American cuisine is a melting pot of global flavours and regional specialties, offering Americans a diverse and delicious array of dishes to enjoy on a daily basis. While some of these creations have gained widespread acclaim, some others remain more like hidden gems, hidden in the shadow of their more popular counterparts. So today, let's shine a light on everything. Here are 10 overrated American foods and 10 underrated ones that you definitely need to try.

1. Bacon

Bacon, a beloved staple in American cuisine, is pretty overrated for what it is. Though it's praised for its crispy texture and smoky flavour, many online have criticized that it's way too overused in dishes; its strong flavour completely overpowers more subtle ingredients. And as far as health concerns go, its high-fat content makes it a food you shouldn't be consuming on a regular basis.

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2. Mac n' Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a beloved American comfort food that's prized for its creamy, cheesy goodness. But despite its popularity, you may be surprised to hear many claim it's overrated; some argue it's too overhyped and expensive for what it is. Some even say they've had more bad mac n cheeses than good.

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3. Pizza

Pizza...overrated?! Whether you like it or not, pizza has been deemed as overrated by many Americans, even though it's one of America's favourite foods. Why? Given its high popularity and sheer number of pizza shops around the country, there's bound to be plenty of disappointment. Because of its popularity, many say that it just opens the door for "bad pizza" to be considered "acceptable".

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4. Lobster with Butter

Lobster served with melted butter is considered an expensive, luxurious dish in American cuisine. But although it's got a solid rep in fine dining establishments, its high price and the simplicity of its preparation have made many people say its overrated. When there are so many other delicious seafood options at an affordable price, why would you ever go for lobster?

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5. Hot Dogs

A classic American snack, you can find hot dogs almost anywhere - from sporting events to barbecues to school lunches. But despite their fame and recognition as a beloved American food, you can't deny that they're overrated for what they are. Critcized for being made with low-quality meat and having very little nutritional value, many people have also claimed the taste and texture are nothing to cheer about either.

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6. Philly Cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz

The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich coming from Philadelphia. But have you ever had the kind with Cheese Whiz poured all over it? Unfortunately, it's not good; many have said Cheese Whiz detracts from the quality of the sandwich, leaving consumers wishing there was actual cheese instead.

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7. Fried Chicken

If there's one dish that's beloved and widely consumed across all of the United States, it's got to be fried chicken. Known for its crispy coating and juicy meat, it's clear as to why it's so popular. However, many also say its an overrated American food because of how common it is, the number of low-quality fried chicken people have had, and the health concerns surrounding it.

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8. Sushi Rolls

American-style sushi rolls, often loaded with a variety of non-traditional ingredients, heavy sauces, and weird combinations, are a far cry from traditional Japanese sushi. These heavy creations often completely overshadow what's supposed to be the star of the dish: the fish. 

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9. Nachos

Nachos, a popular Tex-Mex dish consisting of tortilla chips covered in cheese and toppings, are pretty overrated all things considered. They're delicious and fun to share, but they're often criticized for their uneven distribution of toppings and expensive costs. You're better off making these at home than taking the gamble and ordering them in a restaurant.

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10. Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is a popular menu staple that is arguably the most overrated salad in America. Its frequent use of overly processed dressings and lack of nutritional variety just makes the dish feel uninspired. And for the price, you're really just paying for lettuce, croutons, maybe chicken if you're feeling fancy, and salad dressing. 

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1. Loco Moco

Originating from Hawaii, Loco Moco is a comforting dish that features white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy. A hearty and rich breakfast that'll help you start off any day in the right direction, this dish is a fusion of various culinary traditions, showcasing the diverse cultural influences in Hawaiian cuisine.

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2. Grits

When cooked just right, people absolutely love grits! A staple in Southern American cooking, grits are ground corn kernels boiled into a creamy porridge. Often served with butter, cheese, or shrimp, grits are an incredibly versatile dish that can be enjoyed during any meal. Don't sleep on them!

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3. Biscuits and Gravy

Another classic Southern breakfast dish, a delicious plate of biscuits and gravy is to die for. Soft, flaky biscuits smothered in a rich, creamy sausage gravy, what more could you want out of the perfect breakfast? It's a hearty dish that's a beloved comfort food across the US, but it's underrated and should be given more love and recognition!

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4. Blueberry Pancakes

Looks like we're giving breakfast items a lot of love today! Sometimes we forget about the classics and we need to appreciate them some more; enter: blueberry pancakes. An American breakfast favourite, blueberry pancakes are so fluffy and light, loaded with juicy and sweet blueberries just bursting with flavour. Often topped with maple syrup, this delightful meal is a great start to any day, representing America's love for simple, homemade dishes.

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5. Poke

Back to Hawaii we go! Poke, a native dish in Hawaii, has gained popularity all across the mainland. It's not hard to see why though! Consisting of diced raw fish such as tuna, all marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil, it pairs so perfectly with some steaming rice and various toppings. Skip the sushi next time and give this delicious food a try!

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6. Casseroles

Casseroles are a quintessential American comfort food, known for their convenience and versatility. Typically baked in one dish, these hearty meals often combine ingredients like meats, vegetables, cheeses, and starches, resulting in a warm, comforting dish. While they're eaten pretty frequently, sometimes we forget just how underrated they are. 

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7. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

American barbecue is a staple when it comes to food in this country, but sometimes the delicious ribs and brisket overshadow all the other dishes. Let's not forget about the super tasty BBQ pulled pork sandwich shall we? Who wouldn't love slow-cooked, tender pork shoulder, shredded and smothered in barbecue sauce? All bundled up in a convenient sandwich form too! 

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8. Chicken Fried Steak

Instead of fried chicken, chicken nuggets, or other forms of fried meat, let's put a spotlight on this Southern delicacy: chicken fried steak. Breaded and fried beef steak is served with a rich country gravy that perfectly complements the meat. If you haven't tried it, you really have to!

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9. Green Chile Stew

Green Chile Stew, a staple in New Mexican cuisine, is a hearty and flavorful dish that often remains under the radar. It typically features tender chunks of pork or beef, potatoes, and the star ingredient - roasted green chiles. This stew is a perfect blend of warmth and spice, showcasing the unique culinary traditions of the Southwest.

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10. Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnati Chili is a unique twist on traditional chili, often served over spaghetti or hot dogs. This dish, specific to the Cincinnati area, is known for its unusual blend of spices like cinnamon and chocolate, which give it a distinct flavor. Despite its rich taste and cultural significance, it remains underrated and less known outside the Midwest.

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