Medium-Well, Cheddar, Dijon, No Ketchup: 14 Foods Barack Obama Really Loves and How to Make Them

Barack Obama’s burger order barely changed for years: medium-well, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, Dijon mustard and no ketchup. It is one of a handful of foods the former president has openly said he loves, along with homemade chili, chips and salsa with a splash of hot sauce, and a slice of diner pie he once called simply “tasty pie.” His family has favorites too, from Malia’s French toast to Sasha’s cobbler. (One food Barack Obama skips: beets.) Every one of these Barack Obama favorite foods comes from published reports, and each one comes with an easy recipe so you can make it at home..

The Barack Obama Burger: Medium-Well, Cheddar, Dijon, No Ketchup

On his first flight as president-elect, Barack Obama’s cheeseburger came medium-well with cheddar, Dijon mustard, lettuce and tomato, according to Food Republic’s timeline of his burger outings. On a May 2009 lunch run in Arlington, Virginia, he asked for spicy or Dijon mustard and made it clear he did not want ketchup. It is a simple, grown up burger, and it costs a few dollars to make at home. Are you team ketchup or team mustard?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb ground chuck (80/20), salt and pepper, 4 slices sharp cheddar, 4 burger buns, 2 tablespoons butter, Dijon or spicy brown mustard, leaf lettuce, 1 large tomato sliced.

How to make it: 1. Divide the beef into 4 loose patties about 3/4 inch thick and press a small dent in the center of each. 2. Season both sides well with salt and pepper. 3. Cook in a hot skillet or grill 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-well (155F inside). 4. Add the cheddar in the last minute and cover to melt. 5. Butter and toast the buns. 6. Spread with Dijon, then add lettuce, tomato and the burger. No ketchup.

The Jalapeno Cheeseburger From a 2009 Burger Run

In May 2009, Barack Obama made a surprise lunch stop at a Washington, D.C. burger shop, picking up food for his staff and paying in cash, Food Republic reported. His own order was a cheeseburger with jalapenos, tomatoes and mustard, with fries on the side. If you like a little heat, this is the version to try. Would you add jalapenos to your burger?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb ground beef, salt and pepper, 4 slices cheddar or pepper jack, 4 buns, 2 fresh jalapenos sliced thin (or pickled jalapenos), 1 tomato sliced, yellow or spicy mustard, frozen or homemade fries.

How to make it: 1. Bake the fries according to the package or your favorite recipe. 2. Shape 4 patties and season well. 3. Cook in a hot skillet 4 to 5 minutes per side. 4. Melt the cheese on top in the last minute. 5. Toast the buns and spread with mustard. 6. Stack with tomato, jalapenos and the burger and serve with fries.

Cheddar Burger With Onions, Another of the Barack Obama Favorite Foods

In 2010, Barack Obama returned to the same Arlington burger spot with a visiting head of state. That day, Food Republic reported, he ordered a cheddar cheeseburger with sauteed onions and sweet pickles, and the two leaders shared an order of fries. Slow cooked onions make any burger feel special. Sweet pickles or dill pickles?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb ground beef, salt and pepper, 2 large onions thinly sliced, 2 tablespoons butter, 4 slices cheddar, 4 buns, sweet bread and butter pickles, mustard, 1 bag frozen fries for sharing.

How to make it: 1. Cook the onions in butter over medium low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring, until soft and golden. 2. Bake the fries. 3. Shape and season 4 patties. 4. Cook 4 to 5 minutes per side and melt the cheddar on top. 5. Toast the buns. 6. Top each burger with a pile of onions and sweet pickles and share the fries.

The Juicy Lucy From a Minneapolis Bar

In 2014, Barack Obama stopped at Matt’s Bar in Minneapolis, home of the Juicy Lucy, a burger with the cheese sealed inside the patty. He had it with fries and iced tea, according to Food Republic. It is one of the more fun Barack Obama favorite foods to make at home. The first bite releases a little river of molten cheese, so let it rest a minute. Have you ever burned your tongue on a Juicy Lucy?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb ground beef, salt and pepper, 4 slices American cheese, 4 buns, pickles and onions, fries and iced tea to serve.

How to make it: 1. Divide the beef into 8 thin patties. 2. Fold each cheese slice into a small square and set it on 4 patties. 3. Top with the other patties and pinch the edges to seal tightly. 4. Season and cook in a hot skillet 5 to 6 minutes per side. 5. Rest 2 minutes before biting in, the cheese is very hot. 6. Serve on buns with pickles, onions, fries and iced tea.

Homemade Chili, Top of the Barack Obama Favorite Foods List

When the Associated Press asked the 2008 candidates about food, Barack Obama named chili as his favorite food to cook. This is a classic, family friendly pot of beef and bean chili that tastes even better the next day. Set out cheese, sour cream and onions and let everyone top their own bowl. Beans in chili, yes or no?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey, 1 onion diced, 1 green bell pepper diced, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 cans (15 oz) kidney or pinto beans drained, 1 cup beef broth, salt, cheddar and sour cream to serve.

How to make it: 1. Brown the meat with onion and pepper in a large pot and drain. 2. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin and oregano and stir 1 minute. 3. Add the tomatoes, beans and broth. 4. Simmer uncovered 45 minutes, stirring now and then. 5. Season with salt to taste. 6. Serve with cheddar, sour cream and chopped onion.

Chips and Salsa, One of the Barack Obama Favorite Foods

The same 2008 AP profile said Barack Obama has a weakness for chips and salsa, and that he tends to put hot sauce on just about everything. This fresh salsa takes ten minutes and beats anything in a jar. Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce at the end if you like it the way he does. How hot do you like your salsa?

You will need: 4 ripe Roma tomatoes diced, 1/2 white onion finely diced, 1 jalapeno seeded and minced, 1/3 cup chopped cilantro, juice of 1 lime, 1/2 teaspoon salt, a few dashes hot sauce, tortilla chips.

How to make it: 1. Dice the tomatoes and let them drain in a strainer 5 minutes. 2. Mix tomatoes, onion, jalapeno and cilantro in a bowl. 3. Stir in lime juice and salt. 4. Add hot sauce to taste. 5. Rest 15 minutes so the flavors blend. 6. Serve with a big bowl of tortilla chips.

Gumbo With Hot Sauce, Inspired by a New Orleans Visit

The AP also reported that at Dooky Chase’s restaurant in New Orleans, chef Leah Chase served Barack Obama gumbo, and he poured hot sauce over it, saying, “I hope this isn’t insulting.” This chicken and sausage gumbo is a hearty home version of one of the Barack Obama favorite foods moments people still talk about. The dark roux takes patience, so put on some music and keep stirring. Would you add hot sauce to a famous chef’s gumbo?

You will need: 1/2 cup oil, 1/2 cup flour, 1 onion, 1 green bell pepper and 2 celery stalks diced, 3 garlic cloves, 1 lb smoked sausage sliced, 1 1/2 lb chicken thighs cubed, 6 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, 2 bay leaves, cooked rice, green onions, hot sauce.

How to make it: 1. Whisk oil and flour in a heavy pot over medium heat for 20 to 30 minutes until the roux is the color of chocolate. 2. Stir in onion, pepper, celery and garlic and cook 5 minutes. 3. Add the sausage and chicken. 4. Slowly stir in the broth, Cajun seasoning and bay leaves. 5. Simmer 1 hour, skimming fat. 6. Serve over rice with green onions and hot sauce.

Garlicky Roasted Broccoli, the Surprise Among Barack Obama Favorite Foods

Here is one that surprised a lot of people. In July 2013, at a White House event for kids who won a healthy recipe contest, a child asked Barack Obama his favorite food, and he answered: broccoli. The Christian Science Monitor covered the moment. Roasting turns broccoli crispy, nutty and sweet, which might win over your kids too. Do your kids eat broccoli?

You will need: 2 large heads broccoli cut into florets, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 garlic cloves sliced, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, pinch of red pepper flakes, 1/2 lemon, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F. 2. Toss the florets with olive oil, salt and pepper on a sheet pan. 3. Roast 15 minutes. 4. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, toss and roast 5 to 8 minutes more until the edges are browned. 5. Squeeze lemon over the top. 6. Sprinkle with parmesan and serve.

Diner Coconut Cream Pie, the “Tasty Pie” on the Barack Obama Favorite Foods List

On the campaign trail, Barack Obama ate a slice of coconut cream pie at an Ohio diner while talking with the owner about hard times, the AP reported, and he often repeated the line, “It was tasty pie.” This old fashioned diner pie has a creamy coconut custard and a tall layer of whipped cream. Coconut cream or chocolate cream?

You will need: 1 baked 9 inch pie crust, 2/3 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 1/2 cups whole milk, 4 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 1/4 cups sweetened shredded coconut, 1 1/2 cups heavy cream whipped with 2 tablespoons sugar, toasted coconut.

How to make it: 1. Whisk sugar, cornstarch and salt in a pot, then whisk in milk and egg yolks. 2. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thick and bubbling, about 8 minutes. 3. Off the heat stir in butter, vanilla and 1 cup coconut. 4. Pour into the crust, cover the surface with plastic and chill 4 hours. 5. Spread whipped cream on top. 6. Sprinkle with toasted coconut and slice.

