When I’m Over Modern Food Fads, I Come Back To These 29 Retro Recipes

Trendy meals come and go, but there’s something about old-school food that still feels right. With 29 familiar throwbacks on deck, dinner suddenly feels less performative and more like something you actually want to eat. These aren’t trying to impress anyone, they just do the job and leave you full.

Cashew Chicken

Stir-fry fans will appreciate Cashew Chicken, which brings the perfect balance of soft chunks of chicken and just enough crunch from the cashews. This dish blends a hint of earthy nuttiness with well-textured simplicity. It’s ideal for a weekday meal when you want something homemade yet fuss-free.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Funeral Potatoes

Comfort food gets its spotlight in Funeral Potatoes, a casserole that’s creamy with pops of texture on top. It’s a go-to for gatherings or family dinners when you need something low-pressure and hearty. Its mix of indulgence and ease makes it stick around even when food trends fade.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Easy Bibimbap

Easy Bibimbap is all about variety in one dish with layers you can mix together or enjoy separately. There’s something satisfying about the mix of textures and flavors coming together in every bite. An effortless way to use up odds and ends from the fridge, it’s practical yet doesn’t feel boring.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Bring a cool and crunchy element to the table with Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing, a refreshing side option. It’s simple, colorful, and fits nicely alongside just about any meal. The dressing gives it a creamy texture that makes it stand out among regular greens. It’s one of those dishes that feels fresh but still nostalgic.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Ice Cream Sandwich

Summer or not, Ice Cream Sandwich is a classic treat that never goes out of style. Its simplicity is why it’s been loved for generations—cold, sweet, and easy to eat. It doesn’t try to be fancy, but you wouldn’t want it any other way. Just pull one out of the freezer, and you’re set for a quick dessert that hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Sandwich

Antipasto Salad

Add variety to any table with Antipasto Salad, which wraps up savory bites into one shareable dish. It’s customizable, so you can make it as simple or loaded as you like. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or just a regular day when you want something easy. This brings together a little bit of everything, which is why it’s always popular.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Garlic Bread

Garlic Bread is a no-fail classic that works as a side or appetizer, depending on how you serve it. Each slice bursts with garlicky flavor and just the right crunch. It goes with so many meals, from pasta to soups, and even holds its own on the table. There’s a reason it’s a must-have for many dinners.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

For a treat that needs no oven time, No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls keep it simple while still delivering on flavor. They’re quick to make and easy to snack on, making them great for busy days. Whether for kids or adults, they’re a sweet option that feels satisfying without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Party Crostini

Small and shareable, Party Crostini can be dressed up or left simple, depending on the occasion. Its bite-sized format makes it popular for gatherings or when you want light appetizers. The crisp texture combines with endless topping options for a great starter. This one proves that good things come in small packages.
Get the Recipe: Party Crostini

Roast Beef

Roast Beef is the type of meal that feels special but doesn’t actually take a ton of work to prepare. Its tender, sliced portions are great for families or smaller dinners. Serve it up with a couple of sides, and it’s restaurant-class food at home. Reliable and timeless, this never disappoints on a dinner plate.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef

General Tso’s Chicken

Sweet and just a little savory, General Tso’s Chicken is a classic takeout favorite that’s easy to recreate at home. It’s both filling and flavorful, which makes it stand out as a main dish. You get that balance of a crisp texture on the outside while staying tender inside.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

French Onion Soup

Add some warmth to your day with French Onion Soup, a dish known for its layered flavors and rich broth. Topped with just the right amount of baked-on goodness, this pairs well with crusty bread. It’s comfort in liquid form, simple enough for a casual lunch or even dinner.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Homemade Buckeyes

When simple and sweet is all you need, Homemade Buckeyes hit the mark with just a touch of indulgence. They’re small but rich, so you only need one or two to satisfy a craving. Great for kids or parties, these are nostalgic treats that remind you of simpler times. No baking and minimal effort make them a win.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Buckeyes

Easy Chicken Casserole

Easy Chicken Casserole takes care of dinner in one dish, keeping both prep and cleanup light. Its comforting, filling layers make it ideal for families or when you’ve got guests over. This one feels like a warm hug on a plate and tends to be a hit at any meal. Works well on weekdays when you’re pressed for time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Leg of Lamb

