Think you know American food? Think again! While burgers and fries might be the first things that come to mind, the US has some seriously strange eats hiding in plain sight. From state fairs to local diners, Americans have whipped up some truly wild dishes over the years.
In this article, I will discuss 20 American foods that might make you do a double-take.
Deep-Fried Butter
Yes, you read that right – butter, battered and deep-fried. This state fair favorite is exactly what it sounds like. A stick of butter is frozen, coated in batter, and then fried until golden. When you bite into it, the melted butter oozes out. It’s a heart attack on a stick, but some folks can’t get enough of it.
Turducken
Imagine a chicken stuffed inside a duck, which is then stuffed inside a turkey. That’s a turducken. This mega-bird is popular during holidays, especially in the South. Each layer is usually separated by stuffing. It’s a meaty masterpiece that takes hours to prepare and even longer to eat.
Rocky Mountain Oysters
Don’t let the name fool you – these aren’t seafood. Rocky Mountain Oysters are actually bull testicles that have been peeled, coated in flour, and deep-fried. They’re popular in cattle-ranching areas of the West. Some say they taste like chicken, but it’s the idea that puts many people off.
Spam Musubi
This Hawaiian snack is a slice of grilled Spam (canned meat) on top of a block of rice, wrapped with nori seaweed. It’s like sushi, but with Spam instead of fish. While Spam might seem weird to some, it’s a beloved staple in Hawaii, brought over by American soldiers during World War II.
Kool-Aid Pickles
Also known as “Koolickles,” these are pickles soaked in Kool-Aid. They’re bright red (or whatever color Kool-Aid is used) and taste both sweet and sour. This odd treat is popular in the South, especially Mississippi. Kids love them for their wild color and sweet-tangy taste.
Peanut Butter and Pickle Sandwich
This unlikely combo is a longtime favorite for some Americans. It’s just what it sounds like – peanut butter and pickle slices between two pieces of bread. Fans say the creamy, salty peanut butter pairs perfectly with the tangy crunch of pickles. It’s an acquired taste, to say the least.
Cheez Whiz
This bright orange, spreadable “cheese” comes in a jar and is squirtable. It’s not really cheese, but a processed cheese product. Americans use it on sandwiches, as a dip, or famously on Philly cheesesteaks. To many non-Americans, the idea of cheese in a jar is pretty weird.
Twinkies
These golden snack cakes filled with cream have been around since 1930. What’s weird is their super-long shelf life – they’re famous for supposedly lasting forever (though that’s a myth). They’ve been deep-fried at state fairs and even used as a defense in a murder trial!
Ambrosia Salad
This “salad” isn’t what you might expect. It’s a mix of canned fruit, mini marshmallows, coconut, and whipped cream or mayo. It’s sweet, creamy, and a staple at many potlucks and holiday dinners. To outsiders, calling this sugary mix a “salad” might seem pretty strange.
Corn Dogs
A hot dog on a stick, dipped in cornmeal batter and deep-fried – that’s a corn dog. They’re a staple at fairs and carnivals. What’s weird is the combo of sweet cornbread with savory hot dog, plus the fact that it’s on a stick. But for many Americans, it’s the perfect portable snack.
Chicken and Waffles
This dish pairs crispy fried chicken with sweet waffles, often served with syrup. It’s a mix of breakfast and dinner foods that might seem odd at first. But the combo of sweet and savory has made it a soul food classic that’s now popular all over the country.
S’mores
This campfire treat is a sandwich of graham crackers, chocolate, and roasted marshmallows. The name comes from “some more” because they’re so tasty. What’s weird is how messy and difficult they can be to eat, with melty marshmallow and chocolate getting everywhere. But that’s part of the fun!
Jell-O Salad
Another “salad” that’s not really a salad. This is Jell-O with stuff suspended in it – could be fruit, veggies, or even meat and mayo! It was super popular in the 1950s and ’60s. While not as common now, you might still see it at potlucks or grandma’s house.
Chitterlings
Also known as “Chitlins,” these are pig intestines that are cleaned, boiled, and often fried. They’re a soul food staple with roots in slave cooking, where less desirable pig parts were given to slaves. The smell while cooking can be intense, and the idea doesn’t appeal to everyone.
Miracle Whip
This condiment looks like mayonnaise but has a sweeter, tangier taste. It was created during the Great Depression as a cheaper alternative to mayo. What’s weird is how divisive it is – people tend to either love it or hate it, with strong opinions on whether it should ever replace real mayo.
Pimento Cheese
Known as the “caviar of the South,” this is a spread made of cheese, mayo, and pimentos (a type of pepper). It’s often used in sandwiches or as a dip. The weird part is its bright orange color and how it’s used in everything from burgers to grits in the South.
Cheeseburger in a Can
Yes, it’s a real thing. It’s a fully cooked cheeseburger, bun and all, sealed in a can. You can heat it up in hot water and eat it anywhere. It was made for campers and hikers, but most people agree it doesn’t taste great. It’s more of a novelty item than a go-to meal.
Coke with Peanuts
In the South, some people like to pour salted peanuts directly into their bottle of Coca-Cola. These peanuts float at the top, and you drink the Coke and eat the peanuts at the same time. It’s an old tradition that some say started because workers needed a snack they could eat with one hand.
Pickled Pigs’ Feet
These are exactly what they sound like – pigs’ feet preserved in vinegar brine. They’re gelatinous and chewy, popular in the South and in some immigrant communities. To many, the idea of eating pigs’ feet at all is strange, let alone pickled ones.
Root Beer Float
This dessert drink is root beer poured over vanilla ice cream. As the ice cream melts, it creates a creamy, foamy treat. What’s weird about it is the combo of ice cream and soda, plus the fact that root beer itself (which tastes like sassafras) is an acquired taste for many non-Americans.
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