Grandma’s 17 flavorful side dishes worth passing down

Photo of author

| Published:

Step into the heart of cherished culinary traditions with Grandma’s collection of 17 flavorful side dishes, a treasury of recipes woven with love and time-tested excellence. Each dish carries the essence of generations, promising to enrich your dining experience with the warmth and nostalgia that only Grandma’s kitchen can provide.

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Three baked potatoes on a blue and white plate.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Revel in the comforting flavors of Grandma’s classic Stuffed Baked Potatoes – russet potatoes baked to golden perfection, hollowed and filled with a rich mash of butter, cheddar cheese, and minced onions. Baked to a delightful crisp, these nostalgic spuds are a heartfelt reminder of home-cooked warmth and the joy found in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Sweet Potato Puffs

A plate with a bite out of a sweet potato puff.
Sweet Potato Puffs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Experience the charm of Grandma’s sweet potato puffs, showcasing a delightful blend of textures with a crunchy Corn Flake coating enveloping a creamy, sweet interior. Indulge in a unique twist on a timeless favorite that brings joy to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Puffs

Mexican Macaroni Salad

Mexican Macaroni Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Delight in the classic flavors of an old-fashioned Mexican Macaroni Salad, a tasty pasta dish adorned with chopped vegetables and a zesty taco seasoning dressing—perfect for potlucks and large gatherings alike. Enjoy the timeless appeal of this flavorful salad that never fails to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad

Grape Salad

Grape Salad in clear bowl with green grapes in background.
Grape Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Bring a touch of nostalgia to your gathering with this classic Grape Salad recipe, a refreshing side that effortlessly stands out. As your guests enjoy its sweet goodness, anticipate the delightful chorus of compliments and requests for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Green beans with bacon and almonds on a red plate.
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Transport your taste buds to the past with this vintage Green Beans Almondine with Bacon recipe, offering a delightful blend of savory goodness and a buttery, lemony finish. This classic side dish is perfect for complementing any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.
Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Experience the timeless appeal of this vintage Cabbage Apple Salad, bringing together the vibrant hues of red cabbage and the crisp sweetness of Golden Delicious apples, all enhanced by a zesty dressing. Perfect for enjoying the delightful flavors of every season!
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Surprise Potatoes

A casserole dish with shredded cheese and a wooden spoon.
Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Discover the charm of Grandma’s Surprise Potatoes, a simple yet impressive dish blending frozen hashbrowns, cheese, and other delightful ingredients. Perfect for sharing at potlucks, these potatoes are sure to win over the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Cornbread Stuffing

A dish of stuffing on a cutting board.
Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Delight in the timeless flavors of Grandma’s Homemade Cornbread Stuffing (Dressing), a cherished 1970s recipe featuring the perfect blend of bacon, onions, and celery for a flavorful and crunchy family favorite. Enjoy the comforting taste that will surely become a staple on your table.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing

Amish Macaroni Salad

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Experience the charm of a traditional Amish macaroni salad, a delightful old-fashioned recipe that serves as the ideal creamy and sweet side dish for your gatherings. The crowd-pleasing nature of this salad lies in its straightforward yet delicious combination of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Potatoes au Gratin

Overhead shot of potatoes au gratin cooked in an oval baking dish.
Potatoes au Gratin. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crafted from an old-fashioned French recipe, this side dish layers thinly sliced potatoes and cheese, achieving a delightful blend of flavors and textures when baked to a golden perfection. Its rich qualities make it a classic complement to the robust flavors of a steak dinner, seamlessly bridging European culinary tradition with the timeless appeal of this savory pairing.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes au Gratin

BBQ Green Beans

A white bowl with barbecued green beans and chuncks of ham.
BBQ Green Beans. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

A vintage favorite, this BBQ Green Beans recipe effortlessly combines tender beans, smoky ham, sweet onions, and a tangy sauce, resulting in a delicious side dish that is easy to prepare. The flavorful blend of ingredients adds a tasty touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Green Beans

Lime Jello Salad

Piece of lime jello salad topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Lime Jello Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A cherished vintage recipe, Lime Jello Salad brings a delightful touch of nostalgia with its fun green dessert appeal, remaining an old-fashioned favorite. This refreshing treat serves as the perfect addition to enhance the joy of holidays or picnics.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

Green Bean Casserole

Two bowls of green bean casserole on a cutting board.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Grandma’s special touch is evident in this easy green bean casserole recipe, crafted with fresh green beans and perfectly sized for just two people. Indulge in a taste of tradition by trying it today, ensuring a delightful meal without any lingering leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

A spoonful of sweet potato slices with apples and cranberries in a white dish.
Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Take your side dish to the next level with these baked sweet potato slices, infused with the wisdom of Grandma’s kitchen and complemented by the delightful combination of sweet apples and tart cranberries. This simple, tasty, and healthy addition is sure to enhance your festive fare with a touch of cherished tradition.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

Pea Salad

Pea salad in a blue bowl.
Pea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

An old-fashioned favorite, the vintage pea salad boasts a delightful blend of creaminess, tanginess, and sweetness. Ideal for any occasion, this make-ahead salad brings a timeless charm to your table.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cabbage and bacon in white serving bowl.
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Indulge in the savory delight of a classic Southern fried cabbage with bacon, a truly satisfying old-fashioned recipe. This easy-to-follow method ensures an incredibly flavorful side dish that will enhance any meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Pommes Duchesse

Pommes duchesse on a white plate wiht parsley.
Pommes Duchesse. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Explore the vintage charm of Pommes Duchesse, a French-inspired potato dish that adds an elegant touch to your culinary repertoire. Learn the art of crafting this timeless recipe with our comprehensive guide, and elevate your potato game with a dash of sophistication.
Get the Recipe: Pommes Duchesse

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.