59 of Mom’s Best Recipes
Updated: Feb. 23, 2024
These are the dishes that bring back family memories for Taste of Home readers. They're sharing the secret of recipes passed down from generation to generation.
1
/
59
Mom’s Meat Loaf
Mom made the best meatloaf, and now I do, too. When I first met my husband, he didn’t care for homemade meatloaf, but this won him over. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas
2
/
59
Mom's Citrus Buttermilk Cake
Everyone raves over this lovely lemon cake. It's divine with fresh raspberries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
3
/
59
Filipino Chicken Adobo
My mom always makes her saucy chicken adobo recipe when I come home to visit. I think it's even better the next day as leftovers —she says it's because of the vinegar. — Michael Moya, New York, New York
4
/
59
Mom's Fried Apples
Mom often made these rich cinnamon-sugar apples when I was growing up. I swear the folks at Cracker Barrel copied her recipe! —Margie Tappe, Prague, Oklahoma
5
/
59
Mom's Macaroni and Cheese
The wonderful homemade goodness of this creamy Velveeta mac and cheese makes it a staple side dish in my mother's kitchen and in mine as well. It has tender noodles and a crowd-pleasing golden crumb topping. —Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina
6
/
59
Mom's Italian Bread
I think Mom used to bake at least four of these tender loaves at once, and they never lasted long. She served the bread with every Italian meal. I love it toasted too. —Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire
7
/
59
Mom's Roast Beef
Everyone loves slices of this fork-tender roast beef with its savory gravy. The well-seasoned roast is Mom's specialty. People always ask about the secret ingredients. Now you have the delicious recipe for our favorite meat dish! —Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania
8
/
59
Mom's Chicken Tetrazzini
Rotisserie chicken turns this baked spaghetti into a warm, cozy meal our family craves. If we have leftover turkey, we use that, too. —Jennifer Petrino, Newnan, Georgia
9
/
59
Mom's Spanish Rice
My mom is famous for her Spanish rice recipe, the ultimate comfort food. When I want a taste of home, I whip up this dish. Punch up the flavor with a little lime and extra chili powder. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
10
/
59
Mom's Buttermilk Biscuits
These fluffy buttermilk biscuits are so tasty slathered with butter or used to mop up every last drop of gravy off your plate. I can still see Mom pulling these tender gems out of the oven. —Vera Reid, Laramie, Wyoming
11
/
59
Mom's Vegetable Dip
This is one dip my mother brought along to potluck dinners and made when guests came over. Every time I make it I am reminded of her and her love of cooking. —Jill Olofson, Woodbury, Minnesota
12
/
59
Mom's Apple Cornbread Stuffing
My speedy recipe is the be-all and end-all stuffing in our family. Not surprisingly, we never have leftovers. —Marie Forte, Raritan, New Jersey
13
/
59
Mom's Chocolate Bread
My mom made this divine chocolaty bread for holidays or at special request. I always think of my family when I smell it baking. —Rachel Rhodes, Princeton, North Carolina
14
/
59
Mom's Roast Chicken
This is the best way to cook a whole chicken. It roasts up super juicy with crisp, golden skin. This chicken is simply seasoned, but packs in so much flavor. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
15
/
59
Mom-Mom's White Potato Pie
My Mom-Mom Beatrice taught me how to make a white potato pie when I was 12 years old. I always remembered the recipe and I make it every holiday for parties. The staff at work has fallen in love with it—so much that they actually order pies from me every holiday season! —Loretta Hooks, Dover, Delaware
16
/
59
Cold-Day Chicken Noodle Soup
When I was sick, my mom would make me this heartwarming chicken noodle soup. It was soothing when I had a cold, but this soup is a bowlful of comfort on any chilly day. —Anthony Graham, Ottawa, lllinois
17
/
59
Zucchini-Cornmeal Pancakes
My mom has made these treasured family hotcakes for ages. Try them as a breakfast-for-dinner meal with fresh fruit, yogurt and honey on top. —Katherine Wollgast, Florissant, Missouri
18
/
59
Mom's Cinnamon-Apple Crisp
I was fortunate enough to have a dear friend share this recipe with me more than 50 years ago. The sweet-smelling combination of apples, cinnamon, sugar and nutmeg has been a welcome scent in my house ever since. —Cleo Lightfoot, Southlake, Texas
19
/
59
Homemade Polish Pierogi
My mother measured ingredients for these using her hand. We've passed the recipe down over the years as the family has grown. —Veronica Weinkauf, South Bend, Indiana
20
/
59
Orange-Glazed Ham
