15 American Foods the Rest of the World Finds Completely Weird

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Some foods we grew up eating feel totally normal in the U.S., but when you travel, people can’t believe we actually eat them. From sweet-and-savory combos to cheesy casseroles, American dishes often raise eyebrows abroad. It’s fun to see what feels comforting here turn strange somewhere else, and it makes you wonder what foods from other countries would surprise us just as much.

Southern Tomato Pie: Savory Comfort

 

Ripe tomatoes baked in a flaky crust with cheese and herbs make this savory pie a Southern favorite. Outsiders often find the combination unusual but surprisingly comforting.
Get the Recipe: Southern Tomato Pie

7-Up Cake: A Fizzy Twist

Adding soda to cake batter might sound strange, but the fizz keeps this dessert light and moist. To many outside the U.S., it’s one of the quirkiest baking tricks.
Get the Recipe: 7-Up Cake

Southern Lobster Corn Fritters: Crispy Luxury

Golden corn fritters get a rich upgrade with lobster chunks. This dish blends fancy ingredients with down-home comfort, showcasing bold Southern flavors.
Get the Recipe: Southern Lobster Corn Fritters

Fried Apples: Sweet and Buttery

Apples cooked in butter, sugar, and cinnamon become a sweet side dish. Many outsiders find this Southern tradition unusual, yet it’s a cozy, comforting addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Apples

Creamy Cheesy Green Tomato Casserole: Comfort in a Dish

Unripe green tomatoes baked with cream, cheese, and crackers turn humble ingredients into a cozy casserole. It’s a comforting Southern dish that surprises many outsiders with its rich flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cheesy Green Tomato Casserole

Coca-Cola Cake With Marshmallows: Sweet and Fizzy

This chocolate cake surprises outsiders with cola in the batter and a topping of gooey marshmallows. It’s a playful Southern dessert that tastes richer than it seems.
Get the Recipe: Sweetly Southern Coca-Cola Cake With Marshmallows

Crispy Fried Pickles With Comeback Sauce Surprise

Pickles get battered, fried, and paired with creamy Comeback sauce for a crunchy, tangy snack. Many outside the U.S. find frying vegetables in this way very unusual but delicious.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Pickles With Comeback Sauce

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows: Unexpectedly Sweet

Mashed sweet potatoes topped with toasted marshmallows create a dessert-meets-side dish. Outsiders often find the mix of sweet and savory a surprising but comforting Southern twist.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Honey-Cumin Okra: Sweet Meets Earthy

Okra gets cooked with honey, cumin, and garlic for a sweet and earthy flavor. Even skeptics of okra often fall for this Southern version after one bite.
Get the Recipe: Hans Rueffert’s Honey-Cumin Okra

Water Pie: Simple Ingredients, Surprising Result

This Depression-era pie uses water, sugar, and butter to make a silky, custard-like filling. Outsiders are often amazed that such a simple recipe turns out so creamy and sweet.
Get the Recipe: Water Pie

Pizza Soup: All the Flavors in a Bowl

Cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce come together in a hot soup. To those unfamiliar with American cuisine, pizza soup seems odd, but it’s a Southern favorite that works.
Get the Recipe: Recipe For Pizza Soup

Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake: Cola Makes It Moist

A splash of cola in the chocolate batter makes this cake super moist and flavorful. Outsiders are often surprised that soda can create such a rich dessert.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake

Biscuits and Gravy: Breakfast Confusion

Fluffy biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy make a hearty breakfast. Outsiders often find this combination unusual but satisfying and full of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Southern Biscuits And Gravy

Johnny Marzetti: Pasta and Beef Casserole Oddity

This baked casserole mixes pasta, ground beef, and sauce for a comforting dish. Non-Americans are often puzzled, while Midwesterners see it as a homey classic.
Get the Recipe: Johnny Marzetti

Pickled Shrimp: Tangy Southern Seafood

Shrimp gets marinated in vinegar, onions, and spices for a tangy, refreshing treat. Many outside the U.S. find this Southern pickled seafood surprisingly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Shrimp