Presidential perfection.
Presidents Day may not be known as a “food” holiday per se, but Presidents Day is still reason to cook up something fun and tasty. From George Washington’s mother’s gingerbread to J.F.K’s favorite waffles, here are 11 patriotic Presidents Day recipes and foods worth celebrating, each one tested and trustworthy.
Presidents Day Recipes for Dessert
Red, white, and blueberry pound cake, anyone? These dessert recipes — some with historic and patriotic flair — will keep Presidents Day sweet, no matter what.
Mary Washington’s Gingerbread Cake
Our first president, George Washington, may not have had the best relationship with his mother, but the woman sure could bake a cake. Her moist, generously-spiced gingerbread takes the cake for all-time great winter desserts — with patriotic flavor to match.
Loaded Cowboy Blondies
Cowboy cookies became well known during the 2000 Bush-Gore election, when Laura Bush’s cowboy cookie recipe beat Tipper Gore’s gingersnaps. These buttery blondies are absolutely stuffed with all the goodness of the original cookie — think pecans, coconut flakes, chocolate chips — but taste fudgy (and frankly, better).
All-American Apple Pie With Butter Crust
Not only is it apple season, but this is also the perfect excuse to bake the most iconic American dessert out there.
Mixed Berry Pound Cake
A sweet, all-butter pound cake folded with tons of sweet, juicy raspberries and blueberries. This red, white, and blueberry pound cake looks and tastes spectacular.
Great Presidents Day Breakfasts
Make sure you get a good start to the day with these hearty, nourishing breakfasts. These Presidents Day recipes will keep you fueled up.
J.F.K’s Favorite Waffles
Everyone needs a good waffle recipe. So why not choose light, flavorful buttermilk waffles that just happened to be the favorite of an iconic American president? Here’s Jackie and John Kennedy’s recipe for waffles.
Sour Cream Coffee Crumb Cake
New Jersey crumb buns meet classic coffee cake in an all-American treat. Cake for breakfast is always a right decision on a celebration day, and this one pairs perfectly with your morning cup of joe.
Multigrain Porridge Oatmeal
This recipe takes creamy oatmeal to another level, with quinoa, millet, and lots of good, well-balanced toppings. Top with mixed fresh berries for a red, white, and blue theme.
Sweet Potato Morning Glory Muffins
Sweet potatoes are an indigenous American food, and Morning Glory muffins were first invented in California. This recipe combines both all-American aspects into one moist, flavorful muffin full of goodness like apple chunks, coconut, and nuts.
Presidents Day Recipes for Dinner
It’s comfort food time. These satisfying Presidents Day recipes and foods for dinner mostly cook themselves. That way, you can watch all the action instead of stirring pots and pans.
New England Fish Chowder
A creamy soup from America’s northeast. Authentic, flavorful, and loaded with thick chunks of fresh fish.
Grandmom-Style Eggplant Parmesan
Red tomato sauce and white, melty mozzarella cheese add patriotic colors. Eggplant parm is the ultimate vegetarian comfort food that takes old world to your world.
The Best, Juiciest Turkey Meatloaf
The one, the only. When I think of classic American suppers, I think meatloaf. This turkey version is moist and full of flavor.
Truly Great Vegetarian Chili
Make it in advance, top with heaps of cheese, sour cream, and scallions, and enjoy this heartiest of soups.
U.S. Senate Bean Soup
Both the current president and vice president are former senators. So cook up a pot of this three-ingredient ham and bean soup that’s been on the U.S. Senate cafeteria menu every day for decades.
What Presidents Day recipes and foods will you make this year? Here’s one recipe to get you started.
John F. Kennedy's Buttermilk Waffles
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 tablespoons sugar
- 2 eggs, separated
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon cake flour
- pinch salt
- 1 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon baking powder (or 4 teaspoons)
Instructions
- Preheat and grease a waffle iron according the directions.
- Cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg yolks and beat until combined.
- Alternately add the flour and buttermilk.
- In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites to stiff peaks. PRO TIP: For maximum stability and fluffiness, use room-temperature eggs and make sure there is not a trace of fat or egg yolk in the bowl.
- When ready to make the waffles, fold in the egg whites and baking powder. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
- Bake in the waffle iron and serve with warm maple syrup and melted butter.
Rachel says
Thanks for these great ideas.
P.J. says
I made the senate bean soup last month and it was so creamy and flavorful. Great recipe and thanks for sharing!