Senior couple sitting on sofa and eating pasta. They're having pleasant conversation and joying in an evening tv show.

15 Classic Recipes That Have Baby Boomers Coming Back for More

Baby boomers have a reputation as meat and potato lovers. They may not be adventurous eaters and tend to favor traditional beef, pork, and seafood dishes, but it doesn't mean that their taste is necessarily bland.

Some of the favorite boomer dishes are still popular today. These dishes earned a reputation not as gourmet and exquisite foods but as delicious, reliable, and satisfying meals that bring warmth and comfort.

Check out these 15 well-known (and not!) recipes that most baby boomers are familiar with. These classic, old-fashioned dishes promise a simple but truly palatable taste that not only boomers but everyone — picky eaters, too — will surely enjoy.

Nana's Apple Cake Recipe

A piece of Nana’s classic apple cake on a spatula.
Image Credit: Feels Like Home.

Even beginners can master this Nana’s classic from-scratch apple cake recipe. There’s no box mix here! This moist and delicious cake has the right amount of sweetness and spice. Large chunks of apple give it a great, fresh flavor. Drizzle with a sweet glaze that will permeate and make it taste out of this world!

Apples are available (and delicious) year-round, so this cake can be made during any season. However, if you can get local apples when they're in season, you will see how much better it tastes!

Get the Recipe: Nana's Apple Cake Recipe.

Sloppy Joe Recipe

Sloppy joe burger close up.
Image Credit: Lavender & Macarons.

Sloppy Joes has got to be one of the quintessential American meals — it reminds everyone of their childhood. Homemade sloppy joes are far better than the canned sauce version!

This is the perfect family dinner. The best part is that you only need five ingredients to make this recipe, and from prep to the table takes only 15 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Recipe.

Tuna Casserole

Tuna Casserole in a plate.
Image Credit: Cheerful Cook.

What is the perfect nostalgic comfort food? This tuna casserole is a great example. It’s hearty, creamy, and full of flavor, and it's usually ready in under an hour.

This recipe uses pantry staples that you can keep on hand for quick dinners. It takes just minutes to assemble and makes excellent leftovers.

Get the Recipe: Tuna Casserole.

Apricot Cobbler

Apricot Cobbler in a baking dish.
Image Credit: Greedy Gourmet.

In essence, this apricot cobbler takes the cake when it comes to deliciousness. Especially if you make this cobbler recipe in the summer with fresh apricots.

The cobbler is ready once you see a beautiful golden crust. The best part about this recipe is that it's a crowd favorite and made up of inexpensive and fresh ingredients.

Get the Recipe: Apricot Cobbler.

Chicken Quiche

Chicken Quiche.
Image Credit: Binky's Culinary Carnival.

This chicken quiche is one of the easiest meals to make for brunch or dinner! It is moist, oh-so-cheesy (because you'll add four different cheeses), and delicious!

Moreover, the leftover chicken quiche tastes even better. To see for yourself, you need to try this recipe. Effortless and quick, with the best result always.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Quiche.

Pistachio Fruit Salad Aka Watergate Salad

Pistachio Fruit Salad in a bowl.
Image Credit: Feels Like Home.

Pistachio fruit salad is a fluffy dessert salad that has at least a dozen different names. What you call it doesn't matter — this green meal is one of the old favorites! It's a 1970s dessert that all our moms and grandmas made back in the day.

Two steps, and that's it! Your local grocery store has everything you need to make this Watergate Salad.

Get the Recipe: Pistachio Fruit Salad Aka Watergate Salad.

Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad on a bowl.
Image Credit: Lavender & Macarons.

This tuna pasta salad is a real must-try. It's an old-fashioned favorite with a few creative touches. Tender pasta, flavorful tuna, crunchy vegetables — all in a creamy dressing — doesn't that sound yummy?

It is absolutely not difficult to make, and the ingredients are so simple. This salad is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or just a simple family meal.

Get the Recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad.

Grilled BBQ Hamburgers

Grilled BBQ Hamburger.
Image Credit: Feels Like Home.

This recipe is not a “three-ingredient burger!” It has a list of ingredients, but it is so worth the work. The burgers are spicy — full of garlic, grilled onions, and BBQ sauce — and the end result is so tasty!

We like to put the leftover burgers in the freezer, so we'll have a quick supper another night we're short on time.

Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Hamburgers.

Prawn Cocktail

Prawn Cocktail in a plate.
Image Credit: Greedy Gourmet.

A timeless classic that’s just perfect for the Christmas season. When we think of retro finger foods, we think of prawn cocktails. It’s an inexpensive, elegant appetizer that’s absolutely easy to prepare. The ideal party finger food!

There are two things that can make or break a prawn cocktail recipe — the quality of the prawns and the dipping sauce.

Get the Recipe: Prawn Cocktail.

Egg Salad

Egg Salad in a bowl.
Image Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This foolproof recipe is good in any serving variation: on a bed of lettuce, scooped up with stalks of celery, or served sandwich-style in a bun or croissant.

It's a budget-friendly lunch option, and you just need some simple ingredients and a little bit of time to make it. It's great for meal prep, too!

Get the Recipe: Egg Salad.

Crispy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Crispy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in a stack.
Image Credit: Binky's Culinary Carnival.

These are high-fiber and taste great as desserts or a snack for the kids after school. The flavor is buttery, crispy perfection. Bring them to parties or potlucks, but expect to be hounded for the recipe.

It's old-school with a nostalgic flair. We love it for the mild taste it gives and its simplicity.

Get the Recipe: Crispy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf sliced on a wooden board.
Image Credit: Corrie Cooks.

It's not glamorous, but it's an absolutely comforting classic dish. We have to admit, we love it (and we think you will too!).

The rich taste of the meatloaf pairs with the smoky flavor of bacon. Each slice is delightful, juicy inside and crunchy outside, with a tangy and sweet ketchup glaze. It sounds complicated, but the recipe is really easy to follow.

Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf.

Healthy Pasta Primavera

Healthy Pasta Primavera in a bowl.
Image Credit: Delish Knowledge.

This pasta Primavera proves the old adage — combine delicious, fresh ingredients, and you’ll be rewarded with an incredible meal.

The vegetables used in this recipe are asparagus, zucchini, peas, and tomatoes. Roast them until tender and caramelized, then toss with the penne and a generous handful of parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Get the Recipe: Healthy Pasta Primavera.

Pepperoni Lasagna

A piece of Pepperoni Lasagna on a plate.
Image Credit: Xoxo Bella.

Lasagna is said to be the second most popular dish in Italian cuisine, especially amongst baby boomers. This pepperoni lasagna makes a little change from regular lasagna recipes, and it’s sure to be a new family favorite.

Think of all the wonderful lasagna flavors you know and love, with the added notes of spicy pepperoni and sweet Italian sausage.

Get the Recipe: Pepperoni Lasagna.

Baked Brie with Fig Jam

Baked Brie with Fig Jam tasting.
Image Credit: My Everyday Table.

Baked brie with fig jam is one delicious treat! A thick, savory, and gooey brie cheese, topped with a layer of sweet fig jam, is excellent to spread on a slice of baguette. Or you can use any jam you like!

Try this brie with jam for your next holiday appetizer or any get-togethers. It takes just two minutes of prep time. After all, who doesn't love melted cheese?

Get the recipe: Baked Brie with Fig Jam.

Author: Iryna Bychkiv

Iryna Bychkiv is a founder and author of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares healthy recipes that are easy to prepare, made with wholesome ingredients, and approved by picky eaters in the family.

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