Close your eyes for a moment and imagine your grandparents’ table. The aroma of home-cooked meals and laughter around the table come flooding in. And let’s not forget the dishes they always had on the table—humble yet indulgent and full-on comforting. Let’s stroll further down the memory lane and revisit 10 forgotten favorites of our grandparents.
10. Ambrosia Salad
This salad is deeply associated with holidays and family gatherings, featuring sweet fruits and creamy topping that bring back a sense of comfort. Despite being a nostalgic treat, some people think that the combination of ingredients is odd, especially when add-ons like Jell-O and cream cheese creep in.
9. Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs were popular back in the 60s and 70s, filling parties, school dances, and family gatherings with mouthwatering aroma and unique flavor profile. Fast forward to 21st century…these meatballs are often found in IKEA. Grandma’s Swedish meatballs still hit different, though. Juicy, tender, smothered in rich gravy, and of course, served with love.
8. Liver and Onions
Liver and onions helped some of our grandparents age well. During the Depression era, economical cooking was a must, and liver and onions were there to provide a budget-friendly yet nutritious meal. In case you didn’t know, liver is packed with essential vitamins like iron and Vitamin A. Today, many people find the strong flavor and texture of liver unappealing.
7. Watergate Salad
This 1970s vintage salad often made an appearance during Thanksgiving celebration. It has a lot in common with ambrosia salad, but the latter has a wider variety of fruits. This makes Watergate salad a better choice for a dessert that’s not too overloaded. It features a mix of pistachio pudding, marshmallows, and pineapples, which is a great start!
6. Bean Soup
Bean soup was another Depression-era staple, made with dry beans, onions, and a bit of ham. The secret behind its comforting and delicious flavor is the slow cooking process. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes. It’s no secret that this soup is already a complete meal, so for those who are looking for lighter, more gourmet versions, the bean soup won’t just cut it.
5. Chicken Fricassée
This is a French classic that features browned chicken, stewed in a mixture of savory ingredients and white wine. Served with homemade biscuits, rice, or mashed potatoes, this dish stole the hearts of many including Abraham Lincoln. The reason why we don’t often see this is the complexity of its preparation (the need for careful browning and simmering among others).
4. Cauliflower Cheese
Grandparents who are familiar with the British cuisine can attest that cauliflower cheese is underrated. The cauliflower is basically a canvas for the cheese sauce, making it a versatile side dish that pairs well with different main courses. The comforting dish has also been called the vegetarian version of mac and cheese.
3. Baked Alaska
Baked Alaska is one of those dishes that will have you thinking if you were born in the wrong era. Despite the name, the dish was invented in New York in 1876, combining layers of ice cream, cake, and toasted meringue. It’s a triple threat! Since then, the recipe has evolved to include s’mores, brownies, and other mix-ins.
2. Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail is perhaps one of the most legendary creations from our younger years. Nothing’s more fun that devouring a shrimp served chilled and already dipped in a delicious tangy cocktail sauce. The part that they’re served in a martini glass adds a touch of sophistication! Our grandparents really know how to serve appetizers in style.
1. Tater Tot Casserole
Tater tot casserole is getting the most love on this list because it’s incredibly satisfying. I mean, how can you say no to a heartwarming combination of ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and lots of cheddar cheese? True, it’s not the healthiest option, but our grandparents know it’s exactly what we need after a long, hard day or on a cold, dark night.