Whatever Pie You Like: A Classic Apple Pie

White House pastry chef Bill Yosses was famous for his pies. In 2009, TODAY.com quoted Barack Obama saying of him: “Whatever pie you like, he will make it and it will be the best pie you have ever eaten.” We cannot promise the best pie ever, but a homemade apple pie with a flaky crust comes close. Which pie would you ask a White House chef to make?

You will need: 2 pie crusts (homemade or store bought), 6 to 7 apples peeled and sliced (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 egg beaten.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F. 2. Toss the apples with sugar, flour, spices and lemon juice. 3. Fit one crust into a 9 inch pie plate and fill with apples. 4. Dot with butter, top with the second crust, seal and cut vents. 5. Brush with egg and bake 15 minutes, then lower to 375F for 35 to 45 minutes until bubbling. 6. Cool at least 2 hours before slicing.

Malia’s French Toast

The AP reported that Malia Obama loved the French toast made by family friend Yvonne Davila. Her exact recipe was never published, so here is a classic, golden version that any family can make on a slow weekend morning. Thick bread and a short soak are the secret. It is a sweet reminder that Barack Obama favorite foods lists always include family dishes. Maple syrup or powdered sugar?

You will need: 6 thick slices brioche or Texas toast, 3 eggs, 3/4 cup milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of salt, butter for the pan, maple syrup and berries.

How to make it: 1. Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in a shallow dish. 2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter. 3. Dip each slice for about 10 seconds per side. 4. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden. 5. Keep warm in a low oven while you finish the rest. 6. Serve with maple syrup and berries.

Lemon Meringue Pie, a Malia Favorite

According to the same AP report, Malia also loved the lemon meringue pie made by Kaye Wilson, a close family friend the girls called Mama Kaye. A tart lemon filling under a cloud of toasted meringue is a true American classic. Spread the meringue all the way to the crust so it does not shrink. Lemon meringue or key lime?

You will need: 1 baked 9 inch pie crust, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 1/2 cups water, 4 egg yolks, 1/2 cup lemon juice, zest of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons butter. Meringue: 4 egg whites, 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar, 1/2 cup sugar.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Whisk sugar, cornstarch and water in a pot and cook until thick. 3. Temper the yolks with some hot mixture, return to the pot and cook 2 minutes. 4. Stir in lemon juice, zest and butter and pour into the crust. 5. Beat the whites and cream of tartar, adding sugar slowly, to stiff peaks, and spread over the hot filling to the edges. 6. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until golden and cool completely.

Sasha’s Cobbler

The AP reported that Sasha Obama enjoyed the cobbler made by Mama Kaye Wilson. The story did not say which fruit, so we went with summer peaches, which you can swap for frozen peaches or berries any time of year. Like many Barack Obama favorite foods, it is simple home cooking. A buttery batter bakes up around the fruit into a golden, cakey top. Peach cobbler or berry cobbler?

You will need: 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar (divided), 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 4 cups sliced peaches (fresh or frozen), 1 teaspoon cinnamon, vanilla ice cream.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F and melt the butter in a 9×13 dish in the oven. 2. Toss the peaches with 1/4 cup sugar and the cinnamon. 3. Whisk flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, milk and vanilla. 4. Pour the batter over the melted butter without stirring. 5. Spoon the peaches on top. 6. Bake 40 to 45 minutes until golden and serve warm with ice cream.

Fried Chicken and Mac and Cheese, the Sleepover Request

When Malia and Sasha stayed over at family friend Yvonne Davila’s house, the AP reported, they often asked for her fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. It is the kind of comfort dinner every kid remembers. For more family classics, see our comfort food casseroles that taste like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house. What was your favorite meal at a friend’s house growing up?

You will need: Chicken: 3 lb bone-in chicken pieces, 2 cups buttermilk, 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, oil for frying. Mac: 12 oz elbow macaroni, 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons flour, 2 1/2 cups milk, 3 cups shredded cheddar.

How to make it: 1. Soak the chicken in salted buttermilk at least 2 hours. 2. Mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper and dredge the chicken. 3. Fry in 350F oil 12 to 15 minutes, turning, until the inside reaches 165F. 4. Boil the macaroni and drain. 5. Melt butter, stir in flour, whisk in milk and simmer until thick, then stir in the cheese. 6. Toss with the macaroni and serve with the chicken. Sources and further reading: Associated Press via Cleveland 19 (Nov. 14, 2008), Food Republic, The Christian Science Monitor (July 10, 2013), TODAY.com (July 2, 2009).