29 classic recipes from the “Good Ole Days” your family will love

Photo of author

| Published:

With this collection of 29 timeless, retro recipes, you can recreate the magic of grandma’s kitchen for your family today. From old-fashioned meatloaf and Jell-O salads to classic baked goods these vintage dishes are tried-and-true crowd pleasers.

two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Creamy Crock Pot Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Creamy Crock Pot Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a comforting and savory meal with these Creamy Crock Pot Pork Chops. The slow-cooked, tender meat, smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, is an old-fashioned favorite that’ll warm your heart and soul.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Crock Pot Pork Chops

Watergate Salad

Pistachio salad topped with nuts and cherries.
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Relive the retro charm of Watergate Salad, a delightful and creamy concoction made with pistachio pudding, pineapple, and marshmallows. This easy-to-make dessert is a blast from the past that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Pickled Beets

Top view of a jar of pickled beets on a wooden cutting board.
Pickled Beets. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Rediscover the tangy, sweet taste of homemade Pickled Beets, a vibrant and colorful vintage recipe that’s just like grandma made. These versatile pickles are perfect as a side dish, salad topper, or straight from the jar!
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beets

Oven Roasted Pork Loin

Oven roasted pork loin with potatoes, carrots and cabbage on a plate.
Oven Roasted Pork Loin. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Savor the mouthwatering goodness of Oven Roasted Pork Loin, a classic, old-fashioned Sunday dinner favorite dish that’s tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. It’s an age-old family recipe that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Pork Loin

Italian Ricotta Cookies

Ricotta cookies with icing and colored sprinkles on a cooling rack and on the counter.
Italian Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Savor the sweet nostalgia of Italian Ricotta Cookies, a soft and tender vintage treat that melts in your mouth. These scrumptious cookies, with their light lemon glaze, will remind you of cherished family gatherings from years gone by.
Get the Recipe: Italian Ricotta Cookies

Amish Macaroni Salad

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo Credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish Macaroni Salad is the nostalgic side dish that brings you back to Grandma’s kitchen in a heartbeat! The sweet and tangy dressing coats elbow macaroni, hard-boiled eggs, and crunchy veggies for a rich, creamy delight.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Blueberry Cobbler

Two plates of blueberry cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream.
Southern Blueberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Indulge in the sweet, fruity goodness of Southern Blueberry Cobbler, a time-honored dessert with a buttery, crumbly topping that’ll bring back memories of warm summer evenings on the porch.
Get the Recipe: Southern Blueberry Cobbler

Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers

two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Indulge in this vintage-inspired Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers, a moist and flavorful dish that’ll transport you back to your grandma’s kitchen. The Ritz Crackers create a perfect texture, bringing an old-fashioned touch to a classic dinner staple.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers

Sour Cream Cookies

Sour cream cookies with blue, green and yellow icing.
Sour Cream Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Treat yourself to these delightful Sour Cream Cookies, a soft, cake-like vintage dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With their fluffy texture and sweet glaze, they’re a cherished family recipe.
Get the Recipe: Sour Cream Cookies

Brown Derby Cocktail

A grapefruit with a brown derby cocktail.
Brown Derby Cocktail. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Feel like you’re in Old Hollywood when you sip on a Brown Derby drink, named for a famous restaurant frequented by movie stars.
Get the Recipe: Brown Derby Cocktail

Utica Greens

Top view of Utica Greens in a skillet with breadcrumbs and cherry peppers.
Utica Greens. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy Utica Greens, an old-fashioned Italian-American side dish filled with sautéed escarole, garlic, and prosciutto. This classic recipe, beloved by generations, will add a touch of nostalgia to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Utica Greens

Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a bowl of heartwarming Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup, an old-fashioned comfort food that’s perfect for chilly nights. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, this slow-simmered soup is a taste of yesteryear.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Pea Salad

pea salad in a blue bowl.
Pea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Delight in the fresh and vibrant flavors of Pea Salad, a vintage-inspired side dish made with peas, cheese, bacon, and a creamy dressing. This old-school recipe is the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Frozen Lemonade Pie

Slice of lemonade pie with a pitcher of lemonade in the background.
Lemonade Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cool off with a slice of Frozen Lemonade Pie, a refreshingly sweet and tangy vintage dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days. This easy, no-bake treat is sure to become a new favorite with an old-fashioned twist.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Lemonade Pie

