12 Forgotten Dishes Your Grandparents Couldn’t Get Enough Of

Get ready to take a delicious trip back in time, where the dinner table was a place of pure comfort, creativity, and sometimes, a little mystery.

From the hearty, stick-to-your-ribs goodness of Mulligan stew to the wobbly, slightly questionable charm of tomato aspic, these dishes were once the height of home-cooked perfection. Some may seem odd by today’s standards (looking at you, gelatin-encased meats), while others deserve a well-earned comeback.

So whether you’re here for the nostalgia or just curious about what your grandparents were really raving about, let’s dig in. Who knows? You might just be inspired to dust off an old recipe card and bring one of these vintage delights back to life.

1. Tomato Aspic (a.k.a. Fancy Jell-O Salad)

Picture Jell-O, but with a tomato twist. This dish was the epitome of fancy back in the day, made with tomato juice, vinegar, celery, and spices.

A cold and wobbly mold, it even featured shrimp or olives for that extra pizzazz. Your grandparents served it as a salad before salads became the fresh greens we know today.

Though it might seem like a peculiar concoction today, its savory allure once graced many a dinner table. Embrace the nostalgia and consider bringing this lively dish back for a retro-themed dinner party.

2. Ham and Banana Hollandaise

Imagine bananas snuggled in slices of ham, all bathed in creamy hollandaise sauce and baked to perfection.

This quirky combination was a hit, regardless of its eyebrow-raising nature. It’s a savory-sweet blend that might seem like a culinary paradox today.

But back then, it was a taste sensation! If you’re feeling adventurous, this might just be the dish to surprise your friends with at your next gathering. It’s a delightful throwback to daring culinary experiments of yesteryears.

3. Mulligan Stew (a.k.a. The “Everything But the Kitchen Sink” Stew)

Mulligan Stew was the hero of hard times, a hearty mix of whatever was on hand.

Leftover meats, potatoes, and assorted veggies made their way into this robust stew. Born out of necessity, it was a staple for hobos and families alike, turning scraps into a comforting meal. This dish proves that resourcefulness in the kitchen can lead to surprisingly satisfying results.

Today, it stands as a testament to the creativity of past generations. Why not try your hand at this everything-goes stew and create your own family favorite?

4. Liver and Onions

Liver and onions might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for many grandparents, it was a nutritious staple.

The liver was affordable and full of iron, while the onions added a sweet twist. Fry them up in a pan with plenty of butter, and you had a meal that some cherished and others merely tolerated.

It’s a dish that evokes strong opinions, yet remains a classic. If you’re feeling brave, give it a try – who knows, you might just develop a taste for this old-time favorite.

5. Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast (a.k.a. “S.O.S.”)

Known affectionately as “S.O.S.” or “Sh*t on a Shingle,” this dish was a military staple.

Thin strips of beef swimming in a creamy white sauce, generously ladled over toast, made for a filling meal. Soldiers embraced it with humor, and it became a fond memory for many veterans.

Though its name might raise eyebrows, its flavor won hearts and kept bellies full. Serve it up for breakfast or brunch, and experience a taste of history that’s both comforting and amusing.

6. Jellied Meatloaf

This isn’t your typical meatloaf! Jellied meatloaf was a dinner party showstopper back in the day.

Imagine a savory meatloaf encased in a shimmering layer of gelatin, presenting an elegant and unexpected twist. It was a symbol of sophistication, even if it seems like a bizarre culinary concoction now.

Today, it might appear more like a challenge on a cooking show, but it’s a nod to the experimental nature of past cooking. Try it if you dare, and bring some vintage flair to your table.

7. Mock Apple Pie (Ritz Cracker Edition)

Craving apple pie but short on apples? Enter Mock Apple Pie, made famous during the Great Depression.

Using Ritz crackers, sugar, cinnamon, and a dash of vinegar, this dessert surprisingly mimicked the taste and texture of apple pie. Ingenious and resourceful, it was a cost-effective treat that delighted many families. It’s a testament to the creativity sparked by necessity.

Today, it’s a novelty that reflects culinary ingenuity. Bake one up, and marvel at how simple ingredients can create a familiar and comforting flavor.

8. Corned Beef Hash

Corned Beef Hash was the breakfast champion of its time, a savory mix of corned beef, potatoes, and onions sizzling together in a skillet.

It was the go-to dish for using up leftovers, making it both economical and satisfying. A crispy crust on the outside with tender bits inside, it filled the belly and started the day right.

This hearty dish was beloved by many, and it still holds a place in the hearts of breakfast enthusiasts today. Give it a try and bring some hearty nostalgia to your morning routine.

9. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a universal comfort food, with every culture offering its version.

Ground meat, rice, and spices rolled in cabbage leaves, then simmered in tomato sauce, made for a hearty meal. This dish was a warm embrace after a long day, filling homes with enticing aromas. It remains a beloved classic, perfect for sharing with family.

Try making it today, and experience a dish that connects generations through its timeless flavors and comforting presence.

10. Water Pie

Water Pie is the dessert of resilience, a sweet creation from lean times.

Made with water, butter, sugar, and flour, it magically transformed basic ingredients into a delightful pie. During the Great Depression, it was a way to satisfy sweet cravings without breaking the bank. This simple yet ingenious dessert stands as a reminder of the past’s resourcefulness.

Bake it to taste history and appreciate the sweet simplicity that got many through tough times.

11. Spam Fritters

The iconic Spam Fritters were a post-war favorite, turning the mysterious canned meat into a crispy delight.

Breaded and fried, they offered comfort and convenience, satisfying cravings for indulgence without the high cost. Many grandparents fondly recall these fritters as a guilty pleasure.

Today, they’re a quirky snack that offers a bite of nostalgia. Fry some up and enjoy a moment from the past that’s crispy, delicious, and uniquely satisfying.

12. Pickled Pigs’ Feet

Pickled pigs’ feet might make you pause, but for many, it was a savory treat.

Marinated in vinegar and spices, they were a popular snack, especially in the South. Cold, tangy, and gelatinous, they offered a unique texture and flavor.

It’s a dish that’s steeped in tradition and might just surprise you with its bold taste. Try them if you dare, and experience a snack that’s been enjoyed for generations, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected foods are the most memorable.