37 classic grandma recipes you should’ve tried yesterday

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These 37 recipes are time-honored classics that call up the warmth and comfort of grandma’s kitchen. They’re the kind of dishes that stand the test of time, passed down through generations for their simplicity and heartwarming flavors. Each recipe is a nod to the days when meals were made with care and shared around a bustling family table. Missing out on these recipes means missing a piece of history that could have been rekindled in your own home cooking.

A pan filled with crispy potatoes and sizzling bacon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Marbella

overhead view of chicken marbella tray.
Chicken Marbella. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Marbella is a cherished recipe passed down through generations, offering a timeless taste that should have graced your table by now. In about an hour, you can savor the sweet and tangy notes that grandmothers have long adored, with prunes and capers mingling with garlic and oregano. This dish embodies the comfort and sophistication of traditional family cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella

Russian cottage cheese pancakes

Russian raisin pancakes.
Russian cottage cheese pancakes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Russian cottage cheese pancakes, or Syrniki, are a staple of heritage cooking and should have been on your breakfast menu yesterday. These golden, creamy-centered pancakes are a testament to the simple yet delightful recipes our grandmothers perfected. Ready in 30 minutes, they are best enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream or jam, just like in the old country.
Get the Recipe: Russian cottage cheese pancakes

Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Two bowls of butternut squash soup on a wooden table.
Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings is a nod to the bygone days of slow-cooked, soul-warming meals. With a prep time of about an hour, this soup-dumpling combo harks back to the kind of culinary care that your grandmother would have invested in her cooking, offering a taste of the past in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Russian Beet Salad

Overhead view of hand lifting a spoon of salad.
Russian Beet Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Rooted in tradition, the Russian Beet Salad is a colorful dish that should have been sampled yesterday, echoing the timeless recipes once prepared in our grandmothers’ kitchens. With a preparation time of 45 minutes, this tangy and slightly sweet salad combines earthy beets with other vegetables in a way that has been enjoyed for generations.
Get the Recipe: Russian Beet Salad

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken, spinach, and cheese cooked in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is steeped in the kind of rustic authenticity that would make any grandmother proud. This 30-minute meal, with its rich sauce and Italian flavors, should have been part of your culinary repertoire as a tribute to the timeless traditions of comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Easy Banana Bread

already in FDL library.
Easy Banana Bread. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

The classic Easy Banana Bread recipe is a slice of nostalgia that ought to have been baking in your oven sooner. Taking about an hour to make, this moist and sweet bread is a testament to the age-old wisdom of not letting overripe bananas go to waste, a resourceful trick from the kitchens of our grandmothers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Bread

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a modern twist on the one-pan meals our grandmothers used to make, simplifying dinner without sacrificing the depth of flavor that should have been savored in your home by now. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s a smoky, slightly spicy dish that carries the legacy of convenient, hearty family meals.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup and Maple Dulce de Leche Cream

close up of pecan pie with dulce de leche cream.
Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup and Maple Dulce de Leche Cream. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup and Maple Dulce de Leche Cream is a dessert that echoes the indulgent spirit of grandmother’s baking. Requiring about 1 hour and 30 minutes, this pie with its rich, nutty flavor and caramel undertones, is a sweet homage to the past that should have been on your dessert table already.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup and Maple Dulce de Leche Cream

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with cheese and herbs on a white plate.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese is a dish that brings back memories of the simple yet flavorful recipes our grandmothers cherished. In just 30 minutes, this warm, cheesy dish should have been melting in your mouth, reminiscent of the comforting meals from a time when food was made with love.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta

Side view of white bean salad in bowl with tongs.
Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta would have been a staple at your grandmother’s table, and it’s a dish that deserves to be in your recipe collection. This 15-minute preparation yields a bright, tangy salad that captures the essence of old-world cooking with its hearty beans and fresh herbs.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta

Ukha Russian Fish Soup

Overhead view of blue bowl of soup.
Ukha Russian Fish Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ukha Russian Fish Soup is an authentic dish that should have been ladled into your bowl already, bringing the pure, delicate flavors that our grandmothers held dear. With a cooking time of about 1 hour, this light yet nourishing soup is steeped in tradition and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Ukha Russian Fish Soup

