Our Most-Shared Vintage Recipes (2024)

Home Recipes Cooking Style Comfort Food

Our Most-Shared Vintage Recipes (1)Caroline StankoUpdated: May 15, 2023

    Check out the vintage recipes that were liked, shared and made the most by Taste of Home readers of every generation.

    1/50

    Sugar Cream Pie

    I absolutely love Indiana sugar cream pie; especially the one that my grandma made for me. Here, we serve it warm or chilled and call it "Hoosier" sugar cream pie. —Laura Kipper, Westfield, Indiana

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    2/50

    Taste of Home

    Classic French Onion Soup

    Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah

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    3/50

    Amish Sugar Cookies

    These easy-to-make, old-fashioned Amish sugar cookies simply melt in your mouth! I've passed this recipe around to many friends. After I gave it to my sister, she entered the cookies in a local fair and won best of show. —Sylvia Ford, Kennett, Missouri

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    4/50

    Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole

    This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois

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    5/50

    Creamy Grape Salad

    Everyone raves when I bring this refreshing, creamy grape salad to potlucks. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brown sugar and pecans. —Marge Elling, Jenison, Michigan

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    6/50

    Easy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

    After trying a few buttercream frosting recipes, this easy vanilla buttercream frosting takes the cake with its unmatchable homemade taste. With a few simple variations, you can come up with different colors and flavors. —Diana Wilson, Denver, Colorado

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    7/50

    Chicken and Dumplings

    Perfect for fall nights, my simple version of comforting chicken and dumplings is speedy, low in fat and a delicious one-dish meal. —Nancy Tuck, Elk Falls, Kansas

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    8/50

    Taste of Home

    Sour Cream Pound Cake

    Because I'm our town's postmaster, I can bake only in my spare time. I especially enjoy making desserts such as this one. It tastes amazing as is, or tuck it under ice cream and chocolate syrup like a hot fudge sundae! —Karen Conrad, East Troy, Wisconsin

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    9/50

    Never-Fail Scalloped Potatoes

    Take the chill off any blustery day and make something special to accompany meaty entrees. This is the best scalloped potatoes recipe ever, and my family loves when I serve it. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

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    10/50

    Butter Pecan Fudge

    Toasted pecans add a nutty crunch to this creamy fudge, perfect for holiday giving. People always seem to rave about its wonderful caramel flavor. —Pam Smith, Alta Loma, California

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    11/50

    Lemonade Icebox Pie

    You will detect a definite lemonade flavor in this refreshing lemon icebox pie. High and fluffy, this dessert has a creamy smooth consistency that we really appreciate. It's the dessert that came to mind immediately when I put together my favorite summer meal. —Cheryl Wilt, Eglon, West Virginia

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    12/50

    Strawberry Pretzel Salad

    Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan

    13/50

    Homemade Potato Salad

    This homemade potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that's the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn't one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York

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    14/50

    Classic Chocolate Cake

    If you need to learn how to make chocolate cake from scratch, this easy homemade chocolate cake recipe is a perfect place to start. It appeared on a can of Hershey's cocoa way back in 1943. I tried it, my boys liked it, and I've been making it ever since. —Betty Follas, Morgan Hill, California

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    15/50

    Old-Fashioned Gingersnaps

    I discovered this recipe many years ago, and it's been a favorite among our family and friends ever since. Gingersnaps are timeless—a classic holiday cookie that's welcome year-round. —Francis Stoops, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

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    16/50

    Taste of Home

    Chicken Noodle Casserole

    Everyone who tries this comforting cheesy chicken casserole asks for the recipe. It's so simple to make that sometimes I feel as if I'm cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas

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    17/50

    Taste of Home

    Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

    This comforting dessert is a wonderful way to end any meal. As a girl, I always waited eagerly for the first heavenly bite. Today, my husband likes to top his with a scoop of ice cream. —Sandra Melnychenko, Grandview, Manitoba

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    18/50

    Mamaw Emily's Strawberry Cake

    My husband loved his mamaw's strawberry cake recipe. He thought no one could duplicate it. I made it, and it’s just as scrumptious as he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky

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    19/50

    Amish Baked Oatmeal

    The first time I had this treat was at a bed-and-breakfast in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. To me, it tasted just like a big warm-from-the-oven oatmeal cookie! —Colleen Butler, Inwood, West Virginia

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    20/50

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Chuck Roast

    My husband and I like chuck roast recipes, so this slow-cooker chuck roast recipe is terrific. You'll also love how flavorful and tender this comforting beef chuck roast turns out. —Bette McCumber, Schenectady, New York

