It’s no secret that American-style food has taken the world by storm, with sliders, loaded fries and epic milkshakes becoming more popular than ever before.
We’ve pulled together a selection of our favourites that honour the indulgent, hearty and cheesy dishes that you expect to find at a trendy diner.
From our fried chicken, burgers and hot dogs, to our milkshakes and cherry pies, these dishes are the ultimate comfort food to accompany a few drinks with friends.
Have a flick through and see what catches your fancy. Now, let’s get cooking!
New York cheesecake
Our ultimate recipe, plus four flavour variations.
Deep-pan pepperoni pizza
Who knew you could make pizza in the slow-cooker? We did! Here’s our easier-than-ever spin using store-bought pizza dough and sauce.
Buffalo chicken wings
These make a great starter for any party.
Frickles with sriracha mayonnaise
Watch out! This is a seriously addictive snack.
Sloppy joes
Not just a fleecy jumper.
Deep-dish almond and apple pie
Everyone should be able to enjoy pie.
Southern fried chicken
Feeling peckish?
Key lime pie
Try this sweet, citrusy American favourite for a summer treat or to perk up dessert time all year round.
Chocolate cupcake thickshake
The delightful shake that combines two classic favourites.
Pulled pork sliders with apple slaw and chipotle mayo
Sweet slaw and smoky mayo give these burgers a gorgeous edge.
Spiced fish tacos with slaw and avocado cream
For a lighter taco, try fish!
Spiced beef nachos
A super-easy meal the family will love.
Fresh cherry pies with orange cream cheese pastry
These pretty little pies taste just as good as they look. Use fresh cherries when they are in season; otherwise thawed frozen cherries will do.
South Carolina pulled pork bun with mustard barbecue sauce
Tender, succulent pork is shredded and combined with a zingy mustard barbecue sauce to create these delicious South Carolina pulled pork buns. These are a crowd favourite that will please all age groups – great for weekend drinks with friends.
American-style spare ribs
To save on cleaning time, line the base of each dish with baking paper. Note
Juicy Lucy burger
Everyone loves a burger and with this version you’ll be fighting them off. They’re packed with flavour and they beat the local takeaway hands down.
Baked beans, pesto and smoked cheddar jaffle
Try these cheesy baked bean toasted sandwiches for a delicious, quick lunch or snack. If you don’t like smoked cheese, just use ordinary cheddar, or whichever hard cheese you prefer.
Blueberry pancakes with bacon
Spoil the family this weekend with these heavenly blueberry pancakes with bacon and maple syrup.
Open reuben sandwich
You could use turkey pastrami as an alternative and add 2 teaspoons of cranberry sauce to the coleslaw. If taking to work for lunch, package coleslaw in a separate container and assemble the sandwich just before eating. If you have one, use a mandoline to cut the vegetables into matchsticks, or you can coarsely grate them.
Cajun potato wedges
Cajun cooking is a meeting of French and Southern American cuisines. It is robust, country-style cooking that makes generous use of spices especially pepper and chilli.
American-style flapjacks with bacon and maple syrup
Treat the family this weekend with this decadent, classic breakfast dish.
Candied bacon with mac and pretzel crumb cheese
Place pretzels in a zip-lock plastic bag; crush roughly with a rolling pin. Combine pretzels with butter and cheeses in a medium bowl. You can make the candied bacon a day ahead; store, covered, in the refrigerator. Note
Loaded sweet potato fries
Sweet potato fries loaded with delicious pulled beef short ribs, candied jalapenos, chimichurri and mozzarella.
Corned beef and mustard jaffle
Cheesy corned beef sandwiches are a great way to use up leftovers.
Sticky pomegranate barbecued chicken wings
During the final 10 minutes of cooking, stir the barbecue sauce occasionally to ensure it doesn’t catch on the base of the pan. To make the chicken wings go further, cut each one in half through the joint into two pieces. Do ahead The barbecue sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead, refrigerate […]
Chilli dogs
Chipotle chillies in adobo sauce are sold in small cans from delicatessens and specialist food stores; they have a medium-hot smoky taste. Any leftover chillies will keep with their sauce in a small screw-top jar in the fridge for up to 3 months. Substitute with a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of chilli […]
Orange raspberry sherbet float
The sherbet is also delicious served on its own as a dessert. Do ahead: Make the sherbet up to 2 days ahead; cover and freeze until required. You will need to start this recipe the day before. Note