Home Recipes Cooking Style Comfort Food
Mark HagenUpdated: Mar. 19, 2024
From pizza rolls to potato skins, this decade served up flavor (and fun). Dig into these '80s recipes that are just as rad today.
Pizza Rolls
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Our family just loves my husband’s version of store-bought pizza rolls. This is one of those classic ’80s recipes you can’t get enough of! They take some time to make, but they freeze well so we get to enjoy the fruits of our labor for a long time. —Julie Gaines, Normal, Illinois
So-Tender Swiss Steak
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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
Grilled Chicken Ramen Salad
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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
Cinnamon Monkey Bread
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Is it possible for four kids to cook together without total chaos in the kitchen? Yes, with the right recipe! This cinnamon roll monkey bread is a favorite with my bunch. They get to "play" as they roll pieces of refrigerated biscuit dough into balls. —Lisa Combs, Greenville, Ohio
Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins
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Wondering how to make potato skins taste great? Both crisp and hearty, this restaurant-quality snack is one that my family requests often. —Trish Perrin, Keizer, Oregon
Chicken Francese
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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 of Home Executive Marketing Manager
Baked Spinach Dip Loaf
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Any round loaf works as a serving bowl for this cream-cheesy dip, with spinach, cheddar, water chestnuts and, yes, bacon. Scoop the dip with the extra bread and veggies—then eat the bowl! —Frieda Meding, Trochu, Alberta
Cream Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms
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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
Zucchini Panzanella Salad
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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
Chocolate Kahlua Cake
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Who could pass on a dessert made with chocolate, coffee and Kahlua? This 1981 cake recipe is perfect for the holidays.
Spicy Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip
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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
Chocolate Spice Cake with Caramel Icing
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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
Classic Chicken Potpie
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Our neighbors and a friend from back home are always after me to make "those yummy potpies". That's all the encouragement I need, since we really like 'em, too! —Ada May Smith, Citrus Springs, Florida.
Best Deviled Eggs
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Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Frozen Mud Pie
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Here's one of those "looks like you fussed" desserts that is so easy it's become a standard for me. I love the mocha version, but pure chocolate lovers may prefer using chocolate chip ice cream. The cookie crust is a snap to make. —Debbie Terenzini-Wilkerson, Lusby, Maryland
Queso Baked Nachos
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I modified a nachos recipe I found, and my family loves it! It is now a regular at all of our parties or any time we're craving nachos. —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
Swiss Corn Casserole
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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
Herbed Rice Pilaf
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This savory side dish has been a family favorite for years. Our daughter Jennifer became an expert at this recipe at age 12, which was a huge help for a busy working mom like me. We really enjoy this rice dish in the summer with a grilled entree. —Jeri Dobrowski, Beach, North Dakota
Grandma's Swedish Meatballs
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My mother made these hearty meatballs when we were growing up, and now I make them for my kids. They love them just as much as we did. My daughter likes to help toss the meatballs in flour. —Karin Ness, Big Lake, Minnesota
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
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Everyone who tries these beloved gems is amazed that they use only five ingredients. Baking cookies doesn't get much easier than this. —Dee Davis, Sun City, Arizona
Sausage French Bread Pizza
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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
Wheely-Good Pasta Salad
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Red pepper pieces accent this yummy side dish, and the pasta wheels really drive the theme home. —Amber Kimmich, Powhatan, Virginia
Homemade Sloppy Joes
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I simmer a big batch of this hot, tangy sandwich filling and freeze the extras. Then I just thaw and reheat it for a quick dinner. —Sandra Castillo, Janesville, Wisconsin
California Sushi Rolls
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These taste as good as any restaurant or store-bought California rolls. Plus, this is one of the easiest sushi recipes to make! For the best results, use sushi rice to ensure the right sticky consistency. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ground Beef Taco Dip
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What's a football party without taco dip? This version made with spicy ground beef and fresh toppings does not disappoint the die-hards. It is full of classic flavors and is a little extra filling for game day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, WI
Semisweet Chocolate Mousse
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A friend shared this rich velvety chocolate mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it's easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California
Veggie Chopped Salad
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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
Classic French Onion Soup
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Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Fresh Lime Margaritas
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This basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pepperoni Pizza Bake
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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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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
