49 Recipes from the ’80s Worth Trying Today
Updated: Jan. 13, 2023From deep-dish pizza to pudding pops, the 1980s served up flavor (and fun). Dig into this totally awesome decade with dishes that stood the test of time.
Tater Tot Casseroles
This meal-in-one has truly stood the test of time! Between a love for casseroles, easy meals, and tater tots (of course), this savory entree was a no-brainer in the ’80s. Everyone still craves it today! Find out 10 cooking tricks you’ll only learn in culinary school.
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
These fantastic bites have been popular for decades, and people still devour them!
Deluxe Baked Macaroni and Cheese
I’ve been cooking and baking for many years, but I’ve only recently begun creating my own recipes. By adding diced ham, tomatoes, several cheeses, and a hint of Dijon mustard, I turned this super creamy mac and cheese into the ultimate comfort food. —Kathy Yarosh, Apopka, Florida
Wheely-Good Pasta Salad
Pasta salad was huge in the ’80s, and this recipe changes up the flavors, textures, and pasta we’ve all become used to. Give it a try!
Fresh Lime Margaritas
This basic margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries.
Pepperoni Pizza Bake
I rely on this one-dish wonder on nights my husband works late or our children have after-school activities. It’s a life saver! —Catherine Yeats, Lewiston, Idaho. Make sure you’re not making these cooking mistakes that ruin food.
Frozen Yogurt Fruit Pops
My grandson, Patrick, who’s now in high school, was “Grammy’s helper” for years. We made these frozen pops for company and everyone, including the adults, loved them. They’re delicious and good for you! —June Dickenson, Philippi, West Virginia. Watching your blood sugar? Find out 18 diabetic-friendly comfort foods.
Appetizer Blue Cheese Logs
Three kinds of cheese and some curry powder make this cheese log a little more lively than most. Swipe it on your favorite cracker with a drizzle of honey for a sensational snack. —Ethel Johnson, North Saanich, British Columbia
De-Lightful Tuna Casserole
This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family’s craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York. Find out the 10 comfort foods chefs cook at home.
Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing
Tortellini Caesar Salad
This salad was served at a dear friend’s baby shower by a health-conscious friend, who suggested the dressing be prepared with low-fat or fat-free ingredients. Either way, the creamy dressing has plenty of garlic flavor and coats the pasta, romaine, and croutons nicely. —Tammy Steenbock, Sembach Air Base, Germany. Here are 12 healthy salad recipes that make life exciting again.
Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado Salsa
America was all about foods that were spiced up and “blackened” back in the ’80s. This catfish is just as popular today as it was back then.
Raisin-Filled Pumpkin Spice Bread
My Best-Ever Jambalaya
I tried to mimic Jambalaya from my favorite restaurant and it turned out so well my daughter and husband now prefer my recipe and won’t order it when we go to the restaurant! —Alexis Van Vulpen, St. Albert, Alberta. Find out the cooking mistakes that can make your food toxic.
Light & Creamy Chocolate Pudding
This pudding is exactly what its name promises—light and creamy. Because it uses soy milk, it’s a smart choice if you’re lactose intolerant. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Summer Chicken Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
This best-of-the-season salad is guaranteed to be a hit! It’s piled high with fresh fruits and veggies, chicken and greens, drizzled with a tasty raspberry vinaigrette—and simply delicious. —Heidi Farnworth, Riverton, Utah
Turkey Scallopini with Marsala Sauce
My family requests this entree at least once a month. The slightly sweet Marsala sauce is yummy over the turkey slices and hot cooked noodles. —Briana Knight, Ferndale, Washington. Don’t miss these brilliant kitchen shortcuts you’ll wish you knew sooner.
Sparking Kiwi Lemonade
Keep some kiwi ice cubes in the freezer so they’re ready whenever you crave a tall glass of this dressed-up summertime favorite. —Emily Seidel, Ainsworth, Nebraska
Refried Bean-Taco Pizza
Family dinners were forever changed when pre-baked pizza crusts hit the market in the ’80s. The crust makes this change-of-pace meal a snap. Here are 15 easy Mexican appetizers anyone can make.
Mint Brownie Treats
I like to take these quick-and-easy treats to potlucks and family gatherings. They disappear quickly! —Pam Kokes, North Loup, Nebraska. Don’t miss these reasons you should eat dessert every day.
Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Bread
This fast bread recipe tastes terrific with a variety of main courses. It comes together in minutes and is easy enough for a weekday, but special enough for a weekend meal with guests. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio
Cheeseburger ‘n’ Fries Casserole
Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just four ingredients. —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana. Here are more amazing burger recipes.
Warm Crab & Spinach Dip
In Maryland, we stayed at a hotel that sent guests home with a crab dip recipe and a spice pouch. Now I’ve made my own dip that rekindles memories of that trip. —Kristina Wenner, Jamison, Pennsylvania. Here are 36 delicious fish recipes for busy weeknights.
Bacon and Fontina Stuffed Mushrooms
What’s better than lots of bacon and cheese in a mushroom cap? Yum! They’ll be a hit with your guests, too. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
Party Pesto Pinwheel
I took a couple of my favorite recipes and combined them into these delicious hors d’oeuvres. The colorful and impressive snacks come together easily with refrigerated crescent roll dough, prepared pesto sauce and a jar of roasted red peppers. —Kathleen Farrell, Rochester, New York.
Creole Blackened Chicken
I love blackened chicken and was thrilled when I discovered I could cook it at home. I adjusted an old recipe, making it spicier to fit my taste. If you prefer milder flavors, simply omit or reduce the cayenne pepper. —Lauren Hardy, Jacksonville, Florida
Peanut Butter Candy Bark
My kids and I wanted to make a treat using the beautiful colors of fall and some candy that’s special for Halloween. Let the kids customize by using their favorite candies and cookies.—Peggie Brott, Carthage, New York
Layered Mediterranean Dip with Pita Chips
Not your ordinary layer dip, the bold combination of hummus and Greek yogurt will be a new most-requested recipe at your next baby shower or gathering. —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado. Still hungry? Find out 16 avocado recipes that will make your mouth water.
Asian Chicken Pasta Salad
Packed with veggies, chicken, pasta and just the right amount of heat, this main-dish salad is definitely special. —Nicole Filizetti, Jacksonville, Florida.
Sun-Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Spread
This simple spread combines sweet and savory sun-dried tomatoes, tangy goat cheese, and fresh herbs to make a truly magnificent spread. This flavorful spread is perfect with a glass of red wine.—Sarah Agrella, Mountain View, California
Kids’ Sushi
Combine a love of sushi with fruity roll-up candy and you have this fun nod to the ’80s. Next, here are 35 recipes everyone should know by the time they’re 35.
