I Cooked Like a 1980s Mom for a Week. Here’s What Happened.
Updated: Dec. 26, 2021
Like many of you, I was a child in the 1980s. Beyond the fashion, the '80s weren't so different from today!
The 1980s were a decade of quick and easy meals made with a hand from Hamburger Helper. With both parents working outside the home, a kitchen in the ’80s was more hectic than decades past! Typically, 1980s recipes had to help Mom get a meal on the table quickly or be easy enough for “latchkey kids” to cook.
I was a child in the 1980s and when I really think about it, 1980s recipes weren’t so different from today’s. To test my theory, I put on a Working Girl-inspired suit and cooked like an ’80s mom for a week. Here’s what I learned:
1. Crockpot Is the Busy Mom’s Best Friend
The original Crockpot was invented back in the 1940s, but slow cookers became increasingly popular in the ’80s. In fact, many 1980s recipes required a slow cooker. I made a pot roast in mine this week, something that I often had as a child. With the convenience of having a protein, vegetable and starch cooked while you’re at work, it’s a perfect family meal.
2. Mac and Cheese Is Sure to Please
Like the kids I knew in the 1980s, my daughter is a mac and cheese addict. When I was her age, I was all about the Kraft Mac & Cheese. Kraft introduced its boxed macaroni and cheese in 1937, but thanks to marketing and catchy ads, the blue box could be found in almost any pantry in the ’80s. (See how much a box of Kraft used to cost.) I made a box for my family this week—I forgot how delicious it is!
Buy Kraft Macaroni & Cheese for nostalgia’s sake.
3. Kids Love Microwave Meals
Though I leave frozen meals for my husband when I travel, frozen food isn’t something I typically do. But when talking to other kids of the ’80s, they all remembered coming home to watch the Afterschool Special (whatever happened to that?) and making a TV dinner in the microwave.
For dinner one night, I decided to shop in the freezer section for TV meals. Though I was less than pleased, my daughter LOVED her chicken nuggets, and they heated up very quickly. Next time I cook in the microwave, I hope it’s one of these recipes.
4. Moms Need to Make Quick Breakfasts
Like a family with two working parents in the ’80s, we’re usually in a hurry in the morning! Though I tend to favor bagels and casseroles for a quick breakfast, ’80s kids wanted cereal in the morning. I opted for oatmeal instead of the more sugary options. It’s quick, healthy and filling, too.
Like I thought, moms of the ’80s weren’t so different from moms today. We’re all hoping to put a healthy(ish) meal on the table that our family will eat, while juggling a million other things. Though we may favor Instant Pots over Crock-Pots and rely on more on takeout, we’re still making sure everyone is fed at the end of the day!
So-Tender Swiss SteakThis fork-tender Swiss steak with rich gravy was an often-requested main dish around our house when I was growing up. Mom took pride in preparing scrumptious, hearty meals like this for our family and guests. —Linda McGinty, Parma, Ohio
Grilled Chicken Ramen SaladI love this chicken ramen salad because it's a complete meal in one bowl. Everyone loves when it's on the table—that's a reaction that doesn't happen every night, so I appreciate the kudos when I get them! —Karen Carlson, Alameda, California
Bacon Cheddar Potato SkinsThese potato skins will be an absolute favorite app or side whether served at a BBQ, tailgate party, holiday dinner or as part of an everyday family meal.
Zucchini Panzanella SaladI learned how to make panzanella from my friend's grandmother. Once I discovered how to make the perfect vinaigrette, it became a dish I crave during the summer. It's also a great way to use day-old bread and your garden's bounty of zucchini. —Felicity Wolf, Kansas City, Missouri
Chocolate Kahlua CakeWho could pass on a dessert made with chocolate, coffee and Kahlua? This 1981 cake recipe is perfect for the holidays.
