15 old-fashioned dishes your friends Will copy into their own recipe books

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Sharing recipes used to be a handshake deal, but these 15 dishes might make you reconsider. They carry that old-fashioned magic that makes every bite feel like a hug from the past. From main courses to sides, they’re the kind of recipes your friends will casually “borrow” for their own collections. You’ll know you’ve nailed it when they start serving your signature dish back to you!

A black plate with a serving of Chicken Bog.
Chicken Bog. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Lemon Loaf Cake

A freshly baked lemon loaf cake, served on a plate and topped with lemon slices.
Lemon Loaf Cake. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Sometimes you just want a simple dessert that feels nostalgic, and Lemon Loaf Cake gets the job done. It’s the kind of treat that sits perfectly with a cup of tea, making you feel like you’re starring in a retro family gathering. Your friends will be writing this one down after the first bite—there’s no way they’ll let it stay just in your kitchen. Perfectly shareable and timeless, it’s the cake that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf Cake

Classic Pork Souvlaki

Three pieces of Pork Souvlaki with a bowl of white sauce and pieces of flatbread on a black slate serving board.
Classic Pork Souvlaki. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

For all you meat lovers, Classic Pork Souvlaki is a must-try. This dish has stood the test of time, offering a tender, flavorful bite every time. It’s an easy way to bring the essence of traditional grilling into your kitchen, and your friends will definitely want this recipe for their next gathering. A dish like this turns an ordinary evening into a festive occasion.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pork Souvlaki

Dutch Apple Pie Squares

Three pieces of Dutch Apple Pie Squares on a black slate plate.
Dutch Apple Pie Squares. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Break out from the usual desserts with Dutch Apple Pie Squares. These delights merge the comforting taste of apple pie with the ease of eating a bar. Their distinct, crumbly crust complemented by a sweet apple filling makes them irresistible. Friends and family will want this recipe for their next holiday feast or just a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Pie Squares

Classic Meatballs

A plate of spaghetti topped with two meatballs, marinara sauce, grated cheese, and basil garnish.
Classic Meatballs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, Classic Meatballs could be just what the chef ordered. They’ve been a staple at many tables for decades, known for their rich flavor and versatile use. Serve them over spaghetti, tucked into a sub, or alongside a plate of veggies. No matter how you choose, they promise to be a hit. Passing this recipe on will make you a favorite among friends.
Get the Recipe: Classic Meatballs

Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup

Two bowls of Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup were placed on a marble surface next to two spoons.
Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

When the weather gets cooler, there’s nothing quite like a big bowl of Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup to warm up. This recipe does justice to a restaurant favorite, perfect for those who love a creamy, comforting bowl of soup. It’s especially great for entertaining or a family meal. Once your friends taste it, they’ll be asking you how to make it themselves.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup

Italian Pot Roast Pasta

A hand lifting a fork with a bite of Italian Pot Roast Pasta on a bowl.
Italian Pot Roast Pasta. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

The heartiness of a traditional roast meets classic Italian flavors in Italian Pot Roast Pasta. It’s a comforting meal that fills the belly and soothes the soul, ideal for a weekend family dinner. Full of flavor and easy to make, this dish will be one your friends will likely ask for after just one bite. A surefire way to nourish and impress, it’s a recipe meant to be shared.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pot Roast Pasta

Old Fashioned Whipped Cream Cake

Old Fashioned Whipped Cream Cake dusted with powdered sugar topped with raspberries and blackberries on a black plate.
Old Fashioned Whipped Cream Cake. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Bringing back a taste of nostalgia, Old Fashioned Whipped Cream Cake offers a light, airy alternative to denser versions of classic cakes. This dessert stands out at any gathering, whether it’s a birthday or an afternoon tea. With its subtle sweetness and fluffy texture, it invites a moment of pure enjoyment. Friends will certainly want to snag this recipe for their celebrations and family get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Whipped Cream Cake

Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice served in a white bowl.
Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

You won’t need a wok to prepare a wonderful dish like Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice. Perfect for quick dinners, this recipe combines simplicity with taste to create a fulfilling meal. It’s versatile, allowing you to adjust flavors as desired, which makes it a favorite among households. Your friends won’t hesitate to add this practical, delicious recipe to their weeknight rotations.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice

Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Three slices of Blueberry Cheesecake Bars on a rectangular black slate.
Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Combine the luscious flavor of blueberries with creamy cheesecake, and you get Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. This dessert is all about bringing a burst of flavor in every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The ease of serving them in bar form means less mess and more enjoyment. It’s a brilliant recipe that your friends will want to borrow for their next party menu.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Horiatiki Salad

A black bowl contains a Horiatiki salad with blocks of feta cheese, garnished with herbs.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Fresh, simple, and brimming with vibrant flavors, Horiatiki Salad is more than just a salad; it’s a staple of rustic charm that hails from sun-soaked hills and blue seas. Ideal for those looking for a refreshing, yet filling side, it pairs well with almost any main. Once tasted, friends will surely make a permanent spot for this recipe in their collection, cherishing its straightforward beauty.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Old Fashioned Tomato Soup

A white cup filled with tomato soup garnished with herbs sits on a matching saucer with a slice of bread.
Old Fashioned Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Nothing says home like a good bowl of Old Fashioned Tomato Soup. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just yearning for a taste of home, this soup delivers with its comforting warmth and homestyle feel. Easy enough for any day of the week, it’s a perfect addition to your meal. Expect friends to ask for this recipe when they’re looking for something both straightforward and heartwarming.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Tomato Soup

Classic Shrimp Scampi

Two cast iron skillets contain shrimp scampi garnished with lemon wedges.
Classic Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Imagine a dish that brings the seaside to your dining room; Classic Shrimp Scampi does just that. With its rich, garlicky sauce and tender shrimp, it’s a seafood lover’s dream. It goes great with pasta or a plate of fresh greens, giving you versatility in your menu. This is one dish that’s bound to become a regular in your friend’s kitchen after they’ve tried it at your table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Scampi

Pastitsio

A serving of pastitsio in a black dish is placed in front of a baking tray with more pasta.
Pastitsio. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Dig into a hearty serving of Pastitsio, a layered dish that’s been a favorite for generations. Offering a comforting taste with every forkful, it bridges the gap between pasta and casserole wonderfully. Loved for its rich flavor profile and filling nature, it makes a perfect centerpiece for a family dinner. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a recipe frequently requested by your friends.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake

Two small Bundt Grandma's Buttermilk Cake with a smooth white glaze sit on a rectangular white plate.
Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

There’s something about Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake that makes everyone feel like they’re in grandma’s kitchen. Simple, yet incredibly satisfying, this cake captures the essence of homemade dessert perfection. It’s versatile for any occasion and always seems to be hit among all age groups. Share it once, and it will become a staple recipe among your circle, cherished for its comforting presence.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake

Chicken Bog

A black plate with a serving of Chicken Bog.
Chicken Bog. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

For those who enjoy one-pot wonders, Chicken Bog offers a wonderful combination of simplicity and taste. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that fills you up and warms you from the inside out. Perfect for a family meal or a casual dinner with friends, it’s as filling as it is easy to make. Once you serve this to your guests, expect to be sharing the recipe often.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bog

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