We all have that one special dish we’ve loved since we were young, right? Even though it might seem odd to someone from another region or culture (or our own culture, in my case!), it holds a special place in our hearts (or stomachs!).
Don’t judge me, but one of my favorite foods as a kid was a bologna sandwich dipped in yogurt. Trust me, I wouldn’t touch it now, but man, that cheap lunch meat on white bread really hit the spot back then.
It all comes down to what we’re used to. Familiarity plays a huge role in what we find “normal.” Just like we’re used to having cereal with milk, other cultures might have rice for breakfast.
Do you have a particular comfort food you remember from your childhood? A recent online thread has Americans sharing some of the weirdest food they grew up with, and these are the top contenders!
Meatloaf
It might not seem weird to you if you’re American, but people in other countries certainly think it’s a strange dish. A bread-shaped loaf of ground meat with ketchup on top? When you really think about it, it is a little bizarre. But it’s easy to whip up with whatever’s on hand and tastes pretty good, even though it often gets a bad rap in kids’ shows as the dreaded dish cooked by parents.
Depending on where you live, you can have totally different meatloaf experiences. Some might have Sunday dinners with grandma’s spaghetti and meatloaf (not meatballs!), while others enjoy a hearty slice smothered in gravy instead of the classic ketchup.
Tuna Casserole
Back in the ’50s, Americans fell head over heels for the convenience of packaged foods, including TV dinners and canned soups. They became the secret weapon in many casseroles, with tuna noodle casserole standing out as the decade’s ultimate comfort food. Many of us grew up with it!
But what about now? If you’ve ever been a broke college student, you know a lazy tuna casserole would’ve been cheap and filling. Once you have a little cash and learn to cook, though, it loses its charm. There are so many fresh, more delicious alternatives that are just as easy (if not easier!) to make.
Fluffernutter
I wonder if Europeans would raise an eyebrow at our peanut butter and marshmallow fluff sandwich on white bread that we call a fluffernutter. Agree or not, it’s one of the greatest things to come out of Massachusetts.
New England elementary school kids love to have fluffernutters in their lunchboxes—that creamy, sweet mix of peanut and marshmallow flavors. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it tastes ridiculously good as well. Try one with Nutella instead of marshmallow fluff, too!
Ants on a Log
Ants on a Log was one of my favorite after-school snacks and one of the few ways my mom could get me to eat a vegetable. It’s just celery sticks filled with peanut butter and topped with raisins. It’s the perfect combo of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and salty.
Sometimes, when I’m feeling nostalgic, I might whip up a plate for myself, and I’m transported to 1997. Honestly, it’s a pretty healthy snack!
Boiled Peanuts
If you’re from the South, you know boiled peanuts are as iconic as cotton and tobacco. They’re everywhere, and it’s super easy to toss some washed peanuts into a pot with salt and boil them. Take a drive, and you’ll probably spot an old man selling boiled peanuts and watermelons by the roadside.
It just feels wrong that the rest of the country hasn’t tried boiled peanuts. Are they really that weird?
Coleslaw
If you didn’t grow up with it, coleslaw may sound a bit odd if you think about it. I mean, who decided to chop up cabbage and toss it in vinegar and mayo? But somehow, it’s become a must-have at family gatherings, picnics, and potlucks, especially in the South.
Even as adults, we can’t resist coleslaw! It’s thirst-quenching and filling. No wonder restaurants think every hamburger or sandwich needs a side of coleslaw—it just complements everything so well!
Gefilte Fish
You either love gefilte fish, or you absolutely can’t stand it—there’s no in-between! It’s like the pescatarian’s version of meatloaf, made with ground fish, onions, starch, and eggs, brought over by Jewish immigrants to America.
Most often enjoyed during Shabbat meals, eating fish has been a tradition since ancient times. With Jewish communities, gefilte fish is more well-known in parts of the U.S. One thing’s for sure: you’ll never forget your first taste of gefilte fish, for better or worse!
Chipped Beef on Toast
If made right, chipped beef on toast is a comforting dish, especially for those whose parents or grandparents served in the military from WWI to Vietnam.
These days, you can find chipped beef at diners and restaurants all over the U.S. It’s simply a thinly sliced beef simmered in a creamy, savory gravy, all served over toast. The beef is usually canned or pre-cooked, making it a quick, cheap, and tasty meal.
Minnesota Sushi
Did you know that Los Angeles was the first city in the U.S. to fully welcome sushi? But here’s a rather odd Midwestern take: Minnesota sushi.
As Midwestern as it gets, Minnesota sushi consists of pickles slathered in cream cheese, wrapped in ham, and sliced into bite-sized pieces. Locals swear by using baby sweet or dill pickles in a salami roll. You’ll need to find the perfect balance of meat, cream cheese, and pickle. Get the ratio wrong, and it just won’t taste right!
SpaghettiOs
Whenever I think of this canned specialty, I hear the commercial jingle in my head– “Uh oh! SpaghettiOs!” Back in 1965, moms faced a spaghetti dilemma—messy kids! SpaghettiOs became the ultimate canned pasta solution. With their fun ring shapes and zesty tomato sauce, it’s no wonder millions of cans fly off the shelves each year.
Now that we’re adults, those little rings are still a lifesaver. When cooking feels like a chore, just pop open a can, dump it in a bowl, and set it in a microwave for a few minutes. Easy, delicious, and the perfect comfort food.
Source: Reddit
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