From creamy fondue to savory Beef Wellington, these 70s Christmas recipes make for a very groovy holiday!
37 Retro Christmas Recipes Mom Learned in the ’70s
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Ambrosia Salad
During last-minute menu planning, I often include this classic ambrosia salad recipe because I keep the ingredients on hand. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina
1/37
2/37
Crown Roast of Pork
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It looks so elegant that everyone thinks I spent a lot of time on this roast. But it's actually so easy! The biggest challenge is to remember to order the crown roast from the meat department ahead of time. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork rib plus stuffing: 404 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 45g protein.
3/37
7-Layer Gelatin Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s an eye-catching salad that my mother makes for Christmas dinner each year. You can choose different flavors to make other color combinations for specific holidays or other gatherings. —Jan Hemness, Stockton, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 163 calories, 3g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
4/37
Creamy Scallop Crepes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These savory crepes feel so elegant for the holidays. I like to add 1/4 teaspoon of fresh dill weed to the crepe batter before refrigerating. —Doreen Kelly, Hatboro, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 crepes: 331 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
5/37
Bacon-Wrapped Spam Bites
Total Time
35 min
Servings
32 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
These sweet and savory bites use Spam—a favorite ingredient in Hawaii—in a fun new way. Bet you can’t stop at just one! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 60 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 211mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
6/37
Brandy Old-Fashioned Sweet
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
The concept of an old-fashioned dates back to the early 1800s and includes whiskey, bitters, cherry juice, sugar and water. This version, which is extremely popular in Wisconsin, uses brandy in place of whiskey and lemon-lime soda instead of water for a milder cocktail. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 277 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
7/37
Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings (6 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I found out I had celiac disease and couldn’t have fettuccine Alfredo, I was determined to figure out a way to re-create it. I mix this homemade alfredo sauce with gluten-free multigrain pasta, but you can use any style of pasta. —Jackie Charlesworth Stiff, Frederick, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 732 calories, 50g fat (31g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 710mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
8/37
Overnight Layered Lettuce Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic is a family favorite from a church cookbook I’ve had for 40 years. The bacon adds a fabulous crunch. —Mary Brehm, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 206 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
9/37
Cheese Lover’s Fondue
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
French bread cubes and apples are the perfect dippers for this classic fondue made with white wine and Swiss and Gruyere cheeses. It’s a crowd-pleaser. —Linda Vogel, Elgin, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 196 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
10/37
Shrimp and Cucumber Canapes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cute stacks really stand out in a holiday appetizer buffet. Tasty, cool and crunchy, they come together in a snap. —Ashley Nochlin, Port St. Lucie, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 50 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
11/37
Mini Cheese Balls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These mini cheese balls are the perfect quick appetizer for any party. Roll them in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and/or paprika to add even more flavor. —J. Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cheese ball: 47 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
12/37
Cassoulet for Today
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Traditionally cooked for hours, this cassoulet recipe offers the same homey taste in less time. It’s easy on the wallet, too. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 394 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
13/37
Swiss Potato Puffs
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Encourage guests to mingle by serving these cute little morsels. They’re transportable, mess-free and easy to eat in a few bites. —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 potato puff: 37 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
14/37
Bacon-Wrapped Blue Cheese Shrimp
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Blue cheese, bacon and basil pack big flavor into a couple of bites. To save time, you can assemble the skewers the night before and then serve them hot from the broiler on the day. —Vivi Taylor, Middleburg, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 88 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
15/37
French Onion Soup
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup soup with 2 pieces bread and 1 tablespoon cheese: 195 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 765mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
16/37
Oyster Cheese Appetizer Log
Total Time
20 min
Servings
32 servings (2 logs)
From the Recipe Creator:
When you say "holiday tradition" around our house, this appetizer comes to mind immediately. Every winter, I make lots of cheese logs and freeze them for when I'm expecting company or need to take food to someone's home. The blend of smoked oysters, chili powder, nuts and cream cheese tastes good-even people who don't like oysters may enjoy this interesting appetizer. —William Tracy, Jerseyville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 117 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
17/37
Cioppino
Total Time
4 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
18/37
Broccoli Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even people who don’t like broccoli beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It's similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 359 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
19/37
Orange Chocolate Fondue
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1-1/3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
"Invite you family and friends to dip cubes of cake and pieces of fruit into this rich, luscious fondue for a special treat during the holiday season," writes Mary Jean DeVries from her home in Grandville, Michigan.
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoon: 278 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 177mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
20/37
Three-Cheese Souffles
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No matter when I've made these soufflés, they have always been a success. Although I've never seen the centers start to fall, it's best to plan on serving them hot from the oven. —Jean Ference, Sherwood Park, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 317 calories, 24g fat (14g saturated fat), 223mg cholesterol, 424mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
21/37
Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make this for my husband and myself to have on a cold night. It warms us right up! Greek yogurt can be substituted for the sour cream. —Meg Hilton, Atlanta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 317 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
22/37
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.
23/37
Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The secret ingredient in this sassy sauce is the grape jelly. It's a sweet contrast with the chili sauce. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 106 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
24/37
Authentic Pasta Carbonara
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned on my culinary internship in Tuscany that real Italian cuisine is simpler than you think! This carbonara is quick, simple and delicious, just the way they like it in Italy. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 353 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
25/37
Grandmother’s Orange Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This orange salad dessert is slightly sweet and tangy, too. It adds beautiful color to any meal and appeals to all ages! —Ann Eastman, Santa Monica, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 161 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
26/37
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.
27/37
Beef Wellington
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Perfect for holidays, this beef Wellington recipe is also impressively easy. Find ready-made puff pastry sheets in the frozen food section. —Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 945 calories, 51g fat (13g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 866mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 10g fiber), 48g protein.
28/37
Garlic-Herb Mini Quiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
45 mini quiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a wonderful way to impress guests? You’ve got it—and you need only five ingredients to make these tasty apps! —Josephine Piro, Easton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini quiche: 31 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
29/37
Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom's ambrosia salad, with its tasty combination of fresh fruits and creamy yogurt, is a family favorite, and a great addition to a backyard barbecue. —Colleen Belbey, Warwick, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
30/37
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.
31/37
Black Forest Chocolate Torte
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're thinking about pulling out all the stops for a dessert that says wow, look no further. This cherry-crowned beauty—stacked layers of chocolate cake and cream filling—will have everyone talking. —Doris Grotz, York, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 596 calories, 41g fat (22g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
32/37
Pigs in a Blanket Wreath
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This charming plate of piggies looks like a holiday wreath when I drape fresh rosemary in the center. It’s a cute display for merry get-togethers. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 72 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 181mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
33/37
Hawaiian Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a great last-minute meal when friends drop in? Hampton, Virginia's Michelle Cavalier recommends one of her husband's sweet-and-sour favorites. “This is so easy, tastes just like Hawaiian pizza, and I usually have all ingredients on hand.”
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3/4 cup sauce: 250 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 554mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
34/37
Turkey Scallopini with Marsala Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family requests this entree at least once a month. The slightly sweet Marsala sauce is yummy over the turkey slices and hot cooked noodles. —Briana Knight, Ferndale, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without linguine): 459 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 341mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
35/37
Stuffed Mini Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 48 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
36/37
Cocktail Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These beefy meatballs are a perennial favorite at our holiday parties. You won't believe how easy these holiday appetizers are to make. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 84 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
37/37
Lime Gelatin Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a festive dish to light up the buffet? This pretty green gelatin salad is eye-catching and has a delightful, tangy flavor. —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 210 calories, 5g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
