The 31 Old-School Dishes We’re All Cooking Again—and the Sweet Reason Why

Lately, it feels like everyone’s pulling out their family’s stained recipe cards and getting back to the comfort of the classics. There’s just something about those old school dishes we’re all cooking again that brings back the warmest memories. Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe it’s just the fact that those flavors never stopped being good.

Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

A spoon scooping out creamy mac and cheese from a black bowl. — Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Poole’s Diner is a classic with a creamy base and crusty cheese on top. Comfort food at its BEST.
Get the Recipe: Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Noodle Kugel Recipe

A serving spoon of noodle kugel. — Noodle Kugel Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

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Noodle kugel recipe is one of our family favorites. Slightly sweet from golden raisins and creamy with a vanilla yogurt custard.
Get the Recipe: Noodle Kugel Recipe

Southern Chicken And Dumplings With Steamed Biscuits

A bowl of hearty chicken and dumplings soup is shown. The bowl contains shredded chicken, vegetables like carrots, and two large, fluffy dumplings. The dish is garnished with chopped parsley and fresh ground black pepper, and a spoon rests on the side. — Southern Chicken And Dumplings With Steamed Biscuits. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Make this classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings. It’s made with chicken thighs, veggies, a rich broth, and steamed biscuits.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken And Dumplings With Steamed Biscuits

Beef Stroganoff With Homemade Cream Of Mushroom Soup

A serving dish of creamy beef stroganoff. — Beef Stroganoff With Homemade Cream Of Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This one-pot Beef Stroganoff is made with ground beef and homemade mushroom soup for an extra flavor boost.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff With Homemade Cream Of Mushroom Soup

Old Fashioned Apple Waldorf Salad

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

This classic Waldorf Salad recipe never goes out of style. Crispy apples, celery, walnuts, and sweet raisins are coated in a light mayonnaise dressing.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Apple Waldorf Salad

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie With Puff Pastry

A skillet of chicken pot pie covered with puff pastry. — Homemade Chicken Pot Pie With Puff Pastry. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This super easy chicken pot pie recipe is made with flaky puff pastry for ease and a beautiful crispy texture on top.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie With Puff Pastry

Pinwheel Recipe With Puff Pastry

A serving dish of puff pastry appetizers. — Pinwheel Recipe With Puff Pastry. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Puff Pastry Pinwheels with spinach and prosciutto are rich and flavorful. This recipe is a great make-ahead appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Recipe With Puff Pastry

Cheesy Chicken And Wild Rice Casserole Topped With Toasted Almonds

A skillet of baked chicken and wild rice casserole. — Cheesy Chicken And Wild Rice Casserole Topped With Toasted Almonds. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Ultra creamy, this chicken and wild rice casserole is always a favorite. Chicken, rice, & cheese topped with almonds and no canned soup.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken And Wild Rice Casserole Topped With Toasted Almonds

Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe With Ground Beef

Originally called “cottage pie” because “shepherd’s pie” was made with lamb instead of beef. But the terms are used interchangeably now, and almost anywhere in the South you will find it made with ground beef.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe With Ground Beef

Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

A Southern-style macaroni salad made with a creamy mayo, sour cream and dijon mustard dressing. Mix with cheddar cheese to finish, and served chilled.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes And Ham

A serving spoon removing some potato and ham casserole. — Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes And Ham. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Scalloped potatoes and ham is a comforting casserole of potatoes and tasty chunks of ham in a creamy white sauce under a layer of gooey gruyere.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes And Ham

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe

Made with day old French bread and fresh sage, let the memories of yesteryear flood in.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe

One Pot Lentils And Rice

A classic filling meal that you can make in one pot. It’s fast and easy to cook, perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lentils And Rice

Broccoli Chicken Divan With Curry

Chicken Divan over egg noodles. — Broccoli Chicken Divan With Curry. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Broccoli Chicken Divan is an irresistible, chicken casserole with a creamy white wine cheddar sauce, flavored with curry.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Chicken Divan With Curry

Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar

A bowl of cucumber salad with onions and two serving spoons — Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This tangy Cucumber Salad is light, refreshing, and since it has no mayo, it’s perfect for warm days.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar

Crispy Hot Water Cornbread Recipe

A rack of hot water cornbread with butter and honey. — Crispy Hot Water Cornbread Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This heavenly hot water cornbread recipe has the creamiest texture with a perfectly crisp exterior. An easy pantry staple favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Hot Water Cornbread Recipe

Cajun Chicken And Sausage Gumbo (Under An Hour)

A warm and comforting Chicken and Sausage Gumbo made with a deep, flavorful roux, andouille sausage, and tender chicken.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Chicken And Sausage Gumbo (Under An Hour)

Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

This green pea salad is a Southern favorite that comes together in one bowl. Easy to make ahead, it’s flavorful with a touch of a spicy kick.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

Easy Tomato Pudding Recipe

A baked dish of cubed bread in a tomato-based sauce, topped with red and yellow cherry tomatoes, is served in a vintage casserole dish with a wooden serving spoon. Perfect for those who love the charm of vintage dishes. — Easy Tomato Pudding Recipe. Photo credit: Josie and Nina.

