24 Retro-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes That Deserve a Comeback

Cathy Pollak
·5 min read
1

Cranberry Jello Salad

I love a good food trend and viral TikTok recipe like the rest of us, but after months of being in quarantine, we're all craving the comfort and familiarity of dishes that remind of us of the past. This holiday season, let's take a page from Grandma's recipe book and make one of these easy, retro-inspired Thanksgiving recipes that remind us of home.

Like fashion, certain foods fall in and out of style, but if these old standbys haven't graced your table lately, it might be time to revive them and create new memories with another generation.

Related: 150+ Easy Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes That Will Make Everyone Happy on Turkey Day

Here now are 24 nostalgic Thanksgiving recipes that we confidently believe deserve a comeback. From candied sweet potatoes, to cranberry fluff and cheesy hash brown casserole, here are some of my favorite, old-fashioned Thanksgiving recipes for Turkey Day.

Tips For Preparing A Stress-Free Thanksgiving

  • Keep the size of the meal manageable. Just because you grew up with having two types of stuffing and three desserts, doesn't mean you need to do the same. You can have all the nostalgic flavors in a handful of simple dishes.

  • Skip prepared appetizers and set out nuts, a cheese tray and/or a charcuterie board of prepared meats. This is much easier than making and baking mini bite-sized apps.

  • Stick to wine and beer, or make a pitcher of festive cocktails where everyone can serve themselves.

  • Decide what to delegate and assign your guests a task. Have your company set the table, peel potatoes or bring dessert. Everyone loves to help.

  • Besides the turkey, cook or prepare as much of everything else the day before. So many dishes are easily warmed in the oven and often taste better the next day.

  • Pick a streaming station or create a playlist well in advance and be sure to include fun music for when you’re cooking. When Thanksgiving comes, just press play.

  • Have readily available containers for everyone to take home their share of the Thanksgiving leftovers.

Related: Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes For an A+ Holiday Dinner

