26 Holiday Recipes from the '50s Worth Trying This Year (2024)

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26 Holiday Recipes from the '50s Worth Trying This Year (1)Grace MannonUpdated: Jan. 14, 2022

    Holiday fare from the 1950s ranged from fancy canapes to homey casseroles. Introduce any or all of these holiday recipes to your family this year.

    1/26

    Taste of Home

    Citrus-Molasses Glazed Ham

    We are always searching for new ways to utilize Florida citrus, which is plentiful during the holidays in our own backyard. I know you will enjoy this. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

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    2/26

    Taste of Home

    Tiny Tim's Plum Pudding

    In A Christmas Carol, everyone claps for plum pudding. Our family has made this pudding our own tradition, and it really is something to clap for. —Ruthanne Karel, Hudsonville, Michigan

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    3/26

    Taste of Home

    Hot Crab Dip

    I have a large family, work full time, and coach soccer and football, so I appreciate recipes that are easy to assemble. This rich, creamy dip is a fun appetizer to whip up for any gathering. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

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    4/26

    "Everything" Stuffing

    My family goes crazy for this stuffing that I make in the slow cooker. It freezes well so we can enjoy it long after Thanksgiving has passed. —Bette Votral, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

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    5/26

    Standing Rib Roast

    This standing rib roast recipe is practically foolproof. Treat your family to tender slices of standing rib roast or use the seasoning blend on a different beef roast for a hearty, delicious main dish. I love to prepare this recipe for special occasions. —Lucy Meyring, Walden, Colorado

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    6/26

    Cornmeal Parker House Rolls

    My mom deserves the credit for making this recipe a family tradition. These sweet, tender rolls have been on every holiday table at her house for as long as I can remember. —Lisa D. Brenner, Harrisburg, Nebraska

    7/26

    Molded Cranberry-Orange Salad

    When I take this dish to potlucks during the holidays, people always ooh and aah. Feel free to top with whipped cream for added appeal. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico

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    8/26

    Salmon Mousse Cups

    I make these tempting little tarts frequently for parties. They disappear at an astonishing speed, so I usually double or triple the recipe. The salmon-cream cheese filling and flaky crust will melt in your mouth. —Fran Rowland, Phoenix, Arizona

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    9/26

    Taste of Home

    Mocha Yule Log

    This eye-catching dessert is guaranteed to delight holiday dinner guests. Chocolate lovers will lick their lips over the yummy cocoa cake, mocha filling and frosting. For a festive touch, I garnish the log with marzipan holly leaves and berries. —Jenny Hughson, Mitchell, Nebraska

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    10/26

    Taste of Home

    In Georgia where sweet Vidalia onions are king, I make big batches of creamy onions as a side dish for grilled chicken and beef. — Elaine Opitz, Marietta, Georgia

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    11/26

    Taste of Home

    This seafood starter is so good that it makes me love a food I usually don't—radishes! This recipe also calls for spicy V8, but Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix works just as well. Serve the cocktail straight up, with tortilla chips or on a bed of butter lettuce. —Heidi Knaak, Liberty, Missouri

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    12/26

    Rum Balls

    Rum flavor comes through nicely in these traditional, no-bake rum balls. I like to make a few dozen at a time and give them to my neighbors for Christmas—Audrey Larson, Bloomington, Minnesota

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    13/26

    Swedish Meatballs

    Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas

    14/26

    Cranberry Ambrosia Salad

    My paternal grandmother used to make this for Christmas dinner. I'm not sure how many batches she made since there were nearly 50 aunts, uncles and cousins in our family. I still make the recipe in memory of her, and it's still as good as I remember. —Janet Hurley, Shell Rock, Iowa

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    15/26

    Dilly Cheese Ball

    My whole family devours this herby cheese spread—even my son, the chef. Serve it with your favorite crackers. —Jane Vince, London, Ontario

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    16/26

    TMB Studio

    Green Bean Casserole

    This green bean casserole is so easy to put together and is one of my all-time favorite dishes! You can make it before any guests arrive and keep it refrigerated until baking time. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington

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    17/26

    Pecan Tassies

    These pecan tassies are very good for parties and special occasions. You'll probably want to double the recipe, because they'll disappear in a hurry! —Joy Corie, Ruston, Louisiana

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    18/26

    Roasted Chicken with Rosemary

    Herbs, garlic and butter give this hearty meal in one a classic flavor. It's a lot like pot roast, except it uses chicken instead of beef. —Isabel Zienkosky, Salt Lake City, Utah

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    19/26

    Best Deviled Eggs

    Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia

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    20/26

    Chocolate Angel Cake

    When I was married in 1944, I could barely boil water. My dear mother-in-law taught me her specialty—making the lightest angel food cakes ever. This chocolate version is an easy, impressive treat. —Joyce Shiffler, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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    21/26

    Mallow-Topped Sweet Potatoes

    My grandmother always served this sweet potato casserole at Thanksgiving. The puffy marshmallow topping gives the dish a festive look, and spices enhance the sweet potato flavor. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

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    22/26

    Best Ever Stuffed Mushrooms

    At party time, I bring out a platter of my easy stuffed mushrooms. I like to make mine with reduced-fat sausage, but you can use regular for an indulgent treat. —Debby Beard, Eagle, Colorado

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    23/26

    Three-Cheese Fondue

    I got this easy recipe from my daughter, who lives in France. It’s become my go-to fondue, and I make it often for our family.—Betty A. Mangas, Toledo, Ohio

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    24/26

    Grasshopper Baked Alaska

    Can you believe it? This stunning dessert is completely make ahead, including the meringue. All you need to do is bake it for a few minutes in the oven before serving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    25/26

    Taste of Home

    Pretty Duchess Potatoes

    Comfort-food flavor comes in attractive packages that are just the right size! This recipe is a favorite Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving menu idea. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    26/26

    Taste of Home

    Candied Bacon-Wrapped Figs

    I stuffed figs with cream cheese and wrapped them in bacon and spices for an addictive flavor combo that’s sweet, salty and delicious. You can use dates, too. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

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    Originally Published: September 26, 2018

    26 Holiday Recipes from the '50s Worth Trying This Year (28)

    Grace Mannon

    Grace learned a ton about the nitty-gritty of food and nutrition while earning her master’s degree in food science. She worked for a well-known baby food company and a company responsible for many favorite snack foods before transitioning to being a stay-at-home mom. She loves writing about complicated food science concepts in an understandable way and as a Taste of Home contributor, Grace covers a little bit of everything, from vintage recipes to must-have holiday foods and treats.