This delicious ham looked like a sparkling jewel on the table when my mom served it for Easter dinner. The flavor of the spice rub penetrates through every tender slice. Even its enticing aroma while baking can't match the wonderful taste. —Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, Iowa
21
/
59
Mom's Tangerine Iced Tea
Simple syrup gives a smooth finish to this sweet tea with a citrus twist. It's so refreshing on a hot day. —Mary Miller, Poplarville, Mississippi
22
/
59
Patio Pintos
Any time Mom had the gang over for dinner, she made these pinto beans. Once she made a batch for my cousin’s birthday and he ate the entire thing. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
23
/
59
Mom's Favorite Olive Burgers
When she was in her 80s, my mom would reminisce about the olive burgers at Coney Island she loved. I used her instructions to make them and ended up pleasing both of us. —Lorraine Hickman, Lansing, Michigan
24
/
59
Blueberry Slump
My mother-in-law used to make slump with wild blueberries and serve it warm with a pitcher of farm cream on the table. My husband and I have been eating it for 58 years, but the recipe is even older! —Eleanore Ebeling, Brewster, Minnesota
25
/
59
Minestrone with Turkey
I remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii
26
/
59
Cauliflower-Broccoli Cheese Bake
One of the first dishes my mom taught me is a tasty pairing of cauliflower, cheese and broccoli. It's absolutely my best side. —Devin Mulertt, Napa, California
27
/
59
Quick Icebox Sandwiches
My mother liked making these cool, creamy treats when I was growing up in the States because they're so quick to fix. Then I made them for my three kids.—Sandy Armijo, Naples, Italy
28
/
59
No-Knead Knot Rolls
My mom, Velma Perkins, loved to serve these light, golden rolls when I was growing up on our Iowa farm. They're extra nice since they require no kneading. The dough rises in the refrigerator overnight, so there's little last-minute fuss to serve fresh hot rolls with any meal. —Toni Hilscher, Omaha, Nebraska
29
/
59
Effortless Black Bean Chili
My mom found the inspiration for this chili in a slow-cooker cookbook. After a few updates, all of us love it (even those of us who steer clear of beans). We think it's even better served over rice. —Amelia Gormley, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
30
/
59
Ice Cream Cookie Dessert
Our family loves dessert, and this chocolaty, layered treat is one of Mom's most-requested recipes. It's so easy to prepare this Oreo ice cream cake! —Kimberly Laabs, Hartford, Wisconsin
31
/
59
Mom's Sweet Potato Bake
Mom loved sweet potatoes and fixed them often in this creamy, comforting baked sweet potato casserole. With its nutty topping, this side dish could almost be served as a dessert. It's a yummy treat! —Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee
32
/
59
Pickled Eggs with Beets
Ever since I can remember, my mother served this pickled egg recipe at Easter. It was a tradition that my family expected. I made them for my granddaughter the last time she visited and they were all gone before she left. —Mary Banker, Fort Worth, Texas
33
/
59
34
/
59
Mom's Citrus Buttermilk Cake
Everyone raves over this lovely lemon cake. It's divine with fresh raspberries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
35
/
59
Winter Squash Casserole
Years ago, our vegetable garden kept us well-supplied all year long. Dad stored huge piles of potatoes and squash in the coldest part of the basement. In winter the squash was so hard. Mother sometimes used an ax to cut it into small pieces for cooking! Her hard work was worth it, because we really enjoyed this wonderful casserole! —Glendora Hauger, Siren, Wisconsin
36
/
59
Mom's Tamale Pie
I don't believe my mom ever used a recipe for her tamale pie, but I came up with this version that tastes very much like the one she used to make. It's been popular at our church gatherings and faculty luncheons...and my kids love it! -Waldine Guillott, DeQuincy, Louisiana
37
/
59
Oyster Stuffing
This recipe came from my mother. She made it every Thanksgiving for my father, who absolutely loved it. —Amy Daniels, Brodhead, Wisconsin
38
/
59
Pumpkin Cheesecake
When I was young we produced several ingredients for this pumpkin cheesecake on the farm. We raised pumpkins in our large vegetable garden, and made homemade butter and lots of sour cream using milk from our dairy herd. —Evonne Wurmnest, Normal, Illinois
39
/
59
Turkey Sloppy Joes for a Crowd
I found this recipe in my mother's recipe box. Sometimes I serve it over vegetables such as corn or green beans, but it's equally delicious on a bun. —Julie Clemes, Adrian Michigan
40
/
59
Whole Wheat Bread
I'm 12 years old and make this bread with my mother, who got the recipe from her mother. I usually prepare the dough, and my mom bakes it. —Freida Stutman, Fillmore, New York
