11 Traditional American Recipes

These dishes are as American as baseball and recipe #6.

Creamy potato salad with bacon on a tablecloth
Photo: Con Poulos

Celebrate our country's heritage with classic dishes that will take you right back to Mom's kitchen table.

01 of 11

Creamy Potato Salad With Bacon

Creamy Potato Salad With Bacon
Con Poulos

Crunchy bacon bits add a smoky twist to this herby and tangy down-home potato salad. You'll be asked to serve this tasty side again and again—we're big fans, too!

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02 of 11

Baked Beans

Pot of sweet and tangy baked beans against a picnic background
Greg DuPree

Pineapple perfectly balances the rich, salty goodness of bacon in this recipe for a beautiful riff on old-fashioned baked beans. The perfect side for all your barbecue needs.

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03 of 11

Corn Bread

Cornbread skillet with fresh butter
Greg DuPree

This classic American staple is easy to make from scratch, so forgo the boxed version you can find at your local grocery store. If you're feeling creative, it's a perfect base for folding in add-ins.

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04 of 11

Classic Deviled Eggs

Deviled Eggs
William Meppem

This easy appetizer is a favorite addition to any picnic or party. Bonus: They're perfect for making ahead of time or storing leftovers after all your guests have left.

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05 of 11

Easy Drop Biscuits

Easy Drop Biscuits
Jose Picao

Everyone loves a good biscuit, which means everyone also has a favorite biscuit recipe. These are our favorite, easy drop biscuits which are perfectly smooth and buttery, and make a no-fuss side dish. You'll be making these time and time again.

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06 of 11

Not-So-Sloppy Joes

Not-So-Sloppy Joes
Hector Sanchez

A mix of earthy spices and fresh vegetables make this kid-approved meal perfect for grown-ups, too. We also can't think of a tastier way to use leftovers or on-hand ingredients. No need to rifle through your pantry for a jar of store-bought sauce, we've got you covered with a from-scratch one!

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07 of 11

Bacon Cheeseburger

Bacon cheeseburger on a takeout plate and white background
Marcus Nilsson

Add your toppings of choice and serve with fries, chips, or salad to complete this quintessential summer meal: a simple, well-seasoned cheeseburger. Plus, we've included the secret to a juicy, flavor-packed patty.

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08 of 11

Lemonade Fried Chicken

Lemonade fried chicken on a blue checkered background
Heami Lee

Here, we harness the tangy-sweet goodness of lemon, sugar, and hot sauce to tenderize and season the chicken in a brine before frying. It might seem a little fussy, but the rewards are worth it.

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09 of 11

Apple Pie

Old-fashioned apple pie on a pink plate
RealSimple.com

Here, find the best apple recipe. For optimal gooey goodness, we suggest using Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, Jonagold, McIntosh, or Pink Lady apples. Happy baking!

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10 of 11

Peach Cobbler Trifle

Peach cobbler trifle displayed with yellow bowls and spoons against a peach-colored background
Greg DuPree

Enjoy this summertime favorite without heating up your kitchen. Use store-bought pound cake and homemade whipped cream, instead. If you're really pinched for time, opt for frozen whipped topping. It's a delicious win-win.

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11 of 11

Classic Chocolate-Chip Cookies

Classic Chocolate-Chip Cookies
Victor Schrager

Nuts are a flavorful (and healthy) addition to the traditional chocolate chip cookie. Don't forget to serve with your milk of choice! If you're feeling fancy, trying sandwiching a scoop of your favorite ice cream with two cookies. So tasty!

Get the recipe.

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