These iconic favorites might sound outrageous abroad, but here, they’re pure comfort food. Some of them look strange, others sound mismatched, but each has its own story and loyal following in the U.S.
1. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
The peanut butter and jelly sandwich is about as American as it gets, but to visitors, it can seem puzzling. Peanut butter’s thick, sticky texture paired with sweet, fruity jelly doesn’t sound like a natural match. Yet in the U.S., this combo is a childhood staple that shows up in school lunchboxes, picnics, and even late-night snacks for adults. The contrast is what makes it work, creamy or crunchy peanut butter balances perfectly with the sweet tang of grape or strawberry jelly, all tucked between slices of soft white bread. It’s quick, affordable, and endlessly nostalgic. Visitors may raise an eyebrow at first, but one bite often explains why Americans return to this pairing again and again.
2. Biscuits and Gravy
For many first-time visitors, biscuits and gravy can be one of the most confusing dishes on the table. To them, biscuits usually mean sweet, cookie-like treats, so seeing them covered in thick, white gravy looks like a mix-up. In the South, though, flaky, buttery biscuits are the heart of breakfast, and the gravy, rich with sausage, pepper, and milk, is comfort food at its finest. The dish goes back to early farm kitchens, where cooks turned simple pantry staples into hearty meals. Today, it’s still a favorite in diners and home kitchens, often eaten on lazy weekends or holidays. What looks strange to outsiders quickly proves to be savory, filling, and deeply satisfying.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
A dish that looks like dessert but shows up at dinner, this is one of America’s most surprising traditions. Sweet potato casserole, often topped with marshmallows, is a Thanksgiving classic that leaves visitors scratching their heads. Sweet potatoes are already naturally sugary, so why top them with candy-like fluff? The answer lies in a 20th-century marketing campaign that helped marshmallows find their way into holiday recipes. Over time, the dish became a beloved side that balances savory turkey and stuffing with a gooey, sweet bite. Once tasted, the mix of creamy sweet potatoes, warm spices, and caramelized marshmallows often wins over even the most skeptical guests.
4. Velveeta Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is known around the world, but America’s version often comes in a box, complete with Velveeta or powdered cheese sauce. Velveeta, in particular, surprises visitors because it doesn’t taste like traditional cheese and has a bright, almost neon look. But what it lacks in authenticity, it makes up for in texture. It melts smoothly, coating every piece of pasta in a creamy sauce that’s hard to resist. For many families, this dish is less about gourmet cooking and more about nostalgia. It’s quick, filling, and has shown up on dinner tables for generations, making it a comfort food that sticks around despite its unusual reputation abroad.
5. Ranch Dressing (on Everything)
Few foods are more puzzling to visitors than America’s love affair with ranch dressing. While other countries may see salad dressings as light accents, ranch is thick, creamy, and tangy, with herbs and garlic giving it a bold punch. But in the U.S., it’s not limited to salads. Ranch shows up on pizza, fries, chicken wings, and even as a dip for vegetables. It was invented in the 1950s and quickly became a household name, eventually becoming the best-selling dressing in the country. Visitors often think it sounds too heavy or overpowering, until they try it and realize just how versatile it really is.
6. Chicken and Waffles
At first glance, fried chicken and waffles look like they come from two completely different meals, one savory, one sweet. Visitors often wonder why anyone would put them on the same plate, let alone drizzle maple syrup over the whole thing. But in the U.S., especially in soul food and Southern cooking, chicken and waffles are a beloved dish that bridges breakfast and dinner. The crispy, salty chicken contrasts beautifully with the fluffy, slightly sweet waffle, and the syrup ties it all together in a way that surprises most first-timers. Many people trace its popularity to jazz clubs in Harlem in the 1930s, where musicians would eat the dish after late-night shows. Today, it’s a brunch favorite that proves sweet and savory really can live happily side by side.
7. Corn Dogs
Corn dogs are another fairground classic that often makes visitors pause. A hot dog skewered on a stick and coated in sweet cornmeal batter before being deep-fried might sound more like a carnival stunt than real food. But in the U.S., it’s a nostalgic favorite tied closely to state fairs, amusement parks, and summer festivals. Easy to eat on the go and perfect with mustard or ketchup, corn dogs are fun as much as they are filling. Their roots date back to the 1940s, when vendors began experimenting with cornmeal batter to give hot dogs a new twist. Today, they’re still a treat for kids and adults alike, proof that sometimes the simplest, silliest-sounding foods turn out to be the most enduring.