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Overhead view of cucumber salad.
Ukrainian Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad is a quick, 10-minute dish that should have been refreshing your palate yesterday, offering a taste of the garden-fresh salads that grandmothers used to make. Its crisp texture and tangy dressing are a throwback to the kind of wholesome, homemade sides that accompanied many a family meal.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan filled with crispy potatoes and sizzling bacon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a timeless dish that carries the legacy of our grandmothers’ no-waste philosophy in the kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that should have been enjoyed sooner. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a savory blend that comforts the soul with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Sausage Curry

A delicious sweet potato and meat curry dish.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Sausage Curry is a robust dish that should have been spicing up your dinner routine, reminiscent of the flavorful and hearty meals our grandmothers took pride in. With a 45-minute cook time, this dish is a modern take on the bold flavors that were staples in many of our childhood homes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Middle Eastern Rice and Beans (Mujadara)

white casserole dish with middle eastern mujadara.
Middle Eastern Rice and Beans (Mujadara). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Middle Eastern Rice and Beans, or Mujadara, is a humble yet richly satisfying dish that should have been part of your dining experience, paying homage to the frugal yet flavorful cooking of our grandmothers. Taking about 1 hour to prepare, it’s a testament to the comfort and nourishment that traditional recipes provided.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Rice and Beans (Mujadara)

Mushroom Stew

Slow cooker mushroom and sausage stew.
Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Mushroom Stew is a dish that should have been simmering on your stove, evoking the earthy, home-cooked meals that our grandmothers lovingly prepared. Ready in roughly 1 hour, it’s a warm embrace of robust flavors that have stood the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stew

Buttermilk Biscuits

already in FDL library.
Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Buttermilk Biscuits are a timeless classic that should have been rising in your oven, echoing the flaky, buttery treats that our grandmothers effortlessly whipped up. These light, tangy biscuits, ready in 20 minutes, are a tribute to the simple pleasures of homemade baking.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish filled with cheesy broccoli.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a dish that should have been bubbling in your oven, reminiscent of the vegetable casseroles that grandmothers made to gather everyone around the table. Taking about 1 hour to prepare, this cheesy, comforting bake is a modern twist on the classic family-style dishes of yesteryear.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Sauteed cabbage with peppers

A plate with mashed potatoes and meat on it.
Sauteed cabbage with peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sauteed cabbage with peppers is cooked in a smoky onion, tomato and pepper sauce, until it is silky, glistening and melting in your mouth.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed cabbage with peppers

Butterscotch Apple Crisp

A butterscotch apple crumble in a cast iron skillet on a wooden cutting board.
Butterscotch Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Butterscotch Apple Crisp is a dessert that should have been perfuming your kitchen with its warm, caramel-like aroma, much like the fruit crisps our grandmothers made with love. In about 1 hour, this sweet and crumbly treat brings a taste of nostalgia and the essence of home-cooked comfort.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Rosemary Sourdough Bread

Rosemary sourdough bread on cutting board.
Rosemary Sourdough Bread. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Rosemary Sourdough Bread, with its tangy flavor and aromatic rosemary, is a craft of baking that should have been emerging from your oven, paying homage to the artisanal loaves our grandmothers used to make. This bread, requiring about 4 hours, including proofing time, is a labor of love worth every minute.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Sourdough Bread

The Perfect Rice Pilaf

rice pilaf in copper saucepan.
The Perfect Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Perfect Rice Pilaf is a dish that should have been gracing your dinner table, carrying on the tradition of perfectly cooked grains that grandmothers took pride in. Ready in 40 minutes, this savory and aromatic side is a staple in the legacy of comforting, home-cooked meals.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Rice Pilaf

Faux Potato Salad Recipe

A white bowl of potato salad with mayonnaise.
Faux Potato Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

The Faux Potato Salad Recipe should have been your go-to for a guilt-free twist on the classic potato salad, reminiscent of the inventive substitutions our grandmothers made. With a prep time of about 30 minutes, this creamy dish captures the essence of the original with a clever, low-carb approach.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad Recipe

Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

Sheet pan salmon and cauliflower.
Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner is an infusion of flavors that should have been sizzling in your oven, offering a culinary adventure akin to the bold and exotic dishes from grandmother’s recipe box. In just 30 minutes, this spicy and sweet meal brings the world to your table with the same spirit of discovery.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

Blueberry Muffins

Lemon and blueberry muffin halves with lemon and blueberries.
Blueberry Muffins. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Blueberry Muffins are a treat that should have been cooling on your wire rack, conjuring memories of the berry-packed sweets that our grandmothers baked with love. In 30 minutes, these muffins deliver a burst of fresh flavor and a tender crumb that are hallmarks of time-honored baking.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Muffins