Retro Thanksgiving Recipes

<p>The Seasoned Mom</p><p>The layered make-ahead side dish has been a family favorite for over 40 years, and it’s the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <a href="https://www.theseasonedmom.com/apple-butternut-squash-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Apple and Butternut Squash Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Apple and Butternut Squash Casserole</strong></a></p>
<p>Reluctant Entertainer</p><p>Make a batch of this Apple Raisin Chutney Recipe, and pair it with meat, with goat cheese, crackers, figs, or nuts!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/apple-raisin-chutney-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Apple Raisin Chutney;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Apple Raisin Chutney</strong></a></p>
<p>Noble Pig</p><p>This mayonnaise method to making turkey leads to results full of flavor, so juicy, so moist, it really is off the charts delicious.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://noblepig.com/2012/11/brined-lemon-herb-aioli-style-mayonnaise-roasted-turkey/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Brined Lemon-Herb Aioli Style Mayonnaise Roasted Turkey;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Brined Lemon-Herb Aioli Style Mayonnaise Roasted Turkey</strong></a></p>
<p>Sally's Baking Addiction</p><p>These aren't your ordinary Thanksgiving sweet potatoes. They're extra soft, buttery, saucy, caramelized, and sweet.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/candied-sweet-potatoes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Candied Sweet Potatoes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Candied Sweet Potatoes</strong></a></p>
<p>Shugary Sweets</p><p>Made with frozen hash browns and plenty of cheese, this old-school casserole is true comfort food. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.shugarysweets.com/cheesy-hashbrown-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole</strong></a></p>
<p>Spend With Pennies</p><p>Classic slow-cooked collard greens are the perfect retro Southern-inspired side dish. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.spendwithpennies.com/collard-greens/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Collard Greens;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Collard Greens</strong></a></p>
<p>Healthy Seasonal Recipes</p><p>A new-fangled twist on the retro stuffing we know and love. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/cornbread-stuffing-with-apples-and-pecans-with-a-gluten-free-option/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cornbread Stuffing with Apples and Pecans;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Cornbread Stuffing with Apples and Pecans</strong></a></p>
<p>That Skinny Chick Can Bake</p><p>A 5-ingredient vintage sweet side dish that never goes out of style. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.thatskinnychickcanbake.com/cranberry-fluff-salad-sundaysupper/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cranberry Fluff Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cranberry Fluff Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Dinner at the Zoo</p><p>This festive Jello centerpiece combines raspberry gelatin with cranberry sauce, pineapple and orange zest for a delicious side dish or dessert that’s perfect for the holidays.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/cranberry-pineapple-gelatin-mold/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cranberry Jello Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Cranberry Jello Salad</strong></a></p>
<p>Spend With Pennies</p><p>Fresh tart cranberries, juicy grapes, raisins and crisp fresh apples make this delicious twist on retro Waldorf salad a new fall favorite!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <a href="https://www.spendwithpennies.com/cranberry-waldorf-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cranberry Waldorf Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Cranberry Waldorf Salad</strong></a></p>
<p>A Family Feast</p><p>Cream, onions, pastry. You can't get more retro Thanksgiving than this recipe. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.afamilyfeast.com/creamed-vidalia-onions-pastry/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Creamed Vidalia Onions in Pastry;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Creamed Vidalia Onions in Pastry</strong></a></p>
<p>Tidymom</p><p>A can of biscuits turns into delicious, flaky, buttery garlic rolls in just a few simple steps. Making these rolls the perfect complement to any meal.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe:</strong> <a href="https://tidymom.net/pull-apart-garlic-rolls/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy Pull-Apart Garlic Rolls;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Easy Pull-Apart Garlic Rolls</strong></a></p>
<p>Noble Pig</p><p>The secret to make-ahead gravy? Turkey wings!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://noblepig.com/2009/11/make-ahead-turkey-thanksgiving-gravy/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy</strong></a></p>
<p>Bellyfull</p><p>Pretzel salad is a classic for a reason. Here, the retro treat gets brightened up with a jammy layer of mandarins. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://bellyfull.net/mandarin-orange-pretzel-dessert/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad</strong></a></p>
<p>The Little Epicurean</p><p>Use your best fall fruits for this elegant, layered pie. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.thelittleepicurean.com/2017/11/persimmon-cranberry-pie.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Persimmon Cranberry Pie;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Persimmon Cranberry Pie</strong></a></p>
<p>These stuffed alliums are a wonderfully elegant and easy French inspired side dish that goes from holiday feasts to everyday meals.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/provencal-style-stuffed-onions/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Provencal-Style Stuffed Onions;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Provencal-Style Stuffed Onions</strong></a></p>
<p>Striped Spatula</p><p>A crisp, flaky all-butter crust meets a light-textured, creamy pumpkin filling, gently spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://stripedspatula.com/pumpkin-custard-pie/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pumpkin Custard Pie;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Pumpkin Custard Pie</strong></a></p>
<p>Sugar Apron</p><p>All the yummy flavors of a pumpkin pie but stirred into the heartiness of a cake.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://sugarapron.com/2019/09/26/pumpkin-pie-cake/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pumpkin Pie Cake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Pumpkin Pie Cake</strong></a></p>
<p>Reluctant Entertainer</p><p>Pie in bar form. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/pumpkin-pie-squares-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pumpkin Pie Squares;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Pumpkin Pie Squares</strong></a></p>

Reluctant Entertainer

Pie in bar form.

Get the recipe: Pumpkin Pie Squares

<p>Bellyfull</p><p>Tender roasted beets are coated with an orange and maple glaze that makes for a fantastic and super easy side dish, great for the holidays and all year round!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://bellyfull.net/roasted-beets-with-orange-and-maple-glaze/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Roasted Beets with Orange and Maple Glaze;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Roasted Beets with Orange and Maple Glaze</strong></a></p>
<p>If a sweet potato casserole and a bread pudding had a delicious baby, it would be this dessert casserole with a gooey marshmallow topping. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://tidymom.net/sweet-potato-bread-pudding/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Marshamallow Topping;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Marshamallow Topping</strong></a></p>
<p>Noble Pig</p><p>If you’ve never tried pies crowned with a sky-high meringue topping, you are really missing out! This sweet potato marshmallow number is creamier than pumpkin pie and it couldn’t be more enjoyable to eat! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://noblepig.com/2009/11/sweet-potato-pie-with-marshmallow-meringue/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Meringue;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Meringue</strong></a></p>
<p>Noble Pig</p><p>A dash of curry powder elevates classic cranberry sauce. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://noblepig.com/2009/11/the-best-cranberrytangerine-chutney/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Best Cranberry-Tangerine Chutney;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>The Best Cranberry-Tangerine Chutney</strong></a></p>
<p>A Spicy Perspective</p><p>Tired of mashed potatoes? This Thanksgiving, try this retro potato side dish. These golden pillows of potato have moist fluffy interiors and buttery crisp exteriors. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.aspicyperspective.com/perfect-duchess-potatoes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Best Duchess Potatoes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>The Best Duchess Potatoes</strong></a></p>

Up next: 75 Vintage Recipes and Retro Suppers You Will Definitely Remember From Your Childhood