These retro recipes are sure to deliver a nostalgia hit in every bite! From a prawn cocktail to meatloaf like your Grandma used to make and a dreamy lime chiffon pie.
Sometimes, the meals our grandparents made us are the best. We’ve pulled together our favourite retro recipes that will take you back to childhood. Ready to take a stroll down memory lane?
The best retro recipes from The Weekly
Prawn cocktail
Kick it old-school with this fresh and flavoursome prawn cocktail! This crowd-pleasing classic makes the perfect starter or accompaniment at your next dinner party!
Apricot chicken
This classic dish is the perfect balance of sweet and savoury, and was one of the more experimental dishes from back in the day. Surprise your family with this classic apricot chicken recipe.
Classic trifle
Everyone loves a classic trifle. There’s just something about fruit, cream and sweet sponge cake. Everyone has their own variation, but we love this one. Whip up a classic trifle – just like Mum made it!
Tuna Mornay
It doesn’t get much more retro than this creamy seafood dish. Bring back this classic and make tuna mornay for your family tonight – who couldn’t love it?
Black forest cake
There is just about no better combination than this – layers of creamy, sweet chocolate, rich whipped cream and fresh black cherries, all in cake form. There’s nothing like a delicious slice of black forest cake.
Glazed meatloaf
This one’s another family favourite that everyone will have their own experience with. As daggy as it may seem, there is nothing more comforting than a thick slice of homemade meatloaf.
Vanilla rice pudding
Most of us first experienced this sweet and creamy dessert at our grandparent’s house. There’s just something seriously comforting about gooey rice with sugar. Vanilla rice pudding definitely needs to make a comeback!
Beef wellington
This classic British dish is hearty and delicious. Imagine tender, juicy meat surrounded by a crispy, golden layer of pastry. Try swapping your Sunday roast for this retro beef wellington recipe this weekend.
Bread and butter pudding
One of the originals, and one of the best. Bread and butter pudding is one of those desserts that never goes out of style, no matter how daggy. Who couldn’t love sweet, soft bread, creamy custard and juicy sultanas?
Cob loaf bread
Remember this delicious party favourite? Homemade spinach dip served inside a round cob loaf, using the left-over bread to scoop up a dollop of creamy goodness. Yes, just yes.
Lime chiffon pie
This recipes from one of the original Australian Women’s Weekly Cookbooks – ask your Mum or Gran, she’ll definitely remember it. Even better, you can recreate the classic lime chiffon pie for them!
Prawn toast
This classic Asian treat is as old-school as it gets. Crispy fried bread with fresh prawns and sesame seeds… You don’t see that anymore. And that needs to change! Check out our recipe for pork and prawn toasts for a seriously nostalgic treat.
More retro recipes to explore
This list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to retro recipes! See our list of Vintage Australian Women’s Weekly desserts, which includes classics like ginger coconut slice, apple Charlotte and jelly cakes.
Retro birthday cake recipes
We can’t forget the classic retro cake recipes from our Children’s Birthday Cake Book. Find all your favourite birthday cakes from the Dolly Varden and the swimming pool cake, to the train cake and the duck cake.
