Discover Abraham Lincoln's 15 Favorite Foods

Abraham Lincoln is often remembered for his towering presence, eloquent speeches, and leadership during America’s most turbulent time. But have you ever wondered what Honest Abe enjoyed at the dinner table?

Turns out, Lincoln’s culinary preferences were simple, hearty, and rooted in his frontier upbringing. Unlike today’s presidents with access to global cuisines and private chefs, Lincoln liked what he knew: plain food, comfort fare, and just the occasional sweet indulgence.

Here are 15 of Abraham Lincoln’s favorite foods, along with stories and links so you can try them yourself!

1. Bacon 🥓

Yes, even back in the 1800s, bacon wasn’t just a trendy food in Lincoln’s day; it was a household staple, especially on the American frontier where salt-cured meats were essential for preservation. Abraham Lincoln’s preference for bacon reveals a lot about both his upbringing and his habits as president. According to his bodyguard, Col. William Crook, Lincoln genuinely enjoyed a simple breakfast, and bacon was often the centerpiece. Paired with eggs and sometimes bread or coffee, it was one of the few meals he reliably ate. In a life filled with political turmoil and war, the predictability of a hot breakfast was likely a small but steady comfort.

The bacon he ate wasn’t the mass-produced, thin-sliced kind we know today. It was thick-cut, often cured at home or by local butchers, and fried in cast iron—sometimes in its own grease. This kind of food was hearty and filling, perfect for someone who worked long days and often skipped lunch altogether.

For more insights into 19th-century presidential meals, the White House Historical Association and National Park Service’s Lincoln Home offer great resources.

2. Apples 🍎

Lincoln was known to be a grazer, often skipping full meals. But apples? He never turned them down. Mary Todd Lincoln made sure to always have a bowl of fresh apples nearby, and Abe would often snack on one between meetings. He preferred them raw and crisp—no fancy prep required.

3. Corn Cakes (or Hoecakes) 🌽

Lincoln once bragged he could “eat corn cakes as fast as two women can make them.” Hoecakes, a kind of frontier pancake made with cornmeal, were a staple from his Kentucky and Indiana days. They were often served with molasses (more on that later!).

4. Oysters 🦪

Surprisingly elegant for a man of simple tastes, oysters were a true indulgence for Abraham Lincoln—especially at public events. At his second inaugural ball in 1865, oysters appeared in multiple preparations: fried, stewed, and pickled. At the time, oysters were abundant along the East Coast and widely popular in Washington, D.C. They were not only a delicacy but also a symbol of refinement and celebration. Lincoln’s inclusion of oysters at such a prestigious event reflected his awareness of tradition and taste, even if he himself preferred humbler fare. You can read more about this at the White House Historical Association or learn about 19th-century oyster recipes at The American Table

5. Gingerbread Men 🍪

In one of the more touching stories from Lincoln’s early life, he recalled being given gingerbread men—a rare luxury in his modest household—and choosing to share them with other hungry boys. The memory stayed with him, symbolizing both kindness and scarcity. Later in life, ginger cookies remained a sentimental favorite. He would occasionally snack on them, not just for their taste, but for the nostalgic warmth they brought.

You can explore more of Lincoln’s food memories at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.

6. Chicken Fricassee 🍗

Now this was Lincoln’s idea of a real, home-cooked dinner. Unlike his usual preference for simple or even skipped meals, chicken fricassee stood out as a rare indulgence he genuinely enjoyed. This dish—made by simmering chicken in a rich, creamy gravy with aromatic spices like nutmeg and mace—was a specialty of Mary Todd Lincoln, who took pride in preparing it herself.

It was often served on special occasions, and its warmth and depth of flavor made it one of the few complex meals Lincoln embraced.

7. Mary Todd Lincoln’s Almond Cake 🍰

This cake was so good, Abraham Lincoln reportedly called it “the best cake I ever ate.” Known as Mary Todd Lincoln’s White Almond Cake, it was light, refined, and made from simple ingredients like finely ground almonds, egg whites, and sugar—distinctly elegant compared to Lincoln’s otherwise humble tastes. Mary had it made for special occasions, and it became one of his few true dessert favorites.

