Get a taste of the Roaring Twenties with these vintage recipes for oysters Rockefeller, finger sandwiches, icebox cakes and more. 1920s food had a lot to offer!
37 Vintage Recipes from the ’20s Worth Trying Today
Updated on Jul. 18, 2024
Oysters Rockefeller
My husband and I are oyster farmers, and this classic Oysters Rockefeller dish always delights our guests. It’s deliciously simple! —Beth Walton, Eastham, Massachusetts
1/37
2/37
Icebox Cake
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't have to bake to serve a wonderful dessert! This icebox cake is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so delicious.—Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 488 calories, 38g fat (23g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
3/37
German Pancakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 cups syrup)
From the Recipe Creator:
Piping hot and puffy from the oven, this golden pancake made a pretty presentation for a skier's theme breakfast I hosted. Served with homemade buttermilk syrup, it's an eye-opening treat. Make several German pancakes if you're feeding a crowd, and keep in mind that my easy syrup tastes great on waffles and French toast, too. —Renae Moncur, Burley, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1/4 cup syrup: 428 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 203mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
4/37
Cranberry-Orange Roast Ducklings
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe few years ago. The first time I served it, there wasn't a speck of food left on the platter and I knew I had a winning recipe. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
8 ounces cooked duck: 373 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
5/37
Pretty Duchess Potatoes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Comfort-food flavor comes in attractive packages that are just the right size! This recipe is a favorite Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving menu idea. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 158 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 437mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
6/37
Meatballs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
48 meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
Keep a batch of these meatballs in your freezer for an easy weeknight meal. This simple meatball recipe can be used for pizzas, sub sandwiches, in soups and more. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 meatballs: 276 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
7/37
State Fair Cream Puffs
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The Wisconsin Bakers Association has served this cream puff recipe at our state fair since 1924. —Ruth Jungbluth, Dodgeville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cream puff: 340 calories, 29g fat (17g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
8/37
Parsnip & Celery Root Bisque
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a simple yet elegant soup for fall and winter. Everyone enjoys the smooth texture and earthy veggies. For a colorful garnish, sprinkle on chives and pomegranate seeds.—Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 248 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 904mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein.
9/37
Divinity Candy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
60 pieces (1-1/2 pounds)
From the Recipe Creator:
Every Christmas my grandmother and I made divinity candy, just the two of us. I still make it every year. —Anne Clayborne, Walland, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 61 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
10/37
Slow-Cooked Chicken a la King
Total Time
7 hours 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I know I'll be having a busy day with little time for cooking, I prepare this tasty main dish. Brimming with tender chicken and colorful vegetables, it smells so good while cooking. —Eleanor Mielke, Snohomish, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken mixture: 174 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 268mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
11/37
Derby Hot Browns
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic open-faced sandwich created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville is easy to do with deli or leftover turkey, toast and a quick cheese sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
12/37
Elegant White Chocolate Mousse
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Simply elegant is a fitting description for this smooth treat. Whipped cream teams up with white chocolate to make this easy white chocolate mousse recipe extra special. —Laurinda Johnston, Belchertown, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 422 calories, 34g fat (23g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
13/37
Simple Waldorf Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my go-to salad when I need a quick little meal. When I want a sweeter taste, I use whipped cream instead of yogurt. —Wendy Masters, East Garafraxa, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 140 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 fruit.
14/37
Butterscotch Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I get lots of compliments and recipe requests whenever I make this eye-catching cake. The filling is similar to German chocolate cake. —Judy Lamon, Louisville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 765 calories, 36g fat (15g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 103g carbohydrate (79g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
15/37
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.
