23 retro recipes from Grandma’s kitchen

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Try these 23 retro recipes straight from grandma’s kitchen. From creamy casseroles to comforting stews, these dishes will warm your heart and fill your belly. Take a trip down memory lane with these timeless and delicious recipes.

Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers

two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Indulge in this vintage-inspired Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers, a moist and flavorful dish that’ll transport you back to your grandma’s kitchen. The Ritz Crackers create a perfect texture, bringing an old-fashioned touch to a classic dinner staple.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers

Amish Potato Salad

creamy potato salad with eggs and mayonnaise.
Amish Potato Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Amish Potato Salad is a hearty and delicious throwback to simpler times. Bursting with flavor and a creamy dressing, it’s a perfect side dish for any occasion – and it’s just like grandma made!
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad

Italian Ricotta Cookies

Ricotta cookies with icing and colored sprinkles on a cooling rack and on the counter.
Italian Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Savor the sweet nostalgia of Italian Ricotta Cookies, a soft and tender vintage treat that melts in your mouth. These scrumptious cookies, with their light lemon glaze, will remind you of cherished family gatherings from years gone by.
Get the Recipe: Italian Ricotta Cookies

Watergate Salad

Pistachio salad topped with nuts and cherries.
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Relive the retro charm of Watergate Salad, a delightful and creamy concoction made with pistachio pudding, pineapple, and marshmallows. This easy-to-make dessert is a blast from the past that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Creamy Crock Pot Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Creamy Crock Pot Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a comforting and savory meal with these Creamy Crock Pot Pork Chops. The slow-cooked, tender meat, smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, is an old-fashioned favorite that’ll warm your heart and soul.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Crock Pot Pork Chops

Utica Greens

Top view of Utica Greens in a skillet with breadcrumbs and cherry peppers.
Utica Greens. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy Utica Greens, an old-fashioned Italian-American side dish filled with sautéed escarole, garlic, and prosciutto. This classic recipe, beloved by generations, will add a touch of nostalgia to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Utica Greens

Sour Cream Cookies

Sour cream cookies with blue, green and yellow icing.
Sour Cream Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Treat yourself to these delightful Sour Cream Cookies, a soft, cake-like vintage dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With their fluffy texture and sweet glaze, they’re a cherished family recipe.
Get the Recipe: Sour Cream Cookies

Oven Roasted Pork Loin

Oven roasted pork loin with potatoes, carrots and cabbage on a plate.
Oven Roasted Pork Loin. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Savor the mouthwatering goodness of Oven Roasted Pork Loin, a classic, old-fashioned Sunday dinner favorite dish that’s tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. It’s an age-old family recipe that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Pork Loin

Pickled Beets

Top view of a jar of pickled beets on a wooden cutting board.
Pickled Beets. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Rediscover the tangy, sweet taste of homemade Pickled Beets, a vibrant and colorful vintage recipe that’s just like grandma made. These versatile pickles are perfect as a side dish, salad topper, or straight from the jar!
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beets

Southern Blueberry Cobbler

Two plates of blueberry cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream.
Southern Blueberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Indulge in the sweet, fruity goodness of Southern Blueberry Cobbler, a time-honored dessert with a buttery, crumbly topping that’ll bring back memories of warm summer evenings on the porch.
Get the Recipe: Southern Blueberry Cobbler

Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a bowl of heartwarming Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup, an old-fashioned comfort food that’s perfect for chilly nights. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, this slow-simmered soup is a taste of yesteryear.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Pea Salad

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

Delight in the fresh and vibrant flavors of Pea Salad, a vintage-inspired side dish made with peas, cheese, bacon, and a creamy dressing. This old-school recipe is the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Frozen Lemonade Pie

Slice of lemonade pie with a pitcher of lemonade in the background.
Lemonade Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cool off with a slice of Frozen Lemonade Pie, a refreshingly sweet and tangy vintage dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days. This easy, no-bake treat is sure to become a new favorite with an old-fashioned twist.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Lemonade Pie

Mushroom Stew

Mushroom stew on a slice of bread with a pot of stew in the background.
Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a bowl of warm and comforting Mushroom Stew, a rustic Italian-American dish packed with rich, earthy flavors. This hearty, savory meal will remind you of cherished family recipes and cozy evenings spent at grandma’s table.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stew

Campbells Green Bean Casserole

Classic Campbell's Green Bean casserole topped with fried onions.
Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Experience the classic comfort of Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole, a vintage recipe that’s been a staple at Thanksgiving and other family celebrations for generations. With its creamy sauce, tender green beans, and crispy onion topping, it’s a taste of nostalgia everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

Lime Jello Salad

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

Brighten up your meal with a serving of Lime Jello Salad, a vintage-inspired dish that’s equal parts sweet, tangy, and fun. This colorful, wiggly salad is a delightful throwback to days gone by, perfect for potlucks or family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

Peanut Brittle

Red plate with peanut brittle on a red and white checked table cloth.
Peanut Brittle. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with the crunchy, nutty goodness of homemade Peanut Brittle, a timeless candy favorite that’s just like grandma made. This old-fashioned treat is perfect for enjoying with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Brittle

Baked Manicotti

Baked manicotti in a cast iron skillet.
Baked Manicotti. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Indulge in the classic comfort of Baked Manicotti, a vintage Italian dish filled with creamy ricotta and smothered in rich marinara sauce. This hearty, flavorful meal is sure to transport you back to grandma’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Baked Manicotti

Five Ingredient Banana Bread

Loaf of banana bread sliced to show the insides with a piece laying on a wooden cutting board.
5 Ingredient Banana Bread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Savor the simple, sweet taste of Five Ingredient Banana Bread, an easy-to-make vintage recipe that’s perfect for using up ripe bananas. This moist, tender bread is a timeless favorite that’s perfect for breakfast or a midday snack.
Get the Recipe: Five Ingredient Banana Bread

Potato Chip Cookies

Top view of a plate of potato chips cookies on a beige napkin.
Potato Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Surprise your taste buds with the delightful combination of sweet and salty in Potato Chip Cookies, a unique vintage cookie recipe. These tender, buttery cookies are a delicious throwback to simpler times.
Get the Recipe: Potato Chip Cookies

Salt Potatoes

Salt Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.
Salt Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dig into a heaping serving of Salt Potatoes, a classic popular since the 1800s in Syracuse, New York. Simple yet incredibly satisfying these tender, buttery potatoes are the ultimate comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes

Bread and Butter Pickles

Top view of a jar of bread and butter pickles.
Bread and Butter Pickles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the sweet, tangy flavor of homemade Bread and Butter Pickles, a 1930s era recipe that’s perfect for dressing up sandwiches or enjoying straight from the jar. These versatile pickles are a delicious reminder of days gone by.
Get the Recipe: Bread and Butter Pickles

Church Window Cookies

Church window cookies with colored marshmallows and coconut.
Church Window Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Delight in the whimsical charm of Church Window Cookies, a colorful, no-bake vintage dessert that’s sure to brighten up any gathering. These marshmallow-filled, chocolate-coated treats are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Get the Recipe: Church Window Cookies

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