17 Classic Recipes from Grandma’s Recipe Box You Need To Make

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17 Classic Recipes from Grandma’s Recipe Box You Need To Make

We’ve dug deep into Grandma’s recipe box, that treasure trove of culinary secrets, to bring you 17 classic recipes that have stood the test of time.

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Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Oven Roasted Pork Loin

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

This vintage oven roasted pork loin is surrounded by a classic trio of cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. It’s the kind of roast that turns any dinner into a special occasion, reminiscent of Sunday meals from days gone by. You’ll feel the nostalgia with every impressive slice.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Pork Loin

Amish Macaroni Salad

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

Enjoy a bowl of creamy, sweet Amish macaroni salad, where the flavors of yesterday mingle in perfect harmony. This retro delight is a throwback to simpler times and is sure to be the star of your next family gathering. It’s a timeless crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Chocolate Lush

Slice of chocolate peanut butter lasagna on a plate.
Chocolate Lush. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

No-bake Chocolate Lush is a layered dessert that’s fun and easy to make, much like the treats found in an old-fashioned bake sale. With Oreo crust, peanut butter cheesecake, chocolate pudding, and cool whip, it’s sure to bring back sweet memories.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lush

Baked Manicotti

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

Baked manicotti is the ultimate of comfort, with cheese-stuffed shells and a hearty beef marinara that warms the soul. It’s a classic recipe that wraps you in a cheesy embrace, just like Grandma used to make. Serve up this favorite and watch it become a new tradition.
Get the Recipe: Baked Manicotti

Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish

Holding a deviled egg sprinkled with paprika.
Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Deviled eggs with pickle relish are a retro appetizer that never goes out of style, much like the timeless kitchen wisdom passed down through generations. With a tangy pickle twist, these eggs are a must-have at any gathering, charming taste buds across all ages.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish

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 dessert spread with a zesty lime Jello salad, a green gem that’s as jiggly as it is delightful. This old-fashioned favorite adds a pop of color and a burst of nostalgia to any meal, just like the good old days. It’s a whimsical throwback that’s still a hit today.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

Italian Mushroom Stew

Top view of a big pot of mushroom stew with cheese and basil on a cutting board next to the pot.
Italian Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Savor a spoonful of the past with this rustic Italian mushroom stew, a dish that’s been warming hearts for generations. Ladled over a slice of Italian bread, this comfort food fills your kitchen with tantalizing aromas. It’s a traditional recipe that tastes like home.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew

Watergate Salad

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

Watergate Salad, with its pistachio fluff, is an effortless classic that’s been a hit since the 1970s. This five-ingredient wonder is the perfect make-ahead dish for any gathering, capturing the essence of vintage simplicity. It’s so simple, it’s like a culinary time capsule.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Southern Blueberry Cobbler

Blueberry cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Blueberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Blueberry cobbler, with its flaky biscuit topping and juicy berries, is a dessert that screams summer no matter the season. Each bite is packed with goodness and memories of berry-picking in the warm sun. It’s a time-honored treat that’s a blue ribbon winner in any era.
Get the Recipe: Southern Blueberry Cobbler

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

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

Rediscover the magic of simple cooking with these slow cooker pork chops, smothered in a creamy mushroom soup sauce. It’s an old-fashioned recipe that brings the ease and flavor of yesteryear into your busy modern life. Let your slow cooker do the work and enjoy a classic meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Salt Potatoes

Salt Potatoes drizzled with melted butter.
Salt Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring back a taste of the past with salt potatoes, a staple recipe hailing from upstate New York. These creamy, buttery morsels are a simple, classic side dish that pairs perfectly with a dollop of melted butter. They’re a timeless classic that remind you of summer picnics.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes

Italian Ricotta Cookies

A plate of cookies with sprinkles and icing.
Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Italian ricotta cookies are tender, cake-like treasures from a well-loved recipe box, perfect for recapturing the flavors of the old world. These traditional cookies are a favorite for any occasion, carrying the sweet taste of nostalgia in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Italian Ricotta Cookies

Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers

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

Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers is a recipe that brings the comfort of home-cooked meals into the present. This favorite combines cozy vibes with perfect seasoning for a taste of nostalgia. It’s a classic dish that’ll make you want to gather around the table just like in the good old days.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers

Pea Salad

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

This creamy, tangy, and sweet pea salad is a vintage dish that’s been adding a delightful touch to family meals for generations. It’s a make-ahead marvel, perfect for any gathering. It’s a charmingly nostalgic dish that’s as delightful today as it was in the past.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Blueberry Upside Down Cake

Blueberry upside down cake on a white plate before slicing.
Blueberry Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turn dessert time into a trip down memory lane with a classic blueberry upside down cake, a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This old-fashioned dessert features caramelized blueberries in a sweet, jammy layer that’s sure to evoke fond memories of Grandma’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Upside Down Cake

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the comfort of simple, hearty cooking with this slow cooker creamy chicken, a dish that’s heartwarming and delicious. This retro recipe is a testament to the simplicity and richness of home cooking. Let the slow cooker work its magic, and enjoy a meal that feels like a home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

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

Keep tradition alive with Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole, an old-fashioned staple that’s not just for the holidays. Whether you’re using the air fryer or sticking to the oven, this side dish is a nostalgic nod to family gatherings of the past.
Get the Recipe: Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

Amish Cinnamon Bread

Loaf of cinnamon bread sliced to show the ribbon of cinnamon inside.
Amish Cinnamon Bread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Fill your home with the aroma of cinnamon by baking a sweet and simple Amish cinnamon bread, a slice of the nostalgia. This easy bread is a delight, offering comfort in every cinnamon-swirled bite. It’s a quick-to-make recipe that’s even quicker to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Amish Cinnamon Bread

Utica Greens

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

Experience a traditional Italian-American dish with Utica Greens, a recipe that’s been spicing up greens for decades. This garlicky, spicy way to enjoy escarole is a vintage dish that’s still making mouths water today. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of well-seasoned greens.
Get the Recipe: Utica Greens

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