The Most Bizarre Quintessential American Foods—According to the Rest of the World

Some of the foods we consider classics can leave the rest of the world totally confused—or even horrified. From oddly sweet combos to deep-fried creations no one asked for, these dishes have become part of the lineup of quintessential American foods. Love them or hate them, they definitely spark strong opinions. Let’s take a look at the ones that really make people abroad do a double take.

Ambrosia Fruit Salad

A glass bowl filled with creamy fruit salad, inspired by vintage recipes, is topped with a red maraschino cherry; the salad contains marshmallows, fruit pieces, and whipped cream. Silver spoons rest beside the bowl on a gray surface. — Ambrosia Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

A nostalgic Ambrosia salad with mandarin oranges, pineapple, marshmallows, and coconut, topped with creamy whipped cream and a touch of sour cream.
Get the Recipe: Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Pimento Cheese

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A simple 5 ingredient dip that’s versatile enough to eat by itself or use it to top your favorite bowl of chili. A Southern staple.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese

Tuna Casserole

This easy, nostalgic tuna noodle casserole recipe skips the canned soup and includes a crunchy potato chip topping for a dinner everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Casserole

Spoon Bread

This spoon bread recipe bakes up moist with a dense custardy texture creamy flavor, and the perfect golden, buttery color.
Get the Recipe: Spoon Bread

Chicken Fried Steak

Tender, juicy, and crispy chicken fried steak is served with creamy white gravy and all of your favorite sides.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak

Shrimp and Grits

This is a classic with andouille sausage and shrimp added to a wine and cream sauce served over cheesy grits.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

Sweet Potato Casserole

No mini marshmallows! Recreate the classic sweet potato casserole by adding a homemade marshmallow meringue topping.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots

A serving bowl of tater tots wrapped in bacon. — Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Crispy tater tots wrapped in bacon with a brown sugar glaze will be the hit of your next party or game day. So easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots

Biscuits and Gravy

Sausage gravy poured over biscuits in a black casserole dish. — Biscuits and Gravy. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Fresh biscuits get an upgrade when smothered with Old Fashioned Sausage Gravy. Breakfast sausage adds loads of flavor to this Southern staple.
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy

Meatloaf

This juicy Meatloaf is made with oatmeal for a heartier texture and flavor and paired with an elevated take on the classic ketchup glaze.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf

Sloppy Joe

Get the best and easiest homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe! Takes less than 20 minutes to cook, and is the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe

Collard Greens

A plate of cooked leafy greens, topped with seeds, nuts, and shredded coconut, served on a white hexagonal-patterned plate—an elegant option for your Thanksgiving dinner ideas. — Collard Greens. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Southern Keto Collard Greens Recipe has a hint of maple sweetness & a punch of vinegar sourness for delicious collards.
Get the Recipe: Collard Greens

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