He might've been busy as the President, but George Washington always found time for excellent meals with friends and family.
11 of George Washington’s Favorite Foods
Updated on Feb. 25, 2022
A revolution and a presidency couldn’t stop George Washington from feasting on everything from roast beef and fish to tarts and other desserts. The many visitors to Mount Vernon knew George and Martha would host a wonderful meal!
See what Martha Washington loved to eat, too.
1/11
2/11
Cherry Pie
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We all know the story about young George and the cherry tree. It turned out not to be a true tale, but the man did love cherries. He would never say no to a slice of pie, though some historians say that a walnut pie might be more accurate.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 561 calories, 26g fat (16g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 338mg sodium, 78g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
See how George Washington’s favorite foods compare to other U.S. presidents.
3/11
Nuts
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Our first president was quite a fan of nuts—hazelnuts, walnuts and hickory nuts were his preferred snacks. One wonders how he ate them with his faulty teeth, though.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 159 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 263mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
4/11
Corn Cakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Corn's always been the basis of my favorite recipes—in fact, these corn cakes were one of the first things I made for my husband.
For dinner, they're nice with fresh fruit salad and ham. They're also great with breakfast sausage and orange juice.
Tom works for the highway department on Mount Hood, and we live at its base. Our children are 19, 16 and 13.
5/11
Fish
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Washington was a big fan of fish and ate it nearly every day in a variety of preparations. Broiled was a favorite, and he even had it for breakfast from time to time.
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 168 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 365mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat.
6/11
English Trifle
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Loaded with cake cubes and fruit, an old English trifle is always welcome at a holiday dinner. The creamy, homemade custard is well worth the effort. —Nancy O'Connor, Glen Ridge, New Jersey
7/11
Lamb & Mutton
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Washington’s first state dinner was a simple affair, with leg of mutton as the main course. It was hosted at the President’s personal residence in New York, before the White House was built.
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounce cooked lamb: 357 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 40g protein.
8/11
Melon
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The Washingtons loved fresh fruit and always seemed to have melons on the menu. Did the President sprinkle his watermelon with salt? We’ll probably never know.
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 56 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
9/11
Custard Ice Cream
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This ice cream is technically a custard since it contains eggs. After lots of testing (and tasting), I've found that eggs are the key to making a smooth and creamy treat that rivals what you can get at a premium ice cream shop. -Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 310 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 188mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
10/11
Pickles
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
Pickled fruits and vegetables were a staple on the Washingtons’ table, and since melon was so rife, they undoubtedly had pickled watermelon rind often. Learn how to make pickles at home, too.
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 16 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
11/11
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mashed sweet potatoes were a typical side dish in the Washington household. I one can’t help but wonder if the President preferred his serving savory with butter and herbs—or sweet with syrup and cinnamon!
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 117 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
