Today’s dishes often miss the depth of flavor found in these vintage recipes. Busy lifestyles may have led to quicker meals, but these 17 selections offer another option. Each one makes use of tried and true cooking methods that bring out the best, whether for a casual meal or a get-together. Enjoying these can make one forget all about fast food and frozen dinners.
![Low angle shot of rugelach cookies filled with chocolate and pecans.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rugelach-1.jpg)
Low Carb Chocolate Roulade
![Low Carb Chocolate Roulade on a dark plates with roses around.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Chocolate-Roulade-55.jpg)
Grandmas know how to make a dessert that’s both healthy and indulgent. Low Carb Chocolate Roulade manages to deliver a rich chocolate taste without all the guilt. It’s perfect for those watching their carb intake but still wanting something sweet. People will wonder how a classic recipe can fit into a modern diet without sacrifices.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Chocolate Roulade
Amish Macaroni Salad
![Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/amish-macaroni-salad-1260846-edited.jpg)
You might think you’ve had macaroni salad before, but not like this. Amish Macaroni Salad brings a traditional twist that’s creamy and tangy. Every bite takes you back to simpler times when food felt comforting. This salad will redefine your expectations and make other versions look like mere imitations.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad
Hershey Kiss Cookie
![Hershey kiss cookies in rows on a cooling rack.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hershey-Kiss-Cookie.jpeg)
A timeless cookie that nails the balance between soft and chewy. Grandma’s Hershey Kiss Cookie is not your ordinary chocolate treat; it has just the right amount of sweetness and nostalgia. Share them at parties and watch them disappear. They’re so good, you won’t want to go back to store-bought versions.
Get the Recipe: Hershey Kiss Cookie
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
![Italian ratatouille in a glass casserole dish.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Italian-ratatouille-in-a-glass-casserole-dish.jpg)
This dish takes a classic French recipe and adds a unique twist. Ratatouille with an Italian Flair combines the best of both worlds. It’s a hearty and flavorful choice that brings warmth and comfort. Eating this ratatouille, you’ll wonder why modern versions don’t always hit the mark.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
No Bake Brownies
![Close up side view of three no bake brownies on white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/No-Bake-Brownies.jpg)
When it comes to quick and delicious, these No Bake Brownies have it all. No need for an oven, just mix and chill. Grandmas knew that sometimes, the simplest methods bring out the richest flavors. With these brownies, modern desserts don’t even come close.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Brownies
Slow Cooker German Pot Roast
![A plate of German pot roast beef with a sauce being poured over it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/German-pot-roast-horizontal.jpg)
Preparing dinner couldn’t get easier or more delicious. Slow Cooker German Pot Roast brings forth a tender, savory feast that requires minimal work. Just set it and forget it, and the results are mouthwatering. Grandma’s version wins out every time over newer recipes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms
![Salisbury Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/salisbury-steak-resized.jpg)
Grandma’s Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms is a home-cooked staple that stands the test of time. It offers rich, savory flavors that are both hearty and filling. Every bite is like a trip down memory lane. Compared to this, modern attempts seem lackluster.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
![A picture of Slow Cooker Pot Roast with carrot and parsnip.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pot-roast-1600x900-1.jpg)
It’s hard to beat the convenience and taste of a well-made pot roast. Slow Cooker Pot Roast offers tender meat and robust flavors that fill the house with a comforting aroma. Pop it in the slow cooker and let time do the work. Grandma’s way of cooking makes modern fast food seem dull.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
![Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Paprika-roasted-chicken-16-1536x1024-1.jpg)
This meal is perfect for busy nights without skimping on flavor. Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies combines chicken and vegetables into a one-pan wonder. It’s a balanced, nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to eat. Why settle for takeout when grandma’s sheet pan dish is so good?
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Vanilla Skillet Cake
![A slice of cake with powdered sugar on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/skillet-cake-FDL.jpg)
Think dessert should be complicated? Think again.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Skillet Cake
Easy to Make Chicken Francaise
![A skillet filled with lemon chicken in sauce with lemon slices.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Chicken-Franchaise-update-06.2021-Not-Entirely-Average-Pic-60219.jpg)
When you’re looking for restaurant-quality at home, Easy to Make Chicken Francaise is where it’s at. Tender chicken is paired with a rich, tangy sauce, all made in your kitchen. It’s a dish that impresses without the fuss. With this recipe, grandma’s cooking surpasses modern convenience foods.
Get the Recipe: Easy to Make Chicken Francaise
Cafe Romano
![Cafe Romano in white espresso cup with sauce and lemon slice garnish.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cafe-romano-1600x900-1.jpg)
For a uniquely Italian touch to your coffee, Cafe Romano has always been a crowd-pleaser. A simple addition transforms your coffee into a zesty delight. It’s a small change that makes a big difference. Even the fanciest barista creations don’t have this kind of charm.
Get the Recipe: Cafe Romano
Chinese Chicken Salad
![A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/asian-chicken-salad.webp)
Grandmas knew how to mix flavors in ways you’d never expect. Chinese Chicken Salad brings together bright, fresh ingredients for a balanced meal. It’s both light and satisfying. This salad makes modern, over-complicated salads seem unnecessary.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Sourdough Discard Seed Crackers
![Sourdough crackers in a jar.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Sourdough-discard-crackers-in-a-jar.jpg)
Waste not, want not, is the idea behind Sourdough Discard Seed Crackers. These crunchy snacks are a perfect way to use up sourdough discard. With a mix of seeds for added texture, they’re addictive. Grandma’s resourcefulness makes modern snacks look overly packaged and bland.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Seed Crackers
Iced Apple Cookies
![Apple oatmeal cookies with icing and apples on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Easy-Iced-Apple-Oatmeal-Cookies.jpg)
These Iced Apple Cookies are a sweet treat that’s perfect for the fall season or any time. Soft and flavorful, they bring the comforting taste of apples and icing together. Share these at gatherings and watch them vanish. Why go for store-bought when grandma’s recipe is so unbeatable?
Get the Recipe: Iced Apple Cookies
Chocolate Rugelach
![Low angle shot of rugelach cookies filled with chocolate and pecans.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rugelach-1.jpg)
A traditional treat with a twist, Chocolate Rugelach offers layers of flaky pastry and rich chocolate. It’s a delightful snack or dessert that everyone loves. These pastries are versatile and can be enjoyed anytime. Modern desserts just can’t compete with this classic delight.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Rugelach
Easy Meat Sauce
![A pot of tomato sauce with a spoon in it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/meat-sauce-in-a-pan-AdobeStock-1600-X.jpeg)
Simple, hearty, and delicious, Easy Meat Sauce is the go-to for any pasta night. Rich and savory, it pairs well with just about any type of pasta. Made with love, it becomes the centerpiece of a comforting meal. When compared to store-bought sauces, this recipe always comes out on top.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meat Sauce