Whether a side dish recipe or a great use for day old bread, this easy tomato pudding recipe can be made ahead.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tomato Pudding Recipe

Old-Fashioned Ham Salad Recipe

If you have 5 minutes, make this scrumptious and creamy old-fashioned ham salad recipe and you’ll know why it’s a go-to lunch in the South.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Ham Salad Recipe

Southern Chicken Fried Chicken With Gravy

A plate of chicken fried steak topped with creamy white gravy, served beside mashed potatoes, garnished with cracked black pepper and chopped herbs—a classic from southern recipes. A fork and knife rest on the plate. — Southern Chicken Fried Chicken With Gravy. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Crunchy, crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with a double-dipped coating and rich gravy is a Southern comfort food classic you’ll love!
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken Fried Chicken With Gravy

A Perfectly Moist Meatloaf Made With Oatmeal

A close-up of a blue plate with succulent meatloaf slices drizzled in red sauce. A fork and knife are artfully placed beside the meatloaf on the plate, all set against a light blue table surface. — A Perfectly Moist Meatloaf Made With Oatmeal. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This juicy Meatloaf is made with oatmeal for a heartier texture and flavor and paired with an elevated take on the classic ketchup glaze.
Get the Recipe: A Perfectly Moist Meatloaf Made With Oa t meal

Easy Crawfish Etouffee Recipe

A bowl of crawfish etoufee over rice next to a bowl of green onions. — Easy Crawfish Etouffee Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Follow these steps at home to make your very own cajun crawfish etouffee recipe. This special dish with crawfish tails takes planning, but it’s 100% worth it.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crawfish Etouffee Recipe

Kentucky Spoon Bread

A serving spoon full of spoon bread. — Kentucky Spoon Bread. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This Kentucky spoon bread recipe bakes up moist with a dense custardy texture creamy flavor, and the perfect golden, buttery color.
Get the Recipe: Kentucky Spoon Bread

Cucumber And Pickled Shallot Salad

Crispy cucumbers are sliced thinly, mixed with pickled shallots and tossed in a creamy dill dressing. Great as a side dish or snack.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber And Pickled Shallot Salad

Old Fashioned Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, made with tender chicken breasts, herbs, and veggies in a flavorful broth, perfect for low-stress, hearty meals.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Simplify dinner with this Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie. Tender chicken, veggies, and a creamy sauce, effortlessly comforting.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup With Chicken Thighs

Homemade chicken noodle soup with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and herbs simmered to perfection—an easy, slow-cooked bowl of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup With Chicken Thighs

Tomato Pie Recipe With Farro And Zucchini

A baking dish of tomato pie with a serving spoon. — Tomato Pie Recipe With Farro And Zucchini. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

A non-traditional Tomato Pie recipe with zucchini and farro is a great way to showcase fresh tomatoes and eat healthy!
Get the Recipe: Tomato Pie Recipe With Farro And Zucchini

Brown With Béchamel Cheese Sauce

an individual serving or a Kentucky hot brown. — Brown With Béchamel Cheese Sauce. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Kentucky Hot Browns are perfect for leftover turkey, but they’re so good, you don’t have to wait for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Brown With Béchamel Cheese Sauce

Tuna & Noodle Casserole Without Canned Soup

A serving spoon of tuna casserole. — Tuna & Noodle Casserole Without Canned Soup. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This easy, nostalgic tuna noodle casserole recipe skips the canned soup and includes a crunchy potato chip topping for a dinner everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Tuna & Noodle Casserole Without Canned Soup

Church Potluck Desserts

A collage of desserts you can’t call it Southern without: a frosted layered cake with walnuts, a pink frosted cake with strawberries, pink strawberry bars, nut-topped bars, and coconut-topped bars on various serving plates.

Church Potluck Desserts. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.No matter how good the main dishes are, it’s always the dessert table that gets the most attention. That’s why every church potluck needs these crowd pleasing desserts.
Get the Recipe: Church Potluck Desserts

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