21 Best Grandma Recipes to Pass Down for Generations
All of them deserve a comeback.
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Ree Drummond is going to be a grandma! In case you missed it, Alex and Mauricio are expecting a baby. "We have no idea what being grandparents will look like or how much it will change our lives," The Pioneer Woman said in a post about her first grandchild. But one thing's for sure: grandmas always make the best food.
Ree's own grandmother (lovingly known as Ga-Ga) was known for her family recipes, like chicken and noodles, that Ree cook up in her own kitchen about to this day. And there's no doubt that she'll continue the tradition of making her own recipes to pass down from generation to generation. So, in honor of grandmas everywhere, check out this list of grandma recipes that are the purest form of comfort food.
Here, you'll find old-fashioned favorites like homemade biscuits, scalloped potatoes, and Salisbury steak. Plus, there are tons of much-loved recipes that are being brought out to church potlucks and Sunday dinners in a whole new way including chicken pot pie soup and mini variations on pineapple upside down cake. Then, you can take some inspiration from the women in the Drummond family like Ree's mom, Gerre, and her mother-in-law, Nan. "I think my cooking POV comes from both my mom, who is an elegant from-scratch cook, and my late mother-in-law, who taught me the art of cooking in bulk," Ree says. Check out their recipes for chocolate sheet cake, and cinnamon rolls.
Chicken and Noodles
Ree grew up eating this hearty variation on chicken soup. "It reminds me of my grandmother Ga-Ga, who always had Reams noodles in her freezer," she says. Making it is sure to warm you right up.
Get Ree's Chicken and Noodles recipe.
Salisbury Steak
Made from ground beef patties and a creamy mushroom sauce, this recipe has stood the test of time. In fact, it was first created back in 1897!
Get the Salisbury Steak recipe.
Jell-O Mold
This jiggly dessert will wow guests from any generation. It's refreshing tropical flavor and creamy coconut layer is always the star of the show.
Get the Jell-O Mold recipe.
Cinnamon Rolls
Ree's mom always made these cinnamon rolls around the holidays to give out to friends and family. It's a sweet tradition that The Pioneer Woman still does today! "They really are that good," she says.
Get Ree's Cinnamon Rolls recipe.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken pot pie is a classic grandma recipe, but this updated variation will satisfy your family, too! It has all the same comforting flavor, plus the fun addition of cheesy crust dippers!
Get Ree's Chicken Pot Pie Soup recipe.
Buttermilk Biscuits
A basket of these homemade biscuits can do no wrong! Serve them up from brunch, lunch, dinner, or anything in between. They're even better with a big pat of butter and a drizzle of honey.
Get the Buttermilk Biscuits recipe.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
As far as family-friendly meals goes, this casserole recipe is always a hit! The creamy filling and crunchy potato chip topping will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Get the Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe.
Waldorf Salad
This creamy, crunchy salad has been around for more than a century! It's a favorite for potlucks and picnics, but you can also dress it up by serving it in crisp lettuce cups.
Get the Waldorf Salad recipe.
Ham with Cherry-Pineapple Glaze
It doesn't get more retro than this fruit-covered ham! Make it for the holidays and your family is sure to smile. Every bite is sticky-sweet and savory!
Get Ree's Ham with Cherry-Pineapple Glaze recipe.
Cranberry-Pecan Cheese Ball
Over the years, your grandma has probably made tons are variations on make-ahead cheese balls. It's an elegant appetizer that makes entertaining easy. This one is loaded with sweet-tart cranberries and nutty pecans.
Get the Cranberry-Pecan Cheese Ball recipe.
Ambrosia Salad
This fluffy, sweet dish is more of a dessert than it is a salad! But that's what makes these types of grandma recipes so great—they're always surprising in the best way possible!
Get the Ambrosia Salad recipe.
Steak Diane
This retro steak dinner was popular from the 1940's through the 1960's, but it's about time for it to make a comeback! Just wait until you try the creamy, savory steak sauce!
Get the Steak Diane recipe.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
You can serve this classic side dish with just about anything—ham, steak, chicken, or fish. Best of all? It's great for making ahead!
Get the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
Shrimp Dip
For an updated take on this classic appetizer, try using fresh shrimp instead of canned. It's brightened up even more with lemon juice, green onions, parsley, and a layer of cocktail sauce on top.
Get the Shrimp Dip recipe.
Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
Going over to grandma's house, there's bound to be a plate of homemade cookies on the table! This one has all the wholesomeness and warm flavors that you'd expect.
Get Ree's Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies recipe.
Chicken and Dumplings
Warm your family right up with this classic dish. It has a hearty, creamy broth that's packed with shredded chicken and the most comforting cornmeal dumplings that you'll ever taste!
Get Ree's Chicken and Dumplings recipe.
Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes
Here's a fun twist on a retro cake! Instead of making one big dessert, the mini cakes are each topped with their own individual pineapple ring and maraschino cherry.
Sour Cream Noodle Bake
Ree says this creamy beef and noodle casserole "always reminds me of home." It was passed down from her mother years ago and it's still a family favorite.
Get Ree's Sour Cream Noodle Bake recipe.
Homemade Apple Pie
There's nothing like the smell of warm apple pie. It has a flaky crust and tender fruit filling that's just begging to be topped with a scoop of ice cream!
Get the Homemade Apple Pie recipe.
Chocolate Sheet Cake
Ree makes this fudgy cake for every occasion. "God bless my mother-in-law, who shared the recipe with me when I got engaged to Ladd," she says. It's a good thing it feeds a crowd!
Get Ree's Chocolate Sheet Cake recipe.
Should You Salt Pasta Water?
21 Different Ways to Cook With Spaghetti Squash
Make Golden Popcorn Chicken For Every Party
Smothered Chicken Gets The Bacon Gravy Treatment.
