Some recipes don’t need changing—they just need to be remembered. These 17 retro dishes were good then and still hold up now. They’ve got the kind of flavor that sticks and the kind of look that earns a second glance. If you’re cooking for comfort and posting for fun, this list covers both.
Stuffed Potato Patties With A Mushroom Filling
Stuffed potato patties with a mushroom filling take about 1 hour to prepare. They use mashed potatoes, onions, and a savory mushroom mixture. The outside is crisp and golden, while the inside stays soft and rich. They work as a snack, side, or main. It’s the kind of retro comfort food worth posting about.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Potato Patties With A Mushroom Filling
Buckwheat Kasha With Camarelized Mushrooms And Onions
Buckwheat kasha with caramelized mushrooms and onions takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It combines earthy buckwheat with sweet, golden onions. The texture is fluffy and nutty, with plenty of savory depth. This simple, filling dish has been around for generations, and it’s overdue for a return to the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Buckwheat Kasha With Camarelized Mushrooms And Onions
My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole
Carrot casserole takes about 1 hour and features soft, baked carrots in a creamy, slightly sweet sauce. The texture is tender, with a golden top and smooth flavor. It works well as a side or a light main. It’s a classic that deserves more than just holiday attention.
Get the Recipe: My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole
Traditional Russian Blintzes
Traditional Russian blintzes take about 45 minutes and are made with thin crepes and a soft cheese filling. They’re light, slightly sweet, and often served with fruit or sour cream. They’ve been passed down through generations for good reason. A dish like this still looks good on any feed.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Russian Blintzes
Jerusalem Kugel
Jerusalem kugel takes around 1 hour and blends cooked noodles with caramelized sugar, black pepper, and oil. The result is a sweet and savory noodle pie with a crisp edge and soft inside. It’s different in the best way and pairs well with just about anything. It’s ready for a comeback.
Get the Recipe: Jerusalem Kugel
My Grandma's Russian Jewish Carrot Tzimmes
Carrot tzimmes takes about 1 hour and mixes carrots, dried fruit, and honey into a slow-cooked, sweet-savory side. The texture is soft, and the flavor is warm and rich. It’s simple but full of heart. It’s the kind of dish that belongs in more than just memory.
Get the Recipe: My Grandma's Russian Jewish Carrot Tzimmes
Ajiaco Recipe
Ajiaco is a Colombian chicken soup that takes around 2 hours to prepare and includes potatoes, corn, and herbs. The potatoes' cooked-down texture makes the soup thick and creamy, and the bold, comforting flavor is hearty enough to stand alone. It’s a traditional dish that feels just right again.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Recipe
Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe
Mushroom bourekas take about 1 hour and use puff pastry, sautéed mushrooms, and onions. They’re flaky, savory, and easy to eat by hand. Perfect for parties or simple snacks. They’re the kind of retro finger food that should never have gone out of style.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe
Roasted Cauliflower Bake in Green Herb Sauce
Roasted cauliflower baked in green herb sauce takes about 50 minutes and includes cauliflower, herbs, and olive oil. It’s tender with crisp edges and packed with bright, fresh flavor. It works as a side or a light main. It feels old-school and new all at once.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Bake in Green Herb Sauce
Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie
Lattice top apple pie takes about 1 hour and features spiced apples under a golden, flaky crust. The filling is warm, sweet, and full of cinnamon. It’s the kind of dessert that’s been around forever for a reason. A slice of this still earns its place on any feed.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie
Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers
Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli, and peppers take about 40 minutes and are tossed with oil, garlic, and herbs. The flavor is bright and savory, with tender vegetables and crisp edges. It’s a basic dish that still gets attention. It’s retro comfort that fits right into today.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers
My Grandmother's Peach Swiss Roll (Gluten-Free)
Peach Swiss roll takes about 1 hour and features a soft sponge cake rolled with peach jam or filling. It’s light, slightly sweet, and easy to slice and serve. The swirl alone is worth showing off. It’s a dessert with just enough charm to trend again.
Get the Recipe: My Grandmother's Peach Swiss Roll (Gluten-Free)
Homemade Gefilte Fish Recipe With Beet Chrein
Gefilte fish with beet chrein takes about 2 hours and combines ground white fish with onions, carrots, and seasonings. It’s served cold with a spicy-sweet beet horseradish sauce. The texture is dense but tender and surprisingly flavorful. It’s a dish that deserves a second look.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Gefilte Fish Recipe With Beet Chrein
Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses
Almond apple cake with apple roses takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and uses almond flour, apples, and a light glaze. The flavor is mild and nutty, with soft fruit in every slice. The rose-shaped apple slices on top look as good as they taste. It’s retro-made for photos.
Get the Recipe: Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses
Grape Pie
Grape pie takes about one hour to prepare and combines Concord grapes, sugar, and a buttery crust. The filling is juicy, sweet, and a little tangy, packed into a classic pie shell. It’s not a dessert you see often anymore, but that’s exactly why it needs to come back.
Get the Recipe: Grape Pie
Grandma's Hearty Offal Stew
Offal stew takes about 3 hours and includes liver, heart, kidney, onions, and a slow-simmered broth. The texture is tender, and the flavor is deep and rich. It’s old-school, nutrient-packed, and still satisfying. Not everyone grew up with it, but those who did never forgot it.
Get the Recipe: Grandma's Hearty Offal Stew
Egg Salad
Egg salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and mixes chopped eggs with mayo, mustard, and simple seasoning. It’s creamy and a little tangy and works on its own or in a lettuce wrap. It’s basic in the best way—the kind of lunch that doesn’t need an update to stay relevant.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad
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