29 Old Fashioned Recipes Just Like Grandma Used To Make But Better

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Bored of dinners that barely register on the fun scale? It’s time to resurrect some old-fashioned recipes that pack a punch straight from your fondest memories. These classics get a playful nudge, reimagined with a wink that dares to break the mundane routine. Forget the humdrum of the daily meal grind—this is a cheeky nod to the past with a modern smirk. So, dust off that apron, crank up the mischief, and welcome old-fashioned recipes to spark up your evenings.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan of cooked cabbage and bacon garnished with parsley, with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon combines crisp cabbage, sizzling bacon, and a hint of onion into a hearty dish that recalls simpler times. This recipe proves old-fashioned recipes still charm our taste buds with straightforward flavors and minimal fuss. Each bite bursts with rustic flavor perfect for any cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Raspberry Lemon Almond Muffins

Muffins with berries in a baking tray, including raspberries and blueberries. A logo in the corner reads "An Off Grid Life.
Raspberry Lemon Almond Muffins. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Raspberry Lemon Almond Muffins burst with juicy raspberries, bright lemon, and crunchy almonds in every bite. This recipe stands out among old-fashioned recipes by marrying sweet and tart notes in a quick, homey treat. Enjoy these muffins as a cheerful start to your day or an easy snack on the go.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Lemon Almond Muffins

Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe

Slice of bread with nuts and cream on a white plate, placed on a wooden table with a cloth napkin nearby.
Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe blends ripe bananas with smooth pumpkin and warm spices for a soft, spiced loaf. It embodies old-fashioned recipes by using simple pantry staples to create comfort food with a modern twist. Each slice offers nostalgic flavor and satisfying moisture.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe

Baked Beans

A skillet filled with baked beans, bacon pieces, and green herbs, with a wooden spoon resting inside.
Baked Beans. Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

Baked Beans transform humble legumes into a hearty, slow-cooked treat bursting with smoky flavor. This recipe honors old-fashioned recipes with a deep, robust character achieved through careful simmering. It’s a no-fuss side dish that complements any meal perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beans

Banana Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips & Flax Seeds

Close-up of a sliced loaf of banana bread with chocolate chips, showing its moist texture and visible ingredients.
Banana Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips & Flax Seeds. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Banana Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips & Flax Seeds delivers a classic loaf enriched by bursts of chocolate and a nutty crunch. It carries the spirit of old-fashioned recipes by turning everyday ingredients into a memorable treat. Each slice evokes warm memories with a modern crunch.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips & Flax Seeds

Colossal Cheeseburger

A round, golden-brown baked bread topped with sesame seeds, set on a wooden surface.
Colossal Cheeseburger. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Colossal Cheeseburger reintroduces a timeless favorite with a hefty patty, melty cheese, and all the fixings in one satisfying bite. This dish pays homage to old-fashioned recipes that have fed families for generations. It keeps things straightforward while packing a punch of nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Colossal Cheeseburger

Easy to Make Chicken Francaise

Pan of lemon chicken with sauce, topped with fresh lemon slices and parsley.
Easy to Make Chicken Francaise. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Easy to Make Chicken Francaise features tender chicken cutlets smothered in a tangy lemon-butter sauce. It channels old-fashioned recipes by relying on fresh ingredients and a one-pan method that’s as straightforward as it is scrumptious. Perfect for a comforting dinner with a bit of flair.
Get the Recipe: Easy to Make Chicken Francaise

Lemon Meltaway Cookies Recipe

Three lemon cookies with white icing and yellow zest on a metal plate. One cookie has a bite taken out of it.
Lemon Meltaway Cookies Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Lemon Meltaway Cookies Recipe offers a light, citrus-infused treat that practically dissolves on your tongue. It exemplifies old-fashioned recipes with its simple ingredients and a hint of nostalgic sweetness. These cookies add a cheerful spark to any tea time.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Meltaway Cookies Recipe