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    21/50

    Banana Pudding

    I didn’t see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I saw him arrive at the airport, I just grabbed hold of him and burst out crying. When we got home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He’s a true southern boy! It’s a dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia

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    22/50

    Shoofly Cupcakes

    These old-fashioned molasses cupcakes were my grandmother's specialty. To keep them from disappearing too quickly, she used to store the tempting goodies out of sight. Somehow, we always figured out her hiding places! —Beth Adams, Jacksonville, Florida

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    23/50

    Taste of Home

    Classic Chicken Potpie

    Our neighbors and a friend from back home are always after me to make "those yummy potpies". That's all the encouragement I need, since we really like 'em, too! —Ada May Smith, Citrus Springs, Florida.

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    24/50

    Vanilla Meringue Cookies

    These sweet little swirls are light as can be. They're all you need after a big, special dinner. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    25/50

    Taste of Home

    Hearty Vegetable Soup

    A friend gave me the idea to use V8 juice in vegetable soup because it provides more flavor. My best vegetable soup recipe is perfect to prepare on a crisp autumn afternoon. —Janice Steinmetz, Somers, Connecticut

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    26/50

    Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

    A pleasingly moist cake, this treat is the one I requested that my mom make each year for my birthday. It's dotted with sweet carrots and a hint of cinnamon. The fluffy buttery frosting is scrumptious with chopped walnuts stirred in. One piece of this carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is never enough—it's better than all the other carrot cakes I've tried! —Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania

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    27/50

    Taste of Home

    Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

    My mother insisted that my grandmother write down one recipe for her when Mom got married in 1942: the how to make peanut butter cookies from scratch recipe. That was a real effort because Grandma was a traditional pioneer-type cook who used a little of this or that until it felt right. This treasured recipe is the only one she ever wrote down! —Janet Hall, Clinton, Wisconsin

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    28/50

    Sugar-Glazed Ham

    This old-fashioned ham glaze gives a pretty golden brown coating—just like Grandma used to make. The mustard and vinegar complement the brown sugar which adds a tangy flavor to this glazed ham recipe. Be prepared to serve seconds! —Carol Strong Battle, Heathville, Virginia

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    29/50

    Aunt Marion's Fruit Salad Dessert

    Aunt Marion, my namesake, is like a grandma to me. She gave me this luscious salad recipe, which goes to all our family reunions, hunt club suppers and snowmobile club picnics...and I go home with no leftovers! —Marion LaTourette, Honesdale, Pennsylvania

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    30/50

    Down East Blueberry Buckle

    This buckle won a contest at my daughter’s college. The prize was four lobsters, but the real reward was the smile on our daughter’s face. —Dianne van der Veen, Plymouth, Massachusetts

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    31/50

    Aunt Lou's Fresh Apple Cake

    My Great-Aunt Lou made a luscious fresh apple cake recipe that became a family tradition. My mom makes it for our annual beach trip to the Outer Banks. —Cristy King, Scott Depot, West Virginia

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    32/50

    Taste of Home

    Tuna Mushroom Casserole

    I love to serve this dressed-up version of a tuna casserole. The green beans add nice texture, color and flavor. The first time I made this dish, my uncle asked for seconds even though tuna casseroles are not usually his favorite.—Jone Furlong, Santa Rosa, California

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    33/50

    Italian Sprinkle Cookies

    Of all the Italian cookie recipes I make, this is my favorite. These sprinkle cookies take some time, but, believe me, they are well worth it! My husband and I used to operate an Italian American restaurant, and this recipe goes back generations. —Gloria Cracchiolo, Newburgh, New York

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    34/50

    Taste of Home

    Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie

    This old-fashioned banana cream pie recipe is full of flavor. Because it uses instant pudding, this no-bake dessert is ready in just minutes. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington

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    35/50

    Amish Breakfast Casserole

    We enjoyed hearty breakfast casseroles during a visit to an Amish inn. When I asked for a recipe, one of the women told me the ingredients right off the top of her head. I modified it a bit to create this version that my family loves. —Beth Notaro, Kokomo, Indiana

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    36/50

    Hot Fudge Cake

    Here's a wonderful way to top off a great meal—a rich chocolaty cake that's not overly sweet. Mom served it with a scoop of ice cream or cream poured over. I'd always have room for a serving of Hot Fudge Cake. —Vera Reid, Laramie, Wyoming

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    37/50

    Cabbage Roll Casserole

    I layer cabbage with tomato sauce and ground beef lasagna-style to create a hearty casserole that tastes like cabbage rolls but without all the work. —Doreen Martin, Kitimat, British Columbia

