The 21 most popular American foods

A survey by YouGov conducted at the end of 2023 revealed the most beloved quintessentially American dishes. According to the survey, a dish’s popularity is defined by the percentage of people who have a positive opinion of it. Can you guess!? Here we go!

A Po'boy sandwich is originally from Louisiana and traditionally consists of meat, which can be anything from beef or ham to fried seafood. The meat is served in New Orleans French bread. If you want your Po’ boy dressed, add shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced pickles, and some mayo.

Photo: Perlow / Wikimedia

Although they may be joked about, people really do love these messy sandwiches. What makes them special is the gooey mix of ground beef, onions, and tomato sauce (or ketchup or tomato soup) on top of a hamburger bun. There are several theories about its origin, but it may have come from Cuba and been imported by Ernest Hemingway!

Loved by 72% of Americans, these sandwiches are made from thinly sliced beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. You may begin to notice a trend... Americans like meat between two slices of bread or a bun!!

In North America, a pot pie is a flaky pie with meat in it. But by far the most popular type is chicken… with its savory and delicious mixture of veggies and chicken. They are loved by 74% of Americans and disliked by just 9% – not bad amongst a famously picky population...

Of course, no list of American’s favorite food would be complete without this staple. Whether around the fire or at a baseball game, having at least one hot dog per year is a must.

Sticky, sweet, and smoky, barbecue ribs are a testament to America's love for grilled meats. Different regions boast their own special recipes, from the dry rubs of Memphis to the tangy sauces of Kansas City. No matter how they're prepared, ribs are a finger-licking favorite.

A Sunday dinner favorite, roast beef is often cooked slowly to tender perfection. Served with gravy made from its own juices, it's a hearty meal that evokes feelings of home and comfort. Have leftovers? You know they’re going in a sandwich!

A classic lunchtime choice, the turkey sandwich is beloved for its simplicity and versatility. Whether piled high with lettuce, tomato, and mayo or enjoyed with cranberry sauce and stuffing, it's a tasty way to enjoy this lean protein. For Americans, it's even more popular than just straight-up dinner turkey.

These crispy, golden nuggets of grated potato are a side dish staple, especially among kids. Tater tots are often baked or fried and served with ketchup, making them a fun and casual snack or side. Even Tex-Mex restaurants put their own spin on them, seasoning them and calling them ‘Mexi-Fries.’

Perhaps the symbol of American cuisine, apple pie is celebrated for its sweet filling of cinnamon-spiced apples and flaky pastry crust. It's a traditional dessert that brings comfort and nostalgia to any meal. In the survey, 78% said they liked it… but a baffling 7% dislike it.

A bistro classic that has found a home in American cuisine, steak and fries (or steak frites) is a simple yet indulgent meal. The perfectly cooked steak paired with crispy fries satisfies the craving for a hearty, savory dish.

Photo: Denys Gromov / Pexels

Nothing says summer like fresh corn on the cob, grilled or boiled and slathered in butter. This sweet and juicy vegetable is a staple at barbecues and a beloved side dish across the country. It’s actually the only non-potato vegetable to make it on this list!

Yes, these two fried chickens are so beloved that they have two separate spots on the most popular list. The difference between fried chicken and Southern-style fried chicken mainly lies in the preparation, seasoning, and batter.

Another near-repeat. Americans slightly prefer their steak with a side of baked potato over french fries. A whopping 82% said they liked this combo versus 79% who liked the other. Indeed, it's a steakhouse classic with that fluffy baked potato with butter, sour cream and chives. Satisfying and luxurious.

The cheeseburger is an American icon, featuring a juicy beef patty topped with melty cheese and various toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles on a soft bun. It's a beloved staple at cookouts and diners alike. According to the survey, it's liked by 83% and disliked by 6%, leaving 9% somehow neutral. For men, it’s their number two most beloved dish!!

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, hash browns are a breakfast favorite. These shredded potato patties are often served alongside eggs and bacon for a filling start to the day. Kind of like tater tots, but yes, slightly better due to the shape and means of cooking.

The ultimate comfort food, this grilled cheese sandwich combines melted cheese between two slices of buttery, toasted bread. It's simple, delicious, and universally loved. In fact, the women surveyed considered this vegetarian option to be the number one best American dish.

Creamy and buttery, mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish that pairs well with everything from roast beef to fried chicken. They're a staple at holiday dinners and a favorite comfort food. It’s even a dance! And wow, it's disliked by only 3% of those surveyed.

Another potato dish to almost top the list! Thinly sliced potatoes fried to golden perfection... Despite being called 'French,' this is the most popular side dish in America. They're the perfect complement to burgers, sandwiches, and even by themselves as a snack. Remember when they were called Freedom Fries? A rose by any other name…

Photo: Polina Tankilevitch / Pexels

And here you have it - number one! The hamburger is a classic American dish, consisting of a ground beef patty served inside a bun. It's customizable with a variety of toppings and sauces, making it a versatile and widely loved meal, even more so than with the controversial cheese on top. As the most popular, it is liked by 85% of those surveyed and disliked by just 5%.

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