The World War II years were all about making do with less. In the kitchen, home cooks found thrifty ways to stretch the family’s food.
34 Thrifty Recipes Grandma Made During World War II
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
1/34
Molasses Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family always requests these soft molasses cookies. These chewy cookies are also perfect for shipping as holiday gifts or to troops overseas. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 310 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
2/34
Judy's Macaroni Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After finding this vintage macaroni salad recipe years ago, I tweaked the flavor and bumped up the pickles. Tuck this dill pickle pasta salad inside your picnic basket. —Elizabeth Kirchgatter, Maysville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 347 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
3/34
Lima Bean Soup
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A yearly Lima Bean Festival in nearby West Cape May honors the many growers there and showcases different recipes using their crops. This comforting chowder was a contest winner at the festival several years ago. —Kathleen Olsack, North Cape May, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 110 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
4/34
Salisbury Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Finding the best Salisbury steak recipe is hard! I remember enjoying it often when I was growing up, but when I decided to add it to my recipe collection, I wasn't able to find it in my modern cookbooks. I came up with these ingredients on my own and experimented until it tasted like the dish I remembered. —Faye Hintz, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak: 581 calories, 37g fat (17g saturated fat), 250mg cholesterol, 1960mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein.
5/34
Classic Egg Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Egg salad is a refreshing, tasty change from lunchmeat or peanut butter sandwiches. The touch of mustard and lemon juice gives it extra zip. —Annemarie Pietila, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 332 calories, 24g fat (5g saturated fat), 281mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
6/34
Raspberry Cream Cheese Dessert
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Do-ahead and delicious, this dessert is a favorite because of its pretty color, creamy texture and terrific flavor. A light, no-bake filling makes it easy. Try garnishing with fresh berries and sprigs of mint. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 305 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 175mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
7/34
Pimiento Cheddar Spread
Total Time
15 min
Servings
32 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was a theater major in college, and our director's mother always made sure we were well fed. I was particularly fond of her pimiento cheese sandwiches and tried making a similar spread for crackers. It tastes just as good as I remember! —Katrina Jameson, Brandon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 70 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
8/34
Cherry Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe evolved from a need to use the bumper crops of delicious cherry tomatoes we grow. It's one of my favorite cherry tomato recipes, especially at cookouts. —Sally Sibley, St. Augustine, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 103 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
9/34
Old-Fashioned Applesauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We had all kinds of apple trees in the yard when I was growing up, so I don't know for sure which ones Mother liked best for applesauce. (Today I use Cortlands.) I do know that her applesauce was very white. The secret, she said, was to keep the apples in salt water while she peeled them so that they wouldn't darken. —Doris Natvig, Jesup, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 122 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 31g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 4g fiber), 0 protein.
10/34
Best Spaghetti and Meatballs
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One evening we had unexpected company. Since I had some of these meatballs left over in the freezer, I warmed them up as appetizers. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining. —Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup sauce with 4 meatballs and 1-1/4 cups spaghetti: 519 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 1043mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
11/34
Three-Bean Baked Beans
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe from my aunt and made a couple of changes to suit my taste. With ground beef and bacon mixed in, these satisfying beans are a big hit at backyard barbecues and church picnics. I'm always asked to bring my special beans. —Julie Currington, Gahanna, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 269 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.
12/34
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A pleasingly moist cake, this treat is the one I requested that my mom make each year for my birthday. It's dotted with sweet carrots and a hint of cinnamon. The fluffy buttery frosting is scrumptious with chopped walnuts stirred in. One piece of this carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is never enough—it's better than all the other carrot cakes I've tried! —Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 531 calories, 28g fat (7g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (54g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
13/34
Tomato Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy, rich and bursting with brightness, this soup is the ultimate sidekick to a grilled cheese sandwich. — Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 104 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
14/34
Best Hamburger
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grill these easy hamburgers and add your favorite toppings. Not into grilling? Make the patties on the stovetop, in the oven or even in the air fryer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 265 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
15/34
Rice Pudding
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sisters and I always loved the recipe for rice pudding our grandma made. After she passed away, I took it upon myself to try and find the secret to her rice pudding. It took quite a bit of experimentation, but I finally got it right! And I'm glad to share this easy recipe here. —Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 197 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
16/34
Whole Wheat Bread
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm 12 years old and make this bread with my mother, who got the recipe from her mother. I usually prepare the dough, and my mom bakes it. —Freida Stutman, Fillmore, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 168 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 223mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
17/34
Calico Scrambled Eggs
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you're short on time and scrambling to get a meal on the table, this recipe is just what you need. There's a short ingredient list, cooking is kept to a minimum. and the green pepper and tomato makes it colorful. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 188 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 381mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
18/34
Swedish Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
6 meatballs with 1-3/4 cups noodles and about 1/3 cup gravy: 834 calories, 33g fat (14g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 1711mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 50g protein.
