19 Retro Recipes That’ll Transport You to Your Childhood Kitchen

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19 Retro Recipes That’ll Transport You to Your Childhood Kitchen

The best meals are the ones that trigger a wave of pure nostalgia. These 19 retro recipes will take you straight back to your childhood kitchen!

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Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Blueberry Cobbler

Blueberry cobbler in a white dish with a spoon.
Old Fashioned Blueberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Southern delight has juicy blueberries with a flaky biscuit crust, allowing fruit to peek through for a burst of berry flavor in each spoonful. Reminiscent of childhood desserts, it pairs well with a scoop of ice cream for an extra touch of nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cobbler

Amish Butter Noodles

A fork twirling a serving of amish noodles.
Amish Butter Noodles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With only four ingredients, these creamy Amish Butter Noodles are easy to make, serving up comfort in every forkful. They carry the old-fashioned goodness that’s sure to remind you of simpler times. Ideal for hectic evenings, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Amish Butter Noodles

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.

This hearty Italian Mushroom Stew is ladled over Italian bread for a satisfying, earthy meal. It’s a throwback to traditional cooking, stirring up memories of family gatherings and comforting suppers.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew

Icebox Cake

Icebox cake with raspberries, blueberries and strawberries on a pink plate.
Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a simple, no-bake Icebox Cake with its layers of graham crackers, summer berries, and whipped cream. It’s an uncomplicated classic that will take you back to the carefree summers of your youth.
Get the Recipe: Icebox Cake

Pickled Green Beans

Holding a jar of pickled green beans with garlic and dill.
Pickled Green Beans. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These easy refrigerator Pickled Green Beans offer a crisp, tangy addition to any meal. A retro snack that will have you reminiscing about the pickling traditions of days gone by.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Green Beans

Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Closeup of Slow Cooker beef with egg noodles.
Crock Pot Beef and Noodles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This slow cooker Beef and Noodles recipe promises a hearty and comforting meal with tender beef and noodles. It’s a hands-off dish that serves up warmth and comfort, perfect for recalling family dinners of the past.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Watergate Salad

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

The classic Pistachio Fluff Salad, also known as Watergate Salad, is a breeze to whip up with just 5 ingredients. It’s a sweet retro classic that’s perfect for family gatherings, evoking the festive spirit of yesteryear.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Salt Potatoes

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

A staple in upstate New York, Salt Potatoes are a simple yet scrumptious side dish. Their creamy, buttery texture is sure to bring back memories of family feasts and cozy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

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

Recreate the homestyle taste of Cracker Barrel with this copycat Meatloaf recipe. Seasoned and cooked to perfection, it’s a comfort food classic that will remind you of dining out with family.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Blueberry Upside Down Cake

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

This Blueberry Upside Down Cake is a delightful treat that combines sweet blueberries with a soft cake. It’s a dessert that will evoke fond memories of sunny days and family picnics.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Upside Down Cake

Pea Salad

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

This vintage Pea Salad with its creamy, tangy, and sweet profile is the perfect addition to any cookout or holiday meal. A make-ahead dish that’s sure to prompt recollections of dinners around the kitchen table.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Oven Roasted Pork Loin

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

An effortless family dinner, this Oven Roasted Pork Loin with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots is an all-in-one meal that impresses. It’s a dish that will have you reminiscing about Sunday family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Pork Loin

Chocolate Lush

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

This no-bake Chocolate Lush is a layered dessert of Oreo cookies, peanut butter cheesecake, and chocolate pudding, all topped with whipped cream. It’s a decadent treat that echoes the sweet indulgences of childhood celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lush

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.

These Crock Pot Pork Chops are smothered in a creamy mushroom soup sauce, making for a dish that’s both effortless and comforting. It’s a throwback to the simple, satisfying meals of days past.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Amish Potato Salad

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

Amish Potato Salad is a creamy dish with a classic tang, featuring mustard, sugar, and celery seed. Perfect for potlucks and Easter dinners, it’s a familiar favorite that will transport you back to childhood summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad

Apricot Upside Down Cake

A Apricot Upside Down Cake on a white plate.
Apricot Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Apricot Upside Down Cake, with its sticky caramelized topping and tender cake, is a sweet reminder of time spent in grandma’s kitchen. It’s a simple yet flavorful dessert that brings warmth to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Upside Down Cake

Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato soup in a gray and white bowl with a spoon.
Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup combines potatoes and ham in a slow cooker for a rich and creamy soup. Stir in cheese for an even heartier experience. It’s a dish that will conjure up the cozy comforts of childhood dinners.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Texas Caviar Dip

Texas caviar on a tortilla chip.
Texas Caviar Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This vibrant Texas Caviar, also known as Cowboy Caviar, is a fresh, colorful salad that’s both hearty and refreshing. A blend of black-eyed peas, beans, and vegetables, it’s a staple that’s sure to stir up memories of family barbecues and outdoor celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar Dip

Refrigerator Pickled Beets

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

These homemade Refrigerator Pickled Beets are a sweet addition to salads, ready to eat within hours. They’re a vibrant, nostalgic condiment that will brighten up your meals and bring a taste of summer to your table.
Get the Recipe: Refrigerator Pickled Beets

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