18 Old-School Thanksgiving Recipes That Will Be a Hit with Your Kids
Thanksgiving is all about tradition, but some classic recipes have been lost to time, replaced by more modern dishes. However, many of these nearly forgotten Thanksgiving recipes are just as delicious as they were decades ago and are sure to delight your kids.
From sweet desserts to savory sides, these old-school dishes are making a comeback—bringing nostalgic flavors to the table in a way that the whole family will love. Reintroduce these 18 nearly forgotten Thanksgiving recipes this year and watch as they become new family favorites for the next generation.
Corn Pudding
Corn pudding is a sweet and savory dish that dates back to early American Thanksgivings. Made with corn kernels, milk, butter, and a touch of sugar, it’s soft, creamy, and comforting.
This old-fashioned side dish is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table and will quickly become a kid-approved favorite.
Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia salad is a fruity, marshmallow-filled dish that was popular in mid-century Thanksgiving meals. It combines fruit cocktail, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and whipped cream or sour cream.
Kids will love its sweet, creamy texture, and it’s a fun way to sneak in some fruit during the holiday feast.
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Jello Mold
Jello molds were once a staple of holiday dinners, featuring colorful layers of gelatin mixed with fruits or even vegetables. This wobbly, fun-to-eat dish can be made with flavors your kids love, like strawberry or orange, and dressed up with fresh fruit or whipped cream.
It’s a retro recipe that brings a touch of nostalgia and excitement to your Thanksgiving spread.
Sweet Potato Soufflé
This nearly forgotten dish takes mashed sweet potatoes to the next level with a light, fluffy texture. Sweetened with brown sugar and topped with crunchy pecans or marshmallows, sweet potato soufflé combines the best of both worlds—dessert and side dish.
Your kids will love the sweetness and the fun, airy texture.
Watergate Salad
Also known as pistachio fluff, Watergate salad is a vintage dessert that’s both sweet and creamy. It’s made with pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping.
The bright green color and fun ingredients make it a hit with kids, while adults will enjoy the nostalgic flavors.
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Mincemeat Pie
Though its name might sound odd to kids today, mincemeat pie was once a popular Thanksgiving dessert. Made with a mixture of spiced dried fruits and sometimes ground meat, this pie offers a rich, flavorful experience.
For a modern twist, you can make a mincemeat pie with just the dried fruit and spices, creating a warm, kid-friendly treat.
Succotash
Succotash is a traditional Native American dish made from lima beans and corn. This nutritious and colorful side dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it a great addition to the Thanksgiving meal.
Kids will enjoy the bright colors and mild flavors, and it’s a great way to introduce them to a piece of history.
Scalloped Oysters
Scalloped oysters were once a fancy dish served at Thanksgiving, but it’s fallen out of favor in recent years. Made with fresh oysters, cream, and breadcrumbs, this dish is savory and rich.
While oysters may not be the first thing you think kids would enjoy, the creamy texture and buttery topping make it surprisingly kid-friendly.
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Cranberry Relish
Cranberry relish, made with fresh cranberries, oranges, and sugar, is a tangy, sweet side that was often served in the past. Unlike the canned cranberry sauce, this version is fresh and full of zesty flavor.
It’s a bright, refreshing dish that balances out heavier Thanksgiving foods, and kids will love the sweet-tart taste.
Creamed Onions
Creamed onions were once a common side dish at Thanksgiving, offering a rich, comforting flavor. Baby onions are cooked in a creamy, buttery sauce, resulting in a mild dish that pairs well with turkey and other sides.
Kids who love creamy dishes will appreciate the smooth texture and subtle taste of this classic recipe.
Cottage Cheese Salad
Cottage cheese salad may sound unusual, but it’s a nearly forgotten dish that brings together cottage cheese, pineapple, and gelatin. It’s a creamy, fruity side that’s both refreshing and unique, with a texture kids will find fun to eat.
This dish was a hit in the 1950s, and it’s time to bring it back to the Thanksgiving table.
Green Bean Casserole
Though still found on many tables today, green bean casserole is often overlooked for flashier sides. Made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions, it’s a creamy and crunchy side dish that kids will love.
It’s easy to make and offers both nutrition and comfort.
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Shoofly Pie
Shoofly pie, a molasses-based dessert, was once a Thanksgiving staple, especially in the Northeast. This sweet, sticky pie has a deep, rich flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
Kids will love its syrupy texture, and it’s a great alternative to more common pies like pumpkin or apple.
Johnnycakes
Johnnycakes, made from cornmeal, were a traditional Native American dish and a favorite at early Thanksgiving feasts. These griddle cakes are simple, slightly sweet, and can be served with butter or syrup.
They’re a fun, easy-to-eat option for kids, offering a piece of history along with their meal.
Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
Pumpkin chiffon pie is a lighter, fluffier version of the traditional pumpkin pie, made with whipped egg whites or whipped cream.The airy texture and smooth, spiced filling make it a kid-friendly dessert that’s a refreshing twist on the classic.
It’s perfect for families who want to try something a little different without straying too far from tradition.
Glorified Rice
Glorified rice is a sweet side dish made from cooked rice, pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped cream. It’s a nearly forgotten recipe from the Midwest that’s creamy, sweet, and fun to eat.
Kids will love the combination of textures and flavors, making it a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving meal.
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Buttermilk Biscuits
Buttermilk biscuits were once a regular part of Thanksgiving dinner, and they’re still a delicious addition today. These light, fluffy biscuits are perfect for sopping up gravy or serving with butter and jam.
Kids will love their soft texture and buttery flavor.
Mock Apple Pie
Mock apple pie, made with Ritz crackers instead of apples, was a Depression-era recipe that tasted just like the real thing. It’s a sweet, cinnamon-spiced dessert that kids will find fascinating and delicious.
This recipe is a fun way to introduce kids to a bit of history while satisfying their sweet tooth.
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