Bread and Butter Pickles

Top view of a jar of bread and butter pickles.
Bread and Butter Pickles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the sweet, tangy flavor of homemade Bread and Butter Pickles, a 1930s era recipe that’s perfect for dressing up sandwiches or enjoying straight from the jar. These versatile pickles are a delicious reminder of days gone by.
Get the Recipe: Bread and Butter Pickles

Mushroom Stew

Mushroom stew on a slice of bread with a pot of stew in the background.
Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a bowl of warm and comforting Mushroom Stew, a rustic Italian-American dish packed with rich, earthy flavors. This hearty, savory meal will remind you of cherished family recipes and cozy evenings spent at grandma’s table.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stew

Campbells Green Bean Casserole

Classic Campbell's Green Bean casserole topped with fried onions.
Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Experience the classic comfort of Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole, a vintage recipe that’s been a staple at Thanksgiving and other family celebrations for generations. With its creamy sauce, tender green beans, and crispy onion topping, it’s a taste of nostalgia everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

Lime Jello Salad

Piece of lime jello salad topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Lime Jello Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Brighten up your meal with a serving of Lime Jello Salad, a vintage-inspired dish that’s equal parts sweet, tangy, and fun. This colorful, wiggly salad is a delightful throwback to days gone by, perfect for potlucks or family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

Peanut Brittle

Red plate with peanut brittle on a red and white checked table cloth.
Peanut Brittle. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with the crunchy, nutty goodness of homemade Peanut Brittle, a timeless candy favorite that’s just like grandma made. This old-fashioned treat is perfect for enjoying with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Brittle

Baked Manicotti

Baked manicotti in a cast iron skillet.
Baked Manicotti. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Indulge in the classic comfort of Baked Manicotti, a vintage Italian dish filled with creamy ricotta and smothered in rich marinara sauce. This hearty, flavorful meal is sure to transport you back to grandma’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Baked Manicotti

Salt Potatoes

Salt Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.
Salt Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dig into a heaping serving of Salt Potatoes, a classic popular since the 1800s in Syracuse, New York. Simple yet incredibly satisfying these tender, buttery potatoes are the ultimate comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes

Church Window Cookies

Church window cookies with colored marshmallows and coconut.
Church Window Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Delight in the whimsical charm of Church Window Cookies, a colorful, no-bake vintage dessert that’s sure to brighten up any gathering. These marshmallow-filled, chocolate-coated treats are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Get the Recipe: Church Window Cookies

Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie

Slice of coconut cream pie on white plate with pink tablecloth in background.
Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie is smooth, creamy, and full of flavor. If you love coconut, you will love this pie.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie

Farmers Cheese

Farmers Cheese in a wooden bowl with herbs on top.
Farmers Cheese. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Super easy way to make your own Fresh Homemade Farmers Cheese with only 1 ingredient. This unaged, cultured farmers cheese recipe using fermenting method is a perfect addition in our low carb lifestyle. Use it with various recipes from simple spreads, making your own farmers bread up to a super low carb cakes and sweets.
Get the Recipe: Farmers Cheese

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Pot Roast with carrot and parsnip
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Pot Roast is a traditional recipe that has been enjoyed by families for generations. The succulent beef, tender vegetables, and rich gravy come together beautifully in this comforting classic, made even easier with the convenience of a slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cake

A small plate with a slice of chocolate chip applesauce cake with the pan holding the rest of the cake behind it.
Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This church social vintage recipe is incredibly easy to make and is a perfect sweet breakfast or light dessert. The applesauce makes it incredibly moist, and it’s naturally dairy free, too.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cake

Frozen Grasshopper

two mint green frozen ice cream cocktails with layers of liqueur and two chocolate biscuit sticks in stemless martini glasses.
Frozen Grasshopper. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Step back in time and make a frozen grasshopper drink to serve at your next dinner party. This ice cream version of the mint green classic cocktail is perfect for dinner parties because it serves a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Grasshopper

Sauerkraut Soup Recipe

Sauerkraut Soup inside soup bowl with dollop of sour cream.
Sauerkraut Soup Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This Sauerkraut Soup Recipe with sausage, originate in Eastern Europe and has been served as a hearty Christmas soup for generations.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Soup Recipe

Classic Thumbprint Cookies

Hand holding a thumbprint cookie with a bite taken out of it over a tray filled with more classic thumbprint cookies.
Classic Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Didn’t everyone grow up eating these cookies? A soft and delicious cookie with a burst of jam hiding under a light glaze was always a favorite treat whenever we went to Granny’s house.
Get the Recipe: Classic Thumbprint Cookies

1 thought on “29 classic recipes from the “Good Ole Days” your family will love”

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.