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Old Southern Recipes: 22 Old Fashioned Meals

Travel back in time with these retro recipes for dinner, dessert, and more!

By: Rachel Bernstein, Editor, RecipeLion.com

Head back in time and rediscover some of the best classic dishes from decades past. In this collection of old-fashioned food recipes from down south that are sure to please your modern family.

There's nothing quite like old-fashioned home cooking, and with this recipe collection we're honing in on the most well-received dishes that have stood the test of time. From soul food to classic suppers, you're sure to love these dishes from the past.

So dig in with us and learn how to make some amazing retro recipes!

Old Fashioned Southern Recipes

The South is known for tradition and passing recipes down from generation to generation. That's why the old fashioned Southern recipes below are some of the best vintage recipes of them all. Try one of these country-inspired classic dinner recipes for dinner tonight!

Cornbread Chicken Pot Pie

You'll think back to simpler times when you serve this rich, cornbread-topped old fashioned chicken pot pie recipe to your family. Cheesy and delicious, it's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Easy Biscuits and Gravy

Sometimes old fashioned meals are the best way to start a modern work day, and this Easy Biscuits and Gravy is a perfect example of that. There is no reason to waste away the most important meal of the day when you have the easiest of all biscuits and sausage gravy recipes handy.

Southern Chicken Fried Chicken

If you've tried and love chicken fried steak, you'll love this Southern Chicken Fried Chicken, which just swaps out the beef for chicken. It's finger-licking good, and one of those old fashioned country recipes that will have you craving it for weeks.

Grandma's Favorite Sausage and Cheese Grits Bake

This is an old Southern recipe that's easy to make and perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Grandma's Favorite Sausage and Cheese Grits Bake only requires 6 simple ingredients. Creamy, cheesy grits are mixed with sausage and baked to a bubbling perfection in this easy casserole recipe.

Grandma's Old Fashioned Butterscotch Pie

It's time to think of childhood days gone by with Grandma's Old Fashioned Butterscotch Pie. This delicious homemade butterscotch pie is the perfect reminder of your childhood. Vintage cooking simply doesn't get any better than this.

Favorite American Goulash

If you've been looking for the key to making the best goulash recipe, Paula Deen has it! Bobby Deen's Favorite Goulash Copycat is a classic recipe for goulash with ground beef, macaroni noodles, tomatoes and a delicious seasoning combination.

Classic Dinner Recipes

When you don't know what to make for supper, there's no place better to turn than to classic dinner recipes from decades past. These retro recipes have stood the test of time and are as delicious today as they were back then.

Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Crispy and classic, this fried chicken is a southern fave you cannot miss! Just like old fashioned fried chicken recipes, this tasty meal is crunchy and best served with slaw on the side.

One-Pot Southern Chicken 'n Dumplings

These down south dumplings are not a recipe you want to miss! A classic twist on a retro fave, this one pot recipe is easy to make and sure to be a hit with the whole family. 

The Ultimate Chicken Pot Pie

When you're cooking chicken pot pie from scratch, you want to make sure you're using the best recipe around. That's where this Ultimate Chicken Pot Pie dish comes in. This recipe holds all of the secrets to one of our favorite old fashioned meals, and we're excited to share it with you.

Mom's Famous Salisbury Steak Casserole

Mom's Famous Salisbury Steak Casserole brings all the essence of comfort food to the table with this easy casserole version of the classic recipe. If you love Salisbury steak, you won't be able to resist this dinner, which has all the great flavor (but less of the work) of vintage cooking.

Southern Fried Cabbage

No one knows good old-fashioned home cooking like Grandma, which is why this recipe for cabbage rolls is one of the best there is, period. Made with ground beef, onion, white rice and seasonings, Grandma's 5-Star Cabbage Rolls are sure to make your mouth water.

Simple Shepherd's Pie

It doesn't get simpler than this easy ground beef casserole, otherwise known as a Shepherd's pie. This classic favorite never gets old!

Comforting Retro Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna noodle casserole is one of those retro recipes that everyone loves. This easy version comes together in a snap, so you can satisfy your hunger and still have time to reminisce about the good old days.

Vintage Recipes for Dessert

When it comes to easy dessert recipes, sometimes your best bet is to stick with what works. These old-fashioned recipes for sweet treats are exactly what grandma would have made and now you can try your hand at these classic, vintage recipes too.

Vintage Bread Pudding

If you always thought casserole recipes were strictly for dinner, you'll think again when you try this Vintage Bread Pudding. The timeless and easy dessert recipe is as classic as it gets.

Little Old Lady Lemon Pound Cake

Adding a touch of lemon to a classic pound cake recipe gives it that extra something that will make everyone want a second piece. Little Old Lady Lemon Pound Cake is an old-fashioned recipe for a cake that's full of lemon flavor with just the right amount of sweetness.

1950s Hot Milk Sponge Cake

Old-fashioned cake recipes are some of the best because they use simple ingredients and always turn out great. This 1950s Hot Milk Sponge Cake is a light cake recipe that has a lovely texture and flavor. It's one of our favorite vintage cakes ever.

Southern Muffin Tin Dessert Bites

Simple and sweet, this small, southern favorite uses just four ingredients. Learn how to make pecan tarts with this darling dessert recipe.

Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

This recipe for Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake is so simple and tastes amazing! It uses only five ingredients, including pineapple cake mix. Vintage dessert recipes don't get any easier (or more fun) than t his.

No-Bake Martha Washington Candy

This No-Bake Martha Washington Candy is just what you need to start a new holiday tradition amongst your family. This easy Chirstmas candy recipe is perfect for gift giving or saving all for yourself.

Grandma's Magic Peanut Butter Fudge

There's something magical about baking with your grandma. The way she combines ingredients to create something incredibly delicious is pure genius, and this recipe for Grandma's Magic Peanut Butter Fudge is no exception.

Sixties Fruit Cocktail Cake

In the 1950's and 60's, cakes using canned fruit were a popular dessert to make for parties or family dinner. This Sixties Fruit Cocktail Cake is a delicious old fashioned dessert recipe using fruit cocktail, walnuts, and a coconut topping.

What's your favorite meal that your grandma used to make?

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