11 Old-Fashioned Foods You Forgot Were Once a Hit

Remember those dishes your parents or grandparents used to make all the time? You barely see them now. They’re not bad, just part of another time. Some probably bring back good memories of family dinners or neighborhood potlucks. Here are eleven old-fashioned foods you’ve probably forgotten about!

Jell-O Molds

There was a time when no holiday meal was complete without a brightly colored Jell-O mold on the table. These wobbly creations were often filled with fruit, whipped cream, or even vegetables. They were as much decoration as they were dessert. Now they feel more retro than relevant, but they definitely had their day.

Liver and Onions

Once considered a staple in many households, liver and onions were packed with iron and cheap to make. Plenty of parents served it weekly, even if the kids weren’t thrilled. It’s not something you see much anymore, but it was a go-to for generations who didn’t let anything go to waste.

Ambrosia Salad

This creamy mix of fruit, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping was a potluck classic. It showed up at baby showers, family reunions, and pretty much any event with a folding table. It’s sweet, colorful, and hard to forget once you’ve tried it—even if you’re not planning to make it again.

Spam

During and after World War II, Spam was everywhere. It was easy to store, quick to cook, and filled out a sandwich in no time. Some people still love it fried up with eggs or rice, but it’s definitely not as common as it once was. Still, it played a big role in American kitchens.

Tomato Aspic

This savory Jell-O-like dish made from tomato juice, gelatin, and spices was surprisingly popular for decades. Sometimes it was served with shrimp or eggs. It might sound strange now, but it used to be considered a fancy side dish. You’d find it at tea parties or more formal dinners.

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

Also known as “SOS” to many military families, this creamy beef and toast dish was cheap, filling, and easy to make. It was a breakfast or dinner standby during tough times. While you don’t see it much anymore, some people still have a soft spot for it.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This sweet treat had its heyday in the mid-1900s and often made an appearance at parties. Made with canned pineapple rings, maraschino cherries, and a buttery brown sugar glaze, it was baked in a single pan and flipped to reveal the caramelized fruit on top. It’s still around, just not nearly as common.

TV Dinners

Frozen meals served in metal trays were all the rage when they first came out. They made it easy to eat in front of the television and became a symbol of convenience. While frozen dinners still exist, the old-school versions with Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes are mostly a memory.

Cottage Cheese with Fruit

This was once considered a health food staple. People would eat a scoop of cottage cheese with sliced peaches or pineapple for lunch or a snack. It was popular with dieters in the ’70s and ’80s, though it’s fallen out of favor for trendier options like Greek yogurt.

Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze

Meatloaf is still around, but the old-fashioned kind slathered in ketchup glaze has taken a backseat to fancier versions. This dish was a weeknight regular in many homes, especially when money was tight. It stretched ground beef into a full meal and made great leftovers.

Macaroni Salad

This cold pasta salad made with mayo, chopped veggies, and sometimes ham or cheese was a picnic go-to. It’s still served now and then, but it doesn’t get the same love it used to. Potato salad tends to steal the spotlight these days.

A Taste of the Past

These forgotten dishes may not be popular anymore, but they shaped the way many families cooked and ate. Some are due for a comeback, while others are best remembered fondly—and left in the past. Either way, they were a big part of the table for a long time.

This article first appeared on Happy From Home.