Trends come and go, but some recipes deserve to stay put. These 19 classics were never outdated, just forgotten while everyone got distracted by new food fads. No need for reinvention—just bring them back the way they were meant to be. If Food had a greatest hits album, these would be on it, and it’s about time they got back on the playlist.
Old Fashioned Tomato Soup
This soup was a regular at dinner tables before fancy versions took over. Old Fashioned Tomato Soup is smooth, rich, and exactly what you’d want with a grilled cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels like home, even if you haven’t had it in years. No need for anything fancy—just a classic done right.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Tomato Soup
Shipwreck Casserole
Layers of simple, everyday ingredients come together in Shipwreck Casserole, a dish that got its name for how everything is piled in one pan. It’s hearty, easy to throw together, and surprisingly good despite its humble look. The kind of meal that doesn’t seem special until you realize you’ve gone back for seconds. This one never needed an update, just a reminder.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole
Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup was one of those meals that always hit the spot but somehow got lost along the way. It has just the right mix of smooth and rich without anything extra getting in the way. Great on its own or with something crunchy for dipping. You won’t miss the store-bought stuff once you bring this one back.
Get the Recipe: Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Vintage Chicken Divan
Before casseroles got complicated, Vintage Chicken Divan was the go-to for a cozy, no-fuss dinner. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with just enough crunch to keep it interesting. You’ll find versions loaded with extras, but the classic one holds up just fine. Sometimes the best meals are the ones that don’t need anything fancy.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Chicken Divan
Blueberry Shortcake
Somewhere along the way, Blueberry Shortcake got overshadowed by fancier desserts. It’s simple, packed with fresh fruit, and just sweet enough without overdoing it. If you’ve only had the strawberry version, you’re missing out on how good this one can be. Bring it back and see why it used to be a staple.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Shortcake
John Wayne Casserole
Layers of beef, cheese, and a biscuit-like crust make John Wayne Casserole one of those hearty meals that just works. It’s a little bit messy, a little bit rich, and exactly what you’d want when you need something filling. Nobody talks about it much anymore, but it’s one of those dishes that surprises you with how good it is. This one deserves a comeback.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole
Mexican Rice
Somehow, Mexican Rice became a side dish that got taken for granted. Done the right way, it’s rich, packed with just the right texture, and doesn’t need anything extra. It used to be a must-have at dinner tables before quicker versions took over. Bring back the real deal, and you’ll remember why it was always worth making.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Blueberry Cheesecake Bars were everywhere before desserts got overly complicated. They’ve got the perfect mix of creamy, fruity, and just the right amount of crunch. No weird flavors, no extra steps—just a classic dessert that always worked. If you haven’t had one in a while, it’s time to fix that.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Horiatiki Salad
Before salads got overloaded with extras, Horiatiki Salad kept things fresh and simple. No lettuce, no nonsense—just the right mix of crunch, brine, and brightness. It’s the kind of dish that works with just about anything but also stands strong on its own. This is one classic that never should have faded away.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad
Classic Shrimp Scampi
Restaurants still serve Classic Shrimp Scampi, but the homemade version is just as good and way easier than you think. It’s rich, garlicky, and tossed in a sauce that doesn’t need any tweaking. Simple, fast, and straight to the point, just like it used to be. If you forgot about this one, now’s a good time to bring it back.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Scampi
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Before boxed versions took over, Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese was the only way to make it. It’s rich, baked until golden, and packed with everything that makes it worth making from scratch. No powdered mixes, no shortcuts—just the real deal like it should be. This one never needed an upgrade, just a reminder.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Classic Meatballs
There was never a reason to change Classic Meatballs, but somehow, they got lost in the shuffle. They’re simple, hearty, and go with just about anything. Whether piled onto pasta, stuffed into a sandwich, or eaten straight from the pan, they always hit the spot. You’ll wonder why they ever faded into the background.
Get the Recipe: Classic Meatballs
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
People forgot how good Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole actually is. It’s a no-fuss, filling meal that’s been holding its own for generations. It’s rich, comforting, and doesn’t need any modern tweaks. If you haven’t had it in a while, it’s time to bring it back.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup
A big bowl of Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup is exactly what’s been missing from your dinner routine. It’s creamy, smooth, and just the right amount of hearty. This old favorite got pushed aside for trendier options, but it’s still as good as ever. Nothing fancy, just a solid, comforting soup that delivers every time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup
Classic Pork Souvlaki
There’s no reason Classic Pork Souvlaki should’ve been forgotten, but somehow it was. It’s juicy, well-seasoned, and loaded with the kind of flavor that doesn’t need any updates. Whether wrapped in warm bread or served with a side, it’s a meal that always works. It’s time to bring this one back where it belongs.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pork Souvlaki
Grandma’s Ambrosia Salad
People love to hate on Grandma’s Ambrosia Salad, but it’s been around forever for a reason. It’s sweet, creamy, and a little over the top, but that’s exactly why it works. One bite, and it’s like stepping back in time to big family dinners. It might not be fancy, but it never should have been left behind.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Ambrosia Salad
Meaty Texas Cowboy Stew
There’s nothing subtle about Meaty Texas Cowboy Stew, and that’s what makes it great. It’s packed, filling, and made to keep you full for hours. Somewhere along the way, it got replaced by lighter, fancier meals, but it never stopped being good. This is the kind of stew that sticks with you in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Texas Cowboy Stew
Classic Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef
If you forgot about Classic Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef, now’s the time to bring it back. It’s everything you love about lasagna but easier and quicker to make. No need for layering or waiting forever—just one pan and you’re set. There’s a reason this shortcut meal was a hit, and it still holds up.
Get the Recipe: Classic Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef
Turkey à la King
Somehow, Turkey à la King fell off the radar, but it never stopped being a solid meal. It’s creamy, hearty, and the perfect way to use up leftovers. Served over bread, rice, or pasta, it’s one of those dishes that just works. If you haven’t had it in years, now’s the time to fix that.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King