8. Apple Pie (with Rum Sauce) 🥧

Comfort food at its finest, apple pie held a special place in Abraham Lincoln’s heart—and on his table. At the Lincoln White House, it was a frequent dessert, typically served warm and occasionally topped with a rich rum sauce, giving it a uniquely 19th-century flair. This wasn’t just any pie; it was a nostalgic dish that reminded Lincoln of home and tradition, while still adding a bit of elegance for presidential guests.

9. Home-Baked Bread and Biscuits 🍞

Lincoln grew up on the rustic staples of frontier life—homemade breads like biscuits, soda bread, and cornbread—and he never outgrew the taste for them. Even as president, he preferred a slice of warm, freshly baked bread over fancier fare. Rich pastries or imported European loaves held little appeal for him; he valued the honest, simple flavors he’d known since childhood. His food choices often reflected his grounded nature and deep connection to his roots.

10. Venison 🦌

A true frontier boy, Lincoln spent much of his youth hunting and living off the land. Venison was a common part of his diet growing up, and even later in life, he held a special fondness for it. Whether grilled over an open flame or roasted slowly, venison steak was typically seasoned simply—just salt and pepper—to let the natural flavors shine. This straightforward preparation reflected both his practical sensibilities and his connection to the rugged frontier lifestyle.

11. Coffee ☕

It’s no secret Lincoln ran on coffee. He rarely lingered over meals but always had a cup in hand. Especially during the war years, it was often the only part of breakfast he wouldn’t skip.

12. Baked Beans 🫘

A humble but filling dish, Lincoln liked baked beans, often served with bread. He even reheated them for breakfast—a thrifty, practical habit learned in his youth.

13. Cabbage 🥬

While not flashy or fancy, cabbage was a humble staple in Abraham Lincoln’s diet—valued for its durability and versatility. Whether boiled as a simple side, baked into casseroles, or even fermented into sauerkraut, cabbage provided much-needed nutrition and flavor to the frontier table. Its ability to be stored for long periods made it perfect for Lincoln’s practical and straightforward eating habits. Plus, cabbage was inexpensive and easy to grow, making it a natural choice for a 19th-century household.

14. Cornbread

Cornbread is truly the quintessential frontier food, and it held a special place in Abraham Lincoln’s diet throughout his life. Made from simple ingredients—cornmeal, water, and sometimes buttermilk or eggs—cornbread was hearty, filling, and easy to prepare on the frontier. Lincoln often enjoyed it plain, but he also liked to crumble it into a bowl of cold milk for a quick snack or breakfast. Pairing it with sweet molasses added just the right touch of flavor and energy.

If you want to taste a bit of history, here’s a traditional 1800s cornbread recipe that you can try at home—simple, wholesome, and delicious, just like Honest Abe would have enjoyed.

15. Molasses & Hoecakes 🍯

Molasses was one of Lincoln’s go-to sweeteners. Whether poured over hoecakes or mixed into baked goods, it offered sweetness without extravagance. It’s still widely used in Southern cooking today.

📝 Final Thoughts

What’s truly striking about Abraham Lincoln’s diet is its beautiful simplicity. Unlike today’s presidents, who often enjoy menus featuring globally sourced, gourmet dishes crafted by top chefs, Lincoln stuck to what he knew best: the humble, hearty, and honest foods of his frontier upbringing. His meals reflected his personality practical, straightforward, and unpretentious.

Lincoln didn’t crave extravagance. Instead, he found comfort in foods like cornbread, bacon, and apples—meals that sustained him physically and connected him emotionally to his roots. This down-to-earth approach to eating reminds us that sometimes, the simplest things in life can be the most meaningful.

If you’re curious about other presidential food stories, the White House Historical Association offers a fascinating look at how America’s leaders have dined through the ages.

Discover Abraham Lincoln’s 15 Favorite Foods