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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    Back Then These 21 Were Everyday Foods—Now Kids Say “No Thanks”

    Published: Mar 16, 2026 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Food trends change fast, and what once seemed completely normal at the dinner table can suddenly feel like a relic from another era. Many of the foods families enjoyed for decades were everyday staples that nobody thought twice about serving. But times have changed, and younger generations often see those same dishes very differently. From old-school lunches to retro dinner favorites, these foods were once part of daily life,but today’s kids tend to give them a hard pass.

    Sweet Potato Casserole Kids Refuse Today

    A spoon dipping out a portion of sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping.
    Sweet Potato Casserole Kids Refuse Today. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes were once holiday staples. Now, kids can’t believe people actually ate this dessert-like side.
    Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole Kids Refuse Today

    Oyster Stew Kids Won’t Touch Now

    A bowl of oyster stew on a plate with crackers.
    Oyster Stew Kids Won’t Touch Now. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

    This creamy oyster stew was a dinner table favorite decades ago. Modern kids are surprised anyone actually enjoyed it.
    Get the Recipe: Oyster Stew Kids Won’t Touch Now

    Chicken Marsala Kids Question Today

    Chicken Marsala Kids Question Today. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    This rich chicken in Marsala wine sauce was once a fancy weeknight treat. Today’s kids are skeptical of its mushroom-laden flavors.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala Kids Question Today

    Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Kids Skip Now

    Rows of cucumber sandwiches cut into circles.
    Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Kids Skip Now. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These cucumber sandwiches with creamy herb spread were once a brunch favorite. Kids today often turn up their noses at this dainty classic.
    Get the Recipe: Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Kids Skip Now

    Tamale Casserole Kids Avoid Today

    Tamale Casserole Kids Avoid Today. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

    This layered tamale casserole was a retro family favorite for hearty dinners. Today’s kids can’t believe anyone actually ate it.
    Get the Recipe: Tamale Casserole Kids Avoid Today

    50s Cornbread Kids Refuse Today

    50s Cornbread Kids Refuse Today. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    This classic cast-iron cornbread was a staple in the 1950s kitchen. Modern kids are often baffled by its crispy, crumbly charm.
    Get the Recipe: 50s Cornbread Kids Refuse Today

    Waldorf Salad Kids Say “No Thanks”

    A bowl of apple salad with a serving spoon.
    Classic Waldorf Salad Kids Can’t Believe Exists. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Crisp apples, celery, and walnuts in creamy dressing make this a retro salad. Today’s kids might wrinkle their noses at this classic.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Waldorf Salad Kids Can’t Believe Exists

    Green Beans With Bacon Kids Question

    A bowl of Green Beans with Bacon and Onions, topped with crispy bacon pieces and caramelized onions, sits on a light cloth napkin with serving utensils. A small dish of extra bacon crumbles is nearby for added flavor.
    Green Beans with Bacon That Shock Modern Kids. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Tender green beans meet smoky bacon in this retro side. Kids today may be surprised by this flavor-packed classic.
    Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Bacon That Shock Modern Kids

    Scalloped Potatoes Kids Won’t Touch

    A close-up of a spoon lifting a cheesy, creamy serving of scalloped potatoes with cream from a dish, with melted cheese on top and a small pile of shredded cheese in the background.
    Retro Scalloped Potatoes Kids Find Wild. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Creamy, layered potatoes make this a comforting retro dish. Modern kids might turn up their noses at this timeless favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Retro Scalloped Potatoes Kids Find Wild

    Stroganoff That Surprises Kids Today

    A bowl of egg noodles covered in stroganoff meatballs.
    Vintage Stroganoff That Stuns Today’s Kids. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Juicy patties in creamy mushroom sauce make a retro classic dinner. Kids today might be shocked this was a weeknight favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Vintage Stroganoff That Stuns Today’s Kids

    Crispy Pork Chops Kids Refuse

    A fork in a bite of a fried pork chop.
    Crispy Pork Chops Kids Think Are Nuts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Golden, crispy pork chops made with pantry staples once delighted families. Modern kids might hesitate to try this old-school treat.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Pork Chops Kids Think Are Nuts

    Sloppy Joes That Shock Kids Today

    Sloppy Joes That Prove Grandma Didn’t Need Cans. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

    Messy, meaty sandwiches that scream retro comfort. Today’s kids may be skeptical of these homemade classics.
    Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joes That Prove Grandma Didn’t Need Cans

    Beef Stroganoff Kids Avoid Today

    A serving of beef stroganoff with egg noodles.
    Hearty Beef Stroganoff Kids Question Today. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Creamy beef stroganoff was a staple in past decades. Modern kids may hesitate but the rich flavor remains irresistible.
    Get the Recipe: Hearty Beef Stroganoff Kids Question Today

    Ambrosia Salad Kids Say “No Thanks”

    Ambrosia Salad That Bewilders Modern Kids. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Fruit, coconut, and marshmallows make this retro dessert salad. Kids today might find it unusual but nostalgic fans love it.
    Get the Recipe: Ambrosia Salad That Bewilders Modern Kids

    Leek & Potato Gratin Kids Question

    Leek And Potato Gratin. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

    Tender potatoes and sautéed leeks baked in cheese make a cozy retro dish. Kids may find this creamy gratin unexpectedly fancy.
    Get the Recipe: Leek And Potato Gratin

    Roasted Potatoes Kids Refuse Today

    oven roasted potatoes in a baking dish.
    Simple Roasted Potatoes Kids Find Surprising. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Golden roasted potatoes turn humble ingredients into a crowd-pleaser. Modern kids might be surprised this simple side was once a favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Simple Roasted Potatoes Kids Find Surprising

    Chicken Gumbo Kids Question

    Chicken Gumbo That Blows Kids’ Minds. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Smoky chicken and sausage gumbo shows the magic of slow cooking. Kids today might find this hearty classic unusual but irresistible.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Gumbo That Blows Kids’ Minds

    Crawfish Étouffée Kids Say “No Thanks”

    Crawfish Étouffée That Stuns Kids Today. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Creamy, bold crawfish étouffée delivers retro Cajun flavors. Kids today may find this old-school dish unusual but comforting.
    Get the Recipe: Crawfish Étouffée That Stuns Kids Today

    Cheesesteak Casserole Kids Refuse

    Cheesesteak Casserole Kids Can’t Believe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Beef, peppers, onions, and cheese make this casserole a retro classic. Modern kids might balk at this once-loved dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesesteak Casserole Kids Can’t Believe

    Deviled Eggs Kids Question

    Deviled Eggs That Make Kids Go “Whoa”. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Creamy deviled eggs with sweet pickle relish are a retro appetizer. Kids may be surprised these tiny bites have lasted generations.
    Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs That Make Kids Go “Whoa”

    Hamburger Hash Kids Refuse Today

    Retro Hamburger Hash That Wows Kids. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

    Cheesy hamburger hash turns ground beef into a full meal. Modern kids might raise eyebrows at this retro comfort dish.
    Get the Recipe: Retro Hamburger Hash That Wows Kids

    22 Foods Grandma Just “Knew” How to Make—and We Still Can’t Forget Them

    A collage of four foods: cucumber tea sandwiches, cheesy baked pasta, creamy pot pie with a flaky crust, and macaroni salad with herbs. Each dish is shown close up, highlighting their textures and ingredients.

    Even now, people still crave those familiar flavors that felt impossible to mess up and even harder to replicate. Here are foods grandma made from memory that people still think about long after the plates were cleared.
    Grab it here: 22 Foods Grandma Just “Knew” How to Make—and We Still Can’t Forget Them

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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