The food world has evolved over the years, and what was once considered a standard meal might seem downright strange now. If you grew up in the mid-20th century, you’ve probably seen some of these food habits. For today’s generation, however, they might cause some confusion or laughter!
Fish Sticks Every Friday
Fish sticks were a go-to dinner in many homes and served religiously on Fridays. They were quick to prepare and easy on the wallet, and paired with mashed potatoes and peas for a meal that required minimal effort.
Cereal with Orange Juice
This breakfast combo was viewed as a fast fix for busy mornings. The tanginess of the juice and the sweetness of the cereal created a unique flavor, though it’s tough to picture today’s kids reaching for this instead of good old milk.
Plain Cheese Sandwiches for Dinner
Dinner didn’t always mean something hearty. Sometimes, it meant two slices of white bread with a single slice of American cheese in the middle—and that was it. In the ’50s and ’60s, saving time often took priority over making exciting meals.
Canned Pears with Mayonnaise
This dish combines sweet and savory in the oddest ways: canned pears slathered in mayonnaise and topped with shredded cheese. While some may have found this combo delightful, we doubt this odd pairing will be making a comeback with fresh fruit so widely available.
Gravy on Everything
Gravy was often poured over meatloaf, vegetables, mashed potatoes, and even sandwiches. It was a simple way to add flavor and moisture to otherwise plain dishes. The heavy-handed approach reflected the desire for comfort food and the limited pantry options.
Microwaved Cheese on Crackers
Before “fancy charcuterie boards” took over Instagram, adding a slice of American cheese onto a saltine cracker was the height of home snacking. After the microwave hit kitchens in the late ‘60s, kids everywhere mastered the fine art of 10-second cheese melts.
Lettuce and Cream Cheese
When fresh veggies were scarce, lettuce was sometimes paired with cream cheese! This strange combination was a go-to side dish instead of a traditional salad. Cream cheese remains a popular spread, but mixing it with lettuce just doesn’t make much sense anymore.
Hot Dogs and Spaghetti—Together
Stick slices of hot dog into dry spaghetti, boil it all at once, and voila—you’ve recreated a kid-approved meal straight out of a 1970s kitchen. Some families called it “spaghetti-os DIY.”
Pickles with Every Meal
Pickles were so essential that they were often served alongside everything, whether they paired well with the meal or not. People relied on pickling as an economical way to save garden harvests.
Boiled Chicken and Rice
Forget crispy fried chicken or saucy stir-fries—boiled chicken was the MVP of weeknight dinners. It was simmered until tender (or sometimes, unfortunately, rubbery), and paired with plain rice. It wasn’t big on flavor, but this combo worked when money was tight.
Salads with Jello
Some households served salad with Jello by mixing fruit or even vegetables into the gelatin. People enjoyed it at family gatherings, where it was served alongside the main course.
Potatoes in Burritos
Thrifty home cooks used to stuff potatoes into tortillas for a filling, low-cost meal. Hash browns, mashed potatoes, even leftover baked spuds—all of it got wrapped up. Potatoes brought the bulk needed to feed big families.
Boiled Hot Dogs
Boiled hot dogs were once a go-to meal that required little preparation. With some households lacking grilling technology, boiling hot dogs became the norm. Though some people still prefer boiled hot dogs, most kids wouldn’t understand the appeal.
Spaghetti and Rice Combo
Mixing spaghetti and rice might sound like a carb overload, but it made perfect sense for families trying to stretch their meals. In tight times, combining two cheap staples could create enough food to feed everyone, and leave leftovers.