Cook up a blue plate special! We've collected the best homemade versions of classic diner foods, from breakfast sunny side up to desserts worthy of a glass cake dome.
42 Secret Recipes for Classic Diner Foods
Updated on Apr. 12, 2024
Chicken-Fried Steak & Gravy
As a child, I learned from my grandmother how to make these chicken-fried steaks. I taught my daughters, and when my granddaughters are older, I’ll show them, too. —Donna Cater, Fort Ann, New York
1/41
2/41
Strawberry Floats
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When it starts warming up in Colorado, my kids ask for ice-cold treats. This rosy pink cream float is one of our household favorites. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without fresh strawberries): 383 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
3/41
Blue Plate Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Turkey with gravy makes divine comfort food that reminds me of old-time diners on the East Coast that serve open faced turkey sandwiches just like this one. Happily, my gravy is not from a can. —Chris Schwester, Divide, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2 open-faced sandwiches: 361 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1462mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
4/41
Bacon Cheeseburger
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Where can you get a juicy burger that is so superior to drive-thru fare? Right in your backyard with this delicious bacon cheeseburger recipe. —Jackie Burns, Silverdale, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 947mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
5/41
Buttermilk Pancakes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You just can't beat a basic buttermilk pancake for a down-home country breakfast. Paired with sausage and fresh fruit, these pancakes are just like the ones you get at Cracker Barrel. —Betty Abrey, Imperial, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
3 pancakes: 270 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 913mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
6/41
Easy Lemon Pie
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve had this one-bowl lemon pie recipe for years. It’s my twist on chocolate French silk pie, and it's uber easy to do with refrigerated pie pastry. —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 475 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 147mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
7/41
Ham and Cheese Omelet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy omelet will be a snap to fix for breakfast or dinner. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 omelet: 510 calories, 37g fat (18g saturated fat), 655mg cholesterol, 1495mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 41g protein.
8/41
Stuffed Hash Browns
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ever since we met, my husband has made me hash browns with bacon, pepper jack and sour cream. We share it when we have guests, too. —Annie Ciszak Pazar, Anchorage, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 410 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 791mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
9/41
Chicken Salad Croissants
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tempting chicken salad that gets its special taste from Swiss cheese and pickle relish. It's a favorite of my brother, who insists I make it whenever he visits. —Laura Koziarski, Battle Creek, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 593 calories, 40g fat (14g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 818mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
10/41
Peanut Butter Milkshake
Total Time
5 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ve got milk, peanut butter, and probably vanilla ice cream, too. Using just a few ingredients, you can whip up this peanut butter milkshake recipe in seconds. —Joyce Turley, Slaughters, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 519 calories, 34g fat (12g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
11/41
Red, White and Blueberry Pie
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy pie gets dressed up with berries to make a showstopping display at any Fourth of July party or summer get-together. It's as pretty as it is tasty! —Kimberly McFarland, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 383 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
12/41
Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This biscuits and sausage gravy is an old southern recipe that I've adapted. Homemade sausage gravy is a classic, hearty breakfast that takes you on a trip to the South every time it's served. —Sue Baker, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 337 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
13/41
Moist Turkey Breast with White Wine Gravy
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I modified a favorite dish for slow cooker ease. It’s moist and tender each time and perfectly complemented by the white wine gravy. It’s best with drinking wine, not cooking wine. —Tina MacKissock, Manchester, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked turkey with 3 tablespoons gravy : 238 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 43g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 6 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
14/41
Arnold Palmer
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I have always loved iced tea with lemon, and this delightful thirst quencher just takes it one step further. Lemonade gives the drink a nice color too. I dress up each glass with a slice of lemon on the rim. —Gail Buss, New Bern, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 100 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
15/41
Tuna Melt
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When our children were young, I often fixed these warm, crunchy sandwiches. They go well with chips and a salad for a quick lunch. —Carole Anhalt, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 363 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
16/41
Fried Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 543 calories, 33g fat (7g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
17/41
Chocolate Chip Elvis Pancakes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm one of 13 children, so making a recipe that everyone likes can be a challenge. This chocolate peanut butter pancakes recipe was a Saturday-morning special that we all loved. —Keenan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 291 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
18/41
Super Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Heat up your indoor grill to make these ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwich recipes. They're delicious served with soup! —Debbie Murray, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 430 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 1094mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
19/41
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter-in-law, a gourmet cook, served this cream of mushroom soup recipe as the first course for a holiday dinner. She received the recipe from her mom and graciously shared it with me. Now I'm happy to share it with my own friends and family. —Anne Kulick, Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 136 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 842mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
20/41
Irresistible Coconut Cream Pie
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I grow 500 acres of wheat on the farm his family homesteaded in 1889. I grind my own flour and love to use it in this recipe. The easy pat-in crust has a rich grain flavor. It’s irresistible filled with old-fashioned coconut cream and topped with a fluffy meringue. —Roberta Foster, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 437 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
21/41
Zippy Breaded Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Need a perky update for pork chops? Ranch dressing and Parmesan breading add a delightful zing. —Ann Ingalls, Gladstone, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 201 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 437mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
22/41
Thin Mint Milk Shake
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Save a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 363 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
23/41
Tomato and Green Pepper Omelet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh green pepper, onion and tomato give this savory omelet garden-fresh flavors. You can easily vary it based on the fresh ingredients you have on hand. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 omelet: 424 calories, 35g fat (13g saturated fat), 665mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
24/41
Swiss Cobb Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with ham, roast beef, bacon and other fixings, this hearty salad has an excellent blend of flavors. A from-scratch vinaigrette adds the refreshing final touch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 531 calories, 42g fat (9g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 922mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
25/41
New Mexico Green Chile Breakfast Burritos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when I lived in the Southwest, we wrapped everything up in a tortilla. Breakfast burritos in every possible combination are very popular in New Mexico. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito with 1 tablespoon salsa: 290 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 232mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1-1/2 starch.