Surprise Potatoes

A casserole with a crunchy golden topping, partially scooped with a wooden spoon, sits in a glass dish on a red and white checkered cloth.
Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Surprise Potatoes mix frozen hash browns with cheese and a secret blend of seasonings for an unexpected burst of flavor. This dish embraces old-fashioned recipes by turning basic ingredients into a standout side dish. Perfect for potlucks, it always earns a few extra smiles.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Sausage Curry

A dish with sliced sausages, carrots, peas, and parsley in a sauce-filled pan.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Curry features savory sausages and vibrant vegetables bathed in a creamy, spiced sauce. This recipe takes cues from old-fashioned recipes with its one-pan simplicity and robust flavor profile. It’s a hearty meal that warms you up on cooler evenings.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Honey Graham Cornbread

Close-up of a slice of crumbly, golden-brown pastry with flaky crust on a plate.
Honey Graham Cornbread. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Honey Graham Cornbread blends the natural sweetness of honey with graham flour for a soft, golden loaf that feels like a hug from the past. It fits in perfectly among old-fashioned recipes that celebrate simplicity and comfort. Serve it with butter to round out a timeless side.
Get the Recipe: Honey Graham Cornbread

Ribs and Sauerkraut

Plate with ribs, sauerkraut, and sliced zucchini next to a blue napkin and fork on a marble surface.
Ribs and Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Ribs and Sauerkraut simmer slowly in a crockpot, merging tangy cabbage with succulent meat for a dish steeped in tradition. This recipe recalls old-fashioned recipes that used simple ingredients to create hearty meals. Its robust aroma and flavor evoke cozy family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Ribs and Sauerkraut

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

A roasted chicken on a baking tray surrounded by roasted vegetables such as carrots and onions. Two hands hold the tray.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies roast together in one pan, delivering juicy chicken and perfectly caramelized vegetables. This dish revives old-fashioned recipes by keeping dinner prep simple and effective. It offers a fuss-free meal that leaves you plenty of time to relax.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe

A baking dish filled with golden-brown bread stuffing, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs.
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe brings nostalgic flavors of herb-infused bread and savory broth back to your table. It captures the spirit of old-fashioned recipes with every comforting bite. Enjoy a serving that instantly reminds you of family celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A bowl of beef stew with chunks of beef, mushrooms, and carrots in a rich brown sauce, garnished with herbs. A spoon is placed beside the bowl on a white surface.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew simmers tender beef and hearty vegetables until every bite bursts with deep, savory flavor. It mirrors old-fashioned recipes that rely on slow cooking to bring out natural richness. This stew warms you from the inside out, perfect for a chilly night.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Depression Era Peanut Butter Bread Recipe

Two slices of homemade bread on parchment paper, placed on a wooden surface.
Depression Era Peanut Butter Bread Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Depression Era Peanut Butter Bread Recipe channels resourcefulness with its simple mix of peanut butter and pantry staples. It reflects old-fashioned recipes where every ingredient counts and flavors were built from necessity. This bread stands as a testament to ingenuity in hard times.
Get the Recipe: Depression Era Peanut Butter Bread Recipe

Bacon Pasta Salad

A bowl of creamy pasta salad with bacon, garnished with chopped green onions and herbs.
Bacon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

Bacon Pasta Salad mixes crispy bacon, fresh green onions, and cool cucumbers into a refreshing, no-fuss dish. It draws on old-fashioned recipes with its balance of hearty and crisp components. This salad brightens up any lunch or picnic with its bold, familiar flavors.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Pasta Salad

Italian Mushroom Stew

A bowl of chunky tomato soup with vegetables and herbs. A cutting board with cheese shavings, bread, and basil leaves is beside it.
Italian Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Italian Mushroom Stew brings together earthy mushrooms and a rich broth seasoned with herbs, perfect for a comforting meal. It exemplifies old-fashioned recipes that cherish slow simmering and rustic flavors. Serve it over crusty bread for a taste of tradition that warms the heart.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew

Cabbage and Sausage

A skillet with sliced sausage and chopped cabbage, garnished with herbs, being stirred with a wooden spoon.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage sizzles in a single pan as savory sausage and tender cabbage create a dish that packs a punch. It draws inspiration from old-fashioned recipes that use simple, hearty ingredients to create a filling meal. Enjoy a plate that’s both practical and pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Sourdough Discard Banana Muffins

