31 Old Fashioned Recipes from the 1950s
Each of these old-fashioned recipes will put a vintage twist on your week!
Are you nostalgic for the good old American fare of the 1950s? It was a time when fast food really took off with now-giants of the industry like McDonald's and KFC, and sitting down with the family for dinner was the norm. You can't time travel, but you can remember days of poodle skirts, jukeboxes and diner food with these old-fashioned recipes.
Our favorite old-fashioned recipes include simple ingredients like ground beef. There wasn't much of a health craze; recipes were made for taste, which makes these easy dinner recipes extra delicious. There's no need to feel guilty about indulging in recipes that remind you of mom or grandma's cooking. Let these old-fashioned recipes like 1950s Salisbury Steak take you back to the days of your youth. Don't forget about the great food they had at the drive-in!
Whether you're taking a trip down memory lane, planning for a 1950s-themed party, or you just want more traditional recipes, our collection won't disappoint.
Get started with this video for an ultimate 1950s party dessert, and then keep scrolling to find more amazing recipes!
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Table of Contents
Best Old-Fashioned Recipes
Does your mom or grandma make timeless recipes from the 1950s? You might not even know that some staples of American cuisine like Macaroni & Cheese became popular then. People also went crazy with Jell-O, which was used in various desserts. Families of the 1950s were definitely not afraid of creativity in the kitchen, but they also knew the value of comfort foods. These old-fashioned recipes will give you a tour of the 1950s family table. And our first stop is this delicious Easy Chicken and Mushroom Casserole. It's just as good today as it was back then!
Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad is a classic side dish, and we especially love this version! It's just as delicious as you remember.
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This recipe might be from the 1940s, but you can bet it was just as delicious in the 1950s... and in the 2020s! This retro recipe is satisfying and easy to make.
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Make this Hot Milk Sponge Cake from scratch, and you'll have a dessert that's not only totally delicious, but also fun to make! We love this technique for making a delicious 1950s cake recipe.
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This 1950s Magic Jello Dessert was super popular in the 50s and 60s, and it's easy to see why! It is a show-stopping dessert, and it also tastes amazing.
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Old Fashion Beef Vegetable Soup
This easy old-fashioned recipe reminds us of the food Grandma used to make when it was chilly outside. Those comforting meals always warmed you up and made you feel at home, and this beef soup will too!
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This vintage Preacher Cake is easy to make if you have an unexpected visitor. But it's also a great cake to make anytime! The flavors will definitely inspire a trip down memory lane.
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This retro snack cake recipe is one of our favorite afternoon treats! Chocolate and peanut butter are a classic combination, and they really shine in this dessert.
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Mom's Best Tuna Melt Casserole
Tuna melts are one of those old school recipes that we're so happy to see making a comeback. And now you can enjoy them in casserole form! This is a great classic family recipe.
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Vintage Hoppin John in a Slow Cooker
Old fashioned dinner recipes sometimes take a lot of effort to prepare, but this one is actually super easy! Just throw everything in the slow cooker and relax.
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Enjoy these easy jello recipes any day of the year for some fun and sweet nostalgia you can share with the whole family:20+ Easy Jello Dessert Recipes
Best Recipes from Grandma
There's no denying that some of the very best recipes from way-back-when come from our grandmothers. Somehow, their recipes are always so homey, comforting, and filling, and they're usually inexpensive, too!
These are RecipeLion's ten Best Recipes from Grandma. Taken right from grandma's recipe box, these vintage recipes will bring you back to simpler times.
First, it's essential to start with Grandma's Southern Corn Pudding. This recipe has stolen the show at countless holiday dinner tables. Add a bit of Southern flair to your weeknight dinner and taste how delicious this simple recipe really is!
Grandma knows best about most things, including this potato salad recipe! It's filled with fluffy potatoes and creamy dressing for a retro side dish that is perfect for any occasion.
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Grandma's Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is one of those side dishes that we can't get enough of. This version would make Grandma proud.
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Grandma's Easy Sauerkraut with Crispy Bacon
If you think you don't like sauerkraut, then you've got to give this delicious recipe a try. The crispy bacon adds a depth of flavor (and a nice crunch!) that takes this side dish to the next level.
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Grandma's One Pan Hamburger Helper
Grandma knows the value of getting dinner on the table in a hurry. And this easy recipe will do just that. Plus, it's so delicious that everyone will be asking for a second helping.
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This is one of those recipes from 1950s family meal time that some people love and some people hate. We suggest giving this recipe a try and finding out for yourself!
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Grandma's Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
Biscuits and gravy definitely remind us of Grandma's cooking, and we love that this recipe transforms that classic into casserole form!
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This meatball recipe is a great addition to any 1950s menu. It's easy to make, and the results are so delicious that even picky eaters will be asking for seconds. Give it a try!
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This old fashioned comfort food recipe is sure to warm you up when the weather gets chilly. It's full of fluffy potatoes, veggies, and ground beef for a cozy dish that everyone will love.
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Grandma's Favorite Cabbage Rolls
One of our favorite things about old fashioned dinner recipes is that they are often delicious and very affordable to make! This is one of our favorite examples of that. You've got to give it a try!
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Grandma's Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Grandma's Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious vegetarian retro recipe that the whole family will adore. It's hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week.
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Old Fashioned Recipes from Restaurants
Going to the local diner was a major recreational activity for people in the 1950s. It wasn't just a place to grab some grub; it was a community space and people could spend an entire Friday night there. Fast food became popular in the 1950s, and everyone was racing to create the quickest, tastiest hamburger.
Now, you can make some of these old fashioned recipes at home. The secret spices from KFC are no longer quite so secret with this KFC Inspired Fried Chicken! Enjoy.
Take a trip back in time with these indulgent Monte Cristo sliders! They are perfect for a 1950s brunch menu.
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If you're craving 1950s diner food, this Steak 'n' Shake Chili is sure to satisfy! It will remind you of warming up with a cup of soup in the booth of your favorite diner.
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Patty melts are classic 50s diner food, and we are still big fans in the 2020s! This indulgent sandwich is perfect for lunch or dinner.
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This delicious 1950s breakfast recipe will fill you up at the start of a busy day. With crisp, fluffy potatoes and savory ham, this meal is the perfect AM indulgence.
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Cracker Barrel Copycat Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake
We love Cracker Barrel's homestyle food, and now you can make one of your favorites at home! This delicious chicken and broccoli bake will have everyone running to the table.
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Homemade Steak 'n Shake Frisco Melts
This delicious diner-style recipe is easier than you think to make at home. It's everything you love about the restaurant version, but you don't have to leave your house!
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There's something very retro about a sandwich piled high with beef and cheese. Make this delicious restaurant recipe at home!
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Just-Like McDonald's Fried Apple Pie
In the 1950s, McDonald's was on its way to becoming the major fast food franchise that it is today. So, take a trip back in time and make one of these delicious fried apple pies.
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Loving this? Check out these Retro Recipes from the 50's!
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