13 old-school recipes that never go out of style
They're classics for a reason.
If you’re craving a taste of tradition, these classic recipes are the perfect place to start. From comforting British staples to nostalgic puddings, these are the dishes that have stood the test of time. Think devilled eggs to start, a hearty shepherd’s pie for the main, and a proper trifle or creamy rice pudding to finish. Simple, familiar and always satisfying.
We’ve included a mix of recipes to suit every moment, from easy lunches to centrepiece meals. You’ll find quick, comforting options for everyday cooking, alongside more traditional dishes that are perfect for feeding a crowd. These are the recipes many of us grew up with, the ones that filled kitchens with warmth and brought everyone to the table.
And of course, no old-school menu would be complete without dessert. From layered trifles to slow-cooked puddings, these are the kind of treats that feel generous, comforting and well worth the wait.
Whatever the occasion, these timeless recipes prove that some dishes are classics for a reason.
Prawn Cocktail
This classically retro dish is very much still in style, popping up in lots of pubs, bistros and at-home dinner parties even today.
Recipe: Prawn Cocktail
Sticky Toffee Pudding
If we ever see STP on a menu, we have to order it. But making it yourself at home is incredibly easy - and you don't have to skimp on the sauce at the end either.
Recipe: Sticky Toffee Pudding
Beef Wellington
This old-school recipe continues to be a showstopper at big occasions and celebrations. 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.
Recipe: Beef Wellington with Port Gravy
Trifle
This retro classic is typically served up at Christmas time, but we think it's perfect for all sorts of celebrations - especially as it looks so great.
Recipe: Classic trifle
Toasted Sandwich
A toasted sandwich (or grilled cheese) is one of those classic comfort dishes that will never go out of style. Crispy golden toast filled with savoury, gooey cheese. What more could you want?
Recipe: Toasted Sandwich
Devilled Eggs
Along with the prawn cocktail, devilled eggs are still one of those canapes that always go down a treat. Our version mixes in pickle juice and dill into the mixture for a zesty, herbaceous taste.
Recipe: Devilled Eggs
Chicken Casserole
The humble chicken casserole is such a classic - and our most popular savoury recipe of all time. Our version only takes 15min of prep time.
Recipe: Chicken Casserole
Bread & Butter Pudding
Quick and easy to prepare, bread and butter pudding is a British classic that has long been celebrated for its simplicity and is a wonderful way of using up old leftover bread.
Recipe: Bread & Butter Pudding
Gammon & Pineapple
Ham and pineapple truly belong together and this old-school dish is just as popular as ever. We've upgraded the classic with this summer spiced version with a spicy pineapple salsa.
Recipe: Spiced Ham with Pineapple
Rice Pudding
There's something so nostalgic about rice pudding and we still can't resist this comfort dish. Our version has been upgraded with a salted butterscotch flavour.
Recipe: Salted Butterscotch Rice Pudding
Beef Stroganoff
Craving a taste of nostalgia? Make this 1950s classic with sirloin steak and plenty of mushrooms. Serve with a side of cooked pasta or mash if you prefer.
Recipe: Easy beef stroganoff traybake
Shepherd's Pie
This classic dish has been adapted countless times over the years, but its comforting core has always stayed the same. Filled with hearty lamb mince and vegetables, then topped with a generous layer of creamy mash, it’s easy to see why it remains such a firm favourite today.
Recipe: Shepherd's Pie
Banoffee Pie
This classic dessert is perfect for a crowd and combines crunchy, silky, creamy and fruit into one delicious pie.
The GH Kitchen Team are Good Housekeeping’s resident recipe developers and all-round food obsessives. GH Kitchen Director Sarah Akhurst is our resident hosting pro and loves nothing more than putting on a foodie feast for friends. Our GH Kitchen Manager Linzi Pucino is our very own Italian food expert (originally hailing from the North East of Scotland!) and can be found working her way through midweek recipes that cover all bases, from haggis to ragu! Our Kitchen Editor Nadine Brown loves digging into the stories behind her favourite foods and enjoys applying her eclectic tastes to more modern, flavour-forward recipes - just don't give her too much chilli! Our Junior Food Content Produce Frankie Prichard combines a love of beautiful presentation and flavour-led, seasonal cooking in her recipe development, along with a passion for bringing people together through food. With a wealth of professional kitchen experience between them, they’re dedicated to ensuring every Good Housekeeping recipe is the best it can be, so you can trust they’ll work every single time
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