Perfect for bigger meals or special events, Leg of Lamb is flavorful and feels just fancy enough without being overcomplicated. It’s a centerpiece kind of dish that fills up plates with ease. Often served as the main feature at holiday gatherings, it holds its own against all the trimmings.
Get the Recipe: Leg of Lamb

Kung Pao Chicken

For those who enjoy meals with a kick, Kung Pao Chicken manages to balance spicy and savory in just the right way. It’s bold but approachable, making it a go-to choice for variety seekers. Pair it with plain sides to let the flavors take center stage. One of those meals that sticks with you after the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Rhubarb Pie

Rhubarb Pie reminds you of why basic desserts often stand out most. It’s a perfect mix of tangy and sweet that is nostalgic without being overly complicated. Add this as a casual dessert option, and it never fails to please guests. Served warm or cold, it’s one treat that fits just about any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Pie

Mini Tacos

Bite-sized and fun, Mini Tacos are all about combining convenience with flavor in every crunchy piece. Perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or serving as a snack everyone enjoys. They’re easier to handle than full-sized versions but pack just as much punch. A solid option for when you’re short on time but still want variety.
Get the Recipe: Mini Tacos

Kimchi Stew

Hearty and full of unique flavor, Kimchi Stew is the kind of meal that warms you up and sticks with you. It’s great for using up leftovers while offering something different from your standard dinner fare. Simple ingredients come together into something greater with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Italian Sliders

Italian Sliders are small sandwiches that pack a serious punch for their size. Perfect for casual family meals or parties, they’re loaded with simple ingredients everyone loves. They fit well alongside almost any appetizers or main meals. You’ll find them disappearing quickly once people start snacking on them.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

This takes the classic baked ham and gives it a sweet kick with a nostalgic finish. Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham is often seen during big holiday meals or celebrations but fits into regular meals too. Simple flavors come together to form something greater than you’d expect here.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Air Fryer Chicken Fritters

For quick eats with a crunchy coating, Air Fryer Chicken Fritters handle it effortlessly. Perfect as snacks, appetizers, or even main dishes when bulked up with a side. They’re easy to make, which means fewer cooking hassles on busy days. The air fryer keeps them crisp without needing traditional methods.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fritters

Cattle Drive Casserole

Retro recipes don’t have to mean bland, as Cattle Drive Casserole proves with its hearty and flavorful combo. Perfect for feeding a crowd or making extra for leftovers during the week. Layers of familiar ingredients mix into something that always feels comforting. This dish wraps up old-school cooking at its best.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Healthy Chicken Salad

Healthy Chicken Salad keeps things light but filling, making it a strong choice for quick lunches or simple dinners. It’s an easy-to-make option that uses practical ingredients you often already have. Works great inside a sandwich, wrap, or even just on its own as a go-to meal.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Lemon Cheesecake

This adds a refreshing twist to a dessert classic while sticking to its rich and creamy roots. Lemon Cheesecake is smooth texture and balance of mild sweetness make it a dessert to bookmark. It works just as well for finishing meals as it does for special occasions. Retro, but still fits in any year you make it.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cheesecake

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Take your standard potato side and turn it into something a bit more fun to eat. Each thin slice gives Mini Hasselback Potatoes a texture and flavor that stands apart from the usual preparation. Ideal as part of a dinner spread or even for snacking in between meals. The best part is they look a bit fancy without needing extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Pasta Carbonara

It’s amazing how just a few ingredients make Pasta Carbonara so timeless. A smooth and rich main dish that’s quick enough to whip up any night of the week. Perfect as comfort food or a dinner with friends when you don’t want to mess around. It’s classic for a reason, simple and always dependable.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Orange Chicken

Sweet and inspired by takeout favorites, Orange Chicken brings bright, bold flavors in every bite. Versatile enough to pair with plain sides, it often becomes a regular meal option. Keeping the outside crispy while having plenty of flavor inside is what makes it memorable. It’s one of those dishes that sticks around for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Blackened Salmon Tacos

Blackened Salmon Tacos combine fresh, smoky flavors into one handheld, easy-to-eat bundle. Perfect for casual dinners or as a light lunch option that doesn’t feel boring. Mixing simplicity with a pinch of boldness, it’s perfect for taco night when you want something different. They’re retro in their own way without feeling old-school.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon Tacos