I Make These 29 Vintage Recipes For A Little Bit Of Then

Not everything has to be shiny and new. Sometimes, it’s the tried-and-true plates from decades past that bring the biggest smiles. With these 29 gems, mealtime feels like flipping through a family photo album—except everyone gets seconds. They’re here for those moments when “a little bit of then” hits just right.

Pork Chops

This has always been a timeless main dish. They hit that balance between hearty and simple, making them a favorite for many families. With just the right approach, you get tender and flavorful cuts that pair easily with your favorite sides. Pork Chops fit right in with casual dinners or holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops

Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie Board is less about cooking and more about creating a fun platter of snacks. It usually involves a mix-and-match combination of items, perfect for sharing with others or enjoying solo. The appeal lies in personalizing it based on preferences, with something for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Board

Easy Chow Mein

Stir-fried noodles are always a hit when craving fast, classic comfort food. Easy Chow Mein comes together by tossing simple ingredients into a wok or pan for a quick meal. It’s easy to adapt, whether you like it loaded with extras or kept straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

Cashew Chicken

Combining a hint of nutty flavor with a solid protein option hits the spot. Cashew Chicken is a go-to recipe whenever you’re in the mood to mix flavors in a single pan. It works great on its own or alongside other dishes at the table. This one is popular because it doesn’t over-complicate things while staying flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Maryland Crab Cake

There’s something special about seafood taking center stage with minimal fuss. Maryland Crab Cake puts simple flavors together without overshadowing the main ingredient. It works beautifully as a dinner main or a quick appetizer for gatherings. Preparing it right makes all the difference in achieving that perfect texture.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake

Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are all about bite-sized simplicity paired with a smoky touch from the grill. Ideal for connecting simple flavors into one convenient option for snacking or meals. Popular for casual parties or sharing with friends without overthinking serving sizes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Gnocchi

Soft dumplings are one of those timeless comfort foods that fit well with many sauces. Gnocchi can be served as a standalone dish or incorporated into a larger meal spread. The texture is what makes it stand out, being both light and fulfilling without overdoing it. Simple yet customizable however you like.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Hawaiian Baked Beans

Sweet and savory combo fans often gravitate toward this flavorful baked dish. Hawaiian Baked Beans aren’t just a side; they hold their own with a punch of taste that’s unmistakable. Perfect for barbecues, gatherings, or simply adding variety to your meals. The distinct touch here makes it memorable among other options.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Mississippi Pot Roast

With tender meat that practically falls apart, this dish makes you want seconds. Mississippi Pot Roast is full of flavor while keeping its approach simple, relying mostly on the cooking method. It works well as a prime choice when serving larger crowds or special dinners at home.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast

Loaded Tater Tots

Loaded Tater Tots turn ordinary ingredients into a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. It’s all about adding toppings and layers to create something shareable and hearty. Great for family snacks or informal get-togethers when you don’t want big meals. The combination of textures keeps this dish interesting every time.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots

Baked Beef Tacos

A fast, big dinner option without piling too much on your plate. Baked Beef Tacos use simple ingredients and make feeding multiple people convenient. Perfect for days when you want something that’s still a little special without extra steps. Great for gatherings or a casual weekday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos

Mashed Potatoes

Soft, creamy consistency makes this dish an all-time side for nearly any main. Mashed Potatoes easily adapt to spices or toppings, letting everyone at the table personalize them as needed. Works just as well on holiday spreads as everyday meals when keeping it straightforward. Consistency is key to making them a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Easy Cornbread Casserole

A blend of textures makes this dish a standout option among baked choices. Easy Cornbread Casserole combines simple ideas into something that feels both hearty and light. It’s often a hit at gatherings or as part of a solo dinner lineup. Not overly complicated but packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Bite-sized snacks often become a favorite with their simple yet flavorful appeal. Bacon Wrapped Smokies work as a quick crowd pleaser that doesn’t require a lot of prep. Ideal for sharing at events or just snacking solo without feeling overindulgent. The combination here is fun and keeps serving easily.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Baked Chicken Thighs

