13 Favorite Foods That JFK Couldn’t Get Enough Of
John F. Kennedy’s approach to food revealed much about his character: grounded, refined, and steeped in New England tradition. While state dinners often featured French-inspired menus shaped by Jacqueline Kennedy’s influence, his personal favorites were simple, comforting, and nostalgic. From hearty chowders and seafood to light lunches and classic desserts, JFK’s meals blended elegance with familiarity. Each dish reflected a different side of him, whether the disciplined statesman or the family man enjoying quiet moments at home. These thirteen favorites capture the balance of charm, comfort, and culture that defined his life and legacy.
1. New England Clam Chowder
Kennedy’s love for New England clam chowder was no secret. This creamy soup, filled with clams, potatoes, onions, and cream, reminded him of his Massachusetts roots. He preferred it thick, rich, and served with oyster crackers. The dish appeared frequently on White House menus and aboard the presidential yacht. For Kennedy, clam chowder offered both comfort and connection to home. The familiar aroma of the sea, mixed with the warmth of cream and butter, made it the perfect reminder of his coastal upbringing.
2. Grilled Swordfish
Swordfish steaks were one of JFK’s favorite meals, reflecting his lifelong love of seafood. He enjoyed them simply grilled with lemon, butter, and herbs. The meaty texture and mild flavor reminded him of summers spent sailing off Cape Cod. White House chefs noted that he often requested seafood dishes for both formal dinners and private meals. The balance of lightness and flavor suited his health-conscious habits while still indulging his New England palate. Swordfish was not just food for him. It was a taste of home by the ocean.
3. Boston Baked Beans
This traditional New England staple ranked high on Kennedy’s list of comfort foods. Boston baked beans, cooked slowly with molasses, salt pork, and brown sugar, offered a sweet and smoky flavor that evoked his childhood. The dish was often accompanied by hot dogs or brown bread at family meals. Its rustic simplicity and deep aroma reminded him of the food culture he grew up with in Massachusetts. Even amid the glamour of the White House, Kennedy found satisfaction in this humble yet heartwarming classic.
4. Broiled Boneless Chicken
JFK favored light, wholesome meals, and broiled chicken fit perfectly into his daily routine. Prepared with lemon juice, herbs, and a small amount of butter, it was a dish that balanced flavor with simplicity. White House chefs often served it for lunch or dinner alongside vegetables or rice. Kennedy appreciated that it was filling but never heavy, keeping him energized through long hours. The dish reflected his disciplined eating habits and his preference for well-prepared, unpretentious food that emphasized freshness over complexity.
5. Corn Muffins with Jam
For breakfast, Kennedy often enjoyed warm corn muffins paired with butter and jam. The slightly sweet, crumbly muffins brought a touch of homestyle comfort to his mornings. Jacqueline Kennedy was known to request them frequently for the family table, filling the residence with the scent of fresh cornmeal. JFK liked them toasted with strawberry or raspberry jam. Though modest, this breakfast choice spoke to his appreciation for simple pleasures and his fond memories of family breakfasts away from the pressures of public life.
6. Scrambled Eggs and Bacon
Kennedy’s mornings frequently began with a classic American breakfast. He preferred scrambled eggs that were soft and creamy, paired with crisp bacon and toast. The meal provided quick nourishment before the busy days of meetings and travel. His staff recalled that he rarely deviated from this routine, valuing both the comfort and reliability of the dish. Accompanied by orange juice or coffee, it was hearty without being extravagant. This breakfast reflected his disciplined lifestyle while offering a moment of familiarity amid the demands of leadership.
7. Lobster Casserole
For more indulgent occasions, lobster casserole was a Kennedy family favorite. The dish featured chunks of lobster baked in a creamy sauce, often finished with breadcrumbs or a touch of sherry. It appeared frequently at formal dinners and family gatherings alike. The rich flavors blended elegance with the seafood heritage of New England. This dish symbolized Kennedy’s ability to enjoy the finer things in life without straying too far from his coastal roots. It was indulgent yet comforting, perfectly fitting for the nation’s most glamorous family.
8. Cold Cuts and Green Salads
Despite access to elaborate meals, Kennedy often chose something simple for lunch. Cold cuts paired with fresh green salads made for a light and balanced midday meal. He preferred lean meats such as roast beef or turkey, served with lettuce, tomato, and a light vinaigrette. This choice reflected his practical, health-conscious habits and his preference for straightforward meals that did not interrupt his workday. It also showed that even a president valued quick, nourishing food that provided focus without fuss.
9. French Pastries
Jacqueline Kennedy’s influence brought a wave of French culture to the White House, including delicate pastries that JFK came to enjoy. He favored éclairs, tarts, and croissants for breakfast or dessert. The refined flavors and artistry of French baking appealed to his growing appreciation for European cuisine. While he still enjoyed classic American sweets, he admired how these pastries added sophistication to state dinners and private meals. They reflected the international elegance of the Kennedy era, blending French refinement with American charm.
10. Ice Cream Sundaes
Kennedy had a well-known fondness for ice cream, and sundaes were his favorite indulgence. His preferred version included vanilla ice cream topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry. He often enjoyed them during family gatherings or while relaxing after a long day. This dessert reflected his playful side and his love of familiar, comforting flavors. Whether shared with guests or enjoyed privately, an ice cream sundae offered a moment of joy and lightness that perfectly complemented his busy, high-pressure lifestyle.
11. New England Fish Chowder
Distinct from clam chowder, fish chowder was another seafood dish Kennedy enjoyed regularly. Made with white fish, potatoes, onions, and milk, it offered a lighter yet equally satisfying flavor. The dish reflected his preference for traditional New England cooking that celebrated freshness and simplicity. Served with crusty bread, it was a frequent choice during cooler months. The gentle seasoning and creamy base made it a soothing, homestyle favorite that connected him to his coastal upbringing and the region he proudly represented.
12. Steak and Mashed Potatoes
When dining formally or hosting guests, Kennedy often chose steak with mashed potatoes. He liked his steak cooked medium and paired with vegetables or a light sauce. The dish’s balance of simplicity and sophistication made it ideal for both personal and diplomatic occasions. Mashed potatoes added a creamy, comforting element that completed the meal. It represented classic American dining at its finest, a perfect mix of hearty and refined. Even in moments of ceremony, Kennedy’s taste remained grounded in timeless favorites.
13. Chocolate Cake
A slice of chocolate cake was one of Kennedy’s favorite ways to end a meal. Moist, rich, and covered with thick frosting, it was a dessert that blended comfort with celebration. It often appeared at family birthdays and White House dinners alike. The indulgent sweetness appealed to his love of simple pleasures. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or coffee, chocolate cake symbolized the warmth and togetherness he valued most. It was a fitting finale for a man who appreciated both elegance and heart.
