If you’re a boomer, then you’ll be able to remember many foods and meals that are considered outdated in modern times, many of which we no longer eat. While some were delicious, others were not so much. Here are 17 retro foods that defined boomer childhoods.
Lipton Onion Soup Dip
The Kitchn writes, “Onion dip was wildly popular in the 1960s, especially a recipe that called for the addition of Lipton onion soup mix.” It soon became popular in the 1960s due to its simplicity and flavor. The dip was a staple at gatherings thanks to its tangy and creamy taste.
Jell-O Molds
Jell-O was incredibly popular during the 1960s and 1970s, so this meant Jell-O molds also increased in popularity. People loved to be creative with their desserts and they’d often use molds to encase both fruits and salads in colorful gelatin. It reflects the era’s fascination with presentation and unusual flavors.
Meatballs with Grape Jelly
This sweet and savory combination gained popularity in the ‘60s. This era was full of experimentation when it came to food and this meant many unconventional pairings. It still remains a nostalgic party favorite to this day, although not so much with younger generations.
Cheese Fondue
Cheese fondue originated in Switzerland and became a hit in America during the 1970s. It was often served as a communal dish, and people would dip bread or vegetables into it. Cheese fondue symbolizes the social dining experiences of the era and how people loved to mix food with socializing.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs may be considered a retro food, but according to She Knows, they’re making a comeback. For example, they write, “Deviled eggs are making a big comeback for brunches, appetizers, and passed hors d’oeuvres. Depending on who you ask, they never really were out of style.”
Shrimp Cocktail
This is a luxurious appetizer that became a staple during dinner parties in the 1970s. It was an incredibly popular starter, was served with a chilled cocktail sauce, and was often used as a dip. Shrimp cocktails represent the elegance and simplicity that come with retro dining.
Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is a southern delight that gained popularity nationwide. The food is made from cheese, mayo, and pimento peppers. They’re mixed together to create a versatile spread that’s often used to create flavorsome sandwiches or used as a dip to liven up chips.
Ants on a Log
Considered to be a fun and healthy snack, ants on a log were created from celery, peanut butter, and raisins. It was a great snack for kids, as it encouraged creativity and healthy eating. This was a snack that had both nutritional value and a playful presentation.
Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet
Taste of Home writes that cheeseburger macaroni skillet was a simple and fulfilling dinner that used items a person typically had in their food cupboard. This meal was the ultimate comfort food in the 1970s, as it merged both the delicious flavors of burgers and macaroni and cheese.
Chicken Aloha
The 1970s loved to introduce exotic flavors into their home cooking, and this is how chicken aloha came about. This dish pairs chicken with pineapple to create a delicious sweet and savory dish. It reflects the decade’s love for tropical and international tastes.
Beef Stroganoff with Fettuccine
Beef stroganoff was a creamy and tangy dish that reached its peak at dinner parties in the 1980s. It combines beef and noodles mixed in a rich sauce. It created a delicious flavor that was loved by many. In fact, it was loved so much that it’s still a common dish eaten in modern times.
Celery Beef Stroganoff
This was another variation of creamy stroganoff that was a strong favorite. The meal shows just how versatile retro recipes could be, and many families loved it. Cream of celery soup was used to add richness to this dish. It was an easy meal to prepare and a popular weeknight meal.
Chocolate Profiteroles
One of the most popular desserts in the 1980s was chocolate profiteroles. Many considered them to be sophisticated desserts, so you’d often find them served at dinner parties. Profiteroles are small, cream-filled pastries covered in chocolate. You’d often find them impressively arranged for special occasions.
Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia salad was a fruity concoction that included marshmallows, coconut, and canned fruits. Even though it was considered a salad, it was often served as a dessert. It shows the playfulness of retro times and the whimsical approach that people often had to food.
Waffles in Savory Applications
While waffles have always been thought of as a breakfast food, they used to be incorporated into main meals. They would often be topped with foods such as chicken or served as a sandwich carrier. It shows just how adaptable waffles are and the creativity of the retro age.
Caramel-Apple Crisp
Crisps were the ultimate retro snack. For example, Gordon Food Service writes that crisps were often sliced or chopped fruits, such as apples, mixed with brown sugar and butter, which gave them their crispiness. Caramel-apple crisps were a warm and comforting food and were often served with a scoop of ice cream.
Twinkies
This cake snack was an iconic retro food that was loved by all. They were loved so much that they became iconic in America. Twinkies were loved for their cream-filled center, even if they did come with many health debates. These delectable cakes still remain a nostalgic snack for the boomer generation.