American and International Regional Cuisine

American Regional Foods

Regional Recipes and History

Rediscover the flavors and traditions of true American cuisine! Find all of your favorite American Regional Foods and celebrate of one of the world’s greatest cuisines – American.

It tells the story of what Americans eat and why.  Many people think that American food has become homogenized and nationalized, but the following articles, history, and recipes show that American regional cuisine is very much alive.  It has expanded to include new and exciting foods and dishes that we now call our own.

Most of us grow up taking local specialties for granted.  It is when we move away that we realize our beloved dish is missing and just how much we enjoyed it.  Even if we can find it in other others of the country, it never tastes quite as good as when we had it in our hometown.

The United States first developed as distinct regions isolated from one another, much like individual countries.  New immigrants tended to settle according to nationality, forming tight urban and rural communities with strong threads of languages and cuisines.  In each region, the people brought with them their customs and adapted them to indigenous food and ingredients.  Americans have taken Old World cuisines and combined them with regional ingredients and traditions to create foods uniquely American.  Local restaurants have kept most regional cuisine alive.  Throughout this country, local eateries revive and continue to redesign classic regional dishes.

It has been a challenge to search out the origins of the foods we eat and their culinary histories and traditions.  Together, the recipes and stories tell a wonderful tale. Let us also discover cooking trends and culinary fads and fashions of today.

These pages are a “work in progress,” and it will take me some time to completely finish the different regions.  If you have any regional foods that I have left out, please let me know.  I welcome your input, history, and family recipes.  Check out the following regions of the United States (just click on the below underlined regions).


Deep South

Alabama – Arkansas – Florida – Georgia – Mississippi


    Far West

    California – Hawaii – Nevada


      Great Lakes

      Illinois – Indiana – Michigan – Minnesota – Ohio – Wisconsin

      • Wine
        Find all of our most helpful wine tasting tips & tricks. Learn the basics of wine tasting and impress your friends with your technique and expertise.

      Mid-Atlantic

      Delaware – Maryland – New Jersey – New York – Pennsylvania – District of Columbia (Washington D.C.)


        Midwest/Plains

        Colorado – Iowa – Kansas – Missouri – Nebraska – North Dakota – Oklahoma – South Dakota

        • Mid-West Plains Beef Recipes
          Find all of our mid-west plains beef recipes. Try making one of these uniquely midwestern beef dishes and surprise your loved ones.

        New England

        Connecticut – Maine – Massachusetts – New Hampshire – Rhode Island – Vermont


          Pacific Northwest

          Alaska – Oregon – Washington – Idaho – Montana


            Southeast

            Kentucky – North Carolina – South Carolina – Tennessee – Virginia -West Virginia


              Southwest

              Arizona – New Mexico – Texas – Utah

              • Chili Recipes
                Check out all of our delicious chili recipes. Learn to make regional favorites and world renowned, famous chilis.
              • Enchilada Recipes
                Find all of our enchilada recipes. Discover how simple it is to make this classic southwestern dish.
              • Quesadillas
                Find all of our quesadillas. Learn how to make these twists on the classic southwestern dish like Prosciutto De Parma or Brie quesadillas.
              • Southwest Appetizers
                Find all of our southwest appetizer recipes. These easy-to-make recipes are perfect to serve as game day snacks.
              • Southwest Beef Recipes
                Find all of our southwest beef recipes. Learn how to make dishes like beef and bean burritos, Mexican beef soup, and everything in-between.
              • Southwest Beverages
                Check out our southwest beverages. Discover new recipes and try making one of these delicious cocktails.
              • Southwest Breads
                Check out all of our delicious southwest breads. Learn how to make tortillas, Indian fry bread, sopapillas, bunuelos and more.
              • Southwest Brunch and Breakfast
                Find all of our southwest brunch and breakfast recipes. Learn how to make southwest-style breakfast burritos and huevos rancheros.
              • Southwest Casseroles and Quiches
                Find all of our southwest casseroles and quiches. Try making one of these easy-to-make dishes for your family.
              • Southwest Chicken Recipes
                Find all of our delicious southwest chicken recipes. Serve your family the flavors of the southwest with one of these chicken dishes.
              • Southwest Cookies
              • Southwest Desserts
                Find all of our delicious southwest desserts. Discover new desserts and try making one of these tasty treats for your family.
              • Southwest Pork Recipes
                Find all of our delicious southwest pork recipes. Learn how to make dishes like pork tamales, carnitas, Yucatan pork tenderloin and more.
              • Southwest Rice Recipes
              • Southwest Salads
                Find all of our colorful southwest salads. Try making one of these delicious taco salads to serve with your southwestern-style meals.
              • Southwest Seafood & Fish Recipes
              • Southwest Soups and Stews
                Find all of our delicious southwest soups and stews recipes. Discover southwestern renditions of chicken soup, chowder, and beef stew.
              • Southwest Variety Meats
              • Southwest Vegetables
                Find all of our southwest vegetable recipes. Discover new ways to serve your vegetables and try making one of these dishes.
              • Tex Mex
                Find all of our delicious Tex Mex recipes. From chile eggs to our colorful king ranch chicken casserole, there is a recipe for any occasion.