Four muffins on a wooden board with parchment paper, a blue and white striped cloth, and a bunch of bananas on the side.
Sourdough Discard Banana Muffins. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Sourdough Discard Banana Muffins use up leftover starter and ripe bananas in a soft, tangy treat. This recipe fits well into old-fashioned recipes by turning everyday waste into a scrumptious snack. Enjoy a muffin that bridges modern resourcefulness with classic taste.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Banana Muffins

Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop

A plate of creamy pasta topped with a seared scallop, garnished with a sprig of rosemary.
Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop pairs tender pasta with a silky butter sauce, crowned by a beautifully seared scallop. Though a bit upscale, it nods to old-fashioned recipes through its reliance on classic techniques. It’s an elegant plate that still honors traditional flavors.
Get the Recipe: Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop

Cinnamon Sweet Potato Muffin Recipe

Close-up of a muffin with a crumbly, golden-brown streusel topping, placed on a light-colored surface.
Cinnamon Sweet Potato Muffin Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Cinnamon Sweet Potato Muffin Recipe blends mashed sweet potatoes with warming spices for a breakfast treat that’s both hearty and soft. This recipe ranks among old-fashioned recipes by using wholesome, simple ingredients. Enjoy a muffin that brings comforting spice to your morning routine.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Sweet Potato Muffin Recipe

Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Loaf with Vanilla Glaze

A loaf of glazed bread with three slices cut on a wooden cutting board.
Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Loaf with Vanilla Glaze. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Loaf with Vanilla Glaze serves up moist, spiced bread topped with a smooth glaze that recalls fall memories. It harks back to old-fashioned recipes with every warm, comforting slice. Pair it with a cup of coffee for a nostalgic treat.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Loaf with Vanilla Glaze

Green Bean Hamburger Casserole

A baked casserole in a glass dish containing melted cheese, green beans, and spinach, with a wooden spoon serving a portion.
Green Bean Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Green Bean Hamburger Casserole layers juicy ground beef, crisp green beans, and creamy sauce into a dish that hits all the right notes. It reimagines old-fashioned recipes with a modern twist on comfort food. Enjoy a hearty serving that blends familiar flavors in a fun way.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Hamburger Casserole

Healthy Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe

A loaf of homemade pumpkin bread with raisins and cracks on the surface, cooling on a wire rack.
Healthy Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Healthy Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe combines tart cranberries with bright orange to create a soft, moist bread. This recipe finds its roots in old-fashioned recipes by using seasonal fruit and simple techniques. It’s a refreshing option that pairs well with any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Plate of Salisbury steak topped with gravy and herbs, served with mashed potatoes and mushrooms.
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms serves up a robust mix of beef and earthy mushrooms in a savory gravy. It draws on old-fashioned recipes that favor hearty, no-nonsense flavors. Enjoy a plate of comfort that feels like a classic family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Lemon Nothing Bundt Cake Recipe

Bundt cake with white icing and topped with sliced lemons arranged decoratively on one side.
Lemon Nothing Bundt Cake Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Lemon Nothing Bundt Cake Recipe delivers a burst of citrus in every moist slice without any extra frills. This cake pays homage to old-fashioned recipes by relying on a few simple ingredients for big, bright flavor. It brings a cheerful touch to any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Nothing Bundt Cake Recipe

Brie Bites

Four baked pastry bites with melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and red jam on a white plate.
Brie Bites. Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

Brie Bites bring creamy, melty cheese into a bite-sized puff pastry treat. They recall old-fashioned recipes that blend savory and sweet in a single, charming morsel. Perfect for parties or a snack that feels both fun and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Brie Bites

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Sarita Harbour has been stretching her food dollars to feed her family for over 30 years. As a former banker and current freelance writer, she's written boatloads of articles about budgeting, homesteading, gardening, personal finance and more. Her food-related articles have been widely syndicated through AP and MSN. Look for her food features at NBC, The Seattle Times, Yahoo! Life, Chowhound, Tasting Table and MSN.