Spicy Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese DipThese fall-off-the-bone tender wings have just the right amount of heat, and the cool blue cheese dressing makes the perfect dip. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin
Deviled EggsHerbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Mud PieThis mud pie recipe comes together in a snap and tastes like pure decadence. From the Oreo crust to the layers of chocolate sauce and ice cream, it’s practically made for those with an aching sweet tooth.
Queso Baked NachosI modified a nachos recipe I found, and my family loves it! It is now a regular at all of our parties or any time we're craving nachos. —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
Swiss Corn CasseroleMy mom shared this recipe with me back in the '80s, and now it's a Turkey Day mainstay. We freeze locally grown corn during peak season, and I love to use it in this special side. —Wendy Young, Cordova, Maryland
Herbed Rice PilafThis savory side dish has been a family favorite for years. Our daughter Jennifer became an expert at this recipe at age 12, which was a huge help for a busy working mom like me. We really enjoy this rice dish in the summer with a grilled entree. —Jeri Dobrowski, Beach, North Dakota
Peanut Butter Kiss CookiesEveryone who tries these beloved gems is amazed that they use only five ingredients. Baking cookies doesn't get much easier than this. —Dee Davis, Sun City, Arizona
Sausage French Bread PizzaI never seem to have pizza dough on hand, but that doesn't ever stop our family from enjoying pizza. We top crusty French bread with creamy Alfredo sauce, sausage and veggies. It's great to serve at a party for children or teens. —Cherie Sweet, Evansville, Indiana
Wheely-Good Pasta SaladRed pepper pieces accent this yummy side dish, and the pasta wheels really drive the theme home. —Amber Kimmich, Powhatan, Virginia
California RollMaking your own California sushi roll is surprisingly easy. You'll need a bamboo mat, sushi rice and nori sheets to get started, and with a bit of practice, you'll be a pro in no time.
Ground Beef Taco DipRich, savory ground beef taco dip is easy to make from scratch. Our recipe with meat includes plenty of ideas for variation, from lower-fat options to extra heat. Game on!
Chocolate MousseOur favorite chocolate mousse recipe makes a light, fluffy, rich showstopper of a dessert.
Veggie Chopped SaladMy husband's aunt gave me this recipe back in the '80s, and it's been a staple at our house ever since. I like to make it a day ahead because some time in the fridge makes it even better. Be sure to save yourself some leftovers, too. —Madeline Etzkorn, Burien, Washington
French Onion SoupThis rich and comforting French onion soup recipe is surprisingly simple to make at home. And it rivals the soup you’ll find at any restaurant.
Fresh Lime MargaritasThis basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pepperoni Pizza BakeI rely on this one-dish wonder on nights my husband works late or our children have after-school activities. It's a life saver! —Catherine Yeats, Lewiston, Idaho
Apricot, Almond & Pineapple Sour Cream Coffee CakeI created this pineapple sour cream coffee cake recipe for a contest at the Los Angeles County Fair in the 1980s. My kids were very proud of me when my name was called out for first place. The coffee cake would be the perfect partner for your morning coffee or a delightful dessert with a scoop of ice cream. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Rocky Road Fudge PopsThese sweet frozen treats are simple to prepare and guaranteed to bring out the kid in anyone. The creamy pops feature a special chocolate and peanut topping.—Karen Grant, Tulare, California
Appetizer Blue Cheese LogsThree kinds of cheese and some curry powder make this cheese log a little more lively than most. Swipe it on your favorite cracker with a drizzle of honey for a sensational snack. —Ethel Johnson, North Saanich, British Columbia
Iced CoffeeWhen my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Pineapple-Ginger Chicken Stir-FryI found the original recipe for this dish on a can of pineapple slices in the 1980s. After making it for a number of years, I lightened the ingredients and adapted it to a quick skillet meal. My family gave it a big thumbs-up, and we've enjoyed it this way ever since! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Spiced Pineapple Upside-Down CakeI often bake this beautiful cake in my large cast-iron skillet and turn it out
onto