Holiday fare from the 1950s ranged from fancy canapes to homey casseroles. Introduce any or all of these holiday recipes to your family this year.
26 Holiday Recipes from the ’50s to Bring Back Today
Updated on Jan. 14, 2022
1/26
Citrus-Molasses Glazed Ham
Total Time
2 hours 14 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We are always searching for new ways to utilize Florida citrus, which is plentiful during the holidays in our own backyard. I know you will enjoy this. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked ham: 272 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1424mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 39g protein.
2/26
Plum Pudding
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
12 servings (1-1/2 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
In A Christmas Carol, everyone claps for plum pudding. Our family has made this pudding our own tradition, and it really is something to clap for. —Ruthanne Karel, Hudsonville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 2 tablespoons sauce: 550 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 98g carbohydrate (80g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
3/26
Hot Crab Dip
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
about 5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I have a large family, work full time, and coach soccer and football, so I appreciate recipes that are easy to assemble. This rich, creamy dip is a fun appetizer to whip up for any gathering. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 148 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
4/26
“Everything” Stuffing
Total Time
3 hours 30 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family goes crazy for the stuffing that I make in the slow cooker. It freezes well so we can enjoy it long after Thanksgiving has passed. —Bette Votral, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 267 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 796mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
5/26
Standing Rib Roast
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This standing rib roast recipe is practically foolproof. Treat your family to tender slices of standing rib roast or use the seasoning blend on a different beef roast for a hearty, delicious main dish. I love to prepare this recipe for special occasions. —Lucy Meyring, Walden, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef with about 3 tablespoons jus: 323 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
6/26
Cornmeal Parker House Rolls
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom deserves the credit for making this recipe a family tradition. These sweet, tender rolls have been on every holiday table at her house for as long as I can remember. —Lisa D. Brenner, Harrisburg, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 137 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
7/26
Molded Cranberry-Orange Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I take this dish to potlucks during the holidays, people always ooh and aah. Feel free to top with whipped cream for added appeal. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 154 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
8/26
Salmon Mousse
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s so easy to top crunchy cucumber slices with a smooth and creamy salmon filling. Guests rave about the fun presentation, contrasting textures and refreshing flavor. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 42 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
9/26
Mocha Yule Log
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This eye-catching dessert is guaranteed to delight holiday dinner guests. Chocolate lovers will lick their lips over the yummy cocoa cake, mocha filling and frosting. For a festive touch, I garnish the log with marzipan holly leaves and berries. —Jenny Hughson, Mitchell, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 341 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
10/26
Braised & Creamy Vidalia Onions
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In Georgia where sweet Vidalia onions are king, I make big batches of creamy onions as a side dish for grilled chicken and beef. — Elaine Opitz, Marietta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 242 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
11/26
Shrimp and Crab Cocktail
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings (about 9 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
This seafood starter is so good that it makes me love a food I usually don't—radishes! This recipe also calls for spicy V8, but Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix works just as well. Serve the cocktail straight up, with tortilla chips or on a bed of butter lettuce. —Heidi Knaak, Liberty, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 162 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
12/26
Rum Balls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these rum balls for special occasions with my wonderful family and friends. The treats are so easy to make and pack a festive punch. — Diane Duschanek, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 ball: 125 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
13/26
Swedish Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 meatballs with 1-3/4 cups noodles and about 1/3 cup gravy: 834 calories, 33g fat (14g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 1711mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 50g protein.
14/26
Cranberry Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my piano students taught me the perfect lesson in holiday recipes: this fresh cranberry salad. The keys are tangy fruit, fluffy marshmallows and crunchy nuts. —Alexandra Lypecky, Dearborn, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 200 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
15/26
Dilly Cheese Ball
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My whole family devours this herby cheese spread—even my son, the chef. Serve it with your favorite crackers. —Jane Vince, London, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 100 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
16/26
Green Bean Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This green bean casserole has always been one of my favorite dishes—it’s so easy to put together! You can make it before any guests arrive and keep it refrigerated until baking time. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 163 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
17/26
Pecan Tassies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These pecan tassies are very good for parties and special occasions. You'll probably want to double the recipe, because they'll disappear in a hurry! —Joy Corie, Ruston, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 242 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
18/26
Roasted Chicken with Rosemary
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs, garlic and butter give this hearty meal in one a classic flavor. It's a lot like pot roast, except it uses chicken instead of beef. —Isabel Zienkosky, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 449 calories, 28g fat (11g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 479mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
19/26
Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
20/26
Contest-Winning Chocolate Angel Food Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I take this different kind of angel food cake to church bake sales, it goes before I can get it on the table!—Mary Ann Iverson, Woodville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 344 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
21/26
Sweet Potato Pudding
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother always served this sweet potato casserole at Thanksgiving. The puffy marshmallow topping gives the dish a festive look, and spices enhance the sweet potato flavor. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 280 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
22/26
Stuffed Mushrooms
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
At party time, I bring out a platter of my easy stuffed mushrooms. I like to make mine with reduced-fat sausage, but you can use regular for an indulgent treat. —Debby Beard, Eagle, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 79 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
23/26
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.
24/26
Baked Alaska
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Can you believe it? This stunning dessert is completely make ahead, including the meringue. All you need to do is bake it for a few minutes in the oven before serving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 523 calories, 24g fat (16g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (57g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
25/26
Pretty Duchess Potatoes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Comfort-food flavor comes in attractive packages that are just the right size! This recipe is a favorite Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving menu idea. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 158 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 437mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
26/26
Candied Bacon-Wrapped Figs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I stuffed figs with cream cheese and wrapped them in bacon and spices for an addictive flavor combo that’s sweet, salty and delicious. You can use dates, too. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 55 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