26/41
Fruit Cup with Citrus Sauce
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This medley of fresh fruits is so elegant that I serve it in my prettiest crystal bowls. With its dressed-up flavor, it's perfect for a special event. —Edna Lee, Greeley, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 75 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
27/41
Best Spaghetti and Meatballs
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One evening we had unexpected company. Since I had some of these meatballs left over in the freezer, I warmed them up as appetizers. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining. —Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup sauce with 4 meatballs and 1-1/4 cups spaghetti: 519 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 1043mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
28/41
Belgian Waffle
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 waffles (about 4-1/2 inches)
From the Recipe Creator:
It was during a visit to my husband's relatives in Europe that I was given this Belgian waffle recipe. These homemade waffles are fantastic with any kind of topping: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, fried apples, powdered sugar or whipped topping. —Rose Delemeester, St. Charles, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 waffles: 701 calories, 42g fat (25g saturated fat), 179mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
29/41
Cara's Crunchy Chicken Strips
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crushed croutons—buy ’em or make ’em—are the crunchy secret to these easy-bake nuggets of chicken. —Cara Winterhoff, Tempe, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken strips: 222 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
30/41
Eggs Benedict
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Legend has it that poached eggs on an English muffin started at Delmonico’s in New York. Here’s my take on this brunch classic, and don’t spare the hollandaise. —Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 345 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 331mg cholesterol, 522mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
31/41
Best Ever Mac & Cheese
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To make this amazing mac, I make a sauce loaded with three different cheeses to toss with the noodles. When baked, it's gooey goodness with a crunchy topping that...don't get me started! —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 762 calories, 43g fat (25g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 1138mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
32/41
Makeover Nutty Monkey Malts
Total Time
5 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Get all the flavor of a classic diner milkshake with only a fraction of the calories and fat. Flavored with peanut butter and bananas, this is one drink the kids will go crazy for! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 203 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
33/41
Sunday Pot Roast
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With the help of a slow cooker, you can prepare a down-home dinner any day of the week, not just on Sundays. The roast turns out tender and savory every time. —Brandy Schaefer, Glen Carbon, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 217 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
34/41
30-Minute Chicken Noodle Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick and easy chicken noodle soup recipe is perfect for a cold, wintry day. It is my favorite thing to eat when I'm not feeling well; it makes me feel so much better. —Lacy Waadt, Payson, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 196 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
35/41
Country Brunch Skillet
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Using frozen hash browns and packaged shredded cheese shaves minutes off the prep time of this skillet egg dish, making it an appealing meal you can put together quickly. —Elvira Brunnquell, Port Washington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 304 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 238mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
36/41
Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 410 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
37/41
Turkey Club Sandwich with Chipotle
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’re crazy for turkey club sandwiches. A nearby roadside stand carries gorgeous tomatoes every summer. We load up, then stuff our sandwiches with the usual suspects, plus smoked turkey and cheese. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 416 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1265mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 37g protein.
38/41
Burger Joint Onion Rings
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These onion rings cook to a crisp, golden brown. This is one of those foods you never tire of and a great side dish to so many meals. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 142 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
39/41
Diner Corned Beef Hash
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created my hash to taste like a dish from a northern Arizona restaurant we always loved. We round it out with eggs and toast made from homemade bread. —Denise Chelpka, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 407 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 1059mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
40/41
Blackened Pork Caesar Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I cook, the goal is to have enough leftovers for lunch the next day. This Caesar with pork has fantastic flavor even when the meat is chilled. —Penny Hedges, Dewdney, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2-1/2 cups: 458 calories, 31g fat (5g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 464mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein.
41/41
Pork Chili
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband usually tries to avoid spending time in the kitchen, but he'll frequently offer to prepare this easy chili. Of course, he always eagerly serves as taste tester! —Linda Temple, St. Joseph, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 208 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein.
