Feeling Nostalgic? These 22 Retro Recipes Will Bring Back All the Feels

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There’s something undeniably comforting about old-fashioned recipes that have stood the test of time. The familiar flavors and time-honored cooking methods can transport us back to simpler days, evoking a sense of nostalgia that’s hard to replicate with more modern fare. If you’re craving a taste of the past, these 22 Retro Recipes are sure to hit the spot. From classic comfort foods like macaroni and cheese and short ribs to sweet treats like pineapple bread pudding and apple pie, these dishes are like a hug from grandma. So preheat your oven, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to whip up a little slice of nostalgia in your own kitchen.

Biscoff Icebox Cake

Biscoff Icebox Cake by Gimme From Scratch
Photo Credit: Gimme From Scratch

Calling all Biscoff lovers! Are you ready for a mouthwatering treat that requires no baking? I’ve got just the recipe for you – a decadent Biscoff Icebox Cake made with Cream Cheese Stabilized Whipped Cream. This delightful dessert is perfect for hot summer days when you crave something sweet and refreshing. It’s super easy to make! Like almost too easy.

Get the Recipe: Biscoff Icebox Cake

Green Gumbo with Sausage and Ham

Gumbo Z’herbes - Green Gumbo with Sausage & Ham by Gimme from Scratch
Photo Credit: Gimme from Scratch

This Green Gumbo recipe, famously known as Gumbo Z’Herbes is a classic Louisiana dish. This stew features a mix of tender greens, dark roux and smoked sausage and ham. It’s simple to prepare and full of comforting flavors.

Get the Recipe: Green Gumbo with Sausage and Ham

Cast Iron Skillet Macaroni and Cheese

Cast Iron Skillet Macaroni and Cheese by Gimme From Scratch
Photo Credit: Gimme From Scratch

As a self-proclaimed macaroni and cheese fanatic, I am excited to share my favorite cast iron skillet macaroni and cheese recipe. Tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made from a blend of three different cheeses, perfectly seasoned with a hint of spice and topped with homemade garlic butter croutons for that irresistible crunch. This cast iron macaroni and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food – warm, gooey, and downright delicious.

Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Macaroni and Cheese

Sausage and Gravy Recipe with Best Homemade Biscuits

Sausage and Gravy Recipe with Best Homemade Biscuits by Cook With Soul
Photo Credit: Cook With Soul

Cook With Soul’s recipe delivers the best sausage gravy with its rich flavor and creamy texture, perfectly complemented by easy biscuits that are tender and flaky. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this comforting dish is sure to become a family favorite for its simplicity and deliciousness.

Get the Recipe: Sausage and Gravy Recipe with Best Homemade Biscuits

Homemade Apple Cinnamon Fritters

Homemade Apple Cinnamon Fritters by Xoxo Bella
Photo Credit: Xoxo Bella

“I love everything about homemade apple cinnamon fritters. I love the way these fried apple donuts smell while they cook. And I love how juicy the apple flavor is. Knowing how to make apple fritters means you can forget having to trek to the grocery store or bakery. Instead, you can rustle up with easy apple fritter recipe at home yourself. My dad loves old fashioned fritters, so I make them often.”

Get the Recipe: Homemade Apple Cinnamon Fritters

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup by Chew Out Loud
Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud

Nothing else beats a cozy, warm, and comforting bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. Save those chicken and turkey bones to make the best bone broth in the world. No other bone broth comes close.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Beef Stew

Beef Stew by Chew Out Loud
Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud

This One-Pot Beef Stew offers big flavors with little mess. It’s a comforting, delicious meal any day of the week. Healthy and immensely satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Peach Cobbler Pound Cake

Peach Cobbler Pound Cake by Gimme from Scratch
Photo Credit: Gimme from Scratch

Imagine biting into a bundt cake, where the tender, moist crumb of a classic pound cake meets the sweet, fruity delight of a peach cobbler. Yep, you heard it right! We’re making Peach Cobbler Pound Cakes, and let me tell you, they are as delicious as they sound. Who can resist the allure of a peach cobbler, with its sweet, syrupy peaches? Combine that with the buttery goodness of a pound cake, and you’ve got a match made in heaven! It’s a unique twist that brings together the best of two beloved desserts. If you’re a peach lover, this one’s for you:)

Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler Pound Cake

Slow Cooker Beef Back Ribs

Slow Cooker Beef Back Ribs by Gimme From Scratch
Photo Credit: Gimme From Scratch

One of my absolute favorite slow cooker dishes has to be beef ribs. These succulent beef back ribs slow cook in a savory tomato based sauce. Oh, the joy of tender, fall-off-the-bone beef, infused with a symphony of flavors, just waiting to be devoured!

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Back Ribs

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings by Chew Out Loud
Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud

This Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe cooks up with just 3 minutes on high pressure. The dumplings are fluffy soft and the chicken is deliciously tender. You’ll be making this cozy stew again and again.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich by Budget Delicious
Photo Credit: Budget Delicious

Kids (and grownups!) love ice cream and cookies. Combine these two favorites and make easy ice cream cookie sandwiches that you can enjoy anytime.

Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

Homemade Sweet Potato Fish Pie

Homemade Sweet Potato Fish Pie by A Tasty Kitchen
Photo Credit: A Tasty Kitchen

Homemade sweet potato fish pie is a classic comfort food that is packed with vegetables. This easy dinner recipe has a delicious and healthy twist with its sweet potato mash topping that is sure to be a family favourite.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Sweet Potato Fish Pie

Old Fashioned Chocolate Eclair Cake

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Eclair Cake by The Cookin' Chicks
Photo Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks

Indulge in the delectable delight of an easy, no-bake dessert that the whole family will love – the Old-Fashioned Chocolate Eclair Cake! This crowd-pleasing recipe features layers of honey graham crackers, creamy vanilla Instant pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and luscious canned chocolate frosting. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, gatherings, and any occasion worth savoring!

Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Chocolate Eclair Cake

Banana Pudding Pie

Banana Pudding Pie by Gimme From Scratch
Photo Credit: Gimme From Scratch

This banana pudding pie recipe is a comforting dessert that perfectly captures the flavor of ripe bananas and the creamy goodness of homemade vanilla pudding. This pie elevates the classic southern banana pudding (minus the meringue), incorporating a Nilla wafer and shortbread cookie crust, luscious layers of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas and a tantalizing cream cheese whipped cream topping.

Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Pie

Old Fashioned Braised Steak and Caramelised Onions

Old Fashioned Braised Steak and Caramelised Onions by Krumpli
Photo Credit: Krumpli

Braised steak and onions, a magic old-fashioned British dish, what’s not to love about tender beef and caramelised onions in a rich gravy?

Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Braised Steak and Caramelised Onions

Old Fashioned Caramel Cake

Old Fashioned Caramel Cake by Cook With Soul
Photo Credit: Cook With Soul

This old-fashioned caramel cake recipe features two layers of moist yellow cake coated in a homemade caramel sauce. This classic recipe is just like the one grandma used to make and is perfect for family get togethers, holidays, and other special occasions.

Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Caramel Cake

Old Fashioned Rhubarb Custard Cake

Old Fashioned Rhubarb Custard Cake by Xoxo Bella
Photo Credit: Xoxo Bella

Dive into this incredibly comforting old fashioned rhubarb custard cake recipe. The tart, vibrant rhubarb is beautifully paired with the rich, velvety custard. The result is an easy but super decadent dessert you won’t stop eating. Baked to perfection, this rhubarb and custard cake boasts a tender, buttery crumb that is pretty addictive. This is the perfect cake or dessert when rhubarb season hits and you’re craving that tart taste. This teatime, brunch, or dessert recipe is tasty served with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.

Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Rhubarb Custard Cake

Pineapple Bread Pudding

Pineapple Bread Pudding by Gimme From Scratch
Photo Credit: Gimme From Scratch

One of my all-time favorite desserts is pineapple bread pudding! This delectable dish combines the rich flavors of caramelized pineapple with the comforting goodness of brioche bread, all topped off with a luscious pineapple brown sugar butter sauce. Trust me; this dessert is an absolute game-changer!

Get the Recipe: Pineapple Bread Pudding

Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes

Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes by Quiche My Grits
Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits

If you’re looking for an Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes recipe like Grandma used to make, this is it! You’ll love this quick and easy recipe that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It uses simple ingredients to make classic sloppy joes your whole family will crave!

Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes

Carrot Pound Cake

Carrot Pound Cake by Britney Breaks Bread
Photo Credit: Britney Breaks Bread

You’ve got to try this carrot pound cake! It’s a fun twist on a traditional cream cheese pound cake and a classic carrot cake. The freshly grated carrots give the cake a beautifully moist texture while the warm spices loads of cozy flavor. The cake is then topped with a honey cream cheese frosting that’s the perfect combination of flavors

Get the Recipe: Carrot Pound Cake

Black Cherry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese

Black Cherry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese by Life Around The Table
Photo Credit: Life Around The Table

“Are Jello salads coming back? Can it be? I think so! Black Cherry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans is an elegant side dish or dessert with a deep fruity flavour that is so refreshing. Little bites of cream cheese and crunchy pecans throughout black cherry jello add an interesting textural component.”

Get the Recipe: Black Cherry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese

Simple Apple Pie

Simple Apple Pie by Raepublic
Photo Credit: Raepublic

Embark on a delightful baking journey with this simple apple pie recipe. This recipe combines the charm of fresh apples with a flaky homemade pie crust, creating a delightful experience in every bite. It’s the perfect choice for both first-time bakers and seasoned pie enthusiasts.

Get the Recipe: Simple Apple Pie

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Meet Dee

I love to share recipes with real ingredients that are both sweet and savory (especially sweet:) My mission with Gimme From Scratch is to inspire you with recipes that will bring your families together in the kitchen. I'm introverted at heart but know how important socializing can be for maintaining good relationships, when writing not only am looking forward to sharing information - It's also building connections between readers who love good food as much as I do!

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