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    38/50

    TMB Studio

    Lemon Chiffon Cake

    This moist, airy lemon chiffon cake was my dad's favorite. Mom revamped the original recipe to include lemons. I'm not much of a baker, but whenever I make this dessert my family is thrilled! —Trisha Kammers, Clarkston, Washington

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    39/50

    Coconut-Pecan German Chocolate Pie

    This German chocolate pecan pie combines the ingredients everyone loves in its classic cake cousin. It's so silky and smooth, you won't be able to put your fork down. —Anna Jones, Coppell, Texas

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    40/50

    Moist Chocolate Cake

    This moist chocolate cake recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother because it was one of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and it always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania

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    41/50

    Family-Pleasing Sloppy Joes

    My grandma gave this recipe to me years ago, but I made a few changes to give this yummy supper more pizzazz. —Jill Zosel, Seattle, Washington

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    42/50

    Swedish Creme

    This thick and creamy dessert is my interpretation of my mother’s recipe for Swedish krem. It has just a hint of almond flavor and looks spectacular with bright red berries on top. Serve it in glasses to match the occasion. —Linda Nilsen, Anoka, Minnesota

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    43/50

    Taste of Home

    Potluck Banana Cake

    I found this recipe more than five years ago and have been making it for family gatherings ever since. The coffee-flavored frosting complements the moist banana cake. —Kathy Hoffman, Topton, Pennsylvania

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    44/50

    Chunky Apple Cake

    After taste testing lots of apple cakes, I've found this apple cake recipe the best. Full of old-world comfort, the yummy brown sugar sauce really makes the cake special. For a festive occasion, top with a dollop of whipped cream. —Debi Benson, Bakersfield, California

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    45/50

    American Lasagna

    My family first tasted this rich, homemade lasagna recipe at a friend's home on Christmas Eve. We were so impressed that it became our own holiday tradition as well. I also prepare it other times of the year. This classic lasagna recipe is requested often by my sister's Italian in-laws—I consider that the highest compliment! —Lorri Foockle, Granville, Illinois

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    46/50

    Taste of Home

    Peach Bavarian

    Fruit molds are my specialty. This one, with its refreshing peach taste, makes a colorful salad or dessert. —Adeline Piscitelli, Sayreville, New Jersey

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    47/50

    Scottish Shortbread Cookies

    This simple three-ingredient shortbread cookie recipe makes wonderfully rich, tender cookies. Serve them with fresh berries of the season for a nice, light dessert. You'll get miles of smiles when friends see these at an afternoon tea or a bridal shower. —Marlene Hellickson, Big Bear City, California

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    48/50

    Mom's Meat Loaf

    Mom made the best meat loaf, and now I do too. When I first met my husband, he wasn't a meat loaf guy, but this recipe won him over. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas

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    49/50

    Pistachio Pudding Cake

    Everyone who's ever tried this moist, one-of-a-kind pistachio pudding cake can't believe it uses a mix. The dessert is perfect for St. Patrick's Day—and you won't need the luck of the Irish to whip it up! —Suzanne Winkhart, Bolivar, Ohio

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    50/50

    Pineapple Orange Cake

    This is one of my favorite cakes. It’s moist and light yet so satisfying. I’ve been adapting it for years and now it’s almost guilt-free. —Pam Sjolund, Columbia, South Carolina

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    Originally Published: April 16, 2019

    Our Most-Shared Vintage Recipes (52)

    Caroline Stanko

    Caroline has been with Taste of Home for the past seven years, working in both print and digital. After starting as an intern for the magazine and special interest publication teams, Caroline was hired as the third-ever digital editor for Taste of Home. Since then, she has researched, written and edited content on just about every topic the site covers, including cooking techniques, buzzy food news, gift guides and many, many recipe collections. Caroline also acts as the editorial lead for video, working with the Test Kitchen, videographers and social media team to produce videos from start to finish.When she’s not tip-tapping on a keyboard, Caroline is probably mixing up a killer co*cktail, reading a dog-eared library book or cooking up a multi-course feast (sometimes all at once). Though she technically lives in Milwaukee, there is a 50/50 chance Caroline is in Chicago or southwest Michigan visiting her close-knit family.

    Our Most-Shared Vintage Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    Why I think this is a good idea by sharing traditional recipes? ›

    SHARING THE LOVE

    Perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of preserving family recipes is the ability to share the love behind each recipe with others. Whether it's with friends, new family members, coworkers, neighbors or even strangers, sharing a beloved family recipe is like sharing a piece of your heart.

