15 Retro Recipes That Deserve a Comeback
These throwback dishes once graced every family table, and it’s high time they return to the spotlight.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
In the past, recipes brought people together around the table. These foods, which include gelatin molds and creamy casseroles, may look dated now, but they were bursting with taste, nostalgia, and cozy simplicity. Modern kitchens need to resurrect these fifteen classic recipes.
1. Tuna Noodle Casserole
Aaron Headly on Flickr
Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, this one-dish wonder fed crowds on a budget. It was a go-to weeknight meal that combined pantry staples into something greater than the sum of its parts.
2. Jell-O Salad
Shadle on Wikimedia Commons
With layers of vibrant gelatin, fruit, and sometimes even shredded carrots or cream cheese, these salads were as much a work of art as a dessert. Served in fancy molds, they stole the show at potlucks.
3. Sloppy Joes
Cayobo on Flickr
Savory ground beef simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce, slapped onto a soft bun — messy but irresistible. These sandwiches were easy to make and full of bold flavor.
4. Chicken à la King
Chad on Wikimedia Commons
A creamy mix of chicken, mushrooms, and peas, served over toast or rice, this dish was pure comfort. It had a luxurious texture and a rich, savory flavor that made it feel fancy, even on a budget.
5. Ambrosia Salad
Marshall Astor on Wikimedia Commons
This sweet fruit salad with marshmallows, coconut, and whipped topping was a dessert disguised as a side dish. It was light, fluffy, and loved by kids and adults alike.
6. Deviled Eggs
Marshall Astor on Wikimedia Commons
Simple yet elegant, these little bites of seasoned yolk and mayo piped into halved whites were party staples. Sprinkled with paprika, they were both pretty and punchy in flavor.
7. Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze
jeffreyw on Flickr
Moist, hearty, and topped with a sweet tomato glaze, meatloaf was the ultimate comfort food. Made with whatever was on hand, it stretched meat and dollars alike.
8. Waldorf Salad
Smabs Sputzer (1956-2017) on Flickr
A crisp combination of apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts tossed in a tangy dressing, this salad was all about texture. It was cool, crunchy, and a refreshing break from heavy dishes.
9. Salisbury Steak
bnycastro on Flickr
A seasoned beef patty smothered in rich brown gravy, it was usually paired with mashed potatoes. It was diner fare at its finest — easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.
10. Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast (SOS)
Kurt Wagner on Flickr
Salty dried beef in a thick white sauce, poured over toast — this Depression-era staple filled bellies with minimal cost. Military families especially knew it well. The flavor was bold, the texture rich, and it always hit the spot.
11. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Mark Pellegrini on Wikimedia Commons
Topped with caramelized pineapple rings and bright red cherries, this dessert looked as good as it tasted. Moist, sweet, and full of tropical flavor, it flipped the script — literally.
12. Baked Alaska
Zheng Zhou on Wikimedia Commons
An ice cream-filled cake wrapped in toasted meringue, this dessert brought drama and delight. It felt fancy and theatrical, often saved for special occasions.
13. Stuffed Bell Peppers
k.segars on Flickr
Colorful peppers were filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, making for a complete meal in one. Baked to perfection, they were hearty and wholesome.
14. Macaroni Salad
Bodhi Peace on Wikimedia Commons
Cold pasta was mixed with mayo, chopped veggies, and the occasional boiled egg — it was simple but refreshing. It was a picnic staple and potluck favorite. You could tweak it endlessly with spices or pickles.
15. Chicken Divan
tengrrl on Wikimedia Commons
This creamy broccoli and chicken casserole, topped with cheese and breadcrumbs, was comfort food at its peak. Often served over rice or egg noodles, it balanced richness with a touch of green.