Amish Macaroni Salad

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

Amish Macaroni Salad is a dish that should have been chilling in your fridge, ready to offer the sweet and savory balance that has made it a beloved recipe among grandmothers for generations. With a 30-minute prep time, this creamy salad is a throwback to potlucks and picnics of days past.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Lecso Vegetable Stew

A girl holding a big casserole filled with vegetable stew.
Lecso Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

These 37 recipes are time-honored classics that call up the warmth and comfort of grandma’s kitchen. They’re the kind of dishes that stand the test of time, passed down through generations for their simplicity and heartwarming flavors. Each recipe is a nod to the days when meals were made with care and shared around a bustling family table. Missing out on these recipes means missing a piece of history that could have been rekindled in your own home cooking.
Get the Recipe: Lecso Vegetable Stew

Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

Overhead view of apple pie with apples.
Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie is a dessert that should have been cooling on your windowsill, drawing on the artistry and care that grandmothers put into their baked goods. Taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare, this pie’s intricate lattice top and spiced apple filling are a sweet slice of heritage.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

A bowl of butternut squash soup with a spoon on a colorful blue and white plate.
Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup should have been warming your bowl, as it’s a blend of flavors that grandmothers have long harnessed to create comforting, nourishing meals. In about 1 hour, this velvety soup marries the sweetness of apples with the richness of butternut squash for a taste that’s timeless.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

The Perfect Brunch Oyster Bake

Osyter bake casserole on table with linen and herbs.
The Perfect Brunch Oyster Bake. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Perfect Brunch Oyster Bake is an elegant dish that should have been the centerpiece of your brunch spread, inspired by the lavish yet homey feasts that our grandmothers were known for hosting. Ready in about 1 hour, this bake is a luxurious nod to the past, perfect for gatherings with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Brunch Oyster Bake

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Chocolate chip muffin halves in muffin tin.
Chocolate Chip Muffins. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chocolate Chip Muffins should have been your snack of choice, reminiscent of the classic chocolate chip treats that grandmothers baked to perfection. These 30-minute muffins are a sweet homage to the comforting, chocolate-studded delights from our childhoods.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Muffins

Cherry Cobbler

side view of slice of cherry cobbler with ice cream.
Cherry Cobbler. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Cherry Cobbler is a dessert that should have been bubbling in your oven, with the same juicy, tart filling and biscuit topping that our grandmothers mastered. In about 45 minutes, this cobbler revives the tradition of making the most of seasonal fruit in a rustic, crowd-pleasing way.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cobbler

Salt Potatoes

A bowl of potatoes.
Salt Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Salt Potatoes are a dish that should have been on your dinner table, reflecting the simple yet delicious cooking methods that our grandmothers passed down. With a cook time of about 25 minutes, these tender, salty potatoes are a humble side that complements any meal with a touch of nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes

Marble Chocolate Bundt Cake

Marble Chocolate Bundt Cake cut into slices on a wooden table.
Marble Chocolate Bundt Cake. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Marble Chocolate Bundt Cake is a dessert that should have been turning heads at your table, much like the visually striking and decadent cakes our grandmothers took pride in presenting. Ready in about 1 hour, this cake offers swirls of chocolate and vanilla for a taste as delightful as its appearance.
Get the Recipe: Marble Chocolate Bundt Cake

Farmer’s Cheese

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

Farmer’s Cheese is a fresh, homemade delight that should have been part of your cheese spread, reminiscent of the resourceful and wholesome approach our grandmothers had in the kitchen. In about 2 hours, you can create this versatile cheese, which carries the tradition of crafting simple, fresh ingredients into something special.
Get the Recipe: Farmer’s Cheese

Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Overhead view of olivier salad with two egg halves.
Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad) is a dish that should have been adding its creamy, chunky texture to your meal repertoire, much like the beloved potluck salads our grandmothers were famous for. With a total time of about 1 hour, this salad is a classic blend of potatoes, vegetables, and mayonnaise that spans generations.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Blueberry Upside Down Cake

Blueberry upside down cake on a white plate before slicing.
Blueberry Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Blueberry Upside Down Cake is a dessert that should have been the star of your dessert lineup, offering a twist on the upside-down cakes that grandmothers baked with seasonal fruit. This 50-minute cake is a testament to the timeless appeal of turning simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Upside Down Cake

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