Discover 38 Foods That Start With H

Want to try something new for dinner tonight? You can check out our list of foods that start with H for some inspiration. Try one of the many fruits, veggies, or cheeses in this group or even make an entirely new dish! You might also find one of your all-time favorites on our delicious list of foods that start with H.

Vegetables that Start with H

These delicious veggies all start with the letter H but hail from all over the world. Some are fantastic raw as a snack while others make great additions to side dishes or mains.

Hass avocado: This is technically a fruit but we’re including it in the vegetable section since it most often fills a savory role when it comes to cooking.

Haricot vert: This is a variety of green beans that is common in France, which is why it is known by its French name. They are longer and skinnier than other green bean varieties and can be extra tender.

Heart of palm: These tender vegetables are the actual hearts or centers of palm trees, such as coconut, acai palm, or palmettos. They are popular in stir-fries and Asian cuisine. Make sure to only buy from a reputable source, since nonsustainable harvesting practices can have devastating consequences for the palm tree population.

Horseradish: This spicy food is a root vegetable that is often added (in small quantities) to dishes to give them some extra kick. You can also find commercially prepared horseradish sauce.

Habanero peppers: Speaking of adding heat, these hot peppers can be diced or minced to add some spice to your dishes. They are considered “very hot” but are still mild enough to be used in a lot of cooking. Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling habaneros.

Heirloom veggies: This term can apply to any vegetable or fruit that is grown from an old cultivar or variety. For example, an heirloom tomato is grown from seeds that have been passed down for generations without changing.

Hubbard squash: This winter squash tastes like a hybrid of a sweet potato and a pumpkin.

Herbs and Sauces that Start with H

Add some flavor and zest to your cooking with one of these herbs or sauces. You may need to prepare them using a list of ingredients or buy one that is already made from the store.

Hops: The flower of the hop plant is used in fermentation and gives beer its distinct flavor.

Harissa: Another sauce, harissa is made from roasted hot peppers, spices, and herbs. It is popular with North African cuisine.

Herbes de Provence: This spice blend is perfect for French cooking, especially poultry

Hibiscus: This beautiful flower makes an excellent tea or garnish.

Hoisin: This sauce goes well with Asian cooking. It is made from peppers, sweet potatoes, soybeans, sugar, water, and a variety of spices.

Hollandaise: Made of egg yolk, butter, and lemon juice, hollandaise is a rich sauce that is a staple part of authentic eggs benedict.

Honey: We have bees to thank for this delicious ingredient that adds sweetness to dishes, sauces, or on its own.

Hot sauce: This term encompasses a variety of sauces and condiments, most with chili peppers as a base to add some spice to your dishes.

Hummus: Chickpeas are the base of traditional hummus, but you can add flavors and spices to make it your own.

Fruits that Start with H

Sweet and delicious, these fruits that start with H taste great on their own or as part of a dish. You can even use them on a food board or as a garnish in some cases.

Honeydew: The characteristic bright green flesh of this melon is popular in the summertime.

Hazelnut: These nuts are the fruit of the hazel tree. They are rich and pair well with chocolate and other sweet flavors.

Horned Melon: Take one look at the horned, orange exterior of this melon and you’ll understand how it got its name. The flesh is green and resembles jelly.

Honeycrisp Apples: This apple variety is sweet, like honey, and juicy. The outside is light reddish-orange with streaks of yellow.

Hemp Seeds: These are a fruit but often counted in the tree nut category when it comes to cooking. The fruit part is actually inside the hull.

Hall Crabapple: These small fruits from the crabapple tree are bitter when eaten raw but make great additions to jams and jellies.

Huckleberry: This berry looks like a larger version of a blueberry and tastes similar. It is also the name of a beloved character in Mark Twain’s novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Cheese that Starts with H

Who doesn’t love cheese? Try one of these tasty varieties.

Halloumi: Try this cheese grilled and you won’t want to have it any other way.

Havarti: This is a semi-soft cow’s milk cheese that is a popular addition to charcuterie boards because it pairs well with fruits and crackers.

Herve: This is a cow’s milk cheese with a washed rind. It has a strong flavor that gets spicier as it matures.

Meat and Fish that Starts with H

There are plenty of options that start with H when it comes to meat and fish.

Ham: This meat dish comes from pigs and is popular as a celebratory meal in Western cultures. Some religious traditions, however, prohibit pork.

Halibut: This firm fish is slightly sweet but still mild. It goes well with other flavors grilled, baked, or seared.

Herring: Another fish option, herring is particularly good pickled and is popular that way.

Haddock: A delicious white-flesh fish, haddock is good for frying in fish and chips.

Haggis: This is popular in Scotland where it originated and includes meat and other ingredients packed into the animal’s stomach for cooking.

Hot Dog: Hot dogs come in chicken, beef, or pork (or a combination) varieties. They are popular for grilling and casual eating.

Dishes that Start with H

These might take a bit of preparation but you’ll be sure to love one of these dishes. Whether you make it yourself or pick it up at a restaurant, we won’t blame you for giving one of these a try.

Hamburger: This staple in Western cuisine originated in Hamburg, Germany (according to some). It is one of the most readily available fast food dishes.

Hash Browns: Made from potatoes and fried, there are multiple versions of hash browns depending on where you are in the United States. Hash browns make a great breakfast or brunch dish.

Hard-Boiled Egg: Preparing this protein-rich snack is easy. All you have to do is boil water and the egg and voila!

Drinks that Start with H

Round out your meal with one of these beverages that starts with H.

Horchata: This creamy spiced rice drink has its origins in Mexico and Spain.

Herbal tea: Steep herbs in hot water to make this relaxing beverage.

Hot Chocolate: Melt chocolate with warm milk for a delicious treat.