In the 1600s, early settlers of the U.S. left Britain in pursuit of religious freedom. By 1776, they had it — with a side of political liberation.
Today, however, it’s hard to argue whether England or America truly provides “a better life,” as both countries have their pros and cons.
We can guarantee, though, that the U.S.A. has the superior eats.
So, if the Fourth of July happened in 2024? It would be over Quaker Chewy Bars, not Quaker proselytes.
Here are seven foods America does better than the Brits.
Burgers
Is any food more quintessentially American than the cheeseburger? We don’t think so. Juicy, greasy and served with fries, no country makes the dish like the U.S.A.
In England, however, the burger is totally slandered.
For one, the term “burger” doesn’t even necessarily refer to a beef patty at all. To residents of the area, it simply means a sandwich between buns. For example, the Chick-fil-A chicken deluxe we all enjoy could be called a “burger.”
And, second: even if the Brits got their terminology right? Their beef “burgers” would still be topped with the wrong cheese, as the country tends towards cheddar — and everyone knows nothing melts like American.
Fried chicken
A beloved Southern delicacy, fried chicken is about as patriotic as a bald eagle. From Louisiana to California, buckets and tenders alike can be found on every block (or so it seems).
When eaten naked from the fryer, each piece is incredibly crispy. And, when dunked in sauce? They always stay as such.
In fact, our crunchy chicken is so good that, in Britain, some restaurants market theirs as “Deep South” or “American”-style in order to sell more of it.
Pancakes
American pancakes are fluffy, airy and golden — like a soft pillow of sugary love.
British pancakes are soggy, cold and floppy — like the Kmart version of a crêpe.
That shouldn’t come as a surprise, though, from a country whose idea of a “sweet” breakfast is Heinz baked beans, or dried apricot muesli.
Sandwiches
If you Google “American sandwiches,” you get the cheesesteak, Italian sub, Cuban, po’boy, french dip, grilled cheese, BLT, tuna melt, breakfast sandwich, lobster roll, clam roll, muffuletta, fluffernutter, Chicago beef, sloppy joe, New Jersey sloppy joe, pastrami on rye, patty melt, peanut butter and jelly, reuben, roast pork, Wawa hoagie and Uncrustable.
If you Google “British sandwiches,” you get pickle cheese, fish finger and “chip butty.”
Bacon
Crispy and fatty, American bacon has both incredible texture and irresistible taste.
In England, though, the “bacon” is more like a slice of pork loin or spiral ham than the best part of a cheat meal.
And, while it may be healthier than American bacon, the product still isn’t close to being categorized as a health food — so it might as well be delicious.
Barbecue
Barbecue didn’t originate in America, but it has deep significance in the country’s culture. Centuries ago, people used the simple, wood-fired method to cook their meats, and early politicians used to host barbecues to network with public voters.
Perhaps the most notable part of the cuisine’s history, though, is that it was considered “savage” by the Europeans.
By smoking ribs, legs and wings, therefore, American settlers were symbolically defying their English parents in a move towards independence.
And that’s likely why — to this day — we still barbecue on the Fourth of July.
Pizza
In America, we have Chicago-style, Detroit-style, New York-style, Milwaukee-style and New Haven-style.
And in England, they have Manchester-style, Newcastle-style and — just kidding.
They have corn pizza.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can’t find her in Jersey’s best restaurants, she’s probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: American foods we make way better than the British
