From pizza rolls to potato skins, this decade served up flavor (and fun). Dig into these '80s recipes that are just as rad today.
59 Retro ’80s Recipes Worth Trying Today
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So-Tender Swiss Steak
This fork-tender Swiss steak with rich gravy was an often-requested main dish around our house when I was growing up. Mom took pride in preparing scrumptious, hearty meals like this for our family and guests. —Linda McGinty, Parma, Ohio
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Grilled Chicken Ramen Salad
I love this chicken ramen salad because it’s a complete meal in one bowl. Everyone loves when it’s on the table—that’s a reaction that doesn’t happen every night, so I appreciate the kudos when I get them! —Karen Carlson, Alameda, California
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Cinnamon Monkey Bread
Monkey bread is a soft, gooey pull-apart bread that's packed with cinnamon-sugar flavor. You can make this quick and easy breakfast treat with just five ingredients.
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Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins
These potato skins will be an absolute favorite appetizer or side whether served at a barbecue, tailgate party, holiday dinner or as part of an everyday family meal.
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Chicken Francese
I grew up on this tender, lemony chicken Francese recipe that’s a classic in Italian cooking. It’s delicious as is, but we sometimes add sauteed mushrooms. Serve it with pasta or crusty bread to mop up all that delicious pan sauce. —Joe Losardo, Taste Recipes Executive Marketing Manager
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Cream Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms
You’ll love the freshness from the parsley and thyme in these little cream cheese-stuffed mushrooms. Our family loves them! —Rachel Reed, Gainesville, Georgia
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Zucchini Panzanella Salad
I learned how to make panzanella from my friend’s grandmother. Once I discovered how to make the perfect vinaigrette, it became a dish I crave during the summer. It’s also a great way to use day-old bread and your garden’s bounty of zucchini. —Felicity Wolf, Kansas City, Missouri
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Chocolate Kahlua Cake
Who could pass on a dessert made with chocolate, coffee and Kahlua? This 1981 cake recipe is perfect for the holidays.
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Spicy Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip
These fall-off-the-bone tender wings have just the right amount of heat, and the cool blue cheese dressing makes the perfect dip. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin
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Chocolate Spice Cake with Caramel Icing
I found this recipe back in the late ’80s and knew it was a special cake. The caramel icing can be a little tricky because you have to work quickly, but it’s so worth it! —Mariann James, Ferguson, Missouri
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Deviled Eggs
Once you know how to make deviled eggs, you will wonder why you have not been making them for every potluck and backyard barbecue. They are so easy!
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Mud Pie
This mud pie recipe comes together in a snap and tastes like pure decadence. From the Oreo crust to the layers of chocolate sauce and ice cream, it’s practically made for those with an aching sweet tooth.
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Baked Nachos
If you’re intimidated by how to make nachos in the oven, follow our recipe on how to nail it!
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Swiss Corn Casserole
My mom shared this recipe with me back in the ’80s, and now it’s a Turkey Day mainstay. We freeze locally grown corn during peak season, and I love to use it in this special side. —Wendy Young, Cordova, Maryland
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Herbed Rice Pilaf
Combine toasted rice, a few pantry staples and fresh herbs for a flavor-packed herbed rice pilaf.
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Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Peanut butter blossom cookies are a classic for a reason! When you nestle a chocolate kiss into a chewy and soft peanut butter cookie, you create a holiday cookie that's hard not to love.
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Sausage French Bread Pizza
I never seem to have pizza dough on hand, but that doesn't ever stop our family from enjoying pizza. We top crusty French bread with creamy Alfredo sauce, sausage and veggies. It's great to serve at a party for children or teens. —Cherie Sweet, Evansville, Indiana
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Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad
Summertime gatherings aren't complete without a refreshing pasta salad. This tasty version features a mayonnaise and picante dressing. It may become one of your favorite side dishes for tacos, too! —Kathryn Donahey, Oil City, Pennsylvania
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California Roll
Making your own California sushi roll is surprisingly easy. You'll need a bamboo mat, sushi rice and nori sheets to get started, and with a bit of practice, you'll be a pro in no time.
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Ground Beef Taco Dip
Rich, savory ground beef taco dip is easy to make from scratch. Our recipe with meat includes plenty of ideas for variation, from lower-fat options to extra heat. Game on!
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Chocolate Mousse
Our favorite chocolate mousse recipe makes a light, fluffy, rich showstopper of a dessert.
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Veggie Chopped Salad
My husband’s aunt gave me this recipe back in the ’80s, and it’s been a staple at our house ever since. I like to make it a day ahead because some time in the fridge makes it even better. Be sure to save yourself some leftovers, too. —Madeline Etzkorn, Burien, Washington
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French Onion Soup
This rich and comforting French onion soup recipe is surprisingly simple to make at home. And it rivals the soup you’ll find at any restaurant.
