1960s food reflects the influence of Julia Child, faux-international cuisine and lots of fondue. Have a taste of the 60s with these delectable vintage-inspired recipes.
42 Vintage Recipes Inspired by the Swinging ’60s
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
Brandy Old-Fashioned Sweet
The concept of an old-fashioned dates back to the early 1800s and includes whiskey, bitters, cherry juice, sugar and water. This old-fashioned recipe, which is extremely popular in Wisconsin, uses brandy in place of whiskey and lemon-lime soda instead of water for a milder cocktail. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
1/42
2/42
Slow-Cooked Chicken a la King
Total Time
7 hours 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I know I'll be having a busy day with little time for cooking, I prepare this tasty main dish. Brimming with tender chicken and colorful vegetables, it smells so good while cooking. —Eleanor Mielke, Snohomish, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken mixture: 174 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 268mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
3/42
Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Besides being tasty, these little tomato poppers are extra awesome because you can make them ahead of time. At parties, I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed tomato: 25 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat.
4/42
Amish Yum-Yum Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I received the recipe for Amish yum-yum salad from a friend of my mother’s years ago. I always have the ingredients on hand in case I need a quick dessert. Any flavor of gelatin works well, and sometimes I spoon it into individual parfait glasses instead of serving it in one big bowl. Everyone enjoys it. —Yvonne Bellomo, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 302 calories, 10g fat (9g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
5/42
Three-Cheese Fondue
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this easy recipe from my daughter, who lives in France. It’s become my go-to fondue, and I make it often for our family. —Betty A. Mangas, Toledo, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 191 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
By the way, mind checking these easy, party-ready fondue recipes that are delicious and offer endless possibilities.
6/42
Mushroom & Leek Strudel
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 strudels (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This elegant hors d'oeuvre is almost effortless. Use fresh herbs if possible, and feel free to sub in whole wheat phyllo. —Lisa Diehl, Edina, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 100 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
7/42
Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A wedge salad gets the creamy treatment when topped with blue cheese dressing. Keep the dressing as a topper, or make it a dip for Buffalo wings. —Jenn Smith, East Providence, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 313 calories, 28g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 473mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
8/42
Shrimp & Feta Cucumber Rounds
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the contrasting tastes and textures of these rounds. Each bite balances the refreshing burst and crunch of cucumber with the rich flavor and creaminess of the filling. —Donna Pochoday, Morristown, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 41 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 90mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
9/42
String Cheese Meat Loaf
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter likes the cheese stuffed into this tasty meat loaf made with a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage. Served with a salad and sourdough bread, the meal is special enough for company. —Laura Lawrence, Salinas, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 391 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 911mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
10/42
Peanut Butter Chocolate Fondue
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever the family wanted to do a little celebrating over the years, I would make this fondue. It’s fun gathering around the table to get a taste of it. —Beverly Olthaus, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 218 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
11/42
Cranberry Waldorf Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberries grow in the coastal area about 50 miles from our home. When they become available, I always make this creamy salad. —Faye Huff, Longview, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 226 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
12/42
Ground Pork Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Some people call it dinner hour, but many of us call it rush hour. Slow down the pace with this so-simple mouthwatering ground pork meal. The only thing you'll have left over is time to share with your family at the table. —Brigitte Schaller, Flemington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1.330 cups: 317 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
13/42
Chocolate Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 685 calories, 29g fat (18g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 102g carbohydrate (81g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
14/42
Beef Burgundy Over Noodles
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this delightful beef burgundy recipe from my sister-in-law many years ago and have used it ever since. Whenever I serve it to guests, they always request this. The tender beef, mushrooms and flavorful sauce are delicious over noodles. —Margaret Welder, Madrid, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 376 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 391mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
15/42
Zucchini Hamburger Pie
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hamburger pie is a family favorite handed down from my dear aunt. It is so hearty that it satisfies the appetite well. And my family has always enjoyed the idea of having pie for supper! —Eloise Swisher, Roseville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 353 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 745mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
16/42
Meatball Stroganoff
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe has fed not only my own family, but many neighborhood kids! They come running when I make this supper. It's one of those things you throw together after work on a busy day because you know it works. —Julie May, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 717 calories, 57g fat (30g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 1291mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
17/42
Nutty Stuffed Mushrooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Basil, parmesan cheese and mushroom blend together well, while buttery pecans give these treats a surprising crunch. Our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren always ask for them! —Mildred Eldred, Union City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 44 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
18/42
Creme de Menthe Squares
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This layered bar hits all the sweet spots: It’s airy, creamy, crunchy and the perfect mix of cool mint and rich chocolate. It has a vintage dessert appeal that no one in our family can resist. —Marilyn Blankschien, Clintonville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 371 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 232mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
19/42
Dilled Mushroom Turnovers
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My bite-sized mushroom pastries are hard to resist. For parties, I prep and freeze them ahead, then pop them into the oven when guests are on the way. —Isabella Michel-Clark, Sparks, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 turnover: 87 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
20/42
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While this special chicken and wild rice casserole is perfect for a company dinner, it's so good that I often make it for everyday family meals. We think it is very nice served with some crusty rolls or French bread. —Elizabeth Tokariuk, Lethbridge, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 382 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
