23 old-time recipes you’ve probably forgotten

Photo of author

| Published:

It’s crazy how we find ourselves constantly chasing new food trends, right? All while forgetting the classic, tried-and-true recipes that warmed our bellies and hearts back in the day! Remember those heavenly smells wafting from Grandma’s kitchen that would make our mouths water in anticipation? Or the taste of home-baked Nanna’s Apple Cake or fresh Rhubarb Bread that no store-bought version can hold a candle to? Those flavors, we bet, are still hard to forget!

But hey, life gets busy, and somehow, these humble yet full-of-flavor recipes have been put on the back burner. Out of sight, out of mind, right? So we thought, why not bring back some rich, delicious nostalgia! Without further ado, let us dust off those old cookbooks with you and rediscover 23 amazing old-time recipes that we’ve, oops, probably forgotten!

An apple cake on a white plate with cinnamon sticks.
Nanna’s Apple Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Don’t let this simple old-time recipe deceive you. The combination of chicken with the zesty flavor of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts creates an enviable harmony of textures. It’s a refreshing break from the run-of-the-mill salads and perfect for a light dinner or a brunch spread.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Cranberry Bars

These sweet-tart Cranberry Bars were a hit on the home baking scene decades ago. Each bite delivers a burst of cranberry flavor, neatly balanced by a buttery crust. It’s like tasting your grandparent’s home baking all over again. It is ideal for an afternoon tea-time treat or as a holiday dessert option.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bars

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

Baked Scotch Eggs

Baked Scotch Eggs definitely deserve a spot in your recipe repertoire. These hearty old-time delicacies are an incredible combination of hard-boiled eggs wrapped in flavourful sausage meat and then baked. Ideal as appetizers, part of a picnic spread, or even as a protein-packed snack.
Get the Recipe: Baked Scotch Eggs

Pecan Butter Balls

The old-time Pecan Butter Balls may have been overshadowed by modern-day cookies, but their luscious taste is hard to forget. Packed with the nuttiness of pecans and sweetness of butter, these round cookies will remind you of the simplicity and richness of past-times.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Butter Balls

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

Reimagine your leftover roast beef into a nostalgic Shepherd’s Pie. This dish warms the soul with its tender meat enveloped in savory gravy, and topped off with buttery mashed potatoes. A one-dish meal that brings coziness to your dinner table just like in the old days.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie Bites

A miniature spin on the classic Shepherd’s Pie, these bites carry the same comfort in bite-sized portions. Think the layers of meat, veggies, and topped with mashed potatoes, all packed in a bite – a grand combination that’s hard to resist. A wonderful way to reignite your love for this old-time favorite.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie Bites

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

Sausage Rolls

Sausage Rolls are a forgotten treasure from the old-world baking. Savory sausage enveloped in a crispy, buttery pastry – a combination that hits the comfort food spot just right. Perfect as breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as part of your party appetizer lineup.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls

Homemade Corned Beef

Who could forget the old-fashioned goodness of Homemade Corned Beef? This recipe typically takes patience, but the result – tender, flavorful corned beef – is a true gastronomical delight. Makes a perfect centerpiece for a family Sunday meal. Recreate this forgotten cooking gem for an unforgettable food experience.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corned Beef

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

Potato Cheese Bread takes you on a nostalgic trip back to the good old days. A forgotten bread variety that combines the heartiness of potatoes with the tangy flavor of cheese, resulting in a fluffy yet filling loaf. Perfect as a breakfast item or as a side with your favorite soup.
Get the Recipe: Potato Cheese Bread

Rhubarb Bread

Let’s not forget about Rhubarb Bread – a forgotten classic that makes you reminisce about the old times. It is a pleasantly moist bread that perfectly blends the tartness of rhubarb with the sweet undertones of the dough. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack. Taste this old-time treat for a sweet trip down memory lane.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Bread

Peameal bacon on a plate with tomatoes and onions.
Peameal Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Peameal Bacon

