Endearing entrees: 19 old-school dishes for the soul

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When the craving strikes for a hearty meal that wraps you in a comforting embrace and you’re longing for a taste that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings by the fireplace. Our carefully handpicked 19 old-school dishes are made for that! You’ll have a meal that transcends time and tastes like a warm, familiar memory. Each bite is like a time machine, transporting you back to the days of soulful, satisfying meals that are impossible to resist.

Salisbury Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Baked Scotch Eggs

Scotch Eggs on a black plate.
Baked Scotch Eggs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Baked Scotch eggs are a classic old-school dish that captivates with its contrast of textures and flavors. Picture a hard-boiled egg, enveloped in a seasoned sausage meat blanket and coated with crispy breadcrumbs. The result is a symphony of crunchy, savory, and creamy elements that come together in perfect harmony. This dish is a testament to the enduring appeal of recipes that have stood the test of time. Every bite is a delicious reminder of the past, when food was about simplicity and pleasure, and homemade creations held a special place in the heart of family kitchens.
Get the Recipe: Baked Scotch Eggs

Pot Roast with Bacon

A plate of pot roast with bacon and mashed potatoes with gravy.
Pot Roast with Bacon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Pot roast with bacon is a dish that speaks to the heartiness and warmth of old-school cuisine. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is infused with the rich, smoky flavors of bacon. It’s a testament to a time when meals were crafted with patience and attention to detail, bringing a sense of comfort and satisfaction to every plate. With every forkful, you’re transported to an era when food was a celebration of flavor, and each bite was a reminder of the culinary traditions of the past.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast with Bacon

Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd's Pie in a cast iron dish.
Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie is a testament to the ingenuity of old-school home cooks. It’s a creative twist on the classic, using leftover roast beef to craft a mouthwatering dish. The flavors are a delightful reminder of the resourcefulness of the past, where no delicious morsel went to waste. The dish showcases the ability to turn leftovers into something truly special, honoring the traditions of frugality and flavor that have been cherished for generations.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Ham & Cheese Impossible Quiche

Slices of Ham & Cheese Impossible Quiche next to a whole pie.
Ham & Cheese Impossible Quiche. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The Ham & Cheese Impossible Quiche is a savory masterpiece, blending the rich, savory notes of ham with the creamy allure of cheese. It’s a delightful combination that showcases the art of creating a harmonious medley of flavors. Every bite is a testament to the time when old-school recipes were all about taking familiar ingredients and turning them into something extraordinary. This quiche is perfect for brunch or any meal where you seek a comforting, satisfying taste of tradition.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Cheese Impossible Quiche

Chicken & Corn Chowder

Two bowls of soup on a table.
Chicken & Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you think of classic comfort food, chicken and corn chowder likely comes to mind. This dish is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple yet hearty recipes. Picture a steaming bowl filled with tender chunks of chicken, sweet corn, and a creamy, soul-soothing broth. The combination of flavors is like a warm embrace from the past, bringing back memories of cozy dinners on cold winter nights and family gatherings around the dinner table. Whether you seek warmth on a chilly day or a taste of tradition, this dish delivers on all fronts.
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Corn Chowder

Cheese Toasties

Bite-sized Cheese Toasties on a black plate.
Cheese Toasties. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cheese toasties are an ode to the uncomplicated pleasures of old-school comfort food. Picture slices of bread, toasted to golden perfection, and oozing with melted cheese. It’s a classic that transcends generations, as the combination of crispy bread and gooey cheese never goes out of style. The simplicity of this dish speaks volumes about the enduring appeal of uncomplicated recipes. Each bite takes you back to the days when food was all about simple indulgence and the joy of savoring every cheesy, toasty mouthful.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Toasties

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s a timeless allure to the delicate balance of flavors in chicken salad with cranberries and walnuts. This dish combines the tender succulence of chicken with the tart and juicy burst of cranberries, creating a beautiful juxtaposition of textures and tastes. Add the crunch of walnuts to the mix, and you have a dish that’s both delightful and wholesome. It’s a reminder of a culinary era when simple ingredients were used to craft meals that offered comfort and satisfaction. This chicken salad takes you on a journey back to the days when food was as much about nourishment as it was about pure enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Shepherd’s Pie Bites

Shepherd's Pie Bites on a black platter.
Shepherd’s Pie Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Shepherd’s Pie Bites are like bite-sized nostalgia on a plate. These miniature versions of the classic dish feature seasoned meat, a medley of vegetables, and a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that harkens back to the days of hearty family dinners. The idea of sharing these delightful bites with loved ones embodies the essence of old-school cooking, where meals were a celebration of togetherness. Whether served as an appetizer or a party dish, Shepherd’s Pie Bites encapsulate the warmth and charm of traditional recipes.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie Bites

Peameal Bacon

Peameal bacon on a plate with tomatoes and onions.
Peameal Bacon. Photo credit: .

