20 U.S. Dishes That Non-Americans Just Can’t Handle

America is known for going big with food, but some dishes? They’re just too much for the rest of the world to handle.

From unbelievably sweet treats to mind-bogglingly large portions, these U.S. dishes are as fascinating as they are bewildering for non-Americans.

Join me in this culinary adventure where I explore why these beloved American classics might make outsiders do a double take.

1. Deep-Fried Butter

Deep-fried butter sounds like a joke, but it’s a real state fair favorite—rich, greasy, and a total overload of calories in one gooey bite. This culinary marvel involves taking a stick of butter, coating it in batter, and frying it to crispy perfection.

For many Europeans, who typically use butter sparingly, the idea of eating it deep-fried is unimaginable. The texture is a curious mix of crunchy and creamy, making it both fascinating and slightly off-putting.

2. Grits

A Southern staple, frits are made from ground corn boiled to a creamy consistency. Imagine a warm, hug-in-a-bowl that Southerners swear by, especially for breakfast. However, for many non-Americans, grits can be puzzling.

The blandness, unless jazzed up with butter, cheese, or shrimp, seems odd to those used to flavorful breakfasts. The texture, akin to porridge or polenta, can be an unexpected morning dish.

3. Rocky Mountain Oysters

Despite the name, Rocky Mountain oysters are not seafood but bull testicles, battered and fried. This Western delicacy is certainly not for the faint-hearted, and the mere thought can make stomachs turn.

Cultural shock hits hard here, as many outside the U.S. are unfamiliar with eating organ meats, especially those from a bull. The dish is chewy, rich, and heavily dependent on seasoning and dips.

4. Turducken

A turducken is a Thanksgiving masterpiece comprising a chicken stuffed into a duck, which is then stuffed into a turkey. It’s a triple-layered feast that baffles many due to its sheer complexity and size.

To non-Americans, this extravagance seems like overkill. The laborious preparation and rich flavors can be overwhelming, making it a rare novelty outside the U.S. It is a celebration of abundance and ingenuity, symbolizing generous hospitality.

5. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving classic that features a surprising twist—marshmallows! This dish combines mashed sweet potatoes with a topping of toasted marshmallows.

The sweetness overload can be shocking to those unaccustomed to mixing dessert-like ingredients with savory meals. Many Europeans, for example, find the sugary aspect jarring. Americans, on the other hand, adore its nostalgic value, evoking childhood memories and holiday warmth.

6. Frito Pie

Frito pie isn’t a pie in the traditional sense but a savory concoction of chili, cheese, and Fritos corn chips. It’s typically served in a bag of chips, making it a portable treat.

For many non-Americans, this dish defies culinary logic, blending snack foods into a meal. The processed, salty nature can be off-putting for those used to more natural ingredients.

7. Biscuits and Gravy

A hallmark of Southern comfort food, biscuits and gravy is comprising soft biscuits smothered in creamy, sausage-laden gravy. This dish is hearty, filling, and beloved in the southeastern U.S.

Outsiders often find the combination unusual, with the pale, thick gravy resembling a sauce more common in dinner dishes. The heavy nature can also be overwhelming. For Americans, particularly in the South, it’s a weekend breakfast staple.

8. Jell-O Salad

Jell-O salad, a retro favorite, is a jiggly concoction often made with fruit, marshmallows, and sometimes shredded carrots. It’s more of a dessert than a salad but often served as a side.

The texture and combination of sweet and savory ingredients can be a sensory overload for those not familiar with such dishes. To many Europeans, the idea of gelatin as a salad ingredient is bizarre. But in the US, they’re a quirky addition to potlucks and holiday dinners.

9. Meatloaf

A typical American dish, meatloaf is made with ground meat, bread crumbs, and spices and baked into a loaf shape. It’s a common weeknight dinner that’s hearty and comforting.

To non-Americans, meatloaf can seem ordinary and unexciting, reminiscent of school cafeteria fare. Its dense texture and simple presentation might not impress those used to more elaborate dishes.

