15 top recipes Grandma would absolutely approve of

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Some dishes just feel like a hug from the kitchen. In this collection of 15 top recipes, you’ll find time-tested favorites made with simple ingredients and that “please share the recipe” magic. From Sunday suppers to potluck showstoppers, these are the keepers Grandma would absolutely approve of and probably tell you to make again.

A bowl of soup with cheese and green peppers.
Cheeseburger chowder. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

No Bake Brownies

Close up side view of three no bake brownies on white plate.
No Bake Brownies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Readers can’t get enough of these easy no bake brownies. Mix, chill, and cut into ultra fudgy bars without turning on the oven. They’re the kind of treat Grandma would happily sign off on. Great for quick cravings and dangerously snackable. Blink and the pan is gone.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Brownies

Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Meatballs in a white bowl on a wooden table.
Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs are the sweet and savory reader favorite everyone grabs first. Great for parties, game day, or anytime you want something easy and crowd pleasing. Expect recipe requests.
Get the Recipe: Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Cheddar Cheese Beer Soup

A bowl of cheese soup with crackers on a plate.
Cheddar Cheese Beer Soup. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy, this microwave cheddar beer soup hits the spot fast. Carrots and green onions bring color and flavor, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Warm it up when you want comfort without the stovetop. Toss together, heat, enjoy. It tastes like you fussed all afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Cheese Beer Soup

Quiche Lorraine

Slice of Quiche Lorraine on white plate next to fork and green salad.
Quiche Lorraine. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Curious about making Quiche Lorraine? This reader favorite is loaded with crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and plenty of melty cheese. It looks restaurant-worthy yet comes together with little fuss. Cozy and satisfying, it’s perfect for brunch or an easy dinner. Try it once and it will be on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Quiche Lorraine

Old Fashioned Coconut Cream PIe

Slice of coconut cream pie on white plate with pink tablecloth in background.
Old Fashioned Coconut Cream PIe. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Grab a fork and cozy up with a slice of our ultra-creamy Classic Coconut Cream Pie. It’s silky, rich, and packed with sweet coconut in every bite. The kind of dessert Grandma would absolutely approve of. No wonder it’s a fan favorite year after year. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever a coconut craving hits. Fair warning: one slice rarely does the job.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Coconut Cream PIe

Sherbet Punch

Bowl and glasses of rainbow sherbet punch with vibrant foam on a yellow plaid tablecloth.
Sherbet Punch. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

If you know, you know. Sherbet plus 7Up is the classic punch I reach for every time. Sweet, fizzy, and fun. Save this one for your next celebration. I usually make a double batch for a crowd. Try orange or lime sherbet to change it up.
Get the Recipe: Sherbet Punch

Tartar sauce

Tartar sauce in clear jar on white plate of fish sticks.
Tartar sauce. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Small bowl, big flavor. This speedy tartar sauce wakes up fish sticks, fries, and burgers in seconds. Thin it with a splash of lemon for a bright, creamy salad dressing. Fold in chopped pickles or fresh dill when you want extra pop.
Get the Recipe: Tartar sauce

Grasshopper Pie

A slice of green oreo pie on a plate with a fork.
Grasshopper Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

No-bake Grasshopper Pie with a crunchy Oreo crust and a fluffy mint-chocolate filling made from crème de menthe, crème de cacao, melted marshmallows, and Cool Whip. Chill until set, then slice into cool, creamy wedges. It’s an easy make-ahead dessert that always disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Grasshopper Pie

Cheeseburger Chowder

A bowl of soup with cheese and green peppers.
Cheeseburger chowder. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Grandma would absolutely approve of this old-school Cheeseburger Chowder. It’s loaded with hearty ground beef, sautéed veggies, creamy milk, and plenty of melty cheddar. Pure cozy comfort in a bowl, perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends. Make a pot and watch it vanish.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Chowder

Victory Blueberry Pie

A slice of blueberry pie with a golden crust and visible berry filling sits on a white plate; additional pie slices are in the background.
Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Head back to the ’40s with this old-school blueberry pie. Juicy berries bubble under a tender, flaky crust that tastes like home. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla for that diner-style vibe. It’s simple, cozy, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Victory Blueberry Pie

Old-Fashioned Banana Bread

Sliced loaf of banana bread on wooden board.
Old-Fashioned Banana Bread. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This banana bread is just like Grandma’s – moist and full of flavor. Made with nuts and plenty of ripe bananas, it tastes delicious with butter or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Banana Bread

Chocolate Milkshake

Four chocolate milkshakes in mason jars topped with whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, and red striped straws, with chocolate syrup and whipped cream cans in the background.
Chocolate Milkshake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Grandma was the original food influencer, and this chocolate milkshake proves it. It’s rich, creamy, and ridiculously easy to blend. It’s a reader favorite for a reason. One sip and you’ll see. Pure nostalgia in a glass.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Milkshake

Chocolate Macaroon Pie

A slice of chocolate coconut pie on a plate.
Chocolate Macaroon Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Chocolate Macaroon Pie is all about that chocolate and coconut magic. The cocoa crust pairs with a smooth, sweet coconut filling that just feels right. One slice won’t be enough. Try it cold with toasted coconut or a ribbon of melted chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Macaroon Pie

Shirred Eggs

A cup of coffee and an egg on a plate.
Shirred Eggs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Shirred eggs make breakfast feel a little fancy without the fuss. Crack a few into a small dish, add a splash of cream, season with salt and pepper, then bake. They come out warm and silky, perfect with toast or whatever you’ve got around. I like to finish mine with fresh herbs or a handful of cheese when I’m feeling extra.
Get the Recipe: Shirred Eggs

Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza

A slice of chocolate chip pizza on a plate.
Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza bakes up on a soft cookie crust topped with puddles of chocolate and gooey marshmallows. It always disappears at potlucks and parties. Serve warm for maximum ooey-gooey pull.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza

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