19 old-school family recipes just like Grandma used to make

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These 19 old-school family recipes are just like the ones Grandma used to make. They bring back the simple, comforting flavors of homemade meals. Perfect for anyone wanting to recreate those nostalgic dishes from their childhood. Each recipe is straightforward, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

A plate of garlic knots and sauce on a wooden table.
Garlic knots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Banana Bread Muffins

Banana Bread Muffins. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These Banana Bread Muffins are moist, sweet, and full of banana flavor, just like grandma used to bake. Made with ripe bananas, flour, and a touch of vanilla, they take about 30 minutes to prepare. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they offer a soft, cake-like texture. Enjoy the comforting, nostalgic taste of bananas in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread Muffins

Apple Bacon Beer Bread

Apple Bacon Beer Bread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Apple Bacon Beer Bread combines savory bacon, sweet apples, and rich beer for a hearty loaf reminiscent of old-school family recipes. It takes about an hour to make and has a crusty exterior with a soft, flavorful inside. The blend of apple and bacon creates a sweet and salty taste. It’s perfect for a warm, comforting treat that brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Apple Bacon Beer Bread

Peach Crumble Bars

A stack of three peach crumble bars on a black plate.
Peach Crumble Bars. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Peach Crumble Bars are a delightful treat with a buttery crust, juicy peaches, and a crumbly topping, just like those from childhood. These bars take about 45 minutes to prepare and bake. The combination of sweet peaches and crunchy crumble makes them a delicious dessert. They are perfect for enjoying the taste of summer, just like grandma’s desserts.
Get the Recipe: Peach Crumble Bars

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

Two servings of strawberry shortcake on a blue background.
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake features fluffy biscuits, sweet strawberries, and whipped cream, a classic family favorite. This dessert takes about 30 minutes to make and is ideal for a summer treat. The soft biscuits pair perfectly with the juicy strawberries. Enjoy a refreshing and sweet bite with every spoonful, just like grandma’s.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

White Chocolate Fudge

Almond-studded white chocolate fudge pieces on a cooling rack.
White Chocolate Fudge. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

White Chocolate Fudge is a rich, creamy treat made with white chocolate and condensed milk, reminiscent of old-fashioned candy. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs time to set. The smooth, sweet taste of white chocolate makes it irresistible. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a nostalgic touch.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Fudge

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish.
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice is a flavorful dish with tender chicken, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro, echoing grandma’s simple, wholesome meals. It takes about 40 minutes to cook and is perfect for a quick dinner. The combination of cilantro and lime adds a refreshing taste. Enjoy this savory and aromatic meal any night of the week, just like grandma used to make.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

A serving of creamy balsamic chicken skillet next to a serving of green salad.
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet features juicy chicken breasts in a rich balsamic cream sauce, a dish reminiscent of grandma’s hearty dinners. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and is perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner. The tangy balsamic and creamy sauce create a delicious balance. Serve it over pasta or rice for a complete meal that brings back family memories.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

A stack of three lemon bars on a plate with more lemon bars in the background.
Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust have a buttery base and a tangy lemon filling, a treat grandma often made. They take about 45 minutes to prepare and bake. The combination of tart lemon and sweet crust makes them a refreshing dessert. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are a crowd-pleaser, just like grandma’s.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes

Pineapple Ice Cream Cake on a white plate next to a pool of sauce.
Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes are mini treats with a pineapple base and creamy ice cream topping, reminiscent of grandma’s special summer desserts. They take about 30 minutes to prepare and need to freeze. The tropical pineapple and smooth ice cream make a refreshing combination. Enjoy these cool treats on a hot day, just like grandma used to serve.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

A lamb shepherd's pie served in a glass dish.
Lamb Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty dish with savory lamb, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, a classic family recipe from grandma’s kitchen. It takes about an hour to make and is perfect for a comforting meal. The rich lamb and creamy potatoes create a satisfying taste. Enjoy this traditional, filling dish any time.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter

Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter are light, fluffy biscuits with a sweet, citrusy butter, just like grandma’s homemade treats. They take about 20 minutes to make and are perfect for breakfast or a snack. The combination of buttery biscuits and orange honey butter is delightful. Enjoy these warm, comforting treats, bringing back memories of family meals.
Get the Recipe: Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter

Mini Apple Pies

Mini Apple Pies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Mini Apple Pies feature flaky pastry filled with sweet, spiced apples, just like the pies grandma used to make. These pies take about 30 minutes to prepare and bake. The warm apple filling and crispy crust make them a perfect dessert. Enjoy the taste of homemade apple pie in a convenient, mini size, just like grandma’s.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pies

Streusel Topped Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry muffins in a basket, wrapped in a white and blue towel.
Streusel Topped Blueberry Muffins. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Streusel Topped Blueberry Muffins are moist muffins packed with juicy blueberries and topped with a sweet crumbly streusel, just like grandma’s brunch treats. They take about 30 minutes to make and are perfect for breakfast or a snack. The combination of blueberries and streusel adds a delicious crunch. Enjoy these flavorful muffins any time, bringing back the taste of grandma’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Streusel Topped Blueberry Muffins

Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread

A loaf of cranberry orange poppy seed bread on a cutting board.
Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread is a moist loaf with tart cranberries, fresh orange zest, and crunchy poppy seeds, a nostalgic family recipe. It takes about an hour to bake and is perfect for breakfast or a snack. The tangy cranberries and sweet orange create a delightful taste. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, just like grandma’s homemade bread.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread

English Muffin Bread

A loaf of bread is sitting on a cutting board.
English Muffin Bread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

English Muffin Bread has a soft, airy texture with the taste of classic English muffins, a staple in grandma’s kitchen. It takes about 2 hours to make, including rising and baking time. The bread is perfect for toasting and slathering with butter or jam. Enjoy a slice of this homemade comfort any time of day, just like grandma used to make.
Get the Recipe: English Muffin Bread

Grandma’s Cornbread

Overhead shot of cornbread in a cast iron skillet with a single slice cut out.
Grandma’s Cornbread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grandma’s Cornbread is a classic, moist, and slightly sweet bread, just as the name suggests. It takes about 30 minutes to bake and is perfect as a side for soups or stews. The cornbread has a golden crust and tender crumb. Enjoy this traditional favorite with a pat of butter, just like grandma used to serve.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cornbread

Garlic Knots

A plate of garlic knots and sauce on a wooden table.
Garlic knots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garlic Knots are soft, buttery rolls infused with garlic and herbs, a nostalgic favorite from grandma’s recipe book. They take about 30 minutes to make and are perfect as a side or snack. The warm, garlicky flavor makes them irresistible. Enjoy these savory knots fresh out of the oven, just like grandma used to bake.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Brioche Rolls

Brioche rolls on a baking sheet on top of a towel.
Brioche Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brioche Rolls are light, fluffy, and slightly sweet, a treat reminiscent of grandma’s baking. They take about 3 hours to make, including rising time. These rolls are perfect for sandwiches or as a dinner roll. Enjoy the rich, buttery taste and soft texture of homemade brioche, just like grandma’s.
Get the Recipe: Brioche Rolls

Wild Blackberry Muffins

Blackberry muffins drizzled with lemon glaze sitting on a gray cooling rack on a dark background.
Wild Blackberry Muffins. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Wild Blackberry Muffins are moist muffins bursting with juicy blackberries and topped with a tangy lemon glaze, just like grandma used to make. They take about 30 minutes to make and are perfect for breakfast or a snack. The sweet berries and zesty glaze create a delightful flavor. Enjoy these muffins with a cup of tea, bringing back memories of grandma’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Wild Blackberry Muffins

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