The 17 best-loved American recipes (sweet and savory): the best of US cooking to make at home

Sunday 15 March 2026 10:00 - Daniele Mainieri
The 17 best-loved American recipes (sweet and savory): the best of US cooking to make at home

There has been a lot of talk about the United States in recent months, including current events, pop culture and trends that come straight from overseas. But there is one universal language that brings everyone together: food. American recipes, sweet and savory, have become stars in our kitchens as well, thanks to intense flavors, generous portions and irresistible contrasts.

From the iconic American burger to fluffy pancakes with maple syrup to the legendary New York cheesecake, U.S. cuisine is a mix of tradition, comfort food and pop culture. Here are 17 famous American recipes that are truly worth preparing at home.


1. New York cheesecake

New York cheesecake is the quintessential American dessert: creamy, firm and velvety, with a crunchy cookie base that creates an irresistible contrast. It is Manhattan's iconic dessert, perfect for those who love intense but balanced desserts. Each slice is an enveloping experience that combines simplicity and technique.

New york cheesecakeRecipe New york cheesecake

A true New York style cheesecake that you simply can't resist!

2. Brookies

Brookies combine brownies and cookies into one mouthwatering and surprising American dessert. A melting base and soft heart meet a crunchy cookie layer-the result is a scenic dessert that wins you over at the first bite. Perfect for those who can't choose between two US classics.

Perfect brownie and cookie cake for snack time!Recipe Perfect brownie and cookie cake for snack time!

Can't decide between brownies and cookies for dessert? Opt for homemade brookies! An easy recipe explained step by step, perfect for making with kids. Straight from the United States, you won't resist its blend of softness and crunch. Serve with a...

3. Cheeseburger

The American cheeseburger is much more than a sandwich: it is a symbol of US food culture. Juicy meat, stringy cheddar, and soft bread create the perfect balance between savory and creamy. Making it at home means rediscovering the true flavor of the original burger.

Cheeseburger, the famous burger everyone loves!Recipe Cheeseburger, the famous burger everyone loves!

What could be more iconic than the cheeseburger ? A fluffy bun, a well-seared ground steak, a slice of melting cheddar, a few slices of pickle and the essential ketchup-mustard combination ... Nothing complicated, just the right ingredients assembled...

4. Dark chocolate brownies

The American dark chocolate brownies is the ultimate comfort dessert: light crust on the outside and soft heart inside. Intense, enveloping and super easy to make, it is perfect for those who love chocolate as the absolute star.

Chocolate browniesRecipe Chocolate brownies

Who can resist a delicious chocolate brownies ? With its soft center, slightly crunchy exterior, and intense chocolate flavor, this dessert from the United States has won the hearts of all chocolate lovers . Easy to prepare, this recipe is ideal...

5. American pancakes

Original American pancakes are fluffy, golden and perfect for a USA-style breakfast. Topped with maple syrup or fresh fruit, they turn waking up into a special moment. A simple recipe that smells like New York brunch.

Pancakes - video recipe !Recipe Pancakes - video recipe !

Want a typical american breakfast ? Try out this recipe, perfect for fluffy and moist pancakes ! Add some chocolate chips or blueberries, and you'll get the fanciest breakfast !

6. Bagel with turkey, coleslaw and hard-boiled egg

The American bagel is a New York City icon: firm, slightly chewy bread, richly and creatively stuffed. This version with turkey, coleslaw and hard-boiled egg is perfect for a hearty, balanced lunch.

Turkey, coleslaw, and hard-boiled egg bagel sandwichRecipe Turkey, coleslaw, and hard-boiled egg bagel sandwich

No time to cook? Take 5 minutes to make this super easy, quick, and tasty sandwich. The best part? The soft texture of the bagel bread that we all love :-) Combine slices of turkey, some coleslaw, and crumbled hard-boiled egg in this recipe we share...

7. Caesar salad

Caesar salad is the most famous American salad in the world. It actually originated in Tijuana, Mexico, and later became wildly popular in the United States, and today it is an icon of star-studded cuisine. Crunchy, creamy and flavorful, it combines chicken, croutons and intense dressing for a fresh yet satisfying dish, ideal for those seeking lightness without sacrificing taste.

Unbeatable caesar saladRecipe Unbeatable caesar salad

Very well-known, you have certainly ordered a "Caesar salad" at a restaurant before ;-) Why not make it at home this time? Very easy to prepare, the secret of this salad topped with chicken strips lies mainly in its dressing! Simple and effective for...

8. Red Velvet cake

Red Velvet Cake is the ultimate scenic American cake. The deep red color and cheesy frosting create an instant wow effect, while the delicate flavor conquers with elegance.

Red velvet cakeRecipe Red velvet cake

Impress your guests at dessert time with this Red Velvet Cake! Straight from the United States, this extra indulgent cake consists of 3 layers of sponge separated by buttercream. Speaking of buttercream, you will also spread it all around the cake for...

9. Apple pie

The American apple pie is a symbol of tradition and family. Crumbly shell and cinnamon-spiced apple filling make this pie a timeless classic of U.S. cuisine.

Apple pie, the english-style apple tartRecipe Apple pie, the english-style apple tart

You have surely seen some delicious Apple pies in cartoons or movies! A beautiful pie filled with apples that become tender after baking. For extra indulgence, we serve our slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream :-) Don't...

10. Sloppy Joe

The Sloppy Joe is the American sandwich with a rich and flavorful filling of spiced ground beef. Soft, juicy and slightly "messy," it is pure comfort food.

Sloppy joes style burgerRecipe Sloppy joes style burger

This is an American recipe. A different kind of burger, without mayonnaise, lettuce, pickles, or cheese. But it doesn't need any of that; the flavorful filling pairs perfectly with the milk bun. Some may recognize it from the movie 'It Takes Two.'...

11. Pumpkin pie

The American pumpkin pie is the signature Thanksgiving dessert. Creamy, spicy and enveloping, it captivates with its warm, fall scent.

American pumpkin pie - video recipe !Recipe American pumpkin pie - video recipe !

For the holidays, what's best than this traditionnal american pie ? Have pumpkin as dessert, for sure you'll love it !

12. Chocolate chip muffins

American chocolate chip muffins are fluffy, simple and perfect for breakfast or snack. The contrast between soft dough and dark chocolate makes them irresistible.

The best chocolate muffins: huge and fluffyRecipe The best chocolate muffins: huge and fluffy

Chocolate muffins are true culinary works of art , capable of winning over palates of all ages. Small, moist and soft cakes , full of intense chocolate flavor , are the perfect choice for breakfast , a snack or even an irresistible dessert ....

13. Donuts

American donuts are colorful, frosted and iconic. Fluffy inside and decorated in a thousand ways, they are the pop symbol of U.S. baking.

American-style donutsRecipe American-style donuts

Who hasn't dreamed of a delicious donut like the ones seen in American movies and cartoons?! With a perfect colorful glaze for even more indulgence, try our recipe ;-)

14. Pulled pork

American pulled pork is pork cooked slowly to tenderness. Sliced and topped with barbecue sauce, it is perfect for rich, flavorful sandwiches.

American-style pulled porkRecipe American-style pulled pork

Craving an easy dish that guarantees sweet and savory flavors? Choose our American-style pulled pork! Flavored with brown sugar and barbecue sauce, this recipe is perfect for family meals. Traditionally called 'Pulled Pork', you won't need a knife...

15. Pecan pie

The American pecan pie is an intense, caramelized dessert made with pecans. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, it is one of the most popular pies in the United States.

Pecan pie - a delicious thanksgiving treatRecipe Pecan pie - a delicious thanksgiving treat

Enjoy this delicious pecan pie, a classic dessert for Thanksgiving in the United States. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the perfect treat!

16. Chicken nuggets

Chicken nuggets are one of the most replicated American dishes in the world. Crispy, golden and perfect for dipping in sauces, they win over young and old alike.

How to make homemade chicken nuggetsRecipe How to make homemade chicken nuggets

Craving chicken? Make it crispy by preparing homemade nuggets! This anti-waste recipe is perfect for using leftover Sunday chicken or any chicken fillets lying around in the fridge! Easy to make, all you need to do is blend your ingredients, dip them...

17. Cinnamon polls

Cinnamon rolls are fluffy cinnamon swirls beloved in the United States. Fragrant, sugary and perfect with a sweet glaze, they are ideal for slow, Sunday breakfasts or to accompany spiced tea.

Cinnamon rolls and its vanilla cream cheese frostingRecipe Cinnamon rolls and its vanilla cream cheese frosting

For a snack or breakfast , there's nothing like a delicious, soft brioche ♥ What we love about brioches is that they can be decorated in different ways: with spread , with sugar , with chocolate chips , in short, so many little pleasures as sweet...

A journey into American cuisine worth an encore

Sweet and savory American recipes are not just iconic dishes, but true taste experiences that combine tradition, pop culture, and pure comfort food. From juicy burgers to creamy cheesecake, via brownies, pulled pork, and cinnamon rolls, each preparation tells of a piece of U.S. cuisine capable of winning you over at the first bite.

Bringing them to the table means traveling without taking a plane, experiencing intense contrasts and rediscovering the pleasure of sharing generous and irresistible dishes. Now all you have to do is choose where to start: sweet or savory? Either way, an encore is practically assured.

Daniele MainieriDaniele Mainieri
Every day I immerse myself in the world of cooking, looking for new recipes and flavors to share: from grandma's dish to the latest food trends. I have been working in food communication for over 10 years!

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