    Why is it important to pass down family recipes? ›

    Your family food specialties and special traditions that started many generations ago continue to become richer over the years, as each generation has added their special touch and their part of the history. Sharing recipes and traditions gives you a good window into your family's own unique and rich history.

    When you were going to try a new recipe what is the first thing you want to do? ›

    Explanation: The first thing you want to do when trying a new recipe is to read through the recipe from beginning to end. This will give you an understanding of the steps and ingredients required. It's important to have a clear idea of what the recipe entails before you start.

    How do I organize my old family recipes? ›

    The size of your recipe collection will dictate how you store them. A sizeable collection can be stored in standard archival file folders and boxes. Weak or damaged paper also can be placed in polyester sleeves and then in folders and boxes.

    What are the benefits of sharing recipes? ›

    Brings People Together

    When you share a secret recipe, you are giving someone something special and unique that will make them feel like they are an essential part of your life. Sharing recipes and cooking will bring people together in a positive way that is fun for everyone involved.

    Why is sharing food important to others? ›

    Food Creates Connection: Sharing meals with others can create a sense of connection and community. It allows people to come together and bond over a shared experience. This is especially important in cultures where food is central to social gatherings.

    Why are old recipes important? ›

    Culinary literature

    An associate professor of history at the Southern Cross University, she says people often underestimate the importance of old cookbooks. “They are more than a blueprint for a meal. They say so much more about our culture and society,” she says.

    What is the significance of a family sharing meals together? ›

    The Benefits of Sharing Family Meals

    Use your time together to talk about the day's events, catch up, and simply spend time with each other. Everyone eats healthier meals. When families share a meal, they tend to eat more vegetables and fruits, fewer fried foods and snacks, and drink less soda.

    What is a quote about family recipes? ›

    “But perhaps the most precious heirlooms are family recipes. Like a physical heirloom, they remind us from whom and where we came and give others, in a bite, the story of another people from another place and another time.” “But perhaps the most precious heirlooms are family recipes.

    What is the first thing you should do when you get a recipe? ›

    First, you take the recipe that you intend to cook and read it thoroughly to familiarize yourself with the timing, techniques, equipment, and ingredients you will need. Second, you pull all of the necessary equipment and arrange it near your cooking station, so that it is at the ready.

    What two things should you do before you begin making a recipe? ›

    Read the recipe a few times before you make it,” she says, “and make sure it is something you are comfortable doing.” Then, lay out every ingredient you'll need before you begin to cook.

    What do you think is the most important part of a recipe? ›

    Ingredient List - The ingredient list is one of the most critical parts of a recipe. The ingredients should be listed in chronological order, with the ingredient used first at the very top of the list (Palmer, 2020).

    What to do with grandma's old recipes? ›

    If you have larger or full-sized 8 1/2 x 11″ recipes, you can easily store them in print pages or 3-ring page protectors, which will display Grandma's beloved apple pie recipe while keeping it safe from your everyday kitchen mishaps.

    What is the best way to share family recipes? ›

    If your family recipe box is empty, there are several simple and fun ways you can fill it:
    1. Use email and blogs. ...
    2. Host a potluck dinner or family reunion. ...
    3. Record the cook. ...
    4. Create a family cookbook. ...
    5. Start a recipe scrapbook. ...
    6. Cook side by side. ...
    7. Share the food with family. ...
    8. Bottle it.

    How do you display old family recipes? ›

    Use a small easel to hold recipes upright on the counter.

    Small easels work well for showing photos and recipes. If you want to display your recipes on the kitchen counter, easels are great for holding old family recipes up and keeping them where they are easy to see.

    Why is traditional cooking important? ›

    Traditional recipes are often deeply rooted in cultural heritage and carry with them a sense of identity and belonging. They tell stories of ancestors, customs, and traditions, connecting individuals to their roots and preserving culinary legacies for future generations.

    Why is this traditional food important to the cultural group? ›

    Traditional food is an integral part of cultural identity. The food itself and the associated preparation techniques and social customs serve as a reminder of the past and provide a connection to historic and cultural roots.

    Why do people prefer traditional food? ›

    It's not just about taste but about love, care, and tradition that have been passed down through generations. It brings people together and makes celebrations special!

    What is the cultural significance of sharing a meal? ›

    Key points. Among our hunter-gatherer ancestors, the feast after a successful hunt was a celebration of skill, cooperation, and survival. Since our hunter-gatherer days, human families, friends, and associates have come together over food in every culture.

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