    26 Holiday Recipes from the '50s Worth Trying This Year (2024)

    FAQs

    What were popular food dishes of the 1950s? ›

    1950s Dinners

    You'd find hearty main dishes like Salisbury steak, beef stroganoff and meat loaf on a '50s dinner menu, plus scrumptious sides. Casseroles were also popular, particularly those featuring seafood or ham.

    What was on the Christmas dinner menu in 1950? ›

    This 1950's Christmas dinner menu was listed in Better Homes and Gardens Holiday Cookbook, “French onion soup, holiday duckling with orange stuffing, cranberry sauce, mushroom wild rice, almond green beans, gala fruit wreath, Parker House rolls, butter, assorted cheese and crackers, hot coffee.”

    What was the most popular food in 1954? ›

    Here's the most popular food the year you were born:
    • 1930s: Creamed Chipped Beef. The Great Depression meant dinner could be pretty lean. ...
    • 1940s: Meat Loaf. ...
    • 1950: Tuna Casserole. ...
    • 1951: Baked Alaska. ...
    • 1952: Salisbury Steak. ...
    • 1953: Chicken Tetrazzini. ...
    • 1954: Deviled Eggs. ...
    • 1955: Green Bean Casserole.
    Aug 31, 2017

    What was the most popular dish in the 1950s? ›

    The glazed ham became the ultimate main course during the 1950s and everyone looked forward to grabbing a slice of this nostalgic favorite. Whether the flavor brings back a classic Easter meal or just a regular night in, this American staple can make anyone feel at home. Get our recipe for Glazed Ham.

    What did kids eat for lunch in the 1950s? ›

    School lunches in the 50s were pretty much like the meat and two veg in diners at the time. There was only one lunch, no choice. Typically it would be a ham slice with pineapple, mashed potatoes and gravy amd green beans. Or turkey and dressing or Salisbury steak.

    What was the top Christmas gift of 1950? ›

    The 1950s marks the decade that Barbie first hit the shelves and was at the top of most little girls' Christmas list. Her rival, Sindy followed four years later. Mr Potato head also came out around this time, although the original was a little different from the one we know today.

    What did people eat in a day in the 1950s? ›

    Typical main dishes might have been a hamburger, tuna fish, chicken casserole, dried chipped beef in cream gravy over toast, fried chicken, mac and cheese, Spam, canned ham, spareribs, hot dogs wrapped in Bisquick, hot dogs with barbecue sauce, liver and onions or various bean dishes.

    Were TV dinners a thing in the 50s? ›

    By 1950, the company had produced over 400,000 frozen dinners. Demand continued to grow, and in 1952 the Bernstein brothers formed the Quaker State Food Corporation. They expanded distribution to markets east of the Mississippi. By 1954, Quaker State Foods had produced and sold over 2,500,000 frozen dinners!

    What was the biggest snack trend in 1954? ›

    1954: Peeps

    Today you mostly think of marshmallow Peeps around Easter, but in 1954, these cute, sugary bunnies were a more everyday sort of treat.

    What food was invented in 1953? ›

    Tater tots were invented in 1953 when American frozen food company Ore-Ida founders F. Nephi Grigg, Golden Grigg, and Ross Erin Butler Sr. were trying to figure out what to do with leftover slivers of cut-up potatoes.

    What was the favorite food in 1957? ›

    In 1957, beef stroganoff was a fancy and exciting Russian-French treat. Although the dish was invented in the 1800s, its popularity didn't sweep across America until the late 1950s, according to Bon Appétit.

    What did diners serve in the 1950s? ›

    As well as being quicker to make, dishes served at diners were cheaper, too. Items like pancakes, sausages, meatloaf, burgers, and sandwiches were standard on diner menus, and still are today.

    What foods came out in the 1950s? ›

    Food Innovations of the 1950's
    • 1950. Minute Rice. Kellogg's Sugar Pops.
    • 1951. Ore Ida Foods (frozen potato products) Duncan Hines Cake Mix. ...
    • 1952. Kraft Cheese Wiz. Mrs. ...
    • 1953. Eggo Frozen Waffles. Star-Kist canned tuna. ...
    • 1954. General Mills Trix. ...
    • 1955. Kellogg's Special K cereal. ...
    • 1956. Imperial Margarine.
    • 1957. Pam nonstick cooking spray.
    Apr 11, 2014

    What food was served at the 1950s picnic? ›

    Often tinned hams, salads, breads and dessert would be served in a field. However, for an easier alternative make sandwiches and wrap them in greaseproof paper. Don't forget the hard boiled eggs as no picnic would be a picnic without one! Tea and lemonade.

    What did kids eat in the 1950s? ›

    Apple crumble and apple pie were always popular. And then there were the milk puddings: blancmange or rice pudding, tapioca or sago (“frogspawn”), usually served with a spoonful of jam. For around the 50% of children who stayed school dinners in the 1950s, it was the main meal of the day.

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