Erren's Kitchen

Food you'll crave - From scratch

Home / Best Recipes / 20 Old Fashioned Recipes That Will Make You Wanna Call Your Grandma

20 Old Fashioned Recipes That Will Make You Wanna Call Your Grandma

Author:
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

There’s something special about old-fashioned recipes that instantly bring back memories of family gatherings and comforting meals. These 20 classic recipes are timeless dishes that will make you want to pick up the phone and call your grandma. From savory favorites like Smothered Pork Chops, Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese, and Traditional Meatloaf, to sweet treats like Award-Winning Banana Bread and Boston Cream Pie Cake, these recipes carry the nostalgia and warmth of homemade meals. Whether you’re craving a hearty Salisbury Steak or the sweetness of Classic Sticky Buns, these dishes are perfect for bringing a taste of the past into your kitchen.

Smothered Pork Chops

A plate of mashed potatoes and pork chops smothered in mushroom gravy, served with a side of steamed broccoli, reminiscent of classic smothered pork chops.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Weeknight dinners don’t get much better than this! These juicy pork chops are so easy to make, soaking in a deliciously rich caramelized onion and mushroom gravy. A quick sprinkle of melted cheese is the perfect finishing touch for this simple yet satisfying comfort food classic. Enjoy!

Get The Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops

Apple Fritters

Close-up of glazed apple fritters from My Favorite Recipes, showcasing a glossy, caramelized surface with visible apple chunks and a golden-brown crust.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Treat yourself to fluffy, crispy Apple Fritters loaded with fresh apples, aromatic spices, and a yummy apple glaze! With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this delightful homemade treat that will tickle your taste buds and warm your heart. You won’t want to miss out on this deliciousness!

Get The Recipe: Apple Fritters

Hamburger Helper Stroganoff

A skillet filled with beef stroganoff features wide egg noodles, ground beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce—a true comfort food recipe. Chopped parsley is sprinkled on top, with a wooden spoon resting in the dish, inviting you to dive into its soothing flavors.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This super easy one-skillet ground beef stroganoff is creamy and delicious, perfect for those busy weeknights. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes with just a few simple ingredients!

Get The Recipe: One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

Brown Sugar Cake

A brown sugar bundt cake with caramel icing.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in the delightful twist of Brown Sugar Bundt Cake! With a dense, tender crumb that bursts with the rich, warm flavor of brown sugar, this cake is then topped with a luscious, buttery caramel glaze that takes it to the next level. Don’t miss out on this delicious flavor adventure!

Get The Recipe: Brown Sugar Cake

Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

A fork digging into a big bowl of Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Get ready to indulge in this Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe—a spectacular, cheesy delight that comes together in just one pot! In only 30 minutes, you can savor the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Dig in!

Get The Recipe: Creamy Mac and Cheese

Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast

A plate containing shredded sirloin tip pot roast served on top of mashed potatoes, garnished with baby carrots and fresh parsley. The dish is accompanied by a savory brown gravy.

This Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast is a delicious slow-cooked meal featuring tender beef, carrots, and onions, all smothered in a rich homemade gravy. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners!

Get The Recipe: Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast

Pumpkin Swiss Roll

Close-up of two slices of a Pumpkin Swiss Roll with a rich brown sponge and a white cream filling, dusted with powdered sugar. They are placed on a white plate, next to an ornate serving spatula. The background is white.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Pumpkin Swiss Roll is the ultimate cozy treat! With its warm spices and fluffy, creamy filling, it’s perfect for fall. The cream cheese whipped cream adds a delicious tangy sweetness that pairs just right with the spiced cake. Enjoy every bite!

Get The Recipe: Pumpkin Swiss Roll

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of comforting Chicken Tortellini Soup, with a spoon.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Chicken Tortellini Soup to lift your spirits! This easy recipe comes together with tender chicken and fluffy tortellini in a delicious broth, making it a comforting and satisfying dish you can whip up any day of the week. Enjoy!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Apple Upside Down Cake

A golden brown upside-down cake with neatly arranged slices of caramelized apples on top. The glossy finish indicates a sugary glaze, making it an appealing and tempting dessert. Ideal for those exploring new dessert recipes, the cake appears moist and is likely freshly baked.
Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This delicious Apple Upside Down Cake recipe serves as an ideal holiday centerpiece. It features a delightful blend of fruit and a touch of cinnamon—truly an indulgent treat!

