'80s Kids Are Dying For These 20 Recipes To Make A Comeback
While the world of food is constantly expanding and evolving—and here at Delish, we love trying out new foods—sometimes the classics really are the classics for a reason. When I asked my parents about what they ate growing up in the '80s, their eyes lit up as they told me stories of the “pretty traditional” recipes their mothers perfected. This recipe collection is an homage to that delightful decade where the slow cooker emerged as a parent's best friend and Jell-O meant more than just a quick snack. These are 20 of our best recipes that are sure to transport you back to the 1980s, from casseroles to cakes and everything in between.
As mentioned earlier, the slow cooker really defined much of the cooking of the decade, and for good reason. Slow cookers allow for time consuming recipes to be set on the back burner throughout the busy day, ready to be served hot and tender for a weeknight dinner with hardly any work. To save yourself some effort—and make a delicious meal—check out our slow cooker bourbon smokies or Crockpot green bean casserole.
Got a sweet tooth? The '80s were a decade of some of the best comfort food desserts, like our banana pudding pops, strawberry pretzel tart, or baked Alaska. Don’t worry, we’ve got cakes too. Our Jell-O cake and Cracker Barrel Coca-Cola cake are sure to take you back to the golden age of poke cakes.
We’ve got plenty of retro appetizers and shared bites too. Like our best pasta salad, 7-layer dip, or loaded potato skins. Just don’t spoil your appetite before you get a chance to taste the classics like our classic chicken pot pie, sloppy Joes, or beef stroganoff.
Whatever you choose, this list is guaranteed to remind you of simpler days, gathered round the childhood dining table. And who knows, maybe you can even bring back some forgotten family traditions!
Jell-O Cake
This Jell-O cake is giving nostalgia, kitsch, and strawberry shortcake vibes, and I am here for it. It's a delicious and easy dessert that was all the rage at potlucks and parties in the '70s and '80s, and I want to bring it back.
Get the Jell-O Cake recipe.
Pizza Bagels
In grade school right through high school, pizza bagels, or French bread pizza, were the perfect after school snack. Quick and convenient, these little marvels are essentially personal pan pizzas, without having to leave the house, and using ingredients that most houses have readily on hand.
Get the Pizza Bagels recipe.
Monkey Bread
If you’re a fan of sticky buns, cinnamon rolls, and other sweet breakfast pastries, let me introduce you to your new favorite—monkey bread. This cinnamon-sugar pull-apart bread is as fun to make as it is to eat, and makes for a spectacular centerpiece for any occasion.
Get the Monkey Bread recipe.
Taco Salad
Few dinner salads are more hearty and versatile than classic taco salad. Loaded with meat, veggies, and a fair amount of cheese, it’s got all the right things to make for an extra-satisfying weeknight dinner. I went for a classic version in this recipe, but the best thing about taco salad is how customizable it is.
Get the Taco Salad recipe.
7-Layer Dip
This classic party dip is layered with all your favorites—refried beans, creamy sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and more—all in one bite. If you usually turn to the store-bought version, trust me, it’s worth making it at home. Ready in under 30 minutes, this is the easiest last-minute app to prepare when you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the 7-Layer Dip recipe.
Brown Butter Bran Muffins
Rich in dietary fiber as well as other nutrients, wheat bran is chock full of nutty goodness once toasted. Start by browning a stick of butter, then adding in the bran to let it lightly fry in the hot fatty mixture. While the muffins are great on their own, I'm adding pumpkin pie spice and fresh ginger for some extra warm flavors.
Get the Brown Butter Bran Muffins recipe.
Ultimate Tuna Noodle Casserole
If you're a '80s kid, it's likely that cheesy tuna casserole was your grade-school jam. I love it, not just because it's a budget-friendly way to used canned tuna, but it's cheesy in the best way. I remember this favorite fondly—I instantly get visions of a just-out-of-the-oven, bread crumb-encrusted, melty tuna casserole just thinking about it.
Get the Ultimate Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe.
Loaded Potato Skins
Budget-friendly, versatile and so easy to make, potato skins are a legendary party appetizer. For this recipe, I had to go the classic loaded route: cheddar, sour cream, bacon, and scallions (or chives). But feel free to get creative with your toppings! Buffalo chicken and blue cheese crumbles are a classic game day pairing while chili and cheese makes this app extra hearty.
