Ulysses S. Grant

As a war hero, Ulysses S. Grant cherished family meals, especially dinner, free from rules. He loved breakfast, favoring Spanish mackerel, steak, bacon, and fried apples. Yet, his top choice was lemon-flavored rice pudding.

Rutherford B. Hayes

Rutherford B. Hayes loved cornmeal pancakes, a White House favorite thanks to First Lady Lucy Hayes’s famous recipe. Corn’s popularity in presidential foods stems from its indigenous roots in the Americas, cherished for generations across North and South America.

James A. Garfield

Surprisingly, James A. Garfield, like William Henry Harrison, enjoyed squirrel stew. Despite his stomach troubles, Garfield cherished this dish along with his love for milk. Despite difficulties, he found joy in these simple pleasures.

Chester A. Arthur

Upon reaching the White House, Chester A. Arthur hired a French chef. His meals often mirrored his distinctive mutton chops: rare roast beef, seafood, macaroni pie, and turtle steak. The turtle hunting tradition in Cape Verde, where the dish originated, has thankfully been outlawed since then.

Grover Cleveland

Grover Cleveland didn’t fancy French cuisine like his counterparts. He preferred humble dishes like corned beef and pickled herring, even bringing his cook to the White House. Despite his simple tastes, he’s considered one of the unhealthiest U.S. presidents.

Benjamin Harrison

The Harrisons had a preference for simple dishes, such as corn with butter and salt. Additionally, they enjoyed corn soup, which was a family favorite. Notably, First Lady Caroline Harrison had a strong passion for fine cuisine and even created her own cookbook.