There's a reason these recipes have stood the test of time, and it's because they are just that good. We're channeling big grandma energy with these simple, hearty classics that taste like a warm hug. It's pure nostalgia in the best possible way.
1. Bread Pudding
What do you typically do with those bread ends? If you’ve yet to upcycle them into something scrumptious, now’s your chance to start!
This treat utilizes leftover bread plunged in a luscious vanilla custard. The bread soaks up all that deliciousness.
It’s truly remarkable to transform boring bread into such an extravagant dessert.
2. Poor Man’s Cookies
Behold, the cookies for those without a king’s ransom.
Although there’s no chocolate, don’t let that hold you back!
Raisins give these cookies their body. The warm and inviting spices make them incredibly habit-forming.
Just a heads-up, the whole family might bicker over these little guys.
3. Creamed Tuna on Toast
Think of this as a twist on chipped beef.
Tuna, cream, and peas all become well-acquainted. That trio is then presented on crisp toast.
If you appreciate tuna salad, this recipe is sure to rock your world.
4. Navy Bean and Ham Soup
This navy bean soup hits the spot and packs a wallop of flavor. The ham tastes salty and lends the soup such wonderful flavor.
This dish screams comfort food that’s also easy on the wallet. This flavorful soup only calls for four ingredients, and the whole gang will gobble it up.
It’s especially welcome on chilly days when an easy supper is in order.
5. Creamed Chipped Beef On Toast
Sure, it’s more about flavor than presentation, but hear me out!
Chipped beef on toast proves simple and unfussy and oh so comforting. This dish brings salty, savory beef cloaked in velvety gravy.
The crunchy toast serves as a solid foundation for all those exciting tastes and textures. Salty snack aficionados, here’s your new go-to!
6. Old-Fashioned Cornbread
You can’t go wrong with classic cornbread as a side dish. I especially relish it alongside something hearty like chili.
This delight showcases white cornmeal and buttermilk. What’s more, it’s sugar-free!
It has a homespun appeal that delivers tremendous taste.
7. Indiana Sugar Cream Pie (Hoosier Pie)
Allow me to introduce you to this treat, also known as Hoosier Pie.
Think crème brûlée, but make it pie!
It features a flaky crust and a satiny filling. The buttery, custard-like filling is simply divine.
Moreover, it’s egg-free. I foresee this becoming my new top dessert.
8. Grandmas Potato Pancakes
Potato pancakes, or latkes, are even better than they sound. They’re budget-friendly and a breeze to make.
For these potato pancakes, potatoes, eggs, and onion are all that’s needed. Feel free to add salt and pepper to your liking.
Once fried, these pancakes become wonderfully crisp on the outside. Applesauce is my go-to topping, but you can enjoy them any way you like.
9. Depression Era Peanut Butter Bread
This recipe originates from a 1932 cookbook. It’s a no-frills recipe, and chances are you already have every item in your cupboard!
It has such a tasty and strong peanut butter flavor. It works as a fantastic base for various toppings.
My favorite way to enjoy it involves a swipe of creamy Nutella. Whatever you add, the peanut butter notes from the bread will bolster those flavors.
It’s very satisfying.
10. Old-Fashioned Hot Water Cornbread
Hot water cornbread almost brings to mind a cornbread donut.
As opposed to baking this cornbread in a pan in the oven, you’ll form it into balls before frying!
For this rendition, you’ll only need cornmeal, water, and salt. If you lean toward the sweeter side, try drizzling it with maple syrup!
11. Old-Fashioned Goulash
For countless American families, goulash is a go-to dish. It starts on the stovetop and finishes in the oven.
This goulash is a macaroni dish brimming with ground beef and tomatoes. It’s substantial, delicious, and a crowd-pleaser.
This goulash recipe is super comforting, and the leftovers are delish!
12. Depression Era Bread – 3 Ingredients
You won’t believe how tasty this bread is given its simplicity!
This bread is surprisingly good and delightfully easy!
In order to save some cash, this recipe has you covered. All you need is flour, yeast, and water.
Consider incorporating some salt, too.
With this recipe, you can make seven whole loaves of bread, coming in at just 36 cents per loaf with ingredients you probably already keep in stock.
13. Poor Man’s Stew (Hamburger Stew) – Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
Here’s another ground beef dish that, thanks to the Instant Pot, can come together rapidly and inexpensively!
This meal totals roughly $2 per serving!
This satisfying stew stars lots of flavorful veggies, and the tomato broth makes it rich and delicious. Don’t let the name put you off, as this yummy and comforting stew is downright amazing!
14. Great-Grandma’s Frozen Fruit Salad
Here’s a spin on the classic fruit-in-a-bowl dish. This one takes after the marshmallow fruit salad, sometimes known as ambrosia.
What sets it apart? It gets frozen.
This offers an interesting twist, and it can even serve as a dessert.
15. Old-Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers
As far as I’m concerned, stuffed peppers are a top-tier classic.
