Some recipes were all the rage in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, but over time, their popularity has faded. I’m here to make a case for their comeback! These dishes are simple to make and use familiar, budget-friendly ingredients.
This collection includes appetizers, soups, mains, and sides, all inspired by the classics. Whether you grew up with these dishes or they’re new to you, they’re worth (re)discovering. Because when a recipe is easy and delicious, it never gets old.
🎉 Appetizers & Starters
The great thing about these starters is that they work for just about any occasion—holidays, potlucks, birthday parties, game day… you name it. They’re always a hit on the appetizer table.
Deviled Eggs
This retro party staple never went out of style, and for good reason. They’re simple to make, and most of us already have the ingredients in the fridge.
Creamy Spinach Dip
There was a time when no party was complete without this dip on the table. It’s creamy, flavorful, and always a favorite, I bet it would be just as popular at your next get-together.
Pigs in a Blanket
The all-time party winner! These little bites have been showing up at gatherings for decades. They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and always the first to disappear.
Sausage Cheese Balls
This modern take on a retro favorite uses Italian sausage instead of roll sausage, but the idea is the same, quick to mix, easy to bake, and always a hit at potlucks and parties.
Pork Egg Rolls
Egg rolls had a serious moment back in the day, and for good reason. This homemade version is fried until golden and crispy, just like the classic appetizer everyone remembers.
🍲 Soups
These classic soups are the kind you’ll want to come back to. They’re comforting, and made with simple ingredients. Serve them with a side salad or sandwich for a satisfying meal.
Vegetable Beef Soup
This hearty soup has been a go-to for generations. It’s filling, comforting, and a great way to stretch budget-friendly ingredients into a full meal.
Clam Chowder
Who doesn’t get excited when clam chowder is the soup of the day at a restaurant? The good news is it’s easy to make at home with this simple, satisfying recipe.
Creamy Mushroom Soup
This soup has that rich, from-scratch flavor that feels a little fancy—but it’s made with everyday ingredients and comes together with minimal effort.
Beef Barley Soup
Made with simple, old-fashioned ingredients like beef, vegetables, and barley, this filling soup is as satisfying today as it was back then.
🍽️ Main Dishes
These main dishes were weeknight staples for a reason. They’re easy, filling, and made with everyday ingredients. Perfect for feeding the family or bringing back a little dinnertime nostalgia.
Mini Turkey Meatloaf
A single-serve twist on the everyday classic, these cook up quicker than a full loaf and are perfect for meal prep or portioned weeknight dinners.
Turkey Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
This old-school diner classic gets a lighter twist with ground turkey, but still delivers all the savory flavor and comfort. Just add mashed potatoes or rice and dinner’s done.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
In the 1960s and ’70s, this was a weeknight go-to for busy families, and it still holds up. It’s creamy, comforting, and made with pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Mini Shepherd’s Pies
This comfort food favorite gets a playful twist with individual portions. They’re just as hearty and satisfying as the classic, and perfect for serving or freezing ahead.
Ground Beef Stroganoff
Stroganoff became a dinner table favorite in the ’60s and ’70s thanks to its creamy sauce and simple prep. This ground beef version keeps it easy, affordable, and just as comforting.
Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake
Often called “grandma’s bake,” this casserole is the kind of comforting, no-fuss dinner that brings everyone to the table. Creamy, filling, and made with pantry staples, it’s a classic for a reason.
Simple Roasted Chicken
The ultimate weeknight hero! This classic dish proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something delicious. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and always hits the spot.
🥗 Sides & Salads
No retro meal is complete without the right sides. These classics are the kind you’ve seen at holiday tables, cookouts, and potlucks for decades, and they’re still just as reliable today.
Potato Egg Salad
This classic side has been a staple at backyard gatherings and potlucks for generations. It’s creamy, satisfying, and easy to make ahead, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Three Bean Salad
A potluck favorite from the ’50s and ’60s, this sweet-and-tangy salad is made with canned beans and a simple dressing. It’s quick to toss together and holds up well in the fridge.
Green Bean Casserole
First introduced in the 1950s, this holiday classic has stood the test of time. This version puts a twist on the original by using cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom.
Creamed Spinach
This steakhouse-style side is made easy with frozen spinach and a quick homemade cream sauce. It’s rich, smooth, and delivers that classic flavor with minimal prep.
Twice Baked Potatoes
These were a dinner party favorite back in the day, and they still feel a little fancy without much fuss. Creamy, cheesy, and make-ahead friendly, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Coleslaw
A classic side that’s been showing up at barbecues, diners, and potlucks for decades. It’s crisp, creamy, and easy to make ahead, perfect next to anything from fried chicken to sandwiches.
If you enjoyed this collection of retro recipes, you’re not alone—there’s a reason these dishes stood the test of time. And you know what else was popular back in the day? Not letting anything go to waste. If you’ve got extra ham in the fridge, check out these tasty ways to use up leftover ham.
Looking for more dinner inspiration? Try these 10 easy dinner casserole recipes or 10 recipes for a pound of ground beef—perfect for busy weeknights. And when the weather cools down, keep this collection of 10 comfort soup recipes handy.
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