Tastes and smells have the power to evoke strong emotions and bring back memories that we might have never recalled. No wonder everyone has their comfort foods, a list of wholesome dishes that transport them back to simpler times, and their mother’s cooking. Because food is where the heart is, we’ve compiled 19 retro meals that will fill your tastebuds with nostalgia.
Tuna Casserole
This hearty and indulgent meal was a favorite for each member of the family, and it’s easy to see why. Mums across the states could whip up this dinner within half an hour, as it consists of only cream, pasta, flaky tuna, green peas, and plenty of cheese. What could be better? No wonder it’s been aptly named “what comfort food eats when it’s sad.”
Trifle
The classic summer berries or citrus trifle has been a favorite of both children and adults for decades. These days, there are countless variations on the original trifles, from lemon twists to chocolate-covered reimaginings. But for most of us, the heavenly mix of whipped cream, Jell-O, and red berries will do just nicely.
Macaroni Cheese
Unless you’ve been dairy-intolerant from a young age, macaroni cheese is probably one of your all-time favorite meals. It’s soft and comforting on a winter’s day, relatively easy for moms to cook, and loaded with famously addictive cheddar cheese.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
One of the original family favorites, chicken cordon bleu is a deceptively intricate-looking comfort food. It was a dinner party staple in the 1980s because its layers make the cook seem like they’ve gone to a lot of trouble. In reality, the cordon bleu can be prepared and baked or fried within an hour.
Meatloaf
An all-time American classic, Meatloaf holds a special place in the hearts of families across the world and is loved for its hearty flavor. During the Great Depression, Meatloaf was a popular dish due to its simplicity and economical ingredients list. Made from pork trimmings and other leftovers, it has been the ultimate “waste not want not” dish.
Homemade Bread
It’s true what they say about shop-bought bread not living up to its homecooked counterpart. Many of us remember the smell of freshly baked bread from our grandparent’s house, who typically had more time for baking than our busy parents. There’s nothing like biting into a warm, salty loaf with plenty of jam and butter.
Chicken Soup
As soon as illness struck, the default action of mothers everywhere was to prepare homemade chicken soup, and this is still common practice today. While many people thought a bowl of piping hot soup was a soothing placebo, science says otherwise. Chicken broth is anti-inflammatory and anti-viral.
Steak Pie
If Americans in the 1960s and ’70s loved anything, it was a hearty steak pie, often served with potatoes. This perfect winter warmer made the voyage from Britain to the US to become a staple family favorite.
Rice Pudding
Reminiscent of school canteen dinners, rice pudding is a love-hate dessert that has divided people for decades. Whether you welcomed this sweetened milky pudding or loathed the soft rice grains, it undoubtedly brings back childhood memories.
Sunday Roast
The iconic Sunday roast isn’t just a delicious meal; it’s a family institution. Most people can remember the weekly gathering to enjoy a roast dinner, usually consisting of beef, potatoes, vegetables, and tons of gravy. Many families continue this food-centric tradition in a pot-luck format.
Hot Dogs
While our mothers might not have considered the humble hot dog as a true meal, we loved it as kids. Enjoyed with lashings of mustard and ketchup, hotdogs are a staple of American culture that is unlikely to go anywhere soon despite not being the healthiest option around.
Baked Alaska
Consisting of ice cream layered between sponge cake and encased in meringue, it’s no wonder baked Alaska is a nostalgic favorite. While it may have faded into the retro cookbooks, this iconic desert remains a nostalgic favorite of Baby Boomers everywhere.
Peanut Butter Jelly
While not quite the same as a hot meal, the humble PB&J sandwich was a lunch-box staple that swept the nation. Simultaneously sweet and savory, peanut butter and jelly is arguably America’s most iconic sandwich and deserves a place in everyone’s list of comfort foods.
Cheese Fondue
Cheese fondue was one of the most fashionable meals of the 1960s, loved for its shareability and versatility. While it started as a way to make ends meet in the Swiss Mountains, cheese fondue became an indulgent appetizer here in the States. Plus, it was a hit at dinner parties in the 1970s.
Goulash
Despite being named after the beloved Hungarian dish, American goulash holds little resemblance to its European predecessor. In the US, this hearty one-pot dish has been a family favorite for decades, providing a comforting weeknight dinner in the winter months. Typically, goulash is made with ground beef, macaroni noodles, and a heavy paprika-infused tomato sauce.
Sugar Cream Pie
Also referred to as “Hoosier pie,” the classic sugar cream pie is an indulgent and nostalgic dessert. With a texture similar to créme brulee, sugar cream pie won the hearts of children everywhere in the 1960s and has been around in various forms ever since. In 2009, it became the official state pie of Indiana, securing its place in American culture forever.
Potato Salad
This family party staple makes its way to every summer event. It’s delicious, quick to make, and keeps hungry guests full. Many of us remember fondly gorging on potato salad leftovers for days after a family party.
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is another staple dish guaranteed to appeal to almost every American. Especially popular in the southern states, those looking for a pick-me-up after a long work week need look no further than battered chicken. While many people head straight to Cracker Barrel or KFC for their fix, others have a family recipe that they stick to.
Grilled Cheese
Everyone has their own special version of the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. While some families swear by the addition of pickles or mustard, others prefer the classic melted cheese version.
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