21 grandma’s recipes that won’t have you running to the store for weird ingredients

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Tired of recipes that call for ingredients you’ve never heard of? These 21 grandma-approved recipes are your culinary safe haven. Each dish is made with straightforward, familiar ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. It’s all about simplicity and flavor, wrapped up in the comforting embrace of Grandma’s cooking. Prepare to be asked, “Is this really all there is to it?” as you serve up timeless favorites that never fail to please.

Yellow plum crumble bars on a black slate plate.
Yellow Plum Crumble Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Egg Salad

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

A classic favorite that’s easy to make and perfect for any meal. Creamy and flavorful, it’s a simple mix that combines eggs with just the right touch of seasoning. Enjoying Egg Salad on fresh bread or lettuce gives a nice crunch and freshness. It’s a great option for lunches or picnics, and it doesn’t require any fancy ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits

A plate of mini flaky cheese biscuits and a cup of coffee.
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Soft and buttery, these biscuits bring a comforting feel to any table. They are quick to whip up and can be served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for any occasion. Pairing well with soups or as a snack, Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are a must-have. Everyone loves that flaky texture and cheesy flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Refreshing and light, this salad is perfect for warm days. Crisp cucumbers mixed with creamy feta create a balance that is hard to resist. Adding Cucumber Salad with Feta to your meal not only brings a pop of color but also a burst of flavor. It’s simple to prepare and uses everyday ingredients that you likely already have at home.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Beef Stew

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

Nothing beats a warm bowl of stew on a chilly day, filled with tender meat and hearty vegetables. This recipe simmers low and slow, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully. Beef Stew is a comforting meal that fills you up and warms your heart. It’s a great way to use basic ingredients and create something special for the family.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bringing the taste of a beloved restaurant to your kitchen is easier than you think. This hearty meal features tender chicken and fluffy dumplings that soak up the delicious broth. Serving Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins can make any meal feel special and cozy. It’s perfect for gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Mini Hummingbird Cakes

Three mini hummingbird cake on a white plate.
Mini Hummingbird Cakes. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

These little cakes are packed with flavor and make for a sweet treat. With their fruity goodness and a hint of spices, Mini Hummingbird Cakes are a delicious way to end any meal. They are easy to prepare and look impressive when served. Your family will be asking for seconds, and they won’t believe you made them.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hummingbird Cakes

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce in a black skillet.
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Creamy and rich, this sauce takes any pasta to the next level. With just a few ingredients, you can recreate the taste of a favorite restaurant dish right at home. Tossing your favorite noodles with Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce makes for a comforting meal that everyone will love. It’s simple enough to make on a weeknight yet special enough for company.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

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.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Combining fresh vegetables with tender chicken creates a salad that’s both crunchy and satisfying. This dish is topped with a tangy dressing that brings all the flavors together nicely. Adding Chinese Chicken Salad to your meal plan is a great way to enjoy a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s easy to throw together and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

A top-down shot of Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies on a white plate.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Sweet and tangy, these cookies are a delicious treat for any occasion. The combination of lemon and poppy seeds creates a unique flavor that stands out. Baking Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies fills your home with a lovely aroma that everyone will enjoy. They make a great snack or dessert to share with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Carrabba's Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup, accompanied by two spoons, a black pepper grinder, and a napkin.
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Rich and hearty, this soup is filled with comforting flavors that remind you of home. It’s a great way to use leftover chicken and create a meal that warms you from the inside out. Serving Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup on a chilly night can quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s simple enough that you won’t need to run to the store for any unusual items.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Butter Scones

Two butter scones on a plate with a cup of tea on a marble surface.
Butter Scones. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Flaky and rich, these scones are perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. Their buttery texture melts in your mouth and pairs well with jam or clotted cream. Making Butter Scones at home is easy and they will impress your guests. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Butter Scones

Coronation Chicken Salad

A pan of coronation chicken salad next to a plate of lettuce and tomatoes.
Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This salad is a unique twist on traditional chicken salad, bringing a hint of sweetness and spice. Perfect for sandwiches or on its own, it offers a different take that can impress at any gathering. Coronation Chicken Salad is easy to make and doesn’t require fancy ingredients, just a bit of creativity. It’s a great way to enjoy chicken in a fresh and flavorful way.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Full of flavor, this versatile dish can be used in a variety of meals. It’s simple to make and can be served in tacos, burritos, or even over rice. Enjoying Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef brings a taste of Mexico to your kitchen without needing special ingredients. It’s a family favorite that can be customized to everyone’s taste.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy and comforting, this dish makes good use of leftover turkey. It’s a delicious way to turn simple ingredients into something special. Serving Turkey à la King over rice or biscuits creates a hearty meal that is sure to please everyone. It’s an easy recipe that feels festive without all the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

A bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

These carrots are sweet, buttery, and a perfect side for any meal. Easy to prepare, they add a touch of comfort to your dinner table. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are a great way to make vegetables more appealing to kids and adults alike. You won’t need anything out of the ordinary to make them, just good quality carrots and some basic seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Pork Stroganoff with Dill

Pork Stroganoff with Dill garnished with dill on a white plate.
Pork Stroganoff with Dill. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This dish offers a unique twist on the classic stroganoff, using pork instead of beef for a lighter flavor. It’s creamy and comforting, served over noodles or rice, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Pork Stroganoff with Dill brings a nice touch of freshness that sets it apart from other versions. It’s easy to make and uses common ingredients you likely already have at home.
Get the Recipe: Pork Stroganoff with Dill

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Light and refreshing, this pasta salad is perfect for a quick meal or a side dish at a gathering. The combination of salmon and pasta creates a filling yet light option. Adding Easy Salmon Pasta Salad to your table gives a taste of the ocean without needing to go out for seafood. It’s a great choice for warm days or when you want something different.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Juicy and flavorful, this dish combines savory pork with sweet apples for a wonderful contrast. It’s a simple recipe that delivers a lot of flavors without requiring special ingredients. Serving Roast Pork with Apples brings comfort to your dinner table and makes for an impressive meal. It’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Easy Gougeres

A plate of Gougeres served on a wooden table, with a piece of cheese visible to the side.
Easy Gougeres. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Light and airy, these cheese puffs are fun to make and even better to eat. They can be served as appetizers or snacks and are sure to impress your guests. With Easy Gougeres, you can create a delicious treat without complicated techniques. Everyone will be surprised at how simple it is to whip up something so elegant.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gougeres

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.

Combining the rich flavors of pot roast with crispy bacon makes for a mouthwatering meal that feels like a family tradition. Slow-cooked until tender, it creates a comforting dish perfect for cozy evenings. With Pot Roast with Bacon, you can enjoy a classic recipe that never fails to impress. Your family will enjoy every bite, and you won’t need any special ingredients to make it.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast with Bacon

Yellow Plum Crumble Bars

Yellow plum crumble bars on a black slate plate.
Yellow Plum Crumble Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

These bars bring together sweet and tart flavors in a simple dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The crumble topping adds a nice texture, making them enjoyable for everyone. With Yellow Plum Crumble Bars, you can create a treat that feels homemade and comforting without much effort. They’re great for sharing and will likely disappear quickly at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Plum Crumble Bars

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