These 42 vintage cafeteria-style recipes are the kind of dishes that filled lunch trays and made us go back for seconds. Think creamy casseroles, slow-cooked staples, and classic sweets like chocolate sheet cake and Jello salad. Whether you’re craving comfort food from childhood or just need crowd-pleasing favorites, these easy, familiar recipes deliver every time.

Tater Tot Casserole

A spatula lifts a portion of a baked casserole featuring tater tots, ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese from a glass dish.
Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Savor the comfort of this Tater Tot Casserole! Layers of crispy tots, savory beef, creamy soup, and gooey cheddar make it a hit!
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Casserole

Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake: Old-fashioned Chocolate Goodness

Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake: Old-fashioned Chocolate Goodness. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake: Old-fashioned Chocolate Goodness is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake: Old-fashioned Chocolate Goodness

Chicken Spaghetti

A wooden spoon lifting spaghetti our a casserole dish with a wooden spoon.
Chicken Spaghetti. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Ultra creamy spaghetti with tender chicken and plenty of cheese. Whenever I make this dish everyone always asks for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Spaghetti

No Bake Brownies

Close up side view of three no bake brownies on white plate.
No Bake Brownies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Create these hassle-free No Bake Brownies that are both quick and easy to prepare, packed with a rich and fudgy taste. Plus, you won’t need an oven for this delightful treat!
Get the Recipe: No Bake Brownies

Southern Pot Roast

A pot of beef stew with carrots, celery, and herbs sits on a wooden table next to mashed potatoes and slices of bread—a comforting nod to nostalgic food and classic recipes.
Southern Pot Roast. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Southern pot roast is a classic slow-braised dish that transforms a simple chuck roast into a rich, hearty meal. As it simmers in beef stock and red wine, the meat turns fall-apart tender while the potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery soak up all the savory flavor. This one-pot favorite is mostly hands-off and perfect for family dinners or Sunday gatherings. The comforting aroma filling your kitchen is a bonus.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pot Roast

Easy Baked Fish Sticks

Easy Baked Fish Sticks. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Easy Baked Fish Sticks is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Fish Sticks

Ritz Cracker Chicken

A plate with ritz cracker coated chicken a green beans.
Ritz Cracker Chicken. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Buttery, crunchy chicken that is baked not fried. This easy recipe has only 5 ingredients, and tastes way better than Shake and Bake!
Get the Recipe: Ritz Cracker Chicken

Oven Fried Chicken

Oven fried chicken with cherry tomatoes.
Oven Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Crispy oven baked fried chicken.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken

Chili Mac and Cheese – Two Comfort Foods, One Pot!

A serving of baked casserole with ground beef, macaroni, and melted cheddar cheese on a white plate—true comfort food inspired by vintage cafeteria recipes.
Chili Mac and Cheese – Two Comfort Foods, One Pot!. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Chili Mac and Cheese – Two Comfort Foods, One Pot! is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Chili Mac and Cheese – Two Comfort Foods, One Pot!

Grape Salad

Grape Salad in clear bowl with green grapes in background.
Grape Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Prepare to dazzle your gathering with this refreshing Recipe for Grape Salad, destined to shine as a delightful side. Get ready to receive compliments as your guests savor its sweetness, leaving them eagerly asking for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with chopped parsley.
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

These slow cooker mashed potatoes are creamy, garlicky, and outrageously fluffy! This recipe takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level of ease with quick prep and cleanup, perfect for the busy holidays. The potatoes basically cook themselves while you join the festivities. No stovetop juggling, no last-minute mashing – just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Granny’s Chocolate Sheet Cake

A piece of chocolate sheet cake with chocolate icing on a white plate, shown up close with a fork and glass in the background—just like those classic recipes from vintage cafeteria recipes.
Granny’s Chocolate Sheet Cake. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Granny’s Chocolate Sheet Cake is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Granny’s Chocolate Sheet Cake

