19 Easy Classic Recipes That’ll Make You Feel Like a Kid Again

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19 Easy Classic Recipes That’ll Make You Feel Like a Kid Again

Nothing says comfort like easy classic recipes that transport you straight back to the carefree days of childhood. These dishes are like a culinary time machine, whisking you away to a world where your biggest worry was whether to play outside or watch cartoons. Let’s be real, sometimes adulting is overrated, and these recipes are the perfect escape hatch. So grab your apron and get ready to feel like a kid again — without the awkward school photos.

Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a go-to for weeknight family dinners, taking less than an hour to make. It’s straightforward to prepare and reheats well, so leftovers are super convenient. This dish will take you back to those comforting casseroles from your childhood.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Broccoli Casserole is a solid family dinner option that’s ready in just 50 minutes. Easy to make, it’s perfect for beginner cooks or anyone looking to spend less time in the kitchen. This casserole brings back memories of the classic broccoli dishes you enjoyed at family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Beer Cheese Dip

A piece of pretzel being dipped into a bowl of cheese sauce garnished with chopped chives.
Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Beer Cheese Dip is a quick and easy appetizer, ready in just 25 minutes. It’s creamy and flavorful, perfect for game days or casual hangouts. Melt some butter, make a roux with flour, then add milk and beer. Season it and melt in a trio of cheeses for a smooth finish. This dip will take you back to those cheesy party dips you loved.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip

German Potato Salad

Close-up of a spoon lifting a serving of German potato salad garnished with chopped parsley. The salad contains sliced potatoes, bacon bits, onions, and a light dressing.
German Potato Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This German Potato Salad is a hearty dish, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. With tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a tangy dressing, it’s ready in under an hour. Boil the potatoes, cook the bacon, and toss with apple cider vinegar, mustard, and bacon drippings. Served warm, this salad is always a favorite.
Get the Recipe: German Potato Salad

Tuna Egg Salad

A close-up of a bowl of tuna egg salad mixed with celery, onions, and dill, topped with freshly ground black pepper, with a spoon placed on the side.
Tuna Egg Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuna Egg Salad is a quick and easy meal, ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a fast dinner or a make-ahead lunch. Hard-boil some eggs, mash them, and mix with canned albacore tuna, Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, pickles, and seasonings. This creamy, protein-packed salad will bring back memories of classic tuna salads you enjoyed as a kid.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Egg Salad

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are a great, easy-to-make appetizer for any gathering. Marinate mushroom caps in vinegar and oil, then fill them with a mix of cooked Italian sausage, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and parsley. Bake until tender and golden brown. This classic dish will take you back to the fun party snacks you loved as a kid.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Shake and Bake Pork Chops recipe is an effortless way to get crispy, flavorful pork chops without frying, all in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is a family favorite and is super easy to make. It’s a great choice for beginner cooks or anyone who wants a good meal on the table fast, reminding you of those classic shake and bake dinners from your childhood.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Close-up image of a bowl of tuna macaroni salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuna Macaroni Salad is a great budget-friendly meal ready in just 40 minutes. With easy-to-find ingredients, it’s perfect for beginner cooks. Great for meal prepping workday lunches, weeknight dinners, or bringing to a potluck. Cook some elbow macaroni and mix it with canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, sweet relish, and mustard. You can switch things up by using different types of mustard or swapping some of the mayo for Greek yogurt or sour cream. This dish will take you back to the classic tuna salads you enjoyed as a kid.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Using bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, it’s easy to whip up and can be prepped ahead of time. Just bake the potatoes, mix everything together, and bake again until bubbly. This dish will bring back memories of those hearty, home-cooked meals you enjoyed as a kid.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is ready in under an hour and is perfect for any day of the week. It’s budget-friendly, can be prepped in advance, and leftovers freeze well. Easy to make and a hit with both kids and adults, this casserole brings back the cozy feeling of the classic tater tot casseroles you loved growing up.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

7-Layer Dip

A hand holds a chip topped with a layer of sour cream, tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and shredded cheese above a platter of loaded nachos.
7-Layer Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 7-Layer Dip is perfect for any gathering, from game day parties to potlucks. It’s meat-free and takes just 25 minutes to make. Start with refried beans mixed with taco seasoning and milk, then add layers of guacamole, sour cream mixed with cream cheese, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, and black olives. Assemble in a 9×13 dish and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy the classic flavors.
Get the Recipe: 7-Layer Dip

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Hash brown breakfast casserole with a wooden spoon in it.
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is just right for slow mornings, holidays, or weekend brunches. It mixes hash browns, bacon, eggs, cheese, and cottage cheese for a hearty meal. You can tweak it to fit your taste. This dish will take you back to those classic breakfast casseroles from your childhood.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Corn Soup is a quick and flavorful meal that comes together in one pot. Ready in less than an hour, it combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a tasty broth. This soup brings back memories of the classic chicken and corn soups you loved as a kid.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a breeze for anyone to make, even if you’re new to cooking. Just prep your ingredients, toss them into your slow cooker, and let it do the work. Cook it on low to let it simmer all day, or set it to high if you need it ready sooner. This soup will remind you of those hearty, home-cooked meals from your childhood.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Baked Ravioli is perfect for busy weeknights, giving you the taste of lasagna with way less effort. Using frozen cheese ravioli cuts down on prep time. Just layer marinara sauce and melted cheeses, and you’ve got a great meal in an hour. This dish will remind you of those classic Italian dinners from your childhood.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This White Bean Soup is a one-pot wonder that’s ready in just 40 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s an easy way to get some extra fiber and veggies in your diet. Plus, it’ll remind you of those hearty, home-cooked meals from when you were a kid.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Sausage breakfast casserole on a plate with a fork.
Sausage Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a mix of ground Italian sausage, eggs, and shredded cheese, all ready in 50 minutes. It stores well, making it great for meal-prepping breakfasts on busy weekdays. Packed with protein, it’s perfect for family breakfasts and brings back memories of hearty morning meals.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Bacon-wrapped water chestnuts on a plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts are ready in just an hour and feature crisp bacon, tender water chestnuts, and a tasty sauce. They’re perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, and game-day events. These bites will remind you of classic party appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

A bowl of chocolate-covered peanut butter balls with one cut in half.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are super easy to make with just 4 ingredients and can be made peanut-free. Mix peanut butter and melted butter, add powdered sweetener, and chill. Form into balls, freeze, then dip in melted chocolate. Perfect for the holidays, these treats will remind you of those sweet, homemade goodies you loved as a kid.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

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