8 Retro Recipes: Relive the 70s with These Classic Dishes

If you love nostalgia and good food, you’ll enjoy diving into 70s recipes.

That decade was filled with creative dishes that brought excitement and innovation to meals.

These retro recipes can transport you back in time with every bite.

Why not bring a touch of the past into your kitchen and impress your friends and family? These recipes aren’t just about the food; they’re about reliving memories and creating new ones.

So, dust off those old cookbooks or grab your apron, and let’s get cooking with some classic 70s favorites!

1) Jello Mold with Fruit

You can’t talk about 70s recipes without mentioning Jello molds.

They’re bright, fun, and super easy to make.

Plus, these molds look fantastic on any table.

To start, pick your favorite Jello flavor.

Popular choices include strawberry, lime, and orange.

Mix the Jello powder with boiling water, then add cold water.

Next, add your fruit.

Chopped strawberries, pineapple chunks, and mandarin oranges work great.

Make sure to use canned or fresh fruit, but avoid fresh pineapple.

It has an enzyme that stops the Jello from setting properly.

Pour the Jello and fruit mixture into a mold.

You can use a Bundt pan or a special Jello mold if you have one.

Let it set in the fridge for a few hours.

Once it’s ready, dip the mold’s bottom in warm water for about 10 seconds.

This helps the Jello release.

Carefully turn the mold over onto a plate and lift.

You’re left with a colorful, fruity creation that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

It’s a nostalgic treat that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

2) Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are a true blast from the past.

You get to enjoy this classic dish by blending ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, and spices like allspice and nutmeg.

These flavors work together to give the meatballs their unique taste.

First, mix your ingredients, then roll the meat mixture into small, golf ball-sized balls.

Aim for about 1-inch in diameter.

Brown the meatballs in a pan with melted butter.

Make sure they are browned on all sides.

Use tongs to flip them.

Once the meatballs are ready, it’s time to make the creamy gravy.

Use the drippings from the pan, add flour, and whisk until smooth.

Gradually add beef broth, milk, and heavy cream if you like it richer.

Season the sauce with salt and pepper.

Some recipes even suggest adding a bit of lingonberry jam for a sweet touch.

Return the meatballs to the pan and coat them in the gravy.

Let them simmer until fully cooked.

Serve your Swedish meatballs over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a truly nostalgic meal.

3) Cheese Fondue

Cheese fondue is a delicious 70s classic that turns dinner into a fun, interactive experience.

You can make it easily at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by preparing your cheese.

Grate cheese and toss it with cornstarch or flour.

This helps to thicken the fondue as it melts.

In a heavy saucepan, heat wine and a garlic clove over medium heat.

Once it simmers, slowly add the cheese mixture.

Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and smooth.

For an extra kick, add a splash of lemon juice or brandy.

Nutmeg can also give it a nice flavor.

Once everything is well mixed, transfer it to a fondue pot to keep it warm.

Serve your cheese fondue with dippers like bread cubes, apple slices, or even shrimp.

Enjoy dipping and eating as you chat around the table.

It’s a perfect way to enjoy a cozy meal with friends or family!

4) Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs were a hit at every 70s party.

They are still a favorite snack and appetizer today.

Start by boiling your eggs.

Place them in a pot and cover them with cold water.

Bring the water to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover the pot.

Let them sit for about 10 minutes.

Once the eggs are done, drain and cool them in an ice water bath.

This helps make peeling easier.

After cooling, peel the eggs and cut them in half lengthwise.

Carefully scoop out the yolks.

Mash the yolks in a bowl and mix them with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.

You can also add a bit of relish if you like.

The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg white halves.

For a classic look, use a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off.

To finish, sprinkle a little paprika on top for color.

Chill the deviled eggs in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your retro snack!

5) Chicken à la King

Chicken à la King is a dish that brings back the comfort food vibes of the 70s.

It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor.

You start with cooked chicken, which can be leftovers or freshly prepared.

Melt some butter in a pan and add flour to create a roux.

This will thicken your sauce.

Next, pour in chicken broth and cream, then stir until the mixture is smooth.

Make sure to bring it to a gentle boil and let it simmer.

This helps the flavors come together.

Add some peas and chopped pimientos for a pop of color and texture.

Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Serve your Chicken à la King over toast, rice, or even pasta.

It’s a flexible dish that works with whatever you have on hand.

Enjoy the rich and creamy goodness that made this dish a classic.

6) Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is a classic dish that’s perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.

It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.

You start by browning slices of beef in a hot skillet.

Next, sauté onions and mushrooms until they’re soft and aromatic.

This combo gives the dish its lovely depth.

Once the veggies are done, mix in some flour to help thicken the sauce.

Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a dollop of sour cream.

Some recipes also call for a bit of mustard to give it an extra kick.

Let it all simmer together until the beef is tender and the sauce is creamy.

Serve your Beef Stroganoff over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

It’s a warm, comforting dish that transports you back to the 70s with every bite.

Enjoy this retro favorite with a side of green beans or a simple salad for a complete meal.

It’s hard to go wrong with Beef Stroganoff!

7) Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Salad brings a colorful and sweet mix that’s perfect for any gathering.

It’s a fun and easy dish to whip up, and it tastes like a bite of the past.

