Have you ever had an old-fashioned cordial drink? Or have you eaten a traditional jam?
When it comes to eating things that are made with traditional recipes, there is something that is exceedingly appealing.
In 2024, there are more restaurants and cafes that are pushing for fusion recipes but many people want to try and to consume flavors and foods from the past. Nostalgia is not only something you find with movies!
Indeed, food memories are one of the most powerful types that humans have and eating foods that are familiar and hold an association to childhood, or even family members can cause feelings of calm and happiness.
So, when it comes to retro foods, which ones are due for a comeback? Which ones have you heard of but never tried? This article looks at 15 retro foods from the 1950s and 1960s and earlier, that can hold the key to childhood nostalgia, as well as being an interesting taste experience!
Fondue
Many people associate fondue with being chocolate, but in this instance, it is a savory dish. This dish became popular in the 1960s, according to 12 Tomatoes and is due for a comeback. When using cheeses, the main options for a fondue are Gruyere, Emmental and Swiss cheeses.
This is melted with garlic and wine, which results in a tasty sauce. Then, all you need to do is place a small piece of food, like a piece of meat, onto a skewer and dip it into the cheese. As to why the savory fondues became unpopular, there is no real consensus, but this tasty and crowd pleasing dish needs to start reappearing at dinner parties!
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs became a family favorite in the 1920’s, and brought a touch of elegance to any barbecue or other gathering.
In simple terms, these are hard boiled eggs that have been cut in half, and the yolks have been mixed with mayonnaise, mustard and paprika, and then mashed. You then need to spoon the filling back into the egg halves and voila! A tasty and nutritious deviled egg!
Jell-O
One of the oldest foods, jell-o became popular in 1897 and is a fun addition to any dessert table.
In more recent times, there have been pushes to have this dish made vegan, as it typically involves mixing gelatin and hot water. Traditional recipes allow for the adding of fruits to add taste, such as strawberries, peaches and mandarins.
If you want to make a jell-o mold that looks truly retro, add some edible flowers and softer hues to the mixture, so it will not set with a vibrant color.
Tuna Casserole
Yes, a tuna casserole showcases the ingenuity of home cooks who wanted to make a simple meal from what they had in their pantry. The recipe is a mixture of tuna, pasta, and cream sauce made from milk and cheese. Think of a tuna melt covered in breadcrumbs, and you have an idea of what this Depression-era meal would look and taste like!
Ambrosia Salad
Canned fruits mixed with cream and marshmallows is the base of the traditional US ambrosia salad. However, is it due for a comeback? With it not being the healthiest dish here, it is easy to see why people may not be overly keen on it but, as a side dish at a barbecue, it should be given a second chance! So, check out the ambrosia salad recipe here from the Food Network!
Shrimp Cocktails
Remember the scene from Beetlejuice with the shrimp hands grabbing the guests at the dinner party? That was a shrimp cocktail gone rogue!
Shrimp cocktails mix shrimp, onion, lemons and a touch of Worcestershire sauce and ketchup to make this tasty starter. This meal has been somewhat forgotten about in recent times but was one of the most popular foods you could order in the 1950s and 60s, with a short revival in the 1980s. Bring it back!
Pigs in Blankets
Most people have pigs in blankets for Christmas, or as part of Thanksgiving dinner. However, in daily meals, they have dropped off in their popularity.
There are a few reasons why; they are high in fats, they are not seen as an everyday meal addition or, they are declining due to people switching to veganism. Whatever the reason, these bite sized hotdog cousins need to make a comeback to the dinner table!
Chicken a-la- King
This is such a comfort food, it is amazing that it is no longer popular. Combining chicken, cream, peas and carrots together is a stroke of genius but, much like the pigs in blankets, many people today want meals that are not as heavy. However, if you are looking for a side-dish for a warm, fall meal, this should be on your list. It is tasty, honestly, and goes great with noodles or rice!
Soda Fountains
If you’ve ever seen a movie that was set in the 1950’s, you will have seen people gathered in a soda shop, sibbing soda, or ice cream floats, as well as milkshakes.
These tasty treats became less popular in the 1960s but soda fountains really need to reappear. They were simply sparkling water added to different flavored syrups, such as cola, root beer and even ginger ale. The end result was a tasty and refreshing beverage that kept people cool on a warm day.
Chicken Pot Pie
Much like the Chicken-a-la-King, this creamy, savory chicken dish really needs to come back into people’s kitchens!
The flaky crust holds the rich, creamy sauce that is mixed with chicken and vegetables, and is cooked in a porcelain pot. The bite sized chicken is paired with carrots, peas, celery, potatoes and mushrooms to make a creamy broth that is filling and morish.
Get the recipe: Chicken Pot Pie
Tater Tots
The majority of people who have tried tater tots have loved them. They were a popular treat during the Great Depression but, oddly, are not seen so much anymore.
These bite-sized bits of shredded potato resemble hash browns, but they are pressed into cylindrical shapes, then they are deep fried.
These go great with burgers, sandwiches or grilled meats and they are always pleasing. They are also great with mayo, ketchup or even ranch dressing. So, if this has peaked your interest, check out a depression-era recipe from Mom on Timeout here.
Icebox Cakes
Icebox cakes became popular in 1929 and are a simple way to create an impressive and tasty dessert in advance. They are a no-bake cake, and allow you to create layers by switching between cookies and graham crackers, while placing pudding or whipped cream between each layer.
Of course, if you wanted to make this cake today, you could spruce it up with chocolate shavings, crushed nuts, or even fruits. It will always go down well on a summer’s day, and will be enjoyed by kids.
Banana Splits
Banana splits were one of the few affordable treats for all in the Great Depression, making their presence known in diners in the 1950s. However, in recent times, they are not as common anymore, but you may find them for sale in a gastro pub.
If you’ve never had a banana split, it is served in a boat shaped bowl, with ice cream being served as the base. This is usually vanilla, strawberry or chocolate in flavor. Then, chocolate sauce is drizzled over the ice cream and topped with whipped cream. Don’t forget the nuts and bright red cherry on top!
Cake Donuts
Cake donuts are a popular sweet food from New England that combine maple syrup with runny, glaze icing.
These were once the talk of the town in the US and beyond but have faded since the 1960s. Due to their iconic shape and traditional recipe, they need to come back soon.
Apple Fritters
These are a simple snack treat that rose to popularity after the 1930s and are a mixture of apples or applesauce, flour and water.
They are similar to donuts and can be just as tempting, especially if some powdered sugar is sprinkled over them!
Cheeseburger Pie
Yes, you read that right!This retro food from the 50s mixes corned beef, cheese, pickles, mustard and ketchup to create a hearty and tasty pie that used to be available at every cafe! Why does it need to come back? It just sounds tasty, and it would probably be cheap!
Popcorn Salad
This is an interesting take on popcorn and fresh foods, like fruit and veg. Mix the two together, and you get popcorn salad which became popular in the 1940s’.
Why does it need to make a comeback? Well, many people are put off of the idea of having buttered or caramelized popcorn, and are looking to add veg and fruit to this snack anyway, so, popcorn salad (either sweet or savory) may be the way to go!
Raspberry Lemonade
Technically, this is not a food but raspberry lemonade is one of the most retro options on this list.
You simply mix in either fresh or frozen raspberries with lemonade, and add some ice to the mix for a refreshing, summer day drink. It worked for the ancient Egyptians, so give it a try!
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