4 Must Try American Dishes

The United States is known for being a melting pot of culture, and food is far from exempt from culture. American cuisine is known for its utility and combination of a variety of different stock and flavor. Throughout the course of this brief article, you will learn about just a few dishes that are as American as apple pie – except for, you guessed it, apple pie.

Key Lime Pie

The Florida Keys is home to this dish. This tart pie is constructed largely from the tiny, delicious limes that grow in the state. Using a flaky crust as a base, the pie mix is constructed from sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and, of course, key lime juice. This combination does not need to be cooked, but merely let set for a few hours before pouring into and over the pie crust.

Cheeseburger

The cheeseburger is an all-time American classic. The dish usually consists of ground beef that is grilled to the chef – or your own – taste. This means that it can be thick or thin, be cooked with a variety of seasonings, or be grilled to your taste with a variety of different woods. Condiments are wholly at the diner's discretion, as well, but common ingredients include ketchup, mustard, mayo, onions (whether caramelized or raw), lettuce, and pickle. The one thing that unites the array of cheeseburger constructs is that the ground beef itself is topped with cheese – most commonly of the American or Swiss variety.

Tater Tots

Much like French fries, tater tots are often served as a side dish with a variety of American foods, most notably the cheeseburger. Tater tots are small, hashed brown tomatoes that take on a cylindrical appearance. They are often served salted and with a side of ketchup.

Reuben Sandwich

The Reuben is a Jewish-American delight. Mention a Reuben sandwich to any New Yorker, and their mouths are sure to salivate. You'll want to make sure to use a good kosher meat, like pastrami or corned beef for this monster of a sandwich. It will then sit between two sliced of toasted handsliced pumpernickel or rye bread. What truly makes a Reuben sandwich what it is, however, is the fact that sauerkraut will sit atop the meat. This sandwich is often served with a side of an entire thick and juicy dill pickle.

This brief guide should have given you some idea of some truly distinctive American culinary creations that you should try when you visit the best local restaurant in your area.