Get the Loaded Potato Skins recipe.
Banana Pudding Pops
A Southern classic, banana pudding is the no-bake dessert I turn to time and time again. With layers of vanilla pudding, bananas, wafer cookies, and whipped cream, this easy dessert is a fan-favorite for very good reason. While I'll always adore the classic, I also can’t get enough of turning the delicious flavor combination into a delicious, simple frozen dessert.
Get the Banana Pudding Pops recipe.
Best Pasta Salad
While it can be overlooked when it comes to summer potluck sides, this pasta salad is a staple that I turn to again and again during the warm-weather months. Delish has plenty of beloved variations of this staple side dish, but this Italian-inspired recipe is my guaranteed go-to when I need a simple and reliable BBQ side.
Get the Best Pasta Salad recipe.
Baked Alaska
Here at Delish, baked Alaska has never gone out of style, and we’re committed to bringing this classic nostalgic dessert back. Basically a glorified ice cream cake, this towering dessert is made with a brownie base, three layers of ice cream, and homemade meringue. This dessert has something for everyone.
Get the Baked Alaska recipe.
Slow Cooker Bourbon Smokies
Lil smokies are the classic slow cooker food. They're sweet, meaty, and saucy, and always take me back to childhood. For this recipe, I am hitting them with a shot of bourbon for a little something extra that shakes up the expected. It's a welcome addition and goes well with all of those party dips!
Get the Slow Cooker Bourbon Smokies recipe.
Cracker Barrel Coca-Cola Cake
If you're a fan of sheet cakes (who isn't?!), then this fudgy Coca-Cola recipe will be your new favorite. A 12-oz. can of classic Coca-Cola plus a handful of other pantry ingredients are all you need to whip up a dessert that is deliciously nostalgic and comforting.
Get the Cracker Barrel Coca-Cola Cake recipe.
Beef Stroganoff
With its rich sauce deepened in flavor with red wine, Dijon mustard, and finished with tangy sour cream, beef stroganoff is the dish to keep in your back pocket when you need a reliable, cozy weeknight dinner. While it may be an old-school classic, this is the comfort food I take seriously.
Get the Beef Stroganoff recipe.
Sloppy Joes
If you're in need of a reliable, nostalgic, easy (and cheap) weeknight dinner, then I think there’s no debate: A Sloppy Joes' night is in order. The perfect answer to, “How far can I stretch this package of ground beef?” Sloppy Joes only require a handful of simple ingredients (that you most likely already have on hand) to create a classic family dinner.
Get the Sloppy Joes recipe.
Strawberry Pretzel Tart
Also known as strawberry pretzel salad, this nostalgic dessert strikes the perfect balance between whimsical and classic, sweet and salty. It might sound a little strange, but trust me—it just works. The pretzel crust is a surprisingly ideal complement to the rich cream cheese layer and the sweet strawberries and Jell-O.
Get the Strawberry Pretzel Tart recipe.
Classic Chicken Pot Pie
This cozy meal represents the marriage of a flaky, buttery crust with chopped chicken, onions, carrots, and peas in a perfectly creamy sauce. If you're looking for the easiest possible weeknight dinner, consider making certain elements of the pie in advance; it will make the whole process feel so much smoother.
Get the Classic Chicken Pot Pie recipe.
Fro-Yo Fruit Bites
Frozen yogurt is a classic throwback snack, perfect for a healthier ice cream alternative. These bites are only 4 ingredients: plain yogurt, whole milk, honey, and pure vanilla extract (plus your chosen fruit!). Plus, they come together in only 10 minutes—just make sure to give them plenty of time to chill in the freezer so that they set completely.
Get the Fro-Yo Fruit Bites recipe.
Chicken Divan
Chicken Divan is an easy casserole that is full of rotisserie chicken and broccoli. It has the perfect crunchy top and wonderful on its own or served over rice or pasta. It's simple and fast with very little work. The perfect weeknight dinner!
Get the Chicken Divan recipe.
Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
I consider green bean casserole the king of canned food meals. It’s ridiculously simple to assemble and widely adored (even for a from-scratch home cook like me!). The best version is made with canned cream of mushroom soup, whole milk (or vegetable broth), canned green beans, and—for crunch—fried onions.
Get the Crockpot Green Bean Casserole recipe.
You Might Also Like