Start by draining canned fruit like mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks.

You want the fruit to be juicy but not too wet, so draining is key.

Cut grapes in half and do the same for maraschino cherries if they have stems.

Don’t forget to pat the cherries dry.

This helps the salad from getting too soggy.

Mix the fruit with mini marshmallows and shredded coconut for added texture.

For the creamy base, fold in a mix of Cool Whip and sour cream.

You can even try flavored Cool Whip for a twist.

Stir everything gently to keep the fruit intact.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least an hour.

This helps the flavors meld together.

Ambrosia Salad is always a hit at potlucks and family gatherings.

It’s sweet, creamy, and just the right amount of nostalgic.

Enjoy making this retro dish!

8) Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple upside-down cake is a classic dessert that brings some fun to your table.

This cake is known for its sweet, caramelized pineapple topping, which sits on a golden, buttery cake.

It’s like a sunny trip to the tropics in every bite!

You start with a layer of brown sugar and melted butter in your cake pan.

Then, lay out pineapple slices and add cherries in the middle of each ring.

This will make the top look amazing once it’s flipped.

The cake batter is simple.

You mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

Add wet ingredients like milk, sour cream, pineapple juice, and vanilla.

Beat egg whites until they form stiff peaks and fold them into the batter for a light texture.

Pour the batter over the pineapple rings and bake.

After it’s done and cooled a bit, flip the cake onto a serving plate so the beautiful pineapple pattern is on top.

Trying crushed pineapple instead of slices can give your cake a new texture twist.

Doubling the ingredients for larger cakes is a good idea if you have a big crowd.

Either way, this cake is sure to win you some smiles!

The History of 70s Cuisine

In the 1970s, cuisine was shaped by cultural influences and new technologies that made cooking easier and more convenient.

Cultural Influences

The 1970s saw a mix of traditional recipes and international flavors. French cuisine was very popular, inspired by Julia Child’s cooking shows and her famous recipes like Quiche Lorraine.

Health consciousness also became important.

People started to care more about what they were eating, opting for dishes that were low in fat and high in nutrients. Salads and fresh ingredients became staples in many homes.

Packaged goods and convenience foods like Jell-O molds and TV dinners were everywhere, showing a shift towards quick and easy meal solutions.

Technological Advances in Cooking

Microwaves became household staples in the 1970s, making cooking and reheating food faster than ever before.

This allowed for more efficient meal preparation and contributed to the popularity of frozen dinners and instant foods.

Blenders and food processors also gained popularity, helping you make smoothies, purees, and chopped ingredients quickly.

This made preparing complex recipes easier.

Non-stick cookware was another big hit, making cooking less of a hassle and cleaning up a breeze.

These advances helped redefine how you cooked and enjoyed meals.

Popular Ingredients and Flavors

The 1970s brought a mix of fresh and canned ingredients, along with classic and exotic flavors.

Retro recipes often relied on bold seasonings and some unique ingredients that made each dish stand out.

Common Spices and Seasonings

In the ’70s, parsley, thyme, and basil were everyday herbs in cooking.

These were often used in pasta dishes and casseroles. Garlic powder and onion powder added a quick burst of flavor without the need for chopping.

Paprika and curry powder were popular too, giving dishes a vibrant color and warm taste. Black pepper and salt were mainstays, but the use of cayenne pepper added a punch to many favorite recipes.

Soy sauce became more common as Asian-inspired dishes gained popularity. Dill was often paired with fish, adding a fresh, light flavor.

These spices and seasonings helped define many of the tasty dishes from the 1970s.

Unusual Ingredients

Some ingredients used in ’70s recipes might surprise you today. Gelatin molds weren’t just for dessert but were also used in savory dishes.

These often included vegetables or even seafood for unique textures and tastes.

Canned soup like cream of mushroom could be found in many comfort foods like casseroles and dips.

They were key for adding creamy textures easily.

Powdered drink mixes, such as Kool-Aid, found their way into punches and desserts, adding bright colors and sweet flavors. Maraschino cherries were a staple for adding a pop of color and sweetness to both savory and sweet dishes.

These unusual ingredients made ’70s dishes not only tasty but also fun and visually appealing.

Retro Cooking Techniques

Retro cooking is all about combining nostalgia with simplicity.

Classic techniques like fondue and hot pots create a social dining experience, while casseroles offer comfort and convenience.

Fondue and Hot Pots

Fondue was a hit in the 70s.

You dip bread, vegetables, or meat into a pot of melted cheese or chocolate shared by everyone at the table. Cheese fondue is made by melting Swiss and Gruyère cheese with wine and garlic.

Hot pots are similar but use a simmering broth.

Place thin slices of meat, seafood, and vegetables into the pot to cook.

It’s communal and interactive, making it fun for family and friends.

Casserole Magic

Casseroles were staples in 70s kitchens.

They’re easy to make and don’t need constant supervision.

One classic dish is Tuna Noodle Casserole, combining tuna, egg noodles, peas, and creamy mushroom soup, then baked with breadcrumbs on top.

Another popular casserole is Chicken Divan, which layers cooked chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce, topped with cheese and baked.

These dishes are hearty, feed a crowd, and make meals a breeze.