Quick Oatmeal Cookies

Pile of oatmeal cookies on a plate.
Quick Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Crafting these Easy Oatmeal Cookies is a breeze, using pantry staples you likely already have! These treats are ideal for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Quick Oatmeal Cookies

Chocolate Lasagna Recipe

A slice of layered dessert with whipped topping, chocolate chips, and cookie crumbs on a stack of white plates—perfect for lovers of vintage cafeteria recipes.
Chocolate Lasagna Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This no-bake chocolate lasagna is cool, creamy, and packed with delicious layers. It starts with a thick Oreo crust, followed by smooth chocolate pudding blended with heavy cream, and finishes with a generous sprinkle of crushed cookies and chocolate chips. Each bite is soft, rich, and perfectly indulgent. It’s simple and quick to make, and it’s the kind of dessert you’ll want to sneak straight from the fridge with a fork.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lasagna Recipe

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Salisbury Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Salisbury Steak is meaty, beefy, and oh-so delish, and this version has practically no carbs. It’s a win-win!
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Southern Meatloaf Recipe

Sliced meatloaf with a shiny glaze on a white dish, served with mashed potatoes and green beans in the background—just like the retro cafeteria meals from classic recipes.
Southern Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This easy Southern meatloaf recipe is classic comfort food, just like the kind you’d find at a diner. It’s topped with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze and makes a hearty dinner the whole family will love. The leftovers are just as good, especially in a warm meatloaf sandwich the next day.
Get the Recipe: Southern Meatloaf Recipe

Chicken and Biscuits Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked chicken, mixed vegetables, and creamy sauce, with a wooden spoon resting inside.
Chicken and Biscuits Casserole. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This rich and hearty chicken and biscuit casserole is a crowd-pleaser! With everything combined in one dish, it’s a comforting 30-minute dinner that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Biscuits Casserole

Oven Baked Ribs in Foil

Oven Baked Ribs in Foil. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Oven Baked Ribs in Foil is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs in Foil

Best BBQ Chicken Pizza

Four slices of pizza on a table.
Best BBQ Chicken Pizza. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

With fresh and homemade ingredients, this pizza is full of flavor but isn’t time-consuming to make.
Get the Recipe: Best BBQ Chicken Pizza

Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie

Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie

Cherry Cream Cheese Pie

Cherry Cream Cheese Pie. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Cherry Cream Cheese Pie is one of those desserts that’s always a hit, and the best part—it’s no bake! Whether you’re making it for a gathering or just because it sounds good, you really can’t go wrong with this one.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cream Cheese Pie

Bourbon Glazed Ham

Sliced ham arranged in a white dish, garnished with fresh parsley and orange slices, evokes classic vintage cafeteria recipes, with cloves and an orange wedge nearby on a marble surface.
Bourbon Glazed Ham. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This bourbon-glazed ham is just the thing to make your holiday table feel extra special. With a rich glaze made from brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, a splash of bourbon, and a few secret touches, this ham comes out tender, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized. It’s surprisingly simple to make and tastes far better than anything you’ll find at the store. Once you try it, homemade ham might just become your new holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Glazed Ham

Chicken Nuggets

Air fryer chicken nuggets on plate with ketchup.
Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Try this easy and delicious homemade air fryer chicken nuggets recipe. Making these kid-friendly crunchy nuggets takes less than a half hour.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Carrot Raisin Salad

A bowl of coleslaw with shredded carrots and raisins on a wooden surface, next to a red and white checkered cloth.
Carrot Raisin Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This refreshing carrot raisin salad combines crisp shredded carrots and cabbage with plump raisins. A light and tangy dressing made with lemon juice and mayonnaise brings the flavors together.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad

Lime Jello Salad

Piece of lime jello salad topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Lime Jello Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Lime Jello Salad is a fun green dessert that is an old fashioned favorite. It is the perfect addition to any holiday or picnic.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pumpkin Dump Cake on a plate with whipped cream.
Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This easy Pumpkin Dump Cake is a family favorite that is great for fall baking. You just dump the ingredients, mix and bake for a simple yet tasty dessert!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake

