25 Old Fashioned Side Dish Recipes from Grandma’s Table

Published: Sep 21, 2025 by Jessica @ TMG · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

There’s something magical about grandma’s kitchen. The way the house smelled when scalloped potatoes bubbled in the oven or the sight of a colorful relish tray set out before Sunday dinner still sticks with me today. These classic old fashioned side dishes weren’t just food - they were family traditions. Whether it was a church potluck, a holiday meal, or an everyday supper, grandma always had a lineup of sides that made the table feel complete.

Old Fashioned Side Dish Recipes

In this roundup, we’re revisiting 25 classic side dish recipes from grandma’s table. From creamy casseroles to tangy salads and thrifty vegetable dishes, these nostalgic recipes are perfect for bringing a taste of comfort and tradition back into your kitchen.

1

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Thin slices of potato baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This mid-century staple was a Sunday dinner favorite, often served from Pyrex casseroles.

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2

Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Elbow macaroni baked in a rich cheese sauce, topped with breadcrumbs. By the 1950s–70s, this classic had become one of the most loved comfort foods in grandma’s kitchen.

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3

Hash Brown Casserole

Hash Brown Casserole

Shredded potatoes baked with cream soup, cheese, and a crunchy topping. This 1970s casserole was a must-have at church potlucks and family suppers.

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4

Glazed Carrots

Glazed Carrots

Carrots simmered in butter and brown sugar. A Depression-era dish that added sweetness and color to the dinner table.

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5

Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes

Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes

Yams baked with butter, sugar, and cinnamon until caramelized. With roots in African-American cooking, this side became a staple at holiday meals across the country.

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6

Classic Southern Potato Salad

Classic Southern Potato Salad

Tender potatoes in a creamy or mustard-based dressing. A post-war picnic classic, always made ahead and chilled in grandma’s fridge.

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7

Grandmas Coleslaw

Grandmas Coleslaw

Crisp cabbage tossed with creamy or vinegar dressing. A thrifty Depression-era side that stayed popular through the 1970s.

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8

Old Fashioned Three Bean Salad

Old Fashioned Three Bean Salad

A tangy mix of green beans, kidney beans, and wax beans in vinegar dressing. This 1960s–70s potluck dish was always better the second day.

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9

Classic Waldorf Salad

Classic Waldorf Salad

Apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts in a creamy dressing. First created at the Waldorf-Astoria, it made its way to family holiday tables by mid-century.

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10

Old Fashioned Pea Salad

Old Fashioned Pea Salad

Green peas with mayonnaise, cheese, and bacon. A retro Midwestern classic, found in many church cookbooks in the 60s and 70s.

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11

Cottage Cheese Salad

Cottage Cheese Salad

Cottage cheese paired with pineapple or peaches on lettuce. A thrifty “salad” that made countless appearances in mid-century kitchens.

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12

Old Fashioned Creamed Corn

Old Fashioned Creamed Corn

Sweet corn simmered in cream and butter. A Depression-era side dish that stretched simple pantry staples.

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13

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole

Green beans baked in cream of mushroom soup, topped with fried onions. Created by Campbell’s in 1955, it became a Thanksgiving essential.

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14

Succotash

Succotash

Corn and lima beans sautéed with butter or cream. A colonial recipe that stuck around in Southern and Midwestern kitchens.

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15

Classic Creamed Spinach

Classic Creamed Spinach

Spinach cooked with cream and nutmeg. A popular mid-century steakhouse dish that grandma often made at home.

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16

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe

Cabbage cooked in bacon drippings with onions. This frugal yet flavorful dish was common in 1930s–50s kitchens.

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17

Old Fashioned Vinegar Slaw without Mayo

Old Fashioned Vinegar Slaw without Mayo

Shredded cabbage tossed in vinegar, sugar, and seasonings. A thrifty side that lasted well on the table during warm gatherings.

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18

Harvard Beets

Harvard Beets

Beets simmered in a sweet-and-sour glaze of vinegar, sugar, and butter. A New England favorite that became common on grandma’s holiday spreads.

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19

Corn Pudding Casserole

Corn Pudding Casserole

A creamy baked custard made from corn, milk, and eggs. This colonial dish stayed popular for Thanksgiving and Christmas in mid-century homes.

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20

Old-Fashioned Pickled Beets

Old-Fashioned Pickled Beets

Beets preserved in vinegar, sugar, and spices. A farmhouse recipe that became a refrigerator staple by the 1950s.

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21

Relish Tray

A platter of pickles, olives, and celery. From the 1950s–70s, no holiday or Sunday dinner table was complete without one.

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22

Old Fashioned Baked Beans

Old Fashioned Baked Beans

Beans slow-baked with molasses, brown sugar, and bacon. Originally a New England dish, this hearty side became a picnic and potluck favorite across the U.S.

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23

Congealed Salad

Congealed Salad

Vibrant gelatin molded with fruit, nuts, or vegetables. A quirky 1950s–70s classic that often doubled as both salad and dessert.

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24

Baked Acorn Squash

Baked Acorn Squash

Halved acorn squash roasted with butter, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This cozy fall side was especially common in 1950s–70s kitchens when seasonal produce was celebrated and simple, hearty flavors were prized.

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25

Easy Homemade Stewed Tomatoes

Easy Homemade Stewed Tomatoes

Fresh or canned tomatoes simmered with butter, sugar, and breadcrumbs until thick and flavorful. This side dish was a 1940s–60s staple in grandma’s kitchen, often served alongside meatloaf or fried chicken for a touch of sweetness.

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Wrap-Up

These old fashioned side dishes from grandma’s table bring back so many warm memories - the laughter, the clinking of dishes, and the comfort of familiar recipes. Whether you’re planning a holiday spread or just craving something cozy and nostalgic, these classic recipes are worth revisiting.

Bring them back to your table, and you just might start a new tradition that feels a lot like the old ones.

FAQs about Old Fashioned Side Dish Recipes

What is the most popular old fashioned side dish?

Green bean casserole and scalloped potatoes were two of the most iconic mid-century side dishes, often seen at holidays and Sunday dinners.

Why were casseroles so common in the 1950s-70s?

Casseroles stretched affordable ingredients, made use of canned goods, and were easy to serve at family and church gatherings.

What made these dishes so memorable?

They combined comfort, thriftiness, and tradition - many of the recipes used inexpensive pantry staples but felt special when shared with family.

Are these recipes still popular today?

Yes! Many, like deviled eggs, potato salad, and macaroni and cheese, remain staples at holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.

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