Rocky Road Fudge Pops
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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
Appetizer Blue Cheese Logs
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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
Iced Coffee
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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
Pineapple-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry
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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
De-Lightful Tuna Casserole
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This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
Spiced Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
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I often bake this beautiful cake in my large cast-iron skillet and turn it out onto a pizza pan. —Jennifer Sergesketter, Newburgh, Indiana
Cajun Shrimp Skillet
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There’s plenty of sauce with these shrimp—I always have some bread on the side to soak it up. Make the dish your own by using your favorite amber beer or flavorful broth. —Mark Oppe, North Pole, Alaska
Quick and Easy Tiramisu
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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 of Home Test Kitchen
Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
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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
Cherry Dream Cake
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I serve this cherry cake for holidays because it's so festive and easy. No one will know your secret is adding a package of cherry gelatin to a boxed cake mix! —Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee
Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado Salsa
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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
Rich Hot Fudge Sauce
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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
Easy Jambalaya
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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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This pudding is exactly what its name promises—light and creamy. Because it uses soy milk, it’s a smart choice if you’re lactose intolerant. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Turkey Scallopini
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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
Not Your Mama's Seven-Layer Bars
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The addition of dulce de leche makes this a decadent new take on traditional seven-layer bars. You can cut this recipe in half and make it in an 8x8-in. pan. —Andrea Barlow, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Cranberry Sweet-and-Sour Pork
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This fresh take on a beloved Asian-style dish is sure to cause a stir at the dinner table. —Gert Snyder, West Montrose, Ontario
Cardamom Braid Bread
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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
Pay Dirt Cake
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With layers of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and creamy filling, this is definitely a rich dessert. You can decorate the top with a few wrapped chocolate coins. —Betty Jean Jordan, Monticello, Georgia
Artichoke Blue Cheese Fettuccine
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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
Mini Brownie Treats
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I like to take these quick and easy treats to potlucks and family gatherings. They're always well received! —Pam Kokes, North Loup, Nebraska
Taco Salad for a Large Crowd
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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
Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffins
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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
Big Kahuna Pizza
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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
Breaded Pork Chops
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These traditional pork chops have a wonderful home-cooked flavor like the ones Mom used to make. The breading makes them crispy outside and tender and juicy inside. Why not treat your family to some breaded pork chops tonight? —Deborah Amrine, Grand Haven, Michigan
Cheesy Stuffed Peppers
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This is my favorite summertime supper because I can use peppers and tomatoes fresh from my garden.—Betty DeRoad, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
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Kids love this cheeseburger french fry casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just four ingredients. —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
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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
Party Pesto Pinwheels
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I took a couple of my favorite recipes and combined them into these delicious hors d'oeuvres. The colorful and impressive snacks come together easily with refrigerated crescent roll dough, prepared pesto sauce and a jar of roasted red peppers. —Kathleen Farrell, Rochester, New York
Tater Tot Casseroles
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Ground beef, sausage and cheese make this tater tot casserole with green beans a crowd-pleaser. Cayenne pepper and hot Italian sausage give it a pleasant kick. —Ryan Jones, Chillicothe, Illinois
Grilled Broccoli
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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
Layered Mediterranean Dip with Pita Chips
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Not your ordinary layer dip, the bold combination of hummus and Greek yogurt will be a new most-requested recipe at your next baby shower or gathering. —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado
Originally Published: December 15, 2021
Mark Hagen
The former owner of his own catering business, Mark’s been part of the Taste of Home team for the past 20 years. His work has also appeared in Quick Cooking, Light & Tasty and Country Woman magazines as well as in various Pillsbury and Betty Crocker cookbooks. When he’s not spending time in the kitchen with his Westie, Rocco, he’s working in his yard, doing stand-up comedy or devouring a platter of nachos. (Most likely the latter.)