21/42
Cheese Biscuits
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a big fan of homemade biscuits but not the rolling and cutting that goes into making them. The drop-biscuit method solves everything! —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 237 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
22/42
Smoky Baked Beans
Total Time
7 hours 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
They’ll be standing in line for this saucy bean recipe full of that hard-to-capture campfire flavor. A combination of colorful calico beans, it makes a lovely looking side dish with many a summer entree. —Lynne German, Cumming, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 244 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
23/42
Baked Egg Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These egg rolls are low in fat but the crispiness from baking will fool you into thinking they were fried! —Barbara Lierman, Lyons, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 egg roll: 146 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
24/42
Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s been a tradition at our house to serve this dish with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. It’s especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are fresh-picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 62 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
25/42
Steak Diane
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes, I add more mushrooms to this recipe when my son's eating dinner—he loves them, and they are just fantastic with the steak. — Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak with 2 tablespoons sauce: 358 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
26/42
Custard
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever a friend or relative was ailing, my mother-in-law would bake this fresh custard recipe and take it along when she visited. Because she took folks this special treat so often, our family began calling it get-well custard! —Ruth Van Dyke, Traverse City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 128 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
27/42
Spumoni Slices
Total Time
45 min
Servings
7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These sweet rectangles get their name from the old-fashioned tricolored ice cream. My entire family loves them. —Mary Chupp, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 52 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
28/42
Coconut Drops
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Red raspberry preserves add a festive flair to these tender coconut drops. Perfect for potlucks and cookie exchanges, the shaped cookies never last long when I make them for my husband and two sons. —Ellen Marie Byler, Munfordville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 110 calories, 5g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 71mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
29/42
Pretty Pink Punch
Total Time
15 min
Servings
50 servings (7-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing punch is convenient because you can make it ahead of time and just add the ginger ale just before serving. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 76 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
30/42
Shrimp & Cucumber Rounds
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always make these appetizers for our get-togethers. They're easy to prepare and a snappy addition to any party. —Kelly Alaniz, Eureka, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 20 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 38mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
31/42
Braised Dill Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dill, chicken broth and a few other simple ingredients create a side dish your family will love. The braised potatoes are delicious with sour cream. —Amie Schmidt, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 117 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 345mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
32/42
Lemon Chiffon Cake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This moist, airy chiffon cake was my dad's favorite. Mom revamped the original recipe to include lemons. I'm not much of a baker, but whenever I make this dessert my family is thrilled! —Trisha Kammers, Clarkston, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 345 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 288mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
33/42
Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 71 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
34/42
Antipasto Platter
Total Time
10 min
Servings
16 servings (3 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
We entertain often, and an antipasto platter is one of our favorite crowd-pleasers. Guests love having their choice of so many delicious nibbles, including pepperoni and cubes of provolone. —Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 157 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 727mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
35/42
Crescent Roll Hot Dogs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-filled hot dogs, they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution when you need a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 325 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
36/42
Cinnamon-Spiced Bananas
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The whole family will love this special treat that uses the microwave so it’s ready in a flash. Plus, it’s a delicious way to jazz up bananas and add more fruit to your diet. —Janet Hommes, Surprise, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 211 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
37/42
Parisian Chicken Bites
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When a friend of mine returned from a trip to Paris, she raved about the food she had and described one of her favorite meals. It inspired me to create a similar hors d’oeuvre. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 40 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
38/42
Surf & Turf
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For an intimate dinner with close friends, serve this stunning dinner of tenderloin steaks and lobster tail. Your guests will think they are dining at a fine restaurant when you serve them this surf and turf dish. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 885 calories, 59g fat (29g saturated fat), 406mg cholesterol, 1348mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 78g protein.
39/42
Kentucky Butter Cake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this Kentucky butter cake recipe in an old cookbook I bought at a garage sale and couldn’t wait to try it. I knew it had been someone’s favorite because of the well-worn page. —Joan Gertz, Palmetto, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 410 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 344mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
40/42
Better Than Fried Shrimp
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This crispy shrimp is a healthier alternative to deep-fried varieties. Coating the shrimp with panko bread crumbs, spraying with cooking spray and then baking give this appetizer great taste without all the saturated fat and calories of deep frying. —Cher Schwartz, Ellisville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 28 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
41/42
Jeweled Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12-14 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Candied fruits give a stained-glass look to these cookies that taste like shortbread. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
2 cookies: 136 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
42/42
Easy Chow Mein
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Some years ago, our daughter welcomed me home from a hospital stay with this easy Asian dish and a copy of the recipe. Now I freeze leftovers for fast future meals. —Kay Bade, Mitchell, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without noodles): 361 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 897mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