Peameal Bacon – an iconic recipe steeped in history. This old-time favorite calls for lean pork loin rolled in cornmeal, creating a savory, sweet flavor profile. Known for its golden crust and moist interior, it’s a breakfast game-changer, perfect for a lazy weekend morning.
Get the Recipe: Peameal Bacon

Cheese Toasties

Who doesn’t remember the delight of munching on toasty, melted cheese sandwiches as a child? Our fast-paced lives have made us forget the honest, simple pleasure of biting into a cheese toastie. They are easy, quick, and bring warmth and nostalgia with their every cheesy nibble. Now that’s a throwback worth savoring!
Get the Recipe: Cheese Toasties

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.

Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche

The Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche is an old-time favorite that has sadly faded in popularity. A filling dish with broccoli’s freshness, combined with the richness of three variants of cheese. It’s a hearty meal on its own, perfect for brunches or light dinners.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Here’s a dish that probably slipped off your kitchen radar – Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. These beans get a makeover in this slow-cooked wonder, bringing an old and simple flavor back to your plate. Get a taste of the good old times with this slow cooker recipe. It’s a blast from the past!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Four glasses of white chocolate pomegranate trifle on a white brick wall.
White Chocolate Pomegranate Trifle. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

White Chocolate Pomegranate Trifle

This dessert is reminiscent of a bygone era. Creamy white chocolate cream meets the tartness of fresh pomegranates to create an unforgettable overlay of flavors. It’s an old-time recipe that needs to make a comeback to households. Ignite you with nostalgia by making this delicious trifle.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Pomegranate Trifle

Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Remember the heady mix of potatoes, smoky bacon, and dollops of sour cream? Another old-time cooking gem has been lost over the years. This recipe is an all-time comfort food and a crowd-pleaser. Unearth this delight and let it take you down memory lane.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

A bowl of German yellow beans on a wooden table.
German Yellow Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

German Yellow Beans

The humble yet vibrant yellow beans prepared in a classic German style – now that’s nostalgia on a plate! This old-time recipe is so simple, yet incredibly tasty, it makes you wonder why it ever disappeared from our tables. Let’s bring back the good old days. German Yellow Beans, anyone?
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans

Pickled Yellow Beans

Pickled Yellow Beans are an old-timer that most of us probably forgot but deserve to be relished again. Tangy, crunchy, and exciting, these pickles add a pop of savoury flavor and texture to any meal. Make these a part of your kitchen routine again, and you’ll recall what made them special in the first place.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans

Beef bourguignon in a white bowl with thyme.
Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Beef Bourguignon

A classic flavorful beef stew simmered in rich, aromatic wine – Beef Bourguignon is an old-time French favorite that has likely slipped your mind. Uncover this timeless treasure and let it make its grand re-entrance at your dinner table. You won’t regret it.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon

Nanna’s Apple Cake

One taste of Nanna’s Apple Cake, and you’re transported back to your grandmother’s kitchen. Sweet apples, warming spices; this nostalgic recipe needs to step back into the spotlight. Simple, homely, comforting cake from the past will surely bring back the fondest food memories.
Get the Recipe: Nanna’s Apple Cake

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

Ham & Cheese Impossible Quiche

The Ham & Cheese Impossible Quiche – sounds like an ancestor of today’s trendy brunch dishes, right? It’s a hidden gem from the past that strikes a perfect balance between savouriness and comfort. Served hot or cold, it offers a walk down memory lane with each bite.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Cheese Impossible Quiche

Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup

Our sweet and earthy classic Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup surely takes you on a nostalgic food trip. The old-time recipe is calling to be revived. It’s a comforting side that reminds us of old-time autumn feasts and cosy family meals with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup

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

Chicken & Corn Chowder

Rediscover the simple joy of a classic warm soup, with the Chicken & Corn Chowder. This timeless, hearty classic hasn’t received the love it deserves in recent years. It’s an old-time recipe that is comforting, filling, and irresistibly delicious—one sip and you’ll remember why you loved it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Corn Chowder

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.