8. Sloppy Joes
The name alone is enough to confuse visitors, why would anyone want a “sloppy” sandwich? But Sloppy Joes are a quintessential American comfort food, especially for school lunches and weeknight dinners. The dish is simple: ground beef cooked in a sweet, tangy tomato-based sauce and served on a hamburger bun. It’s messy, yes, but that’s part of the charm. Cooks started making Sloppy Joes in the early 20th century as an easy, affordable way to stretch meat and feed families. Over time, it became a kitchen staple and even inspired canned versions for quick preparation. Visitors might be skeptical of its loose, sauce-heavy filling, but after a bite, they usually understand why this humble dish remains a favorite.
9. Green Bean Casserole
For those unfamiliar with American holiday traditions, green bean casserole can look and taste like a mystery. It’s made with canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and topped with crispy fried onions, a combination that might not sound like much. But in millions of homes, it’s a Thanksgiving side dish that simply has to be on the table. The recipe was first created in the 1950s by a Campbell’s test kitchen to promote their soups, and it quickly caught on because it was inexpensive, easy, and satisfying. The mix of creamy sauce, tender beans, and crunchy topping may seem odd to newcomers, but it’s a nostalgic reminder of family gatherings for many Americans. Once tried, it often becomes more understandable, if not instantly loved.
10. Cool Whip
Cool Whip is one of those foods that almost defies explanation to visitors. It’s not real whipped cream, it comes frozen, and it can sit unrefrigerated until opened, yet it’s a staple topping for pies, puddings, and holiday desserts. Introduced in the 1960s, Cool Whip gained popularity because it was convenient, inexpensive, and had a long shelf life, making it ideal for busy households. Its light, sweet, and airy texture makes it especially appealing on everything from pumpkin pie to fruit salads. While some visitors may be skeptical after reading the ingredient list, many admit it’s surprisingly tasty and fits perfectly into the American love of quick, crowd-pleasing desserts.
11. Loaded Fries
In many parts of the world, fries are treated simply, with salt, maybe a dash of vinegar, or a bit of ketchup. In America, though, fries are often turned into full meals by piling on cheese, bacon, jalapeños, sour cream, and sometimes even ranch dressing. Known as “loaded fries,” these are found everywhere from sports bars to casual restaurants, and they’re designed for sharing, or not. While visitors may see the mountain of toppings as excessive, the dish is a symbol of indulgence and fun dining. It’s messy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, making it a go-to comfort food when plain fries just won’t do.
12. Fried Bologna Sandwiches
Bologna itself can puzzle visitors, as it’s not as popular abroad as it is in the U.S. But frying it until the edges curl, then placing it on white bread with mustard or cheese, makes it even more curious. To many Americans, though, the fried bologna sandwich is a taste of childhood, especially in the Midwest and South. It’s inexpensive, easy to prepare, and has a smoky, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with simple condiments. While it may not look glamorous, it holds a strong nostalgic pull, proof that sometimes the most unpretentious foods are the ones people miss the most.
13. Spray Cheese
Cheese in a can is one of those inventions that leaves many visitors shaking their heads. Formally known as “Easy Cheese,” it’s a processed spread that comes out in a neat ribbon when sprayed onto crackers, celery, or even straight into the mouth. While it may seem like a novelty, it’s been on American grocery shelves since the 1960s and has its own loyal fan base. It’s convenient, playful, and associated with childhood snacks or road trips. For visitors, the idea of aerosol cheese may feel more like a joke than real food, but after trying it, many find it oddly addictive in its salty, creamy way.
14. Root Beer Floats
Root beer alone often throws visitors off, it has a flavor similar to wintergreen, which can taste medicinal if you didn’t grow up drinking it. Adding vanilla ice cream to make a root beer float only deepens the confusion. But once tried, this fizzy, creamy drink usually earns smiles. The sweetness of the ice cream softens root beer’s sharper notes, turning it into a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Root beer floats date back to the late 19th century and have been a summer tradition ever since, often enjoyed at soda fountains or family gatherings. For Americans, it’s pure nostalgia in a glass.
15. Apple Pie with Cheddar Cheese
The phrase “as American as apple pie” gets an unexpected twist in some regions, where sharp cheddar cheese is melted on top or served alongside the slice. To visitors, this combination sounds almost like a culinary prank. But in parts of New England and the Midwest, the pairing is a long-standing tradition. The cheese’s savory, salty bite balances the pie’s sweetness, creating a more complex flavor that surprises first-time tasters. While not everyone is convinced, those who try it often find the warm, melty cheese makes perfect sense against the cinnamon-spiced apples. It’s a reminder that even the most iconic American dessert has its quirky variations.
Visitors may approach these dishes with hesitation, but more often than not, a single bite turns confusion into delight. And that’s part of the charm: America’s food culture is as much about surprising combinations as it is about flavor.
This story 15 American Foods That Confuse Visitors, Until They Try Them was first published on Daily FETCH