              South Central

              Louisiana – Mississippi

              • Cajun/Creole
                Find all of our Cajun and Creole recipes. Discover the rich history of Cajun cuisine and try making one of these delicious dishes.

              International Regional Foods

              Since America is known as the great melting pot of immigrants coming from many countries, our palettes have become expansive through the years.  Therefore it also makes sense to share cuisines from around the world that Americans also enjoy eating.

              • African
                Find all of our African recipes. Learn how to make traditional dishes from all over Africa.
              • Argentinian Recipes
                Find all of our delicious Argentinian recipes. Learn about the rich history of Argentina while you prepare your favorite Argentinian dishes.
              • Asian-Inspired Recipes
                Find all of our delicious asian-inspired recipes. Learn how to make dishes like spring rolls and Spicy chicken.
              • Australian
                Check out our Australian Dishes Recipe Collection. Send your tastebuds to Australia when you make one of these Australian-inspired recipes.
              • Austrian
                Find all of our Austrian recipes. Discover the rich history of Austria and try making one of these desserts.
              • Brazilian Recipes
                Find all of our Brazilian recipes. Discover the tastes of Brazil and try making some of these tasty dishes.
              • British Recipes
                Find all of our British recipes. Discover classic English recipes and try making one of these delicious dishes.
              • Canada
                Check out all of our Canadian recipes. Learn how to make dishes like nanaimo bars to delicious pork pies.
              • Caribbean
                Find all of our Caribbean dishes. Learn how to make tropical grilled chicken dishes and Aruban cocktails.
              • Chinese Cuisine
                Find our Chinese cuisine recipes. Bring all of the flavors of Chinese cooking to your kitchen with this selection of Chinese dishes.
              • Cuban Recipes
                Find all of our Cuban recipes. Learn how to make refreshing Mojitos and delicious Chicken Havana and Mojo Pulled Pork.
              • Danish Recipes
                Find all of our delicious Danish recipes. Discover Danish cuisine and try making one of these dishes from Denmark.
              • Egyptian
                Find all of our Egyptian recipes. Discover the rich history of Egyptian cuisine and try some of these dishes.
              • French Recipes
                Check out our French recipes. From Creme Brulee to Monte Cristo and Mushroom Croustade to Coq au Vin, learn how to make delicious French cuisine.
              • German
                Find all of our delicious German recipes. Learn the rich history of Germany while you make one of these traditional German dishes and desserts.
              • Greek Recipes
                Find all of our delicious Greek recipes. Learn how to make everything from Kabobs and Gyros. Serve your loved ones a beautiful Mediterranean feast.
              • Hungary
                Find all of our Hungarian recipes. Learn the rich history of Hungary and make one of these dishes.
              • Indian Recipes
                Find all of our delicious Indian recipes. From grilled Tandoori chicken to chai tea, bring the flavors of India to your dinner table.
              • Irish
                Find all of our delicious Irish recipes. Discover the tastes of Ireland and try making some of these Irish soups, stews, breads, and beverages.
              • Israeli Recipes
                Find all of our delicious Israeli recipes. Learn how to make traditional couscous to serve with your next Israeli dinner.
              • Italian Recipes
                Find all of our delicious Italian Recipes. Find our favorite Italian foods and try making one of these hearty dishes for your loved ones.
              • Japanese Recipes
                Find all of our delicious Japanese recipes. Learn how to cook with sake and try your hand making these traditional Japanese foods.
              • Korean Cuisine
                Check out all of our delicious Korean Recipes. Learn how to make one of our incredible Korean inspired dishes.
              • Mexican
                Find all of our Mexican recipes. Learn how to make delicious dishes like Cilantro Lime Rice and Homemade Tamales.
              • Moroccan
                Find all of our Moroccan recipes. Learn how to make delicious dishes like Moroccan-style tuna or Lamb Burgers with Lemon Yogurt Sauce.
              • New Zealand
                Find all of our New Zealand-style recipes. Learn about kiwi cuisine and try making some of these delicious desserts.
              • Norwegian Recipes
                Find all of our delicious Norwegian recipes. Learn how to make these traditional Norwegian dishes that date back to the days of the Vikings.
              • Polish Recipes
                Find all of our Polish recipes. Discover authentic Polish cuisine and try making some of these dishes.
              • Portuguese Recipes
                Find all of our Portuguese recipes. Discover the rich history of Portugal and try making one of these dishes.
              • Puerto Rico
                Find all of our delicious Puerto Rican recipes. Discover new Puerto Rican dishes and try making one of these comfort foods for your family.
              • Russian
                Find all of our delicious Russian recipes. Learn the rich history of Russia while you prepare your favorite Russian dishes.
              • South America
                Find all of our South American recipes. Learn how to make all of your favorite South American dishes.
              • Spanish
                Find all of our Spanish recipes. Discover the rich history of Spain and try making one of these delicious Spanish dishes.
              • Swedish
                Find all of our Swedish recipes. Learn how to make everything from Swedish creme wafers to hasselback potatoes.
              • Swiss
                Check out our Swiss Recipe Collection. Learn the rich history of Swiss cuisine and make one of these delicious Swiss dishes.
              • Thai Food Recipes
                Find all of our delicious Thai food recipes. Learn about the rich history of Thailand while you prepare your favorite Thai dishes.