41
/
59
Mocha Pudding Cakes
These mouthwatering mini cakes make the perfect treat for a twosome. My mom used to make these when I was a little girl. Now I whip them up for a speedy dessert. —Debora Simmons, Eglon, West Virginia
42
/
59
Slow-Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
My mom made the best Italian beef. I’ve added to it over the years, but it’s still her recipe. She made these Italian beef sandwiches for family reunions, and there were never leftovers. —Mary McVey, Colfax, North Carolina
43
/
59
Grandmother's Toad in a Hole
I have fond memories of my grandmother’s Yorkshire pudding wrapped around sausages, a puffy dish my kids called The Boat. Slather it with butter and maple syrup. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio
44
/
59
Mom's Chicken Noodle Soup
My mother was a pastor's wife, and she did a lot of cooking for potlucks. This recipe is one she created herself. I serve it frequently to my husband and to our four children. Every one of them is a hearty eater! —Marlene Doolittle, Story City, Iowa
45
/
59
Mom's Soft Raisin Cookies
With four sons in service during World War II, my mother sent these favorite cookies as a taste from home to "her boys" in different parts of the world. These days, my 11 grandchildren are enjoying them as we did, along with my stories of long ago.— Pearl Cochenour, Williamsport, Ohio
46
/
59
My Mother's Lemony Chicken with Broccoli
My mom used to make super succulent chicken with broccoli for our family in Montana. The few lucky guests invited for supper could not stop raving. —Jessy Drummond, Springfield, Tennessee
47
/
59
Mother's Rolls
These golden cloverleaf dinner rolls were one of my mother's specialties. We always looked forward to them on holidays and special occasions. —Patricia Baxter, Great Bend, Kansas
48
/
59
Mom's White Lasagna
My mom made this lasagna for special occasions, such as birthdays. When she passed, I inherited her cookbooks—tucked inside one of them, I found this recipe folded into a letter she wrote to me while I was stationed overseas. It's a hearty, rich dish that reminds me of home. —Janet Wing, Minot, North Dakota
49
/
59
Mom's Buttermilk Cookies
I treasure my mother’s recipe for these comforting cookie pillows. The tender treats are topped with thick frosting and a sprinkling of chopped walnuts. —Jane Darling, Simi Valley, California
50
/
59
Mom's Chopped Coleslaw
For Friday dinners, my mother made coleslaw to go with our fish. It’s still a family tradition, and the tangy dressing even works on a tossed salad. —Cynthia McDowell, Banning, California
51
/
59
Swedish Meatballs
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
52
/
59
Grandmother's Corn Pudding
My grandmother always served this pudding for holidays and family reunions. Everyone loves it. Corn pudding is a popular side dish on Maryland's eastern shore. —Susan Brown Langenstein, Salisbury, Maryland
53
/
59
Mom's Paella
I enjoy cooking ethnic foods, especially those that call for lots of rice. Like my mom, I often prepare this dish for special Sunday get-togethers. Traditional paella uses saffron, but turmeric is a budget-friendly alternative. —Ena Quiggle, Goodhue, Minnesota
54
/
59
Gluten-Free Potato Salad
In college, my best friend and I debated whose mom made the best potato salad. Turns out they were almost identical! Even though I've since tweaked our recipe, this gluten-free potato salad still takes me home again. —Ellie Martin Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
55
/
59
Beef Stew Provencal
When I was young, my favorite food to order in a restaurant was beef stew. My mother and I decided to create our own and experimented with different ingredients until we came up with this recipe. Everyone liked this slow cooker version so much that now it's a tradition every time the whole family is together. —Chelsey Larsen, Sparks, Nevada
56
/
59
Apricot-Rosemary Scones
Make these easy sweet-savory scones a family project. It's a delightful way to show your love on Mother's Day. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
57
/
59
Mom's Beef Lasagna
This meat lasagna recipe is one of my mom's specialties. It's a hearty main dish that gets requested time and time again. The from-scratch sauce makes each cheesy slice extra flavorful and softer-textured than other versions. —Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania
58
/
59
Warm Potato Salad
My mother-in-law was from the Bahamas and famous for her cooking, including this warm potato salad. Everyone knew her affectionately as 'Momma'. Every Sunday after church she set out a feast not just for her family, but for anyone who was hungry in her neighborhood. —Pamela Vitti Knowles, Hendersonville, North Carolina
59
/
59
