• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Butter & Baggage logo
  • Recipe Search
    • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breads & Biscuits
    • Breakfast
      • Muffins
    • Casseroles
    • Desserts
      • Bars
      • Brownies
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Fruit Desserts
      • Pies, Cobblers & Crisps
    • Main Dishes
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Seafood
    • Pasta
      • Mac and Cheese
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Dips
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Soups & Chilis
  • Shop
  • My Favorites
  • Kitchen Hacks
  • About
    • Editorial Policies
    • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Search
  • Recipe Index
  • Kitchen Hacks
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Editorial Policies
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » MSN Slideshows

    20 Foods Everyone Ate Back Then—but Rarely See Now

    Published: Jan 22, 2026 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Food trends don’t always disappear overnight, sometimes they just fade away. These are the dishes that used to show up regularly at family dinners, potlucks, and parties, only to slowly slip out of rotation as tastes changed. Looking back, it’s surprising how common they once were—and how rarely they’re made today. These foods may be gone, but they’re still packed with memories.

    Sunday Table Mashed Potato Bake

    A serving of baked mashed potatoes being taken out of a casserole dish.
    Sunday Table Mashed Potato Bake. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    This vintage-style potato bake brings the comfort of twice baked potatoes to a family casserole. Perfectly creamy and cheesy, it’s a Sunday dinner favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Sunday Table Mashed Potato Bake

    Classic Green Bean Bake From Scratch

    A serving spoon in a green bean casserole made from scratch,
    Classic Green Bean Bake From Scratch. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

    A Sunday staple that never goes out of style, this green bean casserole skips the cans for a homemade cream sauce that feels timeless and cozy.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Green Bean Bake From Scratch

    Vintage Creamy Macaroni Salad

    Creamy macaroni salad with a wooden spoon.
    Vintage Creamy Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    A creamy macaroni salad that recalls Sunday picnics and church suppers, with tangy dressing, tender pasta, and sharp cheddar for a classic finish.
    Get the Recipe: Vintage Creamy Macaroni Salad

    Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni Pie

    A casserole dish of baked macaroni pie.
    Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni Pie. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This simple macaroni pie proves that the best vintage recipes don’t need much fuss—just pasta, cheese, and a little time in the oven for pure comfort.
    Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni Pie

    Hearty Corn and Ham Casserole

    A serving spoon in a corn casserole.
    Hearty Corn and Ham Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    A vintage-style side that feels like home, this corn casserole with ham and cream cheese brings hearty flavor to any Sunday spread.
    Get the Recipe: Hearty Corn and Ham Casserole

    Classic Apple Waldorf Salad

    A bowl of apple salad with a serving spoon.
    Classic Apple Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This timeless Waldorf salad with crisp apples, celery, and walnuts adds a refreshing touch to any Sunday table—just like generations before us enjoyed.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Apple Waldorf Salad

    Sunday Broccoli Cranberry Salad

    A bowl of broccoli salad on a serving tray.
    Sunday Broccoli Cranberry Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Bright and wholesome, this old-fashioned broccoli salad with cranberries and a light dressing is the kind of side dish that feels right at Sunday supper.
    Get the Recipe: Sunday Broccoli Cranberry Salad

    Vintage Broccoli Rice Casserole

    A broccoli rice casserole in a skillet.
    Vintage Broccoli Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This broccoli rice casserole is a Sunday classic—creamy, comforting, and made the old-fashioned way without shortcuts.
    Get the Recipe: Vintage Broccoli Rice Casserole

    Southern Sunday Pea Salad

    A pea salad with cheddar cheese in a serving bowl.
    Southern Sunday Pea Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    A beloved dish of Sunday gatherings, this creamy pea salad with cheddar brings Southern comfort to the table with every spoonful.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Sunday Pea Salad

    Traditional Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

    A serving spoon removing some potato and ham casserole.
    Traditional Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This classic casserole of tender potatoes and ham in creamy sauce has been part of Sunday dinners for decades—and still deserves a spot at the table.
    Get the Recipe: Traditional Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

    Hashbrown Casserole, A Nostalgic Family Favorite

    A spoon full of hashbrown casserole.
    Hashbrown Casserole, A Nostalgic Family Favorite. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Hashbrown casserole is one of those creamy, cheesy bakes Grandma could serve at breakfast, dinner, or potlucks. With shredded potatoes and a golden top, it’s pure ’50s comfort in a dish.
    Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole, A Nostalgic Family Favorite

    Old-Time Savory Bread Pudding with Cheese and Veggies

    A baked savory breakfast casserole.
    Old-Time Savory Bread Pudding with Cheese and Veggies. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Savory bread pudding was Grandma’s thrifty way to use up day-old bread. Baked with cheese, vegetables, and seasonings, it came out golden and custardy—a versatile dish that worked for any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Old-Time Savory Bread Pudding with Cheese and Veggies

    Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad, Retro Potluck Style

    A black bowl filled with creamy macaroni salad topped with crispy bacon bits and chopped parsley, placed on a gray cloth next to a wooden spoon.
    Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad, Retro Potluck Style. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Ranch pasta salad may feel modern, but Grandma’s creamy pasta salads of the ’50s were just as zesty and crowd-pleasing. Full of crunch and flavor, it was her go-to dish for picnics and cookouts.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad, Retro Potluck Style

    Golden Potatoes Au Gratin

    Potatoes au gratin in a baking dish with a serving spoon.
    Golden Potatoes Au Gratin. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Thin slices of potato baked with cream and cheese until the edges are crisp and the center is tender—an old-fashioned favorite for family gatherings.
    Get the Recipe: Golden Potatoes Au Gratin

    Creamy Yukon Mashed Potatoes

    Butter on top of a bowl of mashed potatoes.
    Creamy Yukon Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Rich and buttery with mascarpone for extra smoothness, these mashed potatoes are a comforting classic for any vintage-inspired dinner table.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Yukon Mashed Potatoes

    Classic Southern 7-Layer Salad

    A bowl of seven layer salad next to individual servings.
    Classic Southern 7-Layer Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Layered with lettuce, peas, bacon, and cheese, this make-ahead salad is a Southern tradition perfect for Sunday potlucks.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Southern 7-Layer Salad

    Traditional Ambrosia Fruit Salad

    A glass bowl filled with creamy fruit salad, inspired by vintage recipes, is topped with a red maraschino cherry; the salad contains marshmallows, fruit pieces, and whipped cream. Silver spoons rest beside the bowl on a gray surface.
    Traditional Ambrosia Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    With marshmallows, pineapple, oranges, and coconut, this creamy fruit salad has been a sweet staple on vintage dinner tables for decades.
    Get the Recipe: Traditional Ambrosia Fruit Salad

    Old-School Baked Corn Casserole

    A baked cheesy casserole in a white dish, perfect for christmas casseroles, is topped with chopped green herbs and sits on a white surface beside a wooden spoon and a small bowl of herbs.
    Old-School Baked Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Sweet corn baked in a creamy, golden casserole makes this dish a nostalgic favorite that fits perfectly at a classic Sunday dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Old-School Baked Corn Casserole

    Classic Broccoli Bake with Cheese Sauce

    A spoon full of cheesy broccoli casserole in a baking dish.
    Classic Broccoli Bake with Cheese Sauce. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This timeless casserole brings tender broccoli and a creamy cheddar sauce together for a Sunday dinner side that feels both simple and special.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Broccoli Bake with Cheese Sauce

    Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere

    A close-up of homemade scalloped potatoes with a golden, bubbly cheese and cream topping, sprinkled with black pepper. A serving spoon rests in the dish, and a small bowl of grated cheese is visible in the background.
    Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Layered with cream, garlic, and melted Gruyere, these scalloped potatoes are a vintage side dish that never goes out of style.
    Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere

    22 Foods People Grew Up Eating Back in the Day

    A collage of four creamy casserole dishes, each topped with a crunchy layer: cornflakes, breadcrumbs with broccoli, potato chips, and melted cheese with herbs and bits of ham. Spoons are serving portions from each dish.

    These old-school foods bring back memories of simpler times, familiar flavors, and dishes that felt like home. Chances are, more than a few of these were regulars on your table growing up.
    Grab it here: 22 Foods People Grew Up Eating Back in the Day

    Explore Recipes

    MSN Slideshows
    « 27 Cold-Weather Comfort Foods People Crave All Winter
    30 Appetizers That Always Win on Game Day »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    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.

    More about me →

    Subscribe

    Spring Sides

    • A wooden spoon with a serving of macaroni salad.
      Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad with Cheese
    • A plate of green bean salad with potatoes next to salmon.
      Green Beans and New Potato Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
    • A basket of yeast dinner rolls.
      Old-Fashioned Yeast Rolls with a Modern, Foolproof Method
    • Cornbread corn pudding with a serving spoon in a casserole dish.
      Custardy Cornbread Pudding Casserole

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Our All-Star Recipes

    • A round baking dish of mac and cheese with a serving spoon.
      Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
    • A skillet of charred corn with a wooden spoon.
      Skillet Charred Corn with Bacon and Cream
    • A serving spoon of ground beef potato casserole.
      Hamburger Potato Casserole Without Canned Soup
    • A serving spoon of baked beans with hamburger.
      Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef
    • A baked chicken tamale pie.
      Baked Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole with A Cornbread Crust
    • Square biscuits in a bowl with coffee cups.
      Square Buttermilk Biscuits (Tall & Flaky)

    COPYRIGHT © 2026 BUTTER & BAGGAGE | PRIVACY POLICY | WEB STORIES
    BRANDING & CUSTOMIZATION BY GRACE + VINE STUDIOS

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required