15 Retro Comfort Foods That Still Hold Up

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

This rich, moist, and dense Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is made from scratch with mayonnaise as the secret ingredient, adding deep flavor and moisture without greasiness. Perfectly balanced in sweetness, it pairs well with chocolate or vanilla frosting.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Homemade Caramel Corn

This Homemade Caramel Corn is a classic treat made with freshly popped corn coated in a sweet, crunchy caramel glaze. It's an old-fashioned favorite that’s loved for its perfect balance of buttery richness and satisfying crunch.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Caramel Corn

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Layers of pretzels, whipped topping, cream cheese, and strawberries combine into a flavorful dish. — Strawberry Pretzel Salad. Photo credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a classic Southern no-bake dessert that combines a buttery pretzel crust, a creamy cheesecake-like layer, and a sweet strawberry Jell-O topping filled with fresh strawberries. This irresistible blend of salty and sweet flavors has made it a favorite at potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings for generations.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Texas Hash

Tex-Mex style ground beef and rice casserole in a white pan. — Texas Hash. Photo credit: Encharted Cook.

Texas Hash is a classic Tex-Mex ground beef and rice casserole seasoned with mild chili spices. A comforting fusion of Spanish rice and Louisiana dirty rice, this easy, budget-friendly dish has been a family favorite since the 1950s. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a simple alternative to Taco Tuesday—no salsa or sour cream required.
Get the Recipe: Texas Hash

American Goulash

Large heavy bottomed pot filled with Goulash. — American Goulash. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

American Goulash is a hearty, one-pot comfort food classic made with tender ground beef, rich tomatoes, and macaroni noodles. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this easy dish is delicious year-round and makes even better leftovers. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser—even the pickiest eaters will love it!
Get the Recipe: American Goulash

Easy Old Fashioned Lemon Squares

Three stacked old fashioned lemon squares with drippy frosting. — Easy Old Fashioned Lemon Squares. Photo credit: The Fresh Cooky.

This easy Old Fashioned Lemon Squares recipe features a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey, tangy lemon filling, and a thick powdered sugar glaze on top. Bright, refreshing, and simple to make, these classic lemon bars are perfect for any occasion—whether it's a summer picnic, holiday gathering, or potluck.
Get the Recipe: Easy Old Fashioned Lemon Squares

No Bake Banana Breeze Pie

A pie with banana slices on it. There is a banana and a cream colored linen on the edges of the photo. — No Bake Banana Breeze Pie. Photo credit: Two Pink Peonies.

This No-Bake Banana Breeze Pie is a vintage, easy-to-make dessert perfect for banana lovers. Light, refreshing, and ideal for summer or holidays, it’s a make-ahead treat where lemon juice keeps the bananas fresh and prevents browning.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Banana Breeze Pie

Easy Old Fashioned Salmon Patties

These old-fashioned salmon patties are a classic, home-style recipe made with simple, wholesome ingredients and plenty of love—just like Grandma used to make. Quick and easy to prepare, these flavorful salmon cakes come together in just 20 minutes, making them a perfect choice for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Old Fashioned Salmon Patties

Old-Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese

Close up mac and cheese with a spoon in it. — Old-Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: The Fast Recipe.

This indulgent, old-fashioned baked mac and cheese is a comforting American classic that turns simple ingredients into a rich, nostalgic dish. Easy to prepare, it’s a timeless favorite that brings back warm memories with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese

Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls

Old fashioned dinner rolls on a bread serving board. — Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

These soft and buttery yeast rolls are made from scratch using traditional baking methods, including real mashed potatoes and a slow rise for rich flavor and a pillowy texture. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any time you crave warm, homemade bread.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls

Mom's Famous Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Broccoli and cheese casserole in a white oval casserole dish on top of a wooden board with a wooden handled spoon scooped in as well as a green checked cloth and a stack of plates with a green napkin. — Mom's Famous Broccoli and Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a classic, crowd-pleasing side dish that's creamy, cheesy, and topped with buttery Ritz crackers. Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and always a hit at holiday meals—even with picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Mom's Famous Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Cuban Sandwich with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

11-Cubano-Sandwich-on-a-wood-board-and-plantain-chips. — Cuban Sandwich with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: A Latin Flair.

This Cuban Sandwich (Sándwich Cubano) features savory slow-cooked pulled pork, deli ham, Swiss cheese, tangy mustard, and pickles, all pressed between crusty bread until golden and crispy — a perfect balance of rich, tangy, and melty flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf

A glazed meatloaf sliced and garnished with parsley on a white plate. Its accompanied by bowls of mashed potatoes, green beans, and small dishes of salt and pepper in the background. A red and white striped cloth napkin is beside the plate. — Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little Chef Within.

This Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf is a comforting, flavorful dish made with simple ingredients like ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a tangy ketchup glaze. Easy to prepare and family-friendly, it offers a delicious twist on a classic, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf

Black Forest Cheesecake

This no-bake Black Forest Cheesecake combines the classic flavors of Black Forest gateau into a rich and irresistible chocolate cherry cheesecake, all layered on a crunchy Oreo crust.
Get the Recipe: Black Forest Cheesecake

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are classic treats with a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a soft, chewy center, just like grandma used to make. This easy recipe delivers delicious homemade cookies in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies