In a world of so much fast food and so many drive-thru options, some classic American meals seem to be fading away. Some of them are so iconic that it’s hard to imagine people aren’t eating them anymore, but it’s true. Here are 25 dishes from the past that you just don’t really see people eating anymore.
Chicken Pot Pie
With its flaky crust and creamy filling, chicken pot pie used to be a classic. It was a dinner staple packed with chicken, peas, and carrots, all covered with a rich sauce that made us feel right at home. This pie was like a hug in a dish, and it made even the coldest of nights feel a whole lot warmer.
Waldorf Salad
Back in the day, adding Waldorf salad to your plate was a way of making your meal a little bit classier. It was made from crunch apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes with a dash of mayonnaise to keep things fresh. If you wanted to make things fancy without doing too much, this was always the way to go.
Goulash
Goulash is a fun word to say, yes, but it’s also a deliciously hearty stew that we love for its savory and slightly spicy kick. This dish comes from Eastern Europe, and it soon becomes a staple in our kitchens, thanks to its tasty mix of meat and tomatoes. It’s always been a great way to warm up on a cold day.
Biscuits and Gravy
Nothing says “good morning,” like biscuits and gravy. Most people ate this dish at breakfast, but you could have it any time of the day because it was just that good. It’s real down-home comfort food that gets everyone running together, mostly for that creamy, sausage-filled gravy. Thankfully, today’s version of this dish is quite different from how it was in the past.
Cheese Balls
Remember cheese balls? They were usually rolled in roots and came with crackers to become the hit of any party or a fancy treat before dinner. They were the kind of appetizer you couldn’t stop eating because they tasted so delicious. Even in places where you didn’t know anybody, cheese balls made for a great conversation starter while everyone gathered around the snack table.
Swiss Steak
Weirdly, Swiss steak doesn’t actually come from Switzerland. Go figure. It’s actually a way of preparing steak by slow-cooking it with tomatoes and onions until it’s super tender. If you had a cheaper cut of meat, making a Swiss steak was a great way to make that food taste like a million bucks.
Fried Chicken
You just can’t resist a piece of good old friend chicken. Crispy on the outside and juice on the inside, it’s been a classic American dinner choice for many generations. You could have it for a Sunday meal or any day you wanted because it was just that good, and it brings everyone together. When in doubt, get the fried chicken out.
Shrimp Cocktail
A shrimp cocktail is definitely an acquired taste, especially since it’s literally just chilled shrimp with a tangy cocktail source. Even so, it felt like a sophisticated way of eating because of how elegant it was. If you wanted to start off your dinner with a bit of flair, this was absolutely the way to do it.
Tamale Pie
Tamale pie takes the flavors of a traditional tamale and turns it into a casserole with delicious layers of cornbread, ground beef, and cheese. This dish is a real treat from the Southwest because of how spicy and hearty it truly is. It didn’t matter if you were going to a potluck or a family dinner, as a bit of tamale pie made everyone happy.
Chop Suey
Chop suey used to be the go-to dish if you were looking for a quick and easy exotic dinner. Even though it has an Asian flair, that mix of meat and veggies in a savory source is as American as apple pie. Whenever you wanted to use up the veggies left in the fridge, this was the way to do it.
Beef Wellington
There’s no denying that Beef Wellington is dramatic, but it was also just as delicious. It was something that you’d keep for special occasions because this dish required some serious effort. Even so, the results were worth it, especially when you had a glass of rich red wine on the side to complement those earth flavors.
Tomato Aspic
Tomato aspic sounds a bit old-fashioned, and maybe it is, but it was also a huge hit back in the day. It’s a jellied salad made from tomato juice and gelatin, which you’d spice up with some veggies. You used to see this at luncheons and summer gatherings because it made for a refreshing bite between the more hearty dishes.
Peach Cobbler
No matter when you ate it, peach cobbler’s bubbly filling and biscuit-like topping made it feel like summer all the time. It’s the kind of dessert that ends any meal on a high note, leaving everyone happy and a little nostalgic. There’s nothing better than a warm serving of it on a cool evening to remind you of those gorgeous summer days.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a creamy and cheesy delight that goes with just about everything. What’s not to love about those thinly sliced golden potatoes covered with cheese and sauce? They’re a guaranteed hit at any family dinner, especially during the holidays when you need something reliable and tasty.
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Stuffed cabbage rolls are definitely a bit of work, but they’re so worth it. Any Eastern European household will remember those wraps filled with meat and rice as a staple. They’re perfect for a filling that leaves everyone at the table happy, and they’re even better the next day. They’re the kind of food you don’t mind having as a leftover.
Lobster Newburg
Lobster Newburg is true decadence in a dish. You’d usually see these rich and creamy chunks of lobster at the fanciest restaurants, but if you were lucky, you could have it at home for special dinners. This dish was the perfect way to impress your guests, especially if you had some fluffy rice to soak up all that sauce.
King Ranch Chicken Casserole
If you’re a fan of Tex-Mex food, then you’ll probably remember King Ranch Chicken Casserole. It’s a Southern treat that includes chicken, tortillas, and cheese, all smothered in a spicy tomato casserole. This food packs a punch but also leaves you feeling satisfied, making it an easy way to feed a crowd.
Tater Tot Casserole
Speaking of casseroles, a tater top casserole is a mix of ground beef, veggies, and cream of mushroom soup topped with crispy tater tots. If you’re looking for something fun and homely, this is the one for you. It didn’t matter if you served it at a casual family dinner or something with your friends because it was a hit for everyone.
Eggs Benedict
Eggs benefit for dinner? Why not? This meal was made from poached eggs and Canadian bacon covered in hollandaise sauces on an English muffin. And the best part of all was how versatile it was, as you could eat it at any time of day and feel like you were having brunch. Whenever you’re looking for something a little different but still delicious, go for this.
Clams Casino
Clams Casino mixes claims with breadcrumbs and bacon, which sounds like a strange dish. But trust us, it’s actually a savory and broiled treat that’s a great appetizer or fancy snack on game night. This dish is proof that seafood can be both fancy and fun, no matter what some people might think.
Veal Parmesan
Is there anything better than a dish that’s just as Italian as it is delicious? A meal that’s essentially breaded vale covered in tomato sauce and melted cheese served over spaghetti sounds simple, and it was. But it was also an Italian-American staple that was a hit for anyone who wanted a hearty and flavorful meal.
Corn Chowder
Corn chowder is a creamy and comforting soup that you can eat either as a starter or a light dinner. It’s a bowl of pure warmth, and that’s mostly because you could add a bit of bacon or ham to the corn and potatoes to make it taste extra special. This is one of those dishes that never disappoints.
Boston Cream Pie
Ignore the name “Boston cream pie” because this is definitely a cake and a deliciously creamy one at that. It’s no wonder this sponge cake has been a sweet favorite for so long, as it’s a mix of custard and chocolate glaze that’s oh-so-perfect. Who knew you could make simple ingredients into something so tasty?
Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak is exactly what it sounds like. It’s breaded steak fried with chicken and served with country gravy, making it one of the ultimate Southern delights. This is the sort of dish that fills you up and never lets you down, mostly because you’re always coming back for more of it.
Banana Cream Pie
Lastly, we have the absolute delight that is banana cream pie. Don’t let the sound of it fool you because this dessert is anything but healthy, mostly because it’s made from bananas and whipped cream under a sugary and flaky crust. Even so, this was a sweet finish to any kind of meal, as long as you had room for it.
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