19/34
Butterscotch Pudding
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade pudding reminds me of my grandma and how she turned milk and eggs into creamy textures before my eyes. The butterscotch in this recipe adds a caramel-sweet touch. —Teresa Wilkes, Pembroke, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup (calculated without whipped cream): 273 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
20/34
Meatballs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
48 meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
Keep a batch of these meatballs in your freezer for an easy weeknight meal. This simple meatball recipe can be used for pizzas, sub sandwiches, in soups and more. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 meatballs: 276 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
21/34
Beef Barley Soup
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty beef barley soup is a favorite menu item in our house throughout the year. Everyone savors the flavor. —Elizabeth Kendall, Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 133 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 859mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
22/34
English Muffins
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was growing up on a farm, my mom always seemed to be making homemade bread...nothing tasted so good! Now I like to make these simple yet delicious muffins for my own family. —Linda Rasmussen, Twin Falls, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 240 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
23/34
Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is a real crowd-pleaser with its smooth sauce, chunks of ham and potato slices. I always enjoyed it when Mother made it for us. I added parsley and thyme, and now my husband and five children request it all the time. —Wendy Rhoades, Yacolt, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 549 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 1458mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.
24/34
Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
25/34
Chicken Potpie
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 potpies (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 475 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 768mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
26/34
Spice Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I get a craving for a tasty old-fashioned treat, I make this cake. Great cooks in my family have been baking it for generations, and their families have been enjoying the wonderful spice flavor and rich frosting.
—Nancy Duty, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 482 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
27/34
Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Cookie butter and ground ginger add a new layer of flavor. The recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies, and they go fast. You may want to make a double batch. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 210 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 113mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
28/34
Cranberry Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made these simple yet special cranberry walnut chicken salad sandwiches for a birthday party. Tangy cranberries and crunchy celery pep up the chicken. Leftover turkey works well too. —Shannon Tucker, Land O' Lakes, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 411 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 469mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 20g protein.
29/34
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me the recipe for these cookies many years ago, and they’re as delicious as the ones Mom used to make. The secret to the recipe is to measure exactly (no guessing on the amounts) and to not overbake. —Wendy Coalwell, Abbeville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 138 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
30/34
Corned Beef Hash and Eggs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sunday breakfasts have always been special in our house. It's fun to get in the kitchen and cook with the kids. No matter how many new recipes we try, the kids always rate this No. 1! —Rick Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 442 calories, 30g fat (6g saturated fat), 242mg cholesterol, 895mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
31/34
Party Franks
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tiny, tangy appetizers have broad appeal. I prepare them often for holiday gatherings, weddings and family reunions. They're convenient to serve at parties since the sauce can be made ahead and then reheated with the franks before serving. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 268 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 1047mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
32/34
Twice-Baked Red Potatoes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Before my baby was born, I was in nesting mode and made lots of freezable recipes like these creamy red potatoes. The yogurt is a healthy swap for sour cream. —Valerie Cox, Secretary, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed potato half: 211 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
33/34
Lima Beans
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was growing up on Cyprus, my mother would often make this side dish to have with roast lamb. Although I hated lima beans when I was a kid (who didn't?), I love them now. They always remind me of home. —Paris Paraskeva, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 326 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 16g fiber), 16g protein.
34/34
Cape Cod Bay Brown Bread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 slices each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This reminds me of the brown bread my grandmother made whenever we went out east to visit. The aroma evokes fond memories of her New England home during the peak of fall. I use blackstrap molasses and agave nectar to make mine a little different without sacrificing any of the flavor. Cranberries are another special touch, but this would also taste delicious with raisins. —Kellie Foglio, Salem, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 125 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
