Our Presidents' Favorite Food

February 11, 2009
Beth Dreilling Hontzas
Celebrate President's Day by serving a few favorite dishes of some of the world's most powerful men.
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Barack Obama's Chili

Photo: Oxmoor House
Barack Obama's Chili Recipe
Early in his presidency, Barack Obama revealed that he loves to cook a humble pot of chili. If you'd like to share Obama's passion for a good, hearty chili, check out this speedy 5-ingredient beef version featuring ground round, corn, and black beans. Dinner on the table in under 30 minutes? Yes, you can!
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George W. Bush's Huevos Rancheros

Photo: William Meppem
George W. Bush's Huevos Rancheros Recipe
Barack Obama isn't the only president with a taste for spicy foods. According to White House Chef, George W. Bush favored a Sunday meal of huevos rancheros, a classic Tex-Mex dish. Considering this former governor's love of all things Texan, this isn't too surprising! Try your hand at this tasty egg recipe for a twist on traditional brunch fare.

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Bill Clinton's Burgers

Bill Clinton's Burgers Recipe
Bill Clinton's love of fast food, and his uncanny ability to get caught sampling them, have forever cemented rich foods with this former President's tastes. If only he'd known that restaurant-style favorites don't have to be big on fat and calories, he could've saved himself a few jogs down Pennsylvania Avenue. Check out the light versions of your favorite Asian, Italian, and Mexican favorites, or just grab a better-for-you burger.
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George H. W. Bush's Broccoli

Photo: J. Savage Gibson
George H. W. Bush's Broccoli Recipe
Some Presidents are known for loving food (think Washington and his cherry tree), and others are known for hating certain vegetables, like George H. W. Bush and his broccoli. At an outdoor news conference, he proclaimed that he did not like broccoli and, now that he was President, he wouldn't eat it. We guarantee that if he'd tried this top-rated recipe, which features a cheesy drizzle over steamed flowerets, he might just give broccoli a second chance.

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Ronald Reagan's Bread

Randy Mayor; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell
Ronald Reagan's Bread Recipe
While it's reported that the typical Reagan breakfast was low on fat and heavy on bran, the President knew when to splurge. On special occasions, The White House Family Cookbook showed that Monkey Bread was a favorite of the President's. Make a bar version of the popular cake to enjoy on the road or send as a gift to friends and family.

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Jimmy Carter's Grits

Becky Luigart-Stayner; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell
Jimmy Carter's Grits Recipe
Jimmy Carter's administration ushered Southern gentility into the White House in the form of a highly-contested breakfast dish. Whether a visitor hailed from south Alabama or the South of France, they were often treated to a heaping bowl of grits, baked with cheese, during trips to Carter's White House during the breakfast hour. Serve the morning favorite for dinner, topped with country ham and wild mushrooms.
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John F. Kennedy's Chowder

Randy Mayor; Jan Gautro
John F. Kennedy's Chowder Recipe
A man of wide culinary tastes, Kennedy gravitated to a specific, heart-warming dish for his preferred lunch. A bowl of New England-inspired clam chowder, often paired with corn muffins, served to satiate him at his midday meal. Try a quick-cooking version of his favorite meal for a filling lunch, and don't forget the muffins!

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Franklin D. Roosevelt's Dogs

Photo: Lisa Romerein; Styling: Valerie Aikman-Smith
Franklin D. Roosevelt's Dogs Recipe
It's documented that, as early as 1934, FDR served hot dogs to White House visitors, dignitaries, and even the King and Queen of England, on one special occasion in June of 1939. Bring FDR's craving down to size by serving Baby Ballpark Dogs for an appetizer at your next party. Made with mini cocktail franks and homemade rolls, these two-bite beauties are fun and delicious.

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Theodore Roosevelt's Oysters

Theodore Roosevelt's Oysters Recipe
According to the Theodore Roosevelt Association, the former President dined on a feast of Bluepoint Oysters, Green Turtle Soup, and more during his six course birthday dinner in 1900–And that's not counting the dessert and coffee courses. Fire up the broiler and make this top-rated seafood favorite.
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Ulysses S. Grant's Turkeys

Monica Buck
Ulysses S. Grant's Turkeys Recipe
When moving into the White House, Grant brought along a personal chef: the cook from his Army mess hall. Rumor has it that this chef specialized in simple meals, serving turkey for formal meals and bigger turkeys for even fancier state dinners. At MyRecipes, we're big fans of the bird, but suggest serving only the best. Check out our selection of 5-Star Turkeys, and get carving.

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Andrew Johnson's Popcorn

Beth Dreilling Hontzas
Andrew Johnson's Popcorn Recipe
This Tennessean enjoyed light-hearted entertaining in his Pennsylvania Avenue abode, often hosting popcorn parties for guests. Throw your own popcorn gathering and make it snazzy by topping the snack with edible gold dust, caramel, or even honey.
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