15 Grandma approved recipes way better than TikTok trends

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There’s something to be said for the timeless classics—those tried-and-true recipes that have been passed down through generations. These dishes that don’t need a viral moment to prove their worth!

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

Amish Macaroni Salad

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

This Amish Macaroni Salad has a perfect blend of sweet and savory. Forget the flashy food trends; this is the creamy comfort classic that never fails to clear the bowl. You’ll get why this dish is a timeless potluck champion with just one bite.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Ditch the food trends and come home to the heartwarming aroma of Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. This dish is a testament to the magic that happens when chicken meets a creamy, herby sauce in the slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Watergate Salad

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

Watergate Salad is the fluffy, no-bake treat that’s a breeze to whip up and a blast to eat. It’s the dish that’ll have everyone asking, “Is this really a salad?” Spoiler: It’s not, but it’s a hit, every time.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato soup in a gray and white bowl with a spoon.
Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Nothing says grandma’s kitchen quite like a Crock Pot brimming with Ham and Potato Soup. The slow simmer of spuds and ham creates a soup so creamy, it’s like a warm embrace on a wintry day.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Pea Salad

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

Pea Salad is the throwback dish that’s ready to make a comeback on your dinner table. This creamy concoction is a testament to the tasty power of simplicity and a reminder that classics never fade. It’s the side dish that’s been gracing family gatherings longer than any of us have been scrolling social feeds.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

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

For pickles that pack a punch without the pickling process, these Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles are your new best friends. They’re crunchy, they’re tangy, and they’ll turn any sandwich into a gourmet experience. Say goodbye to store-bought and hello to homemade heaven.
Get the Recipe: Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

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

Let your slow cooker work its magic with these pork chops that come out so fork-tender, they’re practically swoon-worthy. Drenched in a creamy mushroom sauce, these chops are the kind of meal that reminds you why slow and steady wins the race.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Peanut Butter Bread

Slice peanut butter bread on a cutting board with a jar of raspberry jam and knife.
Peanut Butter Bread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Peanut Butter Bread is here to spread joy and nuttiness to your snack time routine. This bread is so easy to whip up, it’ll have you questioning your loyalty to banana. Yeast-free and hassle-free, it’s the slice of life you didn’t know you were missing.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Bread

Salt Potatoes

Salt Potatoes drizzled with melted butter.
Salt Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With Salt Potatoes, you’re just a pot of boiling water away from a taste of nostalgia. These spuds prove that sometimes the best flavors come from the simplest recipes. Serve them up and watch them disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes

Baked Manicotti

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

Tuck into Baked Manicotti and let each cheese-stuffed, sauce-smothered bite transport you to family dinners of yore. It’s the kind of dish that’s reserved for special occasions but always worth the wait. This is comfort food that’s meant for sharing, even if you kind of don’t want to.
Get the Recipe: Baked Manicotti

Utica Greens

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

Utica Greens are the veggie dish that’ll have even the pickiest eaters asking for seconds. They bring a little Italian-American flair to your table with a spicy kick that’s sure to warm you up. This is the kind of green goodness that could easily become your new comfort food fave.
Get the Recipe: Utica Greens

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is the sliceable comfort classic that’ll have you swearing you’re dining out, even when you’re dining in. It’s got that down-home seasoning and a cozy factor that could rival any restaurant’s rocking chair. Dig in and let each savory bite remind you of simpler times.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Texas Caviar Dip

Texas caviar on a tortilla chip.
Texas Caviar Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Texas Caviar is a vibrant mix of beans and veggies, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. It is a staple that outshines any fleeting food fad. This potluck star that’s always in season, no matter the hashtag.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar Dip

Classic Deviled Eggs

Holding a deviled egg sprinkled with paprika.
Classic Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Classic Deviled Eggs are the party pleasers that never go out of style, especially with a dash of pickle relish. And let’s be honest, they’re the best reason for hovering around the appetizer table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs

Lime Jello Salad

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

When your meal needs a touch of whimsy, Lime Jello Salad is there to serve up some wobbly, wiggly fun. This retro gem is the conversation starter of any spread, with a flavor that’s as bright as its color. It’s the dessert that dances between side dish and sweet treat, and we’re all for it.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

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