Peameal bacon is a slice of history on your plate. Imagine juicy, lean slices of bacon, lightly pan-fried to achieve a perfect balance of smokiness and tenderness. It’s a classic breakfast favorite that never goes out of style, a dish that awakens the senses with its enticing aroma and savory, meaty taste. With every bite, you’re transported back to a time when breakfast was a hearty and wholesome meal, and the simple pleasures of sizzling bacon were truly celebrated.
Get the Recipe: Peameal Bacon

Sausage Rolls

Sausage Rolls on a white plate.
Sausage Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sausage rolls are a typical British delight that speaks to the simplicity and irresistibility of old-school cuisine. Imagine flaky, golden pastry encasing perfectly seasoned sausage meat. It’s a combination that’s both straightforward and impossible to resist. The charm of sausage rolls lies in their timeless appeal. They are a go-to snack or appetizer that has the power to transport you back to a time when comfort food was uncomplicated yet undeniably satisfying. Every bite is a nod to the past, a time when simple ingredients and great flavor were all that was needed to create a beloved classic.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls

Back Bacon

A plate with back bacon, eggs and toast.
Back Bacon. Photo credit: .

Thick slices of back bacon carry with them a rich, meaty taste and a satisfying texture that’s hard to resist. A staple in traditional breakfasts, this old-school favorite is a nod to the past when meals were uncomplicated and hearty. Every bite of back bacon is a delicious reminder of the days when family breakfasts were a cherished tradition, and a plate of well-cooked bacon was a symbol of comfort and togetherness.
Get the Recipe: Back Bacon

Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche

A slice of Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche on a plate next to a glass of orange juice.
Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche is a hearty and satisfying creation that captures the essence of classic recipes. It combines the mild crunch of broccoli with the richness of three types of cheese, resulting in a savory and cheesy quiche. The tender texture of this dish is a delicious reminder of a time when old-school recipes were all about combining simple ingredients to create something extraordinary. With every bite, you’re transported back to the days when food was a celebration of flavor and hearty satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Salisbury Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Salisbury steak with mushrooms is a classic old-school favorite that delivers a symphony of flavors. Picture a pan-seared Salisbury steak, smothered in a savory mushroom gravy. It’s a timeless dish that never disappoints, invoking memories of the days when comfort food was king. Each bite takes you back to a time when meals were about satisfaction and simplicity, and the joy of a delicious, homemade dish was celebrated with every savory forkful.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Ribs and Sauerkraut

Ribs and Sauerkraut with a fork.
Ribs and Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Ribs and sauerkraut are a delightful combination of succulent meat and tangy sauerkraut. This dish is both zesty and satisfying, capturing the essence of traditional, hearty cuisine. Every bite is a taste of the past, when bold flavors and comforting dishes reigned supreme. It’s a reminder of an era when food was all about the joy of flavor and the simple pleasures of a soul-warming meal.
Get the Recipe: Ribs and Sauerkraut

Potato Cheese Bread

A top-down shot of Potato Cheese Bread with a few cut slices on a black platter.
Potato Cheese Bread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Potato cheese bread is a comforting side that complements a variety of dishes with its homely taste. The soft, cheesy, and moist texture embodies the essence of old-school cooking, where simple ingredients were used to create unforgettable flavors. With each slice, you’re taken back to a time when meals were prepared with love and care, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones was at the heart of every kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Potato Cheese Bread

Southern Green Beans

Green beans with sausage on a white plate.
Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Southern green beans are a tribute to the simplicity and flavor of traditional cooking. These crisp and savory green beans are simmered to perfection, capturing the essence of Southern cuisine and tradition. With each bite, you’re transported to a time when meals were an expression of regional flavor and the joy of uncomplicated, yet delicious, recipes. The dish embodies the warmth and hospitality of old-school kitchens, where food was a medium for creating cherished memories.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans

Beef Stew

Beef stew in a white bowl with carrots and potatoes.
Beef Stew. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

A robust and hearty beef stew is a timeless favorite that hearkens back to the classic comfort of old-school recipes. Picture tender chunks of beef, slow-cooked to perfection, mingling with a medley of comforting vegetables. The flavors are deeply rooted in the traditions of family gatherings, where hearty meals brought loved ones together around the table. With every spoonful, you’re transported to an era when food was about sharing and savoring, and the joy of a homemade meal was truly cherished.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Rhubarb Bread

A loaf of Rhubarb Bread with a few slices on a white plate.
Rhubarb Bread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rhubarb bread is a slice of nostalgia with every bite. It’s a moist and flavorful treat that embodies the simple joys of old-school baking. The aroma of freshly baked bread, infused with the sweet-tart essence of rhubarb, takes you back to a time when food was about love and care. With each slice, you’re transported to an era when homemade creations were the soul of every kitchen, and the taste of a perfectly baked bread was a testament to culinary craftsmanship.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Bread

Egg Salad

The Best Egg Salad on the Planet.
Egg Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Egg salad is a beloved old-school favorite, both simple and satisfying. Whether you use it in sandwiches or salads, it offers comfort and a taste of tradition with every bite. It’s a dish that reminds you of the days when meals were about nourishment and enjoyment, where uncomplicated recipes brought joy and fulfillment to every plate.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

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