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Fresh Lime Margaritas
This basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
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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
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Apricot, Almond & Pineapple Sour Cream Coffee Cake
I created this pineapple sour cream coffee cake recipe for a contest at the Los Angeles County Fair in the 1980s. My kids were very proud of me when my name was called out for first place. The coffee cake would be the perfect partner for your morning coffee or a delightful dessert with a scoop of ice cream. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
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Rocky Road Fudge Pops
These sweet frozen treats are simple to prepare and guaranteed to bring out the kid in anyone. The creamy pops feature a special chocolate and peanut topping.—Karen Grant, Tulare, California
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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
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Iced Coffee
When my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
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Pineapple-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry
I found the original recipe for this dish on a can of pineapple slices in the 1980s. After making it for a number of years, I lightened the ingredients and adapted it to a quick skillet meal. My family gave it a big thumbs-up, and we’ve enjoyed it this way ever since! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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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
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Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Pineapple upside-down cake was once a retro relic that now ranks among the most classic desserts of all time. Follow our traditional recipe below—no extra frills needed here!
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Quick and Easy Tiramisu
No one can resist this classic cool and creamy dessert. It’s quick to prepare, but it can be made ahead for added mealtime convenience. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
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Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
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Cherry Poke Cake
This cherry poke cake is a vibrant, fruity cake with a cloud-like topping that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado Salsa
A delightful and tasty rub makes this quick recipe fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to blend, you can easily assemble the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts
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Rich Hot Fudge Sauce
I’ve made this scrumptious topping since the early 1980s. It always turns out smooth and yummy. The dark chocolate flavor, with a hint of rum extract, is not overly sweet but will still satisfy a chocoholic’s cravings. —Carol Hanihan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Easy Jambalaya
I brought this easy jambalaya to a Sunday potluck and it was quickly gobbled up. When friends asked me for the recipe, they couldn’t believe how easy it was! —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
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Chocolate Pudding
Bring your favorite childhood lunchbox treat to life with this rich and decadent homemade chocolate pudding recipe.
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Turkey Scallopini
Quick-cooking turkey breast slices make this recipe a winner when you only have a few minutes to fix a satisfying meal. I’ve also used flattened boneless skinless chicken breast halves in place of the turkey of this entree. —Karen Adams, Cleveland, Tennessee
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Seven-Layer Cookies
Dulce de leche plays a starring role in this new take on seven-layer cookies. Our seven-layer cookie recipe also uses sandwich cookies for the crust, paired with layers of crispy rice cereal, coconut and pecans. Yum times seven!
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Cranberry Sweet-and-Sour Pork
This fresh take on a beloved Asian-style dish is sure to cause a stir at the dinner table. —Gert Snyder, West Montrose, Ontario
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Cardamom Braid Bread
I came across this recipe in 1983 and have been making it for the holidays ever since. One year I gave away 20 loaves! —Rita Bergman, Olympia, Washington
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Dirt Cake
A dirt cake is a memory-making recipe and tasty dessert all in one. Enjoy decorating the dirt pudding with our fun topping ideas.
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Artichoke Blue Cheese Fettuccine
Store-bought Alfredo sauce speeds along this flavorful, meatless entree. I use dry pasta, but you can use refrigerated fettuccine to make this recipe even faster. —Jolanthe Erb, Harrisonburg, Virginia
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Mini Brownie Treats
I like to take these quick and easy treats to potlucks and family gatherings. They're always well received! —Pam Kokes, North Loup, Nebraska
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Taco Salad for a Large Crowd
I made this huge taco salad to bring to a party and people were scrambling to figure out who made it. Needless to say I only brought home an empty bowl and the guests went home with a full stomach! Everyone loves this taco salad recipe. —Lisa Homer, Avon, New York
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Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffins
I first made this recipe back in 1987 and have since made it many times over the years because it’s my children’s favorite muffin recipe.—Wendy Stenman
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Big Kahuna Pizza
A prebaked pizza crust and refrigerated barbecued pork make this tasty supper idea super fast and super easy. Cut into bite-sized pieces, and it can double as a great last-minute appetizer, too! —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
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Breaded Pork Chops
This is the perfect elegantly simple breaded pork chop recipe you’ve been looking for. The prep takes all of five minutes, and the cooking takes just 10.
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Stuffed Peppers with Cheese
Stuffed peppers with cheese is a filling, tasty dish that's packed with essential nutrients for a hearty, healthy, all-in-one meal that can be made in 45 minutes or less.
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French Fry Casserole
Cheeseburger-inspired french fry casserole is a playful take on a hot dish. Who wouldn't smile when presented with a toasty platter of fries crowning a cheesy, beefy tumble? As with a burger, you can customize yours with any toppings you like.
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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
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Pesto Pinwheels
It's not a party without a basket of pesto pinwheels. The delectable hand-held appetizer is filled with basil, Parmesan and a sprinkle of sweet peppers.
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Tater Tot Casserole
Thanks to a few ingredients and easy prep, this cheese-smothered Tater Tot casserole will be a recurring star at your dinner table.
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Grilled Broccoli
I started using this grilled broccoli recipe in 1987 when I began cooking light. It’s been a favorite side dish ever since. With its lemon and Parmesan flavors, it once took second place in a cooking contest. —Alice Nulle, Woodstock, Illinois
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