21 Classic Recipes That Have Stood the Test of Time
Rediscover comforting classics that still deserve a place on today's dinner table.
We love experimenting with new recipes and ingredients in the kitchen. But sometimes, it's nice to go back to basics. These classic recipes have stood the test of time. From cozy lunch options like tuna melts to timeless desserts like banana pudding, these recipes taste just as good today as they did in your grandmother's kitchen.
Another benefit of old-school recipes: They tend to rely on simple staples you probably already have at home. It's easy to whip up a chicken casserole or beef stroganoff with little notice if someone drops by for dinner. Plus, it's easy to scale many of these recipes up if you're serving a crowd.
Whether you need a crowd-pleasing dish for your next potluck or just need a few new ideas for your weekly meal rotation, there's sure to be something here that appeals to your taste buds and your sense of nostalgia. Plus, think of how fun it can be to share these classic recipes with the next generation. We're betting the kids and teens in your house haven't heard of some of these dishes!
If you're looking for even more vintage recipe inspiration, don't miss our collections of grandma-approved recipes, classic Southern dishes, and old-fashioned Midwestern dishes.
Banana Pudding
What makes this crowd-friendly banana dessert better than all the rest is that it's made with homemade pudding. The result is a creamy, perfectly sweet base for vanilla wafer cookies and lots of ripe bananas.
Get the Banana Pudding recipe.
Shirley Temple
This kid-friendly drink is just about as iconic as the child actress who allegedly inspired it. Our version features homemade pomegranate syrup, which lends a vibrant ruby hue and a balanced sweet-tart flavor profile.
Get the Shirley Temple recipe.
Classic Tuna Melt
If you have a can of tuna that's been sitting in the back of your pantry for a while, put it to use in this punchy sandwich. Dress it up with a combination of mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for the ultimate crispy, cozy bite.
Get the Classic Tuna Melt recipe.
Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
Kids and adults alike will love these dippable pizza bites that feel like something from the late 90s or early aughts. You can make your own pizza dough from scratch or use your favorite store-bought version if you're in a pinch.
Get the Pepperoni Pizza Bombs recipe.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs simply never go out of style. From springtime brunches to backyard barbecues, this bite-sized appetizer is always a crowd-pleaser. While there are hundreds of different recipes out there, we think this one gets it just right.
Get the Best Deviled Eggs Ever recipe.
Cinnamon-Scented Icebox Cake
This make-ahead dessert is so much more than the sum of its parts. It utilizes store-bought ingredients like chocolate and vanilla pudding mixes, cinnamon graham crackers, and a handful of other basic pantry ingredients to make a sweet and spiced treat.
Get the Cinnamon-Scented Icebox Cake recipe.
RELATED: Vintage Items From Grandma That Could Be Worth a Lot of Money
Beef Wellington
This old-school recipe continues to be a showstopper at holiday gatherings. If you've never tried your hand at the puff pastry-wrapped beef before, this recipe will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Get the Beef Wellington recipe.
The Easiest Chicken Casserole Recipe
This all-in-one dinner comes together in just 20 minutes. Between the creamy chicken and crunchy breadcrumb topping, the contrasting textures makes this dish fun to eat.
Get the Easiest Chicken Casserole recipe.
Layered Fudge
Chocolate and peanut butter lovers unite! This dual fudge treat features a creamy nut butter layer topped with a chocolate-nut topping. Don't like peanut butter? Feel free to use almond or cashew butter instead!
Get the Layered Fudge recipe.
Cosmopolitan
This cocktail was invented in the 80s and has cemented itself as one of the most classic (and prettiest) bar drinks. Because it's made with so few ingredients, it's important that all of them are high-quality.
Get the Cosmopolitan recipe.
Classic Patty Melt
This is no ordinary hamburger. Thin beef patties are layered with caramelized onions and two varieties of cheese in this pressed sandwich that we'll never say no to.
Get the Classic Patty Melt recipe.
Smoky Split Pea Soup
The thing that separates this split pea soup from all the rest is the use of thick-cut smoked bacon. The texture and flavor of the fatty bacon take this classic from good to great.
Get the Smoky Split Pea Soup recipe.
RELATED: 20 Grandma-Approved Classic Recipes for Peak Comfort
Chicken Paprikash
A staple in Hungarian cuisine, this slow-simmered chicken dish features a medley of stewed onions, peppers, and tomatoes. It's a creamy and hearty dish for chilly winter nights.
Get the Chicken Paprikash recipe.
Peanut Butter Molten Chocolate Cakes
Molten lava cakes will never go out of style, but we're big fans of this chocolate-peanut butter version. The trick to the lava-like center is slightly underbaking the cakes so that they're still ooey-gooey.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Our modern day version of this old-fashioned recipe skips the canned soup. It makes for a little extra legwork, but the result is an extra creamy, extra flavorful scoop.
Get the Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe.
Beef Stroganoff
Craving a taste of nostalgia? Make this 1950s classic with sirloin steak, two varieties of mushrooms, and egg noodles. It's the perfect way to feed your family when the temperature drops.
Get the Beef Stroganoff recipe.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
It's not exactly figgy pudding, but this holiday staple is just as festive and sweet. With rich, caramel notes, you may just want to eat the toffee-pecan sauce by the spoonful.
Get the Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe.
Sloppy Joe Toasts
How's this for a twist on a classic? Instead of layering sloppy joe filling on hamburger buns, we've taken the liberty of spooning it over thick slices of crusty bread.
Get the Sloppy Joe Toasts recipe.
Classic Old Fashioned
It doesn't really get more old-school than an old-fashioned. Master your mixology skills with this classic, three-ingredient recipe.
Get the Classic Old Fashioned recipe.
11-Layer Salad
Need to feed a crowd? Whip up this impressive stacked salad with layers of romaine lettuce, crunchy cucumbers, hearty bulgur, juicy tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, salty bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and plenty of creamy ranch dressing.
Get the 11-Layer Salad recipe.
Readers Also Read
46 Easy Potluck Ideas to Feed a Hungry Crowd
10 Classic Midwestern Dishes We Rarely See Anymore
30 Easy Sunday Dinner Recipes
Easy and Festive Christmas Appetizers