10. Corn Dogs

Corn dogs are a beloved fairground staple—hot dogs on a stick, coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter and deep-fried until golden.

The concept of a hot dog wrapped in sweet, fluffy batter is unusual for those not used to such carnival fare. The combination of savory and sweet can be perplexing. But we Americans enjoy our corn dogs for their convenience and nostalgic value, reminiscent of childhood fun at fairs and amusement parks.

11. American Cheese

American cheese, with its iconic bright orange hue, is a processed cheese product often used in sandwiches and burgers. It melts perfectly but is far from natural cheese.

For Europeans, accustomed to artisanal cheeses, American cheese can seem artificial and overly processed. Its uniform texture and taste are a stark contrast to the rich flavors of traditional cheeses. In the U.S., it’s adored for its meltability and ease of use in comfort foods.

12. Clam Chowder

New England clam chowder is a creamy soup made with clams, potatoes, and onions, served piping hot. It’s a Northeast favorite, comforting during chilly weather.

To many non-Americans, the thick, milky base and the inclusion of seafood in a creamy soup can be off-putting. The texture is rich and hearty, overwhelming some palates. In the U.S., especially in the Northeast, it’s a staple of coastal cuisine, representing a cozy, maritime dining experience.

13. Chicken and Waffles

It is a distinctive combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, frequently dripping with syrup. This sweet and savory combo is a popular brunch choice.

To those unaccustomed to combining breakfast and dinner items, this dish can be bewildering. The blend of flavors, though beloved by many Americans, might seem contradictory to outsiders. This amazing sweet indulgence symbolizes the creativity of American brunch culture.

14. Sloppy Joes

These classic sandwiches, filled with a loose, seasoned ground beef mixture, served on a hamburger bun, are messy, saucy. They’re a hit in American home kitchens.

For many non-Americans, the loose, messy nature of Sloppy Joes can be unappealing. The dish’s simplicity and lack of refinement might seem unusual. But here, they’re a beloved classic of casual dining, often served at family gatherings and school lunches.

15. S’mores

S’mores are a quintessentially American treat, made by sandwiching roasted marshmallows and chocolate between graham crackers. They’re a must-have around campfires.

To those unfamiliar with campfire traditions, the idea of melting marshmallows and chocolate together might seem overly sweet. The sticky, gooey experience can be surprising.

16. Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict is a brunch favorite, featuring poached eggs and Canadian bacon on English muffins, topped with hollandaise sauce. It’s a luxurious, indulgent dish.

The runny eggs and buttery hollandaise sauce may be too much for someone who isn’t used to eating hearty breakfast dishes. The complexity might seem extravagant. In the U.S., eggs benedict is cherished for its elegance and richness, often ordered during leisurely weekend brunches.

17. Twinkies

The iconic American snack cakes, Twinkies, are golden sponge cakes with a creamy filling. They’re a staple in convenience stores and lunchboxes.

To those unfamiliar with such processed snacks, Twinkies can seem artificial and overly sweet. The long shelf life and bright yellow color are often points of curiosity. In America, Twinkies are beloved for their nostalgia and portability.

18. Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia salad is a sweet dish made from fruit, marshmallows, and whipped cream, often served at potlucks and holidays. It’s more dessert than salad.

For non-Americans, the combination of ingredients in a “salad” form can be odd. The sweetness and texture might seem more suited for dessert than a side dish.

19. Buffalo Wings

Spicy chicken wings, known as buffalo wings, are usually served with celery and blue cheese dressing. They’re a hit in sports bars across America.

The fiery heat and rich sauce can be intense for those not accustomed to spicy foods. The messiness might also be a surprise. In America, buffalo wings are a staple of casual dining and game day traditions. They embody the excitement of American sports culture.

20. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

The peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a childhood classic, featuring layers of peanut butter and fruity jelly between slices of bread.

For many non-Americans, this combination seems odd, mixing savory with sweet in a simple sandwich. The texture can also be surprising. Back home, it’s a nostalgic staple, representing childhood lunches and simplicity.