Classic American double-crust apple pie with cinnamon
All-butter double-crust apple pie with tart Bramley-and-eating-apple filling, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a glossy egg-wash top. The Thanksgiving classic.
Slow-Cooked BBQ Pork Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone pork ribs slow-cooked then glazed with smoky barbecue sauce. Worth the 3-hour wait.
Buffalo Wings
Crispy chicken wings tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, served with blue cheese dip and celery sticks. Game day essential.
Classic Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce with crunchy homemade croutons, parmesan shavings and a creamy anchovy-rich Caesar dressing.
Classic Cheeseburger
Juicy beef burger with melted cheddar, crisp lettuce, tomato, pickles and burger sauce in a toasted brioche bun. The American fakeaway classic.
New York Cheesecake
Classic creamy New York-style baked vanilla cheesecake with a buttery biscuit base. Best made the day before you want to eat it.
Southern-style buttermilk fried chicken with crispy coating
Crispy buttermilk-brined fried chicken with a craggy seasoned crust, juicy centre, and a Southern-style finish. The KFC-at-home, done properly.
Classic American Hot Dog
Grilled beef frankfurter in a soft toasted bun with mustard, ketchup, diced onion and sauerkraut. Backyard BBQ and baseball stadium essential.
Stovetop mac and cheese with three-cheese sauce
Creamy stovetop mac and cheese with sharp cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan in a silky béchamel. The after-school comfort classic, no oven required.
Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
Tall, fluffy American-style pancakes with maple syrup, fresh berries and a knob of butter. Weekend breakfast done right.
Southern Fried Chicken
Crispy buttermilk-marinated fried chicken with a seasoned flour crust. Golden outside, juicy inside — proper KFC vibes.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about making American-style fakeaway at home.
What is American fakeaway food?
Burgers, BBQ ribs, fried chicken, mac and cheese, hot dogs, buffalo wings, meatloaf, apple pie, pancakes. The US diner canon, heavy on protein, simple seasoning, big portions.
How do you make a smash burger?
Use 80/20 ground beef (high fat is essential), form loose balls, smash flat onto a screaming-hot griddle or pan with a heavy spatula and leave them alone for 90 seconds. Season the top with salt and pepper. Flip, add cheese, stack on a toasted brioche bun.
How do you get crispy fried chicken like KFC?
Buttermilk brine for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight), seasoned flour with paprika, garlic powder and a pinch of cayenne, then fry at 165C for 12-14 minutes. Rest on a rack, not paper towels. Double-dredge (flour, buttermilk, flour again) for extra craggy crust.
What is the difference between a hot dog and a sausage?
A sausage is a generic ground-meat-in-casing product, many varieties worldwide. A hot dog is specifically a cured, smoked, finely-ground beef or pork sausage served in a sliced bun with condiments. It is an American institution.
Is American food healthier than fast food chains?
When cooked at home with quality ingredients, absolutely. A homemade burger with good beef, real cheese and a proper bun is miles better than a fast-food version. Portion control is the main lever.