16/37
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic recipe like this never goes out of style! It’s delicious with the traditional pineapple, but try it with peaches or a combination of cranberries and orange. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 361 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
17/37
Fluffy Cranberry Mousse
Total Time
15 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a delicious and pretty salad for the holidays, but it's so good that I serve it at other times, too. I got the recipe from a neighbor who had served it with a traditional turkey dinner. —Helen Clement, Hemet, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 150 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
18/37
Chicken Noodle Soup
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, this type of soup is my favorite and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans.—Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 239 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 1176mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
19/37
Salmon Mousse
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s so easy to top crunchy cucumber slices with a smooth and creamy salmon filling. Guests rave about the fun presentation, contrasting textures and refreshing flavor. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 42 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
20/37
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.
21/37
Summer Tea Sandwiches
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These dainty tea sandwiches are perfect for casual picnics or luncheons. Tarragon-seasoned chicken complements cucumber and cantaloupe slices. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 sandwich halves: 212 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
22/37
Manhattan Clam Chowder
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I typically serve this chowder with a tossed salad and hot rolls. It is easy to make and tastes wonderful on a cold winter evening. My family has enjoyed it for more than 30 years. —Joan Hopewell, Columbus, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 91 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
23/37
Tapioca Pudding
Total Time
4 hours 40 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves traditional tapioca, but I don’t always have time to make it. So I came up with this simple recipe that lets us enjoy one of our favorites without all the hands-on time. —Ruth Peters, Bel Air, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 149 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
24/37
Warm Spiced Cider Punch
Total Time
4 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a nice warm-up punch. I like to serve it when there is a nip in the air. The aroma of the apple cider, orange juice and spices as the punch simmers in the slow cooker is wonderful. —Susan Smith, Forest, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 94 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
25/37
Cream of Asparagus Soup
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We have a large asparagus patch and are able to freeze a lot for the year. My recipe highlights the flavor of the vegetable and is very easy to make. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 154 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat-free milk.
26/37
Jazzy Gelatin
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Finish things off with a bang with this colorful gelatin garnished with fresh grapes. Chock-full of mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple, it's so refreshing that guests won't be able to refrain from seconds. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 107 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
27/37
Bourbon-Glazed Ham
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Smoky and sweet flavors come through in every bite of this Kentucky-style ham. Since I found this recipe, it’s the only ham I make. —Sue Schiller, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked ham: 301 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 1200mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein.
28/37
Whole Wheat Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
15 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
Most of the farmers in our area grow wheat, so this recipe definitely represents my region. I bake these rolls often, especially when I'm making soup or stew. —Celecia Stoup, Hobart, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 151 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
29/37
Garden-Fresh Seafood Cocktail
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
For something cool on a hot day, we mix shrimp and crabmeat with crunchy veggies straight from the garden. Look for adobo seasoning in your grocery’s international section. —Teri Schloessmann, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 103 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
30/37
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.
31/37
Olive-Stuffed Celery
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother taught both me and my mom this appetizer recipe for stuffed celery. We always serve it at Christmas and Thanksgiving. The stuffing is so yummy that even if you don't normally care for the ingredients on their own, you'll love the end result. —Stacy Powell, Santa Fe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 61 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
32/37
Authentic German Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This authentic German potato salad recipe came from Speck’s Restaurant, which was a famous eating establishment in St. Louis from the 1920s through the ‘50s. I ate lunch there almost every day and always ordered the potato salad. When the owner learned I was getting married, he gave me the recipe as a wedding gift! —Violette Klevorn, Washington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 344 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
33/37
Strawberry Ladyfinger Icebox Cake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cake is inventive and yet familiar. Be sure to use a springform pan so you can easily remove it from the cake. If it breaks while you're transferring it to the serving plate, just push the pieces back together, pressing gently. —Stella Ohanian, Porter Ranch, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 456 calories, 33g fat (19g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
34/37
Mom’s Favorite Olive Burgers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger with 2 tablespoons olive mixture: 425 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 837mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
35/37
Apple Jelly
Total Time
35 min
Servings
7 half-pints
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 99 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
36/37
Peach Bavarian
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fruit molds are my specialty. This one, with its refreshing peach taste, makes a colorful salad or dessert. —Adeline Piscitelli, Sayreville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 249 calories, 5g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
37/37
