Ever wondered why some folks around the world think American breakfasts are, well, a bit out there? It’s not just the portion sizes; it’s what’s on the plate too. From sugary cereals and pastries to bacon and eggs piled high, American breakfasts are a league of their own. These 10 breakfast choices leave the rest of the world scratching their heads, wondering if we’re all just having dessert for breakfast.
Doughnuts
Doughnuts for breakfast? Yes, please! While most of the world reserves sweet, sugary treats for dessert, Americans boldly make them the star of the morning. From glazed to jelly-filled, these deep-fried delights are a quick, on-the-go breakfast that pairs perfectly with coffee, even if it’s more dessert than meal.
Biscuits and Gravy
Imagine starting your day with a plate of soft, flaky biscuits drenched in thick, creamy sausage gravy. To many outside the U.S., the idea of a savory, meaty sauce early in the morning is a bit out there. But in America, it’s a comforting staple that warms you up like a hug from the inside.
Chicken and Waffles
Here’s a combo that baffles many: a sweet, crispy waffle topped with fried chicken and, often, a generous drizzle of syrup. It’s the ultimate sweet and savory mashup that leaves non-Americans scratching their heads. How did breakfast end up so… dinner-like? Yet, it’s a beloved classic in many U.S. homes and brunch spots.
Sugary Cereals and Milk
Bowls filled to the brim with brightly colored, sugar-packed cereals floating in milk are a morning ritual in the U.S. While convenient, the rest of the world might wonder about the nutritional value of starting the day with what essentially could be candy in a bowl. Yet, for many Americans, it’s a nostalgic part of their morning routine.
French Toast
Soaking bread in eggs and milk, then frying it up and serving it with syrup or powdered sugar might not sound like breakfast material everywhere. But in the U.S., French toast is a sweet start to the day that combines the heartiness of bread with the indulgence of dessert, blurring the lines between meal times.
Pancakes
Thick, fluffy pancakes doused in syrup and sometimes butter are a weekend favorite across the U.S. While pancakes exist in many cultures, the American penchant for stacking them high and making them the main dish, often with sweet toppings, is something that intrigues and delights in equal measure.
Breakfast Burrito
Taking the concept of breakfast to new, portable heights, the breakfast burrito stuffs eggs, cheese, potatoes, and sometimes meat or beans into a flour tortilla. It’s hearty, it’s filling, and to many around the world, it’s essentially a whole meal wrapped up as a breakfast item, showcasing America’s love for big, bold flavors.
Leftovers from Dinner
What’s for breakfast? How about last night’s pizza, pasta, or stir-fry? While not unique to America, the concept of eating cold leftovers straight from the fridge is a testament to the country’s pragmatic approach to meals. Why waste good food or time when yesterday’s dinner can be today’s breakfast?
Muffins & Pastries
Eating muffins and pastries for breakfast strikes many around the world as odd. Essentially, these are desserts served at the start of the day, blending sweetness into a meal that’s traditionally savory or light elsewhere. It’s a curious mix of indulgence and convenience that highlights the American love for sweet starts.
Grits
A bowl of grits, a ground-corn porridge, might seem unassuming, but it’s a Southern U.S. breakfast staple that often leaves outsiders puzzled. Served sweet with sugar or savory with cheese and shrimp, grits are a versatile dish that embodies the comfort and simplicity of American breakfasts, even if its texture and taste are acquired.
10 Fast Food Fries Ranked From No, Thanks To Yes, Please!
Who’s got the best fries in the fast food game? It’s a hot topic that can spark endless debate. We took on the tasty task of ranking fries from popular fast food joints and ranked them in our humble opinion from worst to best. Grab your ketchup (or mayo, we don’t judge) and see where each chain stands in the ultimate fry showdown. Do you agree?
See Them Here: 10 Fast Food Fries Ranked From No, Thanks To Yes, Please!
The Best Fast Food Sides That Go Beyond Fries
Let’s face it, when we think fast food, it’s the burgers and fries that usually steal the show. But what about the unsung heroes of the menu, those side dishes that can turn a quick meal into something special? From the crispy, golden perfection of onion rings to the fluffy, buttery bliss of biscuits, there’s a whole world of flavor waiting to be explored. We’re diving into some of the most delicious and underrated fast food sides out there.
See Them Here: The Best Fast Food Sides That Go Beyond Fries
7 Reasons We Never Order Off The Kids Menu
Heading out to eat is always a highlight, but when it comes to the kids’ menu, we tend to look the other way. Sure, the crayons and quirky cups are a hit, but the menu itself? Not so much. It feels like a missed opportunity to dive into the real joys of dining out: sampling new dishes, enjoying a meal as a family, and yes, temporarily forgetting the chaos of mealtime at home. Instead of settling for the usual kid fare, we opt for sharing bits of our own meals with the kiddos, just like we do at home. Here’s why sticking to this approach makes every meal out a little more special.
See Them Here: 7 Reasons We Never Order Off The Kids Menu
Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