Slow Cooker Applesauce

A bowl of applesauce with a spoon, surrounded by apples and a striped cloth on a gray surface.
Slow Cooker Applesauce. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This slow cooker applesauce is sooo good that you won’t settle for store-bought again. In this recipe, your favorite apples are perfectly caramelized in sugar and cinnamon, creating a sweet, all-around sauce that has all the cozy and comforting flavors of fall. Enjoy it warm or cold, either way, you’re in a for a treat!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Applesauce

Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker

Close-up of shredded chicken with vegetables in a pan, being stirred with a wooden spoon.
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Make this salsa chicken in a slow cooker for your next meal, and your family will thank you! Seriously, it’s one of the easiest, most flavorful dishes you can make in minutes. All you need is some chicken breast and your favorite salsa, and you’ll have a tender, tangy, and mildly spicy chicken dish you can use for multiple meals throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker

Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Southern Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A true Southern classic, this dish features tender chicken in a rich, savory broth with soft, pillowy dumplings. It’s the ultimate comfort food for when you need something warm and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Strawberry Cake with Jello

Strawberry Cake with Jello. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This classic Strawberry Cake gets its bright flavor and color from strawberry Jello, making it extra moist and delicious. Topped with a creamy frosting, it’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cake with Jello

Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Front view of 2 stuffed chicken Crescent rolls on a white plate garnished with parsley.
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Delight your guests with these easy-to-make chicken stuffed Crescent rolls – tender chicken with rich cream cheese wrapped in golden crescent rolls. A perfect appetizer that’s sure to be the star of your party!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Easy cheesy hamburger casserole in bowl with onion garnish.
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that brings warmth and heartiness to the dinner table. The combination of ground beef, cheese, and pasta makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any winter evening.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Old-Fashioned Green Beans

A dish of cooked green beans sprinkled with seasoning and bits of bacon, served with a fork on the side.
Old-Fashioned Green Beans. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Transport yourself to simpler times with this classic dish. These green beans are slow-cooked with savory seasonings, making them tender and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Green Beans

Cube Steak

A fork holds a piece of breaded, cooked steak over a plate with more steak, lima beans, and mashed potatoes topped with butter—classic cafeteria food inspired by vintage cafeteria recipes.
Cube Steak. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This easy cube steak recipe has been a favorite for over a decade, and it’s easy to see why. It’s simple, reliable, and brings that classic Southern comfort to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights, it cooks up quickly and even wins over picky eaters. With just a few easy steps, you’ll learn how to make tender, flavorful cube steak every time. Give it a try tonight and see why so many families keep coming back to this one.
Get the Recipe: Cube Steak

Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

Chocolate oatmeal no-bake cookies on a white plate.
Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Treat yourself to a delicious snack or easy dessert with these chocolate oatmeal no-bake cookies! Perfect for when you’re short on time and craving something sweet.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

Southern Cornbread Dressing

Southern Cornbread Dressing. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Get ready for the big feast with Southern Cornbread Dressing. These classic Southern sides will complete your Thanksgiving table, featuring comforting dishes that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread Dressing

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Beef stew in a white pot served with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Warm up with a comforting bowl of slow cooker beef stew, packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth. This recipe allows you to enjoy all the flavors of a classic beef stew with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Cheesy hashbrown topped casserole in baking pan.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Indulge in a mouthwatering twist on traditional sloppy joes with our irresistible casserole topped with crispy tater tots. It’s a comfort food lover’s dream.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Old-fashioned Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Old-fashioned Cream Cheese Pound Cake. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Old-fashioned cream cheese pound cake has been a Southern favorite for generations. It’s easy to make and always bakes up moist, rich, and perfectly delicious every time.
Get the Recipe: Old-fashioned Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Chicken Pot Pie

Small serving of chicken pot pie casserole on plate with fork.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This hearty and comforting chicken pot pie casserole is the perfect meal for a cozy night at home. It’s a delicious chicken recipe packed with flavor that makes two or more generous servings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Pork Chops with Apples

Pork Chops with Apples. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Pork Chops with Apples is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Apples

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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