Get The Recipe: Apple Upside Down Cake

Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Green bean casserole with bacon being served with a spoon.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Get ready to elevate your meal with this delicious Green Bean Casserole with Bacon! Bursting with flavor, it boasts a rich, creamy sauce and a perfectly crunchy topping that makes it the ultimate side dish for any occasion.

Get The Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Devil’s Food Cake

A devil's food cake with a slice removed, displaying the rich layers of cake and smooth chocolate frosting, on a white plate atop a dark slate board, against a marble background.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Devil’s Food Cake is a divine indulgence that you simply can’t resist! With its rich, fudgy texture and bold chocolate flavor, each bite is pure bliss. Slice with caution—this decadent treat has a way of disappearing before you even realize it! 🍫✨

Get The Recipe: Devil’s Food Cake

Salisbury Steak

Close-up of a savory Salisbury Steak covered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy, served in a cast-iron skillet. The dish is garnished with fresh herbs, and the sauce glistens, highlighting the tender meat's juicy texture.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Cook up a delightful and comforting meal with our amazing Salisbury Steak recipe, ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights, this dish is sure to become a beloved family favorite that everyone will crave.

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Award Winning Banana Bread

The image features a loaf of banana bread with several slices cut, alongside a serving knife on a stone board.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This award-winning recipe guarantees super moist, soft, and tender banana bread every time! It’s a surefire success that’s destined to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. Get ready to impress your taste buds! 🍌🍞✨

Get The Recipe: Award Winning Banana Bread

Hamburger and Rice

Skillet with hamburger and rice garnished with parsley, close-up.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Get ready for a flavor-packed delight that comes together in no time! This savory hamburger and rice recipe is perfect for busy nights, delivering tender ground beef and fluffy rice with just a dash of magic (or maybe it’s those mouthwatering seasonings!). Say goodbye to a mountain of dirty dishes and hello to a satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table!

Get The Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Boston Cream Pie Cake

A close up of a vanilla cake filled with custard and covered in chocolate glaze.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in the delightful nostalgia of this Boston Cream Pie Cake, a mouthwatering tribute to the beloved flavors of American desserts! Imagine moist cake layers bursting with a luscious vanilla center, all topped off with a rich, decadent chocolate glaze. This irresistible treat is sure to bring joy and satisfaction with every bite!

Get The Recipe: Boston Cream Pie Cake

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

A sliced meatloaf on a serving dish.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Traditional Homemade Meatloaf recipe is moist, tender, and flavorful. Once you try it, you’ll cherish this recipe forever!

Get The Recipe: Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

Classic Sticky Buns

Three freshly made sticky buns covered in caramel sauce and one topped with chopped pecans.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Get ready for a fun baking adventure! This simple recipe makes classic sticky buns filled with a sweet and spicy cinnamon-sugar mix. If you want, throw in some pecans for an extra crunchy texture—it’s a treat that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Get The Recipe: Classic Sticky Buns

Turkey & Ham Pot Pie

A baked dish with a golden-brown pastry crust partially removed, revealing a filling of chicken, ham, and leeks. Garnished with fresh thyme, it sits in a white rectangular casserole on a wooden board.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Treat yourself to this yummy Turkey and Ham Pie that combines tender turkey, savory ham, sweet leeks, and fresh herbs, all wrapped in a flaky puff pastry. It’s a fantastic way to turn leftovers into a delicious dish that’s sure to wow your guests!

Get The Recipe: Turkey and Ham Pie

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

A stack of Classic Peanut Butter Cookies with a spoonful of peanut butter next to it.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Warning: These classic Peanut Butter Cookies are insanely addictive! Their perfect balance of soft and crisp, crave-worthy peanut butter flavor and iconic crisscross pattern makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Get The Recipe: Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Easy Beef Stroganoff

a close up image of Beef Stroganoff made up of Beef and mushrooms in a creamy Stroganoff sauce over noodles.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Easy Beef Stroganoff recipe shows that comfort food can be simple and satisfying! With its rich, creamy flavors and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect way to indulge without any fuss. Treat yourself to a comforting meal that’s quick and delicious!

Get The Recipe: Easy Beef Stroganoff

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review

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

Featured On

Recipes To Rely On - From My Kitchen To Yours

Recipe Index

Find the perfect food and drink ideas for any occasion.

Italian Recipes

From pasta and sauces to soup or risotto, find favorite Italian recipes everyone will love!

Life Stories

Grab a cup of coffee and visit while Erren shares stories from life outside the kitchen.