There’s something truly magical about the recipes that have been lovingly passed down through generations. In this nostalgic journey, we’ve uncovered 19 cherished holiday recipes straight from grandma’s treasured recipe box.
Buckeyes
These chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls are a treasured Christmas candy recipe from the Midwest. Named after the Ohio buckeye tree, they’ve been shared at holiday gatherings since the 1960s.
Get the Recipe: Buckeyes
Utica Greens
This Italian-American dish originated in Utica, New York in the early 1900s. The combination of greens with peppers and garlic shows how immigrant recipes became local traditions.
Get the Recipe: Utica Greens
Chocolate Lush
This layered dessert became popular at church suppers in the 1970s. Cookies, peanut butter and chocolate pudding combine in a classic that’s been copied countless times.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lush
Rum Balls
These no-bake Christmas treats have been passed down through generations. Rich chocolate and rum come together in a traditional holiday candy that’s been part of Christmas cookie plates since the 1950s.
Get the Recipe: Rum Balls
Butterscotch Cookies
This recipe shows up in cookbooks from the 1940s when butterscotch became popular. The chewy texture and pecan crunch make them a classic that’s stood the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Cookies
Pistachio Fluff Salad
This vintage dessert salad became famous in the 1970s during the Watergate era. Five simple ingredients create a recipe that’s been at family gatherings for over 50 years.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Fluff Salad
Pea Salad
This old-fashioned salad comes from community cookbooks dating back generations. The mix of peas with creamy dressing makes a side dish that’s been at family gatherings for decades.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
Blueberry Cobbler
This Southern cobbler recipe dates back to when home cooks used whatever berries were in season. The biscuit topping method has been handed down through families for generations.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cobbler
Italian Ricotta Cookies
These soft cookies come from old Italian family recipes brought to America. The cake-like texture from ricotta cheese makes them a traditional cookie that’s been shared for generations.
Get the Recipe: Italian Ricotta Cookies
Amish Apple Fritter Bread
This bread comes from Pennsylvania Dutch country cooking traditions. The recipe turns basic ingredients into a breakfast bread that’s been made the same way for generations.
Get the Recipe: Amish Apple Fritter Bread
Pecan Tassies
These mini pecan pies come from Southern baking traditions of the early 1900s. The bite-sized treats have been passed down through generations of home bakers.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Tassies
Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish
These deviled eggs come from church cookbooks and family gatherings. Adding pickle relish is an old-time trick that adds extra tang to this classic appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish
Church Window Cookies
These no-bake cookies got their name from church bake sales in the 1950s. The pattern of colorful marshmallows in chocolate has made them a traditional treat for decades.
Get the Recipe: Church Window Cookies
Campbells Green Bean Casserole
This casserole was created in 1955 by Campbell’s test kitchen. The recipe shows how convenience foods changed home cooking in the mid-century.
Get the Recipe: Campbells Green Bean Casserole
Cherry Salad
This pink dessert salad started appearing at gatherings in the 1960s. The quick prep time and basic ingredients show why it’s stayed in recipe boxes for generations.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad
Peanut Butter Pie
This no-bake recipe started showing up in community cookbooks in the 1970s. Six basic ingredients make a rich dessert that’s been copied and shared at family gatherings for decades.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Pie
Broccoli Crunch Salad
This crunchy salad became popular at church potlucks in the 1980s. Raw broccoli mixed with cranberries, sunflower seeds and bacon makes a fresh side dish that’s stood the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad
Frozen Lemonade Pie
This simple pie started appearing in recipe boxes during the 1960s when frozen lemonade became available. Four basic ingredients create a dessert that’s been cooling people down for decades.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Lemonade Pie
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
This Christmas candy recipe has been passed down through generations. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate coating makes treats that have been on holiday platters for decades.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls