15 Forgotten Family Recipes from the ’80s
This listicle features 15 family recipes from the 1980s that were once loved and are worth bringing back.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
These recipes were once staples in many households during the 1980s. They were easy to make, full of flavor, and often showed up at family dinners and potlucks. Some of them may seem outdated now, but they still bring back warm memories. This list brings those forgotten dishes back to light.
1. Green Jell‑O Salad
https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/obf_images/8b/9f/360f6600157333d27b52c73ab80a.jpg on Wikimedia Commons
This wobbly dessert was a fixture at family gatherings, thanks to its bright color and fun texture. Made with canned fruit, whipped topping, and mini marshmallows, it was equal parts sweet and quirky. It added a playful touch to the table and was always a hit with kids.
2. Tuna Noodle Casserole
B.D.’s world on Wikimedia Commons
Creamy, hearty, and budget-friendly, this dish mixed canned tuna with egg noodles, peas, and a can of mushroom soup. A crispy topping of breadcrumbs or potato chips gave it that extra crunch. It was the ultimate solution for busy weeknights and always satisfied hungry families.
3. Hamburger Helper Casserole
Meg H on Wikimeida Commons
Before there were meal kits, there was Hamburger Helper, and families loved turning it into baked casseroles. Ground beef, noodles, and cheese came together for a quick, comforting dish. It was flavorful, filling, and felt like a shortcut that still tasted homemade.
4. Broccoli Rice Casserole
Burkhard Mücke on Wikimedia Commons
This dish made broccoli more appealing to kids by smothering it in creamy, cheesy rice. It often used condensed soup and shredded cheddar for that rich, gooey texture. It was a smart way for parents to sneak in vegetables without a fuss.
5. Ketchup‑Topped Meatloaf
Renee Comet (photographer) on Wikimedia Commons
A thick layer of ketchup on top of a beefy meatloaf was a signature move in ’80s kitchens. It added sweetness and tang while sealing in moisture during baking. Each slice felt like a warm, familiar hug on a plate.
6. Pigs in a Blanket
Johnson524 on Wikimedia Commons
Hot dogs wrapped in crescent dough were a go-to appetizer for parties, game nights, and quick snacks. They were easy to make and even easier to eat. These tiny bites disappeared fast and were often the first to go on the buffet table.
7. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Ms Jones from California, USA on Pexels
This sweet-and-savory side dish blended mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar and spices. A layer of gooey marshmallows on top made it feel more like dessert. It often appeared at holiday meals but was beloved enough to be made year-round.
8. Tuna Melt
kweez mcG from London, UK on Wikimedia Commons
The tuna melt was the king of hot sandwiches in the ’80s. A mix of tuna salad and cheese was broiled until bubbly and golden on toasted bread. It made for a quick lunch that felt comforting and just a little fancy.
9. Creamed Corn
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stuart_spivack/73354511/ on Wikimedia Commons
Creamed corn brought a soft, buttery side to the dinner plate, often made using canned corn and a touch of cream or milk. It was smooth, sweet, and required almost no effort to prepare. Families loved how it paired well with just about any main dish.
10. Waldorf Salad
Nillerdk on Pexels
Chopped apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts tossed in mayonnaise made up this crunchy, creamy salad. It was served cold and gave a fresh contrast to heavier dishes. While it started as a formal dish, it became a regular part of casual meals in the ’80s.
11. Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Marshall Astor on Wikimedia Commons
This colorful fruit salad mixed canned fruit, coconut, whipped topping, and sometimes marshmallows. It was light, fluffy, and very sweet, often served as dessert or a side. The look and texture made it stand out on any table.
12. Layered Gelatin Dessert
Benjah-bmm27 on Wikimedia Commons
Layered gelatin desserts were as pretty as they were delicious. Bright colors and creamy middle layers made them fun to look at and even more fun to eat. They were often made ahead of time and brought to parties as a showstopper.
13. Sloppy Joes
jeffreyw on Wikimedia Commons
This messy sandwich featured seasoned ground beef in a tangy tomato sauce, piled onto a soft hamburger bun. It was cheap to make and packed with flavor. Families embraced the chaos of eating it because it always tasted so good.
14. Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Tahir Qalliu on Wikimedia Commons
All the flavor of stuffed peppers without the work, this casserole combined rice, beef, bell peppers, and tomato sauce in one baking dish. It was a shortcut that still felt homemade. Warm, filling, and colorful, it became a dinner table regular.
15. Bread Pudding
The_bread_pudding_I_made_for_my_father_on_his_birthday.jpg: Shawn Lea aus Jackson, MS, US at Flickr. derivative work: Hic et nunc on Wikimedia Commons
Made with stale bread, eggs, milk, and spices, this dessert turned leftovers into something special. It was soft, warm, and often topped with raisins or a caramel drizzle. Bread pudding brought a sweet end to many 1980s meals.