I Cooked Like a 1980s Mom for a Week. Here’s What Happened.
Updated: Dec. 26, 2021
Like many of you, I was a child in the 1980s. Beyond the fashion, the '80s weren't so different from today!
The 1980s were a decade of quick and easy meals made with a hand from Hamburger Helper. With both parents working outside the home, a kitchen in the ’80s was more hectic than decades past! Typically, 1980s recipes had to help Mom get a meal on the table quickly or be easy enough for “latchkey kids” to cook.
I was a child in the 1980s and when I really think about it, 1980s recipes weren’t so different from today’s. To test my theory, I put on a Working Girl-inspired suit and cooked like an ’80s mom for a week. Here’s what I learned:
1. Crockpot Is the Busy Mom’s Best Friend
The original Crockpot was invented back in the 1940s, but slow cookers became increasingly popular in the ’80s. In fact, many 1980s recipes required a slow cooker. I made a pot roast in mine this week, something that I often had as a child. With the convenience of having a protein, vegetable and starch cooked while you’re at work, it’s a perfect family meal.
2. Mac and Cheese Is Sure to Please
Like the kids I knew in the 1980s, my daughter is a mac and cheese addict. When I was her age, I was all about the Kraft Mac & Cheese. Kraft introduced its boxed macaroni and cheese in 1937, but thanks to marketing and catchy ads, the blue box could be found in almost any pantry in the ’80s. (See how much a box of Kraft used to cost.) I made a box for my family this week—I forgot how delicious it is!
Buy Kraft Macaroni & Cheese for nostalgia’s sake.
3. Kids Love Microwave Meals
Though I leave frozen meals for my husband when I travel, frozen food isn’t something I typically do. But when talking to other kids of the ’80s, they all remembered coming home to watch the Afterschool Special (whatever happened to that?) and making a TV dinner in the microwave.
For dinner one night, I decided to shop in the freezer section for TV meals. Though I was less than pleased, my daughter LOVED her chicken nuggets, and they heated up very quickly. Next time I cook in the microwave, I hope it’s one of these recipes.
4. Moms Need to Make Quick Breakfasts
Like a family with two working parents in the ’80s, we’re usually in a hurry in the morning! Though I tend to favor bagels and casseroles for a quick breakfast, ’80s kids wanted cereal in the morning. I opted for oatmeal instead of the more sugary options. It’s quick, healthy and filling, too.
Like I thought, moms of the ’80s weren’t so different from moms today. We’re all hoping to put a healthy(ish) meal on the table that our family will eat, while juggling a million other things. Though we may favor Instant Pots over Crock-Pots and rely on more on takeout, we’re still making sure everyone is fed at the end of the day!
So-Tender Swiss SteakThis 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 SaladI 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
Chocolate Chip Cookie BlondiesThis recipe has been used in my family as long as I can remember. My mom would make these for us when we were young and I have continued the tradition to my own family. When my husband and I were engaged, I would send these to him during his deployment overseas. In no time, he and his buddies would have the entire container emptied. These are the best chocolate chip brownies you will ever taste! —Amanda Green, Salisbury, Missouri
Baked Spinach Dip LoafAny 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
Zucchini Panzanella SaladI 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 CakeWho 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 DipThese fall-off-the-bone tender wings have just the right amount of heat. The cool blue cheese dressing creates the perfect flavor combination for dipping. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin
Frozen Mud PieHere'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
Herbed Rice PilafThis 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
Sausage French Bread PizzaI 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 SaladRed pepper pieces accent this yummy side dish, and the pasta wheels really drive the theme home. —Amber Kimmich, Powhatan, Virginia
Ground Beef Taco DipWhat'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 MousseA 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
Pepperoni Pizza BakeI 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
Rocky Road Fudge PopsThese 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 LogsThree 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 CoffeeWhen 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-FryI 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
Spiced Pineapple Upside-Down CakeI 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 SkilletThere’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
Turkey ScallopiniQuick-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
Cranberry Sweet-and-Sour PorkThis fresh take on a beloved Asian-style dish is sure to cause a stir at the dinner table. —Gert Snyder, West Montrose, Ontario
Cream Cheese Pumpkin MuffinsI 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
Breaded Pork ChopsThese 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 PeppersThis is my favorite summertime supper because I can use peppers and tomatoes fresh from my garden.—Betty DeRoad, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Warm Crab & Spinach DipIn 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
Grilled BroccoliI 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
Originally Published: November 07, 2018
