20 Iconic American Foods That Were Actually Invented in Other Countries
Ever bitten into a juicy hamburger or devoured a plate of crispy French fries, thinking, “Wow, this is as American as it gets”? Well… surprise! A lot of the foods we consider 100% American were actually invented somewhere else.
From Germany’s contribution to the fast-food world to China’s unexpected role in creating ketchup, these global influences shaped what we now call American cuisine. Let’s take a fun, eye-opening dive into the surprising origins of these classic dishes!
1. Apple Pie – England & the Netherlands
You’ve heard the phrase: “As American as apple pie.” But guess what? Apple pie was already a thing in 14th-century England and the Netherlands! Early American settlers brought the recipe along, and over time, it became the all-American dessert we know today.
2. Hot Dogs – Germany
Can you even picture a Fourth of July BBQ without hot dogs? Turns out, they originated from German sausages like the frankfurter (from Frankfurt) and wiener (from Vienna). German immigrants brought them over, and we put them in buns, added mustard, and made them our own!
3. French Fries – Belgium & France
Despite the name, French fries weren’t invented in France. The real MVPs? The Belgians, who were frying up thin potato slices as early as the 17th century. American soldiers stationed in French-speaking Belgium during WWI called them “French fries,” and the name stuck.
4. Hamburgers – Germany
That delicious beef patty inside a bun? Another German import! Hamburg steak was a popular dish in Hamburg, Germany, before it made its way to the U.S., where it evolved into the grilled burger we all know and love.
5. Ketchup – China
Ketchup screams America, but its origins? Not so much. The first versions of ketchup (called “ke-tsiap”) were actually fermented fish sauces from China, later adopted by Europeans. Eventually, Americans swapped out the fish for tomatoes, and Heinz took it to the next level.
6. Peanut Butter – The Aztecs & Incas
America may have popularized peanut butter, but Indigenous civilizations in South America were grinding peanuts into paste centuries before it became a pantry staple in the U.S.
7. Macaroni and Cheese – Italy
Mac & cheese feels like the ultimate American comfort food, but it’s straight out of Italy. Thomas Jefferson, a huge pasta fan, helped introduce it to America, and we took it from there!
8. Doughnuts – The Netherlands
Those delicious, deep-fried treats? Thank the Dutch, who brought “olykoeks” (oil cakes) to early America. Eventually, they evolved into the ring-shaped doughnuts we love today.
9. Ice Cream – China & Italy
Ice cream’s origins go back to ancient China, where emperors enjoyed frozen milk and rice desserts. The Italians later perfected it, and by the time it hit America, it became a beloved treat.
10. Fried Chicken – Scotland & West Africa
While Southern fried chicken is an American classic, its roots go back to Scottish immigrants (who deep-fried chicken in fat) and West African cooking traditions (which added bold seasonings).
11. Cheesecake – Ancient Greece
The original cheesecakes were made in ancient Greece, even served to Olympic athletes. Fast forward a few thousand years, and America gave the world the rich, creamy New York-style cheesecake.
12. – Mesopotamia
Pickles have been around for over 4,000 years, first made by the ancient Mesopotamians. Today, they’re an essential topping on American burgers and sandwiches.
13. Chili – Mexico
Think chili con carne is 100% American? Think again! Mexican cuisine had spiced meat stews long before Texas made chili a thing.
14. Bagels – Poland
Bagels were created in Jewish communities in Poland. Immigrants brought them to New York, and they became the breakfast staple we know today.
15. Fortune Cookies – Japan
Despite being associated with Chinese restaurants in America, fortune cookies were actually inspired by Japanese senbei crackers. Japanese immigrants popularized them in the U.S.
16. Meatloaf – Germany & Scandinavia
Meatloaf has European origins, with versions appearing in German and Scandinavian cuisine long before America made it a dinner-table favorite.
17. Tacos – Mexico
Tacos are 100% Mexican in origin, dating back to ancient civilizations. They only became a U.S. sensation after Mexican immigrants brought them north.
18. Pretzels – Germany
Soft and hard pretzels come from Germany, where monks were baking them as early as the 6th century. Today, they’re a favorite American snack (especially at baseball games!).
19.Coffee – Ethiopia
That morning cup of coffee? Its origins trace back to Ethiopia, where legend says a goat herder discovered coffee beans gave his goats extra energy.
20. Popcorn – The Americas (Native Americans)
Here’s one food that truly is from the Americas! Indigenous people in North and South America were popping corn long before Europeans arrived. It later became America’s go-to movie snack.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
America may not have invented these foods, but we sure made them famous! From turning German sausages into hot dogs to reinventing Italian pasta as mac & cheese, these dishes show how global influences shaped American cuisine.
