13 Foods Americans Put Ketchup On That Shock Tourists

Ketchup is one of America’s most iconic condiments, but many international visitors are baffled by how often it appears on plates. While burgers and fries are expected, Americans have a habit of adding ketchup to foods that surprise tourists. Whether for sweetness, tang, or sheer routine, the red squeeze bottle shows up in unexpected places. Here are 13 foods Americans regularly pair with ketchup that often leave outsiders raising their eyebrows.

1. Eggs

Scrambled, fried, or folded into omelets, eggs are one of the most common American breakfast foods. Many people drizzle ketchup over them for added flavor. The sweetness and tang of ketchup balance the richness of the yolks and add a familiar comfort food quality. Tourists often find it odd, since hot sauce, herbs, or cheese are the go-to additions in other countries. Yet in U.S. diners and homes, ketchup bottles are as common on breakfast tables as salt and pepper. For many Americans, ketchup on eggs is as much a morning ritual as coffee.

2. Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is already one of America’s most famous comfort foods, but plenty of people add ketchup for extra contrast. The sharp acidity cuts through the creamy sauce, while the sweetness blends with the cheese in a way that is oddly satisfying. For tourists, this pairing seems like overkill since mac and cheese already has plenty of flavor. Still, many Americans see ketchup as the perfect companion to make a rich dish taste brighter. It is not universal, but those who grew up with it say mac and cheese feels incomplete without ketchup.

3. Hot Dogs

Ketchup on hot dogs is one of the most debated food topics in America. In Chicago, purists insist that mustard, relish, and onions are the only acceptable toppings, and ketchup is considered an insult to tradition. Elsewhere, though, millions of people squeeze ketchup onto their hot dogs without hesitation. Tourists are often surprised that a simple condiment inspires such heated debate. At ballparks, cookouts, and backyard barbecues across the U.S., ketchup is still one of the most requested toppings. The divide proves just how personal food habits can be, even when it comes to something as casual as a hot dog.

4. Pizza

Pizza already comes topped with tomato sauce, so to many tourists, the idea of adding ketchup makes no sense. Yet in the U.S., dipping pizza into ketchup or drizzling it over slices is a surprisingly common habit. Fans say the ketchup’s sweetness balances out salty toppings like pepperoni or sausage and provides extra moisture for reheated slices. Critics, especially Italian visitors, see it as culinary heresy. Still, in college dorms, casual restaurants, and countless households, ketchup and pizza have become a familiar, if unconventional, duo that shows how Americans bend food rules to fit their tastes.

5. Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese sandwiches are often paired with tomato soup, but ketchup has become the faster substitute. Many Americans dip crispy, buttery sandwiches into ketchup for a sharp tang that balances the richness of melted cheese. It is especially popular among children, who see ketchup as a catch-all dip for nearly everything. Tourists sometimes question why anyone would add ketchup when the sandwich already has cheese and bread, but for many U.S. families, it is a quick, comforting tradition. The tangy dip has become so ingrained that some grilled cheese lovers never eat theirs without a side of ketchup.

6. Steak

One of the biggest shocks to tourists is watching someone pour ketchup on a steak. In many countries, especially those with strong steakhouse traditions, this is considered an insult to the chef. In the U.S., though, some diners prefer the sweet and tangy flavor of ketchup over steak sauce. At casual restaurants and home barbecues, bottles of ketchup are often on the table next to premium cuts of beef. While food critics cringe at the thought, ketchup lovers argue that taste comes first. For them, even the most carefully cooked steak is fair game for the red condiment.

7. Rice

In much of the world, rice is seasoned with spices, herbs, or sauces, but in the U.S., some people simply top it with ketchup. The tomato-based sauce adds flavor, color, and moisture to otherwise plain rice, making it a budget-friendly and quick meal. To tourists, it can seem like an odd or lazy shortcut. But many Americans, especially children, grow up with this combination as a simple comfort food. Leftover rice often ends up with a squeeze of ketchup when other ingredients are not on hand, creating a dish that is familiar in its simplicity.

8. Fried Chicken

Most tourists expect fried chicken to be eaten with gravy, honey, or hot sauce, but in the U.S., ketchup is just as common. The sweet and tangy flavor cuts through the salty, crispy coating, creating a balance that many Americans find irresistible. It is especially popular in school cafeterias and fast-food chains, where ketchup packets are always included. Tourists often wonder why anyone would skip more traditional sauces, but ketchup has become a default choice. For many Americans, fried chicken and ketchup go together as naturally as burgers and fries.

9. Meatloaf

Meatloaf is one of America’s most traditional comfort foods, and ketchup plays a starring role. Instead of serving it on the side, many recipes call for ketchup to be spread across the top before baking. The heat caramelizes the sauce into a sweet, tangy glaze that defines the dish. Tourists may find it strange that an entire meal is coated with ketchup, but for many families, the glaze is essential. Without it, meatloaf would feel incomplete. This tradition shows how ketchup in the U.S. is more than a condiment. It is an actual cooking ingredient.

10. Fish Sticks

Fish sticks are freezer staples in many American households, especially for children. While tartar sauce is the traditional companion, ketchup often takes its place on kids’ plates. The sweet flavor masks the stronger taste of fish, making the dish more appealing to picky eaters. Even as adults, many people keep the habit, dipping breaded fish into ketchup for nostalgic comfort. Tourists often raise eyebrows at the combination, but in U.S. school cafeterias and family kitchens, fish sticks and ketchup remain one of the most enduring food pairings.

11. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are usually topped with butter or gravy, but in some American homes, ketchup fills that role instead. The tangy tomato flavor blends with the creamy potatoes, creating a taste that is both unexpected and comforting to fans. Some people stir ketchup directly into the potatoes, while others drizzle it lightly on top. Tourists often find the sight unusual, but for many ketchup lovers, it is simply another way the condiment shows its versatility. It proves that in the U.S., ketchup is seen as an all-purpose flavor booster rather than just a burger topping.

12. Hash Browns

Crispy hash browns are one of the most common breakfast foods in American diners, and ketchup is their near-constant companion. The contrast between the crunchy potatoes and tangy sauce makes them especially popular. Some people even cover their entire plate with ketchup, while others dip lightly. Tourists may expect hash browns to be served with butter, sour cream, or nothing at all, but in the U.S., ketchup packets are almost always delivered alongside. The habit is so ingrained that hash browns without ketchup feel incomplete to many Americans.

13. Tacos

In authentic Mexican cuisine, salsa is the natural topping for tacos. Yet in the U.S., some people drizzle ketchup over hard-shell versions instead. Fans say the sweetness softens spicy fillings, while critics argue it dilutes the flavor. Tourists often cringe at the practice, but ketchup remains a common substitute when salsa is not available. It is not the traditional way to enjoy tacos, but it reflects how Americans adapt global foods to their own pantry staples. For ketchup devotees, no dish is completely off-limits, not even tacos.