Not only are they super scrumptious, but I find bell peppers to be quite charming.
If you haven’t tried stuffed bell peppers, now is the time to make them yourself. A combination of ground meat, rice, and tomatoes is stuffed inside whole bell peppers.
This recipe can be adapted to your tastes. You can switch out the protein, play around with the rice, or simply use standard tomato sauce instead of V8 juice.
16. Potato Soup
This old-school potato soup calls for only five ingredients. The fact that it comes together so easily and provides total comfort is something I love.
For this simple soup, you’ll need potatoes, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. It’s another recipe that you can probably whip up on any given day using items from your pantry.
It can work as either a starter or a main dish. Adding extra ingredients can bump up the flavor, but it’s absolutely fine on its own!
17. Healthy Baked Apples
If you’re craving a guilt-free dessert or a quick snack, baked apples are an excellent pick!
Cinnamon and spices add the final touch to these apple halves. Moreover, this dessert will make your house smell amazing!
For the best eating experience, enjoy these baked apples alongside some creamy vanilla ice cream. You get the best of apple pie without the fuss of a crust.
They’re outrageously good!
18. Water Pie
This should really have been dubbed magic pie. Believe it or not, it’s possible to create such a smooth pie with water.
This pie tastes buttery, almost like a cookie straight from the oven. Beyond the crust, you’ll just need water, butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla.
This water pie is pretty darn unbelievable.
19. Haluski (Cabbage and Noodles)
Haluski hails from Poland. It features simple ingredients working in perfect harmony.
This cabbage and noodle dish involves buttery noodles and crisp pan-fried cabbage. It’s a cinch for dinner, and it only takes four ingredients.
20. Vinegar Pie
While you’ve probably heard of many different pies, vinegar probably doesn’t strike you as the most tempting filling.
Surprisingly, this pie brings sweetness and deliciousness. The top tastes slightly crisp and the filling is smooth and lush.
I adore the subtle sweetness that the apple cider vinegar provides. This distinctive flavor makes this pie stand out.
21. Depression Meat Loaf
This meatloaf is easy on the budget, delicious, and filling. Thanks to meatloaf’s nostalgic appeal, just about anyone will enjoy it.
Throughout its time in the oven, this meatloaf stays wonderfully tender. For me, the ketchup topping is the best part.
As it bakes, it caramelizes and tastes entirely unlike ketchup. Serve this meatloaf alongside mashed potatoes for an easy and yummy meal.
22. Grandma’s Chicken and Sliders
Hold on, these aren’t burger sliders. They’re substantially more intriguing and flavorful, if I may say so myself!
You probably know this chicken sliders recipe as chicken and dumplings. The broth tastes rich and delicious, and the dumplings are melt-in-your-mouth soft and scrumptious.
I’m a huge fan of this recipe.
23. Bread and Butter Pickles
This recipe is all about creating homemade pickles. You know, the crisp, salty, somewhat sweet side that most folks recognize and love.
It’s believed that bread and butter pickles got their name during the Great Depression. Back then, they were presented with plain bread and butter as either a snack or a full meal.
These pickles will stay fresh in your refrigerator for a good while, that is, if they aren’t devoured first!
24. Stovetop Rice Custard
What’s not to love about rice custard: It’s thick, creamy, and fantastically sweet.
Since it’s a custard, the core ingredients are milk and eggs. They make this dessert so luxurious and yummy.
This pudding-like dessert boasts a mouthwatering flavor and consistency.
25. Potato Leek Soup
Potato leek soup is both yummy and comforting. It’s ideal for those rainy days!
This soup came about in France, so it’s sure to be rich and delightful. Simple ingredients that all shine make up its base.
In the end, the soup comes out rich and satiny. Yum!
26. Cloverleaf Dinner Rolls
Don’t be intimidated by these rolls. They’re so easy and only need an hour!
On top of being super cute, they also deliver big on taste. I mean, when do fresh rolls not hit the spot?
27. Dandelion Salad
For this salad, you can literally use ingredients that are growing in your yard!
Instead of trashing those ubiquitous weeds, clean them and throw them together into a delicious salad!
Dandelion leaves can be somewhat bitter but can still be really tasty. Give those dandelion greens a toss with a superb garlic dressing.
Finish things off with seasoned breadcrumbs and lemon zest.
The herbal, bright, garlic punch offers a great counterbalance to the bitter greens. Now, go out there and scavenge for some dandelions!
28. Spice Crazy Cake
I’m always game for fuss-free and yummy cakes, so there’s no justification for not baking. In place of chocolate, this variety has you covered with warm spiced flavors.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves fill the batter. This cake is wonderful for any celebration and might just replace your run-of-the-mill pie.
29. Depression-Era Hot Milk Cake
Talk about an easy and delectable cake!
Even decades after it first came about, this cake is fit for any party. This cake brings buttery and sweet flavors with a hint of vanilla.
It’s amazing on its own but consider adding a glaze.