21 grandma faves that aren’t just nostalgic, they’re irresistible

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Grandma’s recipes are timeless treasures that bring comfort and nostalgia to the dinner table. These 21 dishes, ranging from hearty mains to sweet treats, are not only reminiscent of a bygone era but also boast flavors that are irresistibly tasty, proving that classic favorites can stand the test of time.

Empanadas on a plate.
Argentinian Empanadas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Buckwheat kasha with camarelized mushrooms and onions

Three bowls of brown rice with mushrooms and greens.
Buckwheat kasha with camarelized mushrooms and onions. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Buckwheat kasha with caramelized mushrooms and onions brings together the wholesome goodness of buckwheat and the deep, sweet flavor of caramelized vegetables. In about 45 minutes, you can savor a dish that’s not just a nod to Grandma’s kitchen but also a testament to the timeless appeal of earthy, satisfying flavors.
Get the Recipe: Buckwheat kasha with camarelized mushrooms and onions

Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies

A tray of cookies with rosemary sprigs on it.
Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies, ready in roughly 30 minutes, are a delightful twist on a traditional favorite. They infuse the classic buttery treat with citrus and herbs, proving that Grandma’s recipes can evolve into modern-day classics without losing their heartwarming essence.
Get the Recipe: Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies

Classic French Toast

Slice of French toast on white plate topped with blueberries, powdered sugar, and syrup.
Classic French Toast. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Classic French Toast, a staple on Grandma’s breakfast table, is ready in a quick 20 minutes. This dish elevates simple bread and eggs into a custardy, sweet delicacy, demonstrating that the simplest recipes often hold the most cherished flavors.
Get the Recipe: Classic French Toast

My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free)

A cake topped with peaches and flowers.
My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll is a gluten-free dessert that’s ready in about an hour. It’s a sweet homage to the past, wrapped up with the fresh, juicy flavors of peaches, showing that gluten-free can still mean full of taste and tradition.
Get the Recipe: My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free)

Argentinian Empanadas

Empanadas on a plate.
Argentinian Empanadas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Argentinian Empanadas, with a preparation time of about an hour, are a savory nod to the hand-held pies that have been a favorite for generations. These empanadas prove that Grandma’s love for stuffed pastries can cross cultures and still be utterly scrumptious.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas

Mujadara

White casserole dish with middle eastern mujadara.
Mujadara. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Mujadara, with its one-hour cook time, is a testament to the robust flavors of lentils and caramelized onions. This dish is a favorite for its ability to bring comfort and nutrition together, proving that Grandma’s favorites can be as healthful as they are delicious.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara

Snack Mix

Close up of snack mix made up of Chex, pretzels, peanuts, and Cheerios.
Snack Mix. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Snack Mix, ready in a snappy 10 minutes, combines the nostalgic flavors of Grandma’s pantry into a crunchy, savory treat. The mix is a reminder that simplicity can be irresistibly tasty, and old-school snacks never go out of style.
Get the Recipe: Snack Mix

Grandma’s Cornbread

Overhead shot of cornbread in a cast iron skillet with a single slice cut out.
Grandma’s Cornbread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grandma’s Cornbread, baked in about 25 minutes, is a soul-warming side that’s moist, slightly sweet, and always a favorite. It’s the kind of timeless recipe that’s passed down through generations for its undeniable comfort and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cornbread

Ukha Russian Fish Soup

Overhead view of blue bowl of soup.
Ukha Russian Fish Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Savor the taste of old-fashioned cooking with Ukha, a Russian Fish Soup. Its hearty broth infused with fish, vegetables, and herbs brings timeless comfort and rustic charm to your table in under 45 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Ukha Russian Fish Soup

Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Forkfull of Air Fryer Apple Crisp.
Air Fryer Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Air Fryer Apple Crisp is a contemporary version of a classic dessert, ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a testament to how traditional favorites, like Grandma’s apple crisp, can adapt to today’s technology without losing their comforting flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios

Overhead view of citrus salad with citrus.
Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios, assembled in about 20 minutes, is a lively update to the classic fruit salad. It’s a dish that demonstrates how the zest of Grandma’s cooking can be enhanced with a dash of heat and a sprinkle of crunch.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios

Tomato Tart

A pie with tomatoes and thyme on top.
Tomato Tart. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Tomato Tart, served in about an hour, is a savory pastry that captures the fresh taste of ripe tomatoes. It’s a refined take on Grandma’s garden harvest, showing that her simple ingredients can be transformed into an elegant and flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Tart

Black sesame sourdough buns

Sesame buns with sesame seeds on a wooden cutting board.
Black sesame sourdough buns. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Black sesame sourdough buns, requiring about 3 hours to make, are a fusion of traditional sourdough and the nutty flavor of black sesame. These buns honor the timeless art of bread-making while introducing an intriguing twist that’s as tasty as it is unique.
Get the Recipe: Black sesame sourdough buns

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies, ready in 45 minutes, is a one-pan wonder that combines smoky paprika with hearty ingredients. It’s a dish that pays tribute to the unfussy, full-flavored meals that Grandma used to make.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Homemade matzo ball soup

Close up on 3 matzo balls in soup.
Homemade matzo ball soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Homemade matzo ball soup, with a cook time of about an hour and a half, is a classic comfort food. This recipe brings the warmth of Grandma’s kitchen to life with tender matzo balls in a savory broth, proving that some flavors are timeless.
Get the Recipe: Homemade matzo ball soup

Chocolate gluten-free rugelach

Chocolate croissants on a plate with a cup of coffee.
Chocolate gluten-free rugelach. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chocolate gluten-free rugelach, ready in about an hour, are sweet pastries that maintain the rich, chocolatey taste loved by many. These treats show that Grandma’s baking can be inclusive and still irresistibly delicious, even when catering to dietary needs.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate gluten-free rugelach

Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut

Red cabbage on a white plate.
Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut, which takes about 10 minutes to prepare, is a zesty condiment that adds a tangy crunch to any dish. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s been enjoyed for generations, and continues to be a tasty addition to the modern table.
Get the Recipe: Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut

Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

A bowl of chicken and dumplings with a spoon and parsley.
Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings, ready in 30 minutes, brings the comfort of Grandma’s cooking to your dinner table. This dish is a reminder that the creamy, hearty flavors of the past can still be a hit in today’s kitchens.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

Homemade Gumdrops

Homemade gumdrops in clear dish.
Homemade Gumdrops. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Homemade Gumdrops, which take about an hour to make, are a colorful and chewy treat that hark back to the candy jars of Grandma’s era. They show that some sweets never lose their charm, and homemade versions can be even more delightful.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Gumdrops

Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht

Two bowls of beet soup on a wooden table.
Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht, ready in about an hour, is a hearty soup that’s both nourishing and flavorful. This dish is a vibrant reminder that Grandma’s recipes can be both comforting and full of fresh vegetable goodness.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht

Paprika potatoes and mushrooms

Overhead view of plate of potatoes and mushrooms.
Paprika potatoes and mushrooms. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Paprika potatoes and mushrooms, which can be served in about 40 minutes, are a rustic side dish that’s brimming with flavor. This recipe shows that the simple, earthy dishes from Grandma’s kitchen still have a place in our hearts and on our tables.
Get the Recipe: Paprika potatoes and mushrooms

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