled Corn
Char-grilled and smoky, this corn retains its natural sweetness when cooked in the husk. Corn has been cultivated for centuries in Central America, showcasing its global roots.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn in the Husk
Baby Back Ribs
These tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs are packed with flavor thanks to a rich dry rub and slow cooking. Though synonymous with American BBQ, ribs appear in cuisines across the world from Asia to South America.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Baby Back Ribs
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