Making the most of flavorful poultry doesn’t get complicated with this option. Baked Chicken Thighs hit the mark between a quick weekday meal or something to impress guests. The recipe focuses on simplicity and getting the texture right for every bite. Easy to pair with common sides, making it versatile for almost any table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Thighs

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Generations of families often keep meatloaf in their dinner rotation for a reason. Easy Meatloaf Recipe makes it approachable without adding unnecessary fuss or ingredients. It’s a great choice for hearty dinners while keeping everything manageable. Familiar, comforting, and perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Healthy Chicken Salad

With a mix of light protein and texture, this salad option stays fresh without surprises. Healthy Chicken Salad keeps everything simple for those looking for something lighter, but still filling. Works well as a main dish or tucked into wraps for variation. It’s ideal for prepping ahead without worrying too much about complexity.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Mac and Cheese

The unbeatable combination of creaminess and warmth fits every age group. Mac and Cheese has been a favorite for generations, balancing ease with flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or as an easy addition to larger dinners. It’s comforting without overthinking the process, keeping it a go-to for years.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Desserts don’t have to be a hassle, as shown here by simplicity and fun textures. No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls make sharing treats easy and enjoyable. Great for kids to help craft, where the whole family pitches in for snack making. Portable and popular at both smaller get-togethers or big events.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Easy Chicken Tenders

This quick option steps up familiar comfort food with minimal effort. Easy Chicken Tenders are ideal for kids or casual meals when keeping it no-frills. They’re great for dipping, combining well with common sauces already in your fridge. When consistency and convenience come together, they remain a favorite option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

Cattle Drive Casserole

Filling dishes don’t need excess fuss when rotating ideas in weekly meals. Cattle Drive Casserole adds versatility without needing overly specific items or techniques. It doubles nicely as a dinner main or packed option for leftovers. The recipe keeps clean flavor options while holding up against hunger for hours.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Pulled pork keeps itself flavorful while taking minimal kitchen effort. Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders make sharing easy for dinners or parties needing bite-sized servings. Ideal for layering toppings or keeping simple when serving a crowd without stress. Great for transitioning meals into quick favorites that people recognize instantly.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Roast Beef

A long-standing favorite for holidays or comforting dinners without overthinking it. Roast Beef works beautifully whether left simple or dressed up with sauces and sides. The method determines tenderness without sacrificing that essential flavor profile. Always dependable as both a main or a complement to larger spreads.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef

Orange Chicken

Sweet and tangy meet in perfect balance for those craving a different main. Orange Chicken is a dish familiar to many, standing out in quick-fix meals or takeout alternatives. Straightforward preparation with an unmistakable mix of flavors makes it special.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Pigs in a Blanket

Party snack staples rarely adjust much because they work. Pigs in a Blanket are no exception, being reliable go-to options that don’t require big prep. They apply to casual outings or quick snacks at home anytime hunger strikes. Both kids and adults frequently revisit them for their simplicity and fun serving sizes.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket

Roasted Turkey

Whether for large gatherings or planned dinners, this is classic in every sense. Roasted Turkey requires little else when cooking evenly, ensuring moist results. It serves beautifully in both main events and leftover applications. A tradition many return to without needing recipes to change much over time.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey

Party Crostini

Bite-sized servings let you showcase personal topping preferences without commitment to big spreads. Party Crostini fit seamlessly into appetizer prep for various groups based on what you like. Assembling them quickly makes hosting less stressful, while variability keeps things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Party Crostini

Roast Beef Sliders

Combining big flavor into small servings ensures wide appeal. Roast Beef Sliders bring tender meat into bite-sized portions for larger meal plans or casual options. Perfect for mixing condiments and keeping layering simple without feeling repetitive. They work for on-the-go meals or quieter dinner setups.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders

Chicken Tempura

Crisp and light while packing big flavor in each bite, this dish pairs well with dipping sauces or rice. Chicken Tempura makes fried ideas indulgent without overwhelming with heaviness. Great for enjoying as snacks or smaller entrée servings without feeling overcomplicated.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tempura