Not all 1960s food was weird. These are some of the 1960s recipes that need to make a come back. Let’s throw a few cocktail parties and try these foods again.
This post was originally shared on May 9, 2019. It’s been updated to be accurate and more helpful.
The other day I shared a meal plan from the 1950s and now it’s time to check out some recipes from the 1960s. Both times featured very interesting food.
Why was there so much jello and so many jello molds? Does everything need to be mushy and in some weird shape?
Not all the food was bad, though. Many recipes we really should still be making today because they are delicious. These are some of those recipes.
After you check out these recipes, be sure to check out Grandma’s Favorite Cheap Recipes, it’s another collection of vintage recipes here on the site that you are sure to love.
1960s Recipes You Need to Try
Some recipes likely need to stay in the 1960s but these are not those recipes, these we need to bring back.
Chocolate coffee pudding is a simple dessert with a delicious, rich chocolate coffee pudding layer and a sweet and creamy vanilla layer.
Broccoli with parmesan cheese sauce is an easy vintage recipe the whole family can enjoy.
This is some 1960s food British style! It sounds so interesting and isn't bacon still a food trend?
Can you have a list of 1960s recipes without tuna casserole? I love tuna but have never had tuna casserole, maybe I should change that.
Tiki drinks were all the rage in the 50s and 60s and the classic Mai Tai is a great example.
Icebox cakes were very popular in the 1960s and something we need to bring back this summer.
When looking at vintage cookbooks and magazine you quickly find meatballs of all sorts were all the rage. These actually sound delicious.
A vintage recipe with a vintage candy? Sounds like a hit!
This is actually my grandma's recipe!
Miracle Whip was pretty popular in the 60s. It's not my favorite but maybe this homemade version could change my mind.
Many fillings for sandwiches in the 50s and 60s were downright weird but these sound pretty good.
Swiss steak was popular in the 50s and 60s. It's a great frugal and simple meal.
If you are a fan of Mad Men you have to try this cocktail.
A classic mid-century dish!
Salisbury steak has been around for a long time but was very popular in the 1960s.
I have a vintage jello poke cake recipe to share soon but until then check out this updated unicorn version.
Lawry's was a popular restaurant in the 1960s so it's only fitting to share this recipe.
Chinese chicken salad is one of my grandma's favorites and was a hit in the 60s.
Random fact- dilly bread was a Pillsbury Bake-off prize winner in the 1960s.
I hadn't heard of this cake until this recipe but now I want it.
These sound delicious but seem to be being lost. Let's all bake some and bring them back.
Sandwiches were rarely just sandwiches in the 60s and egg salad is a classic filling.
It's hard to find a vintage cookbook or women's magazine without seeing pineapple upside down cake.
This sounds pretty great and unique.
More Vintage Recipes to Try
Want more vintage recipes to try out? You are in luck! I love to recreate vintage recipes and these are some you can check out on this site.
You can also check out my full recipe collection to find all kinds of great vintage recipes and a few modern ones.
Marissa | Squirrels of a Feather says
Thanks for sharing my jello cake recipe 🙂 Cool retro roundup!
Lisa Sharp says
It’s such a fun take on a vintage recipe!
Robert Ernest says
I am on a quest to find a recipe for Lemon Muffins my mom made circa 1960.
I am guessing she used a recipe she found in a women’s magazine.
What women’s magazines had the most recipes?
Lisa Sharp says
Better Homes and Garden would be a good place to look. They actually have an archive you can pay to search.
BonnyJean Burns says
I am looking for a recipe from the 60’s for a chocolate cake that has tomato soup in it. Do you or any of your readers have any ideas where I might find it?
Lisa Sharp says
There are a few versions out there. The easiest thing to do would be google “chocolate cake with tomato soup.” You’ll have to see which is closest to what you remember.
Stephanie says
Jello is a palate cleaner as well as a colorful addition to a menu. Its versatility helps round out meals, as it can be a salad or dessert.
Gelatin has been around for a long, long time and was once quite laborious to make. Jello made it accessible to the masses.
Why do you hate Jello so much?
Lisa Sharp says
Me? I shared all of these recipes so I clearly don’t hate jello. I have shared many jello recipes on this site that I made.
Lesli Bourbonais says
I am looking for a side my mother made to go with lamb. I think it was canned pears stuffed with mint meringue. I think it was meringue with mint jelly folded in. Then stuffed on a pear half and broiled. Does this sound familiar?
Lisa Sharp says
I’ve not seen this recipe. If you are on Facebook there are a few vintage recipe groups and they may have heard of this.
Rhiamom says
The 1971 Betty Crocker Recipe Card Library is a real treasure. I use the recipe for Chicken Fricassee with Dumplings to this day. The Budget Casseroles section was most used by me back in the day. Lots of recipes that are still worth making, lots of classic recipes. And you can get it inexpensively on EBay.
FBN says
Who has a recipe for grapenut pudding?
Lisa Sharp says
I don’t have one but I googled and it looks like there are lots of options.