• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Parallel Plates
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
×
Home » Recipe Collections

These 16 Recipes Were Everywhere in the ’70s—Why Did We Abandon Them?

Published: Aug 6, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

70’s meals were bold, comforting, and full of flavor—and it’s hard not to wonder why so many of them disappeared. These were the kinds of dishes that filled the table and hit the spot without trying too hard. They were fun, a little over-the-top, and honestly just great food. If you’ve ever had one, you know they weren’t about being fancy—they were about being good. So why did we walk away from them? Let's take a look back at the meals everyone knew and loved, and maybe give them the second chance they deserve.

An image of a Classic Cheese Ball on a tray.
Classic Cheese Ball. Photo Credit: Splash of Taste

Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Scalloped potatoes are layered with a creamy cheese sauce and baked until golden. A solid choice for a 70’s meal that focuses on simple ingredients and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Swiss Steak

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with a Swiss Steak with some greens on the side.
Swiss Steak. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This easy Swiss steak comes together quickly and works well for weeknights. A dependable go-to for a 70’s meal that keeps things practical without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Swiss Steak

Ultimate Homemade Mac and Cheese

Close-up image of Ultimate Homemade Mac and Cheese.
Ultimate Homemade Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Classic mac and cheese with a crisp breadcrumb topping is straightforward and baked for texture. A 70’s meal wouldn’t be complete without this type of rich, baked side.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Homemade Mac and Cheese

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

A bowl of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Baked cream cheese spaghetti combines meat, pasta, and cheese in a single dish that’s easy to prepare. A strong match for a 70’s meal that values baked casseroles and hearty portions.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Classic Cheese Ball

An image of a Classic Cheese Ball on a tray.
Classic Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This cheese ball comes together quickly with creamy cheese, tangy notes, and a nutty coating. It belongs in a 70’s meal spread where appetizers were expected to be both simple and crowd-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Classic Cheese Ball

French Onion Soup

An image of vegetarian French onion soup in a bowl.
French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

French onion soup made with caramelized onions, Gruyere, and crusty bread brings full flavor without meat. A 70’s meal staple when something classic and hearty is needed.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Iceberg Wedge Salad

A plate of Iceberg Wedge Salad.
Iceberg Wedge Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This iceberg wedge salad uses crisp lettuce, bacon, and blue cheese for texture and contrast. It’s a 70’s meal side that relies on basic ingredients with bold results.
Get the Recipe: Iceberg Wedge Salad

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This meatloaf recipe is easy to make, with a sweet and tangy glaze that coats each slice. A dependable 70’s meal main that relies on pantry staples and delivers every time.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Top view of a tuna noodle casserole.
Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Tuna noodle casserole combines pasta, tuna, and a creamy sauce, coming together with minimal prep for a simple dinner. It's a solid pick for a 70’s meal that brings a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole

Cheddar Dutch Baby

An overview of Cheddar Dutch Baby on a skillet.
Cheddar Dutch Baby. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cheddar Dutch baby with bacon and Brussels sprouts brings a savory option to the table. It’s a smart fit for a 70’s meal where baked egg dishes were often part of the menu.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Dutch Baby

Deviled Eggs

A close up image of avocado deviled eggs.
Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Avocado deviled eggs add a fresh spin to a traditional side, keeping prep minimal while still delivering on flavor. A fitting choice for a 70’s meal where appetizers are meant to be simple and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

American Chop Suey (American Goulash)

A plate of American Chop Suey (American Goulash).
American Chop Suey (American Goulash). Photo credit: xoxoBella.

American chop suey is a pasta and ground beef dish known for its hearty texture and straightforward prep. It fits right in with 70’s meal classics thanks to its no-nonsense ingredients and flavor.
Get the Recipe: American Chop Suey (American Goulash)

Chicken ala King

Chicken green beans mushrooms with biscuit.
Chicken ala King. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Chicken à la King features tender chicken in a creamy sauce with peppers, mushrooms, and peas, served over biscuits or rice. A great 70’s meal option that brings a sense of home-cooked tradition.
Get the Recipe: Chicken ala King

Ground Beef Stroganoff

Close-up image of pineapple glazed on a plate.
Ground Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This quick ground beef stroganoff takes 30 minutes and uses sour cream and mushrooms for a creamy texture. It suits a 70’s meal well thanks to its no-fuss method and familiar flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stroganoff

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Mini spicy canned salmon patties in a serving bowl.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These mini spicy canned salmon patties use pantry staples like canned fish and quick spices for a fast pan-fried dish. Great for a 70’s meal when appetizers need to be quick and easy to manage.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Pineapple Glazed Ham

Pineapple Glazed Ham. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pineapple glazed ham brings a sweet and savory balance and is easy to prepare for gatherings. It reflects the kind of centerpiece dish often found in a 70’s meal setup.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Glazed Ham

More Recipe Collections

  • Close-up image of grilled veggie kabobs on a dish.
    20 backyard cookout recipes that disappear fast from the table
  • A glass container filled with 7 Layer Salad.
    21 recipes your grandmother may have made every summer
  • A plate of mashed potatoes topped with a Swiss Steak with some greens on the side.
    21 recipes from decades past that deserve to be on your table again
  • Top view of Chicken Caesar Salad bowls next to a cup of shredded cheese.
    18 fresh summer dinners that are perfect for hot August nights

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Close up headshot

Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

More about me →

Popular

  • Two cabbage rolls on a plate with fork.
    18 retro recipes that were once family favorites—and still are
  • Top view of Banoffee Pie.
    17 retro desserts from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s worth reviving
  • Top view of Homemade Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.
    20 classic recipes from the 1960s everyone should make at least once
  • Eight Caprese Stuffed Avocado on a wide plate.
    21 late-summer recipes that make the most of August’s best ingredients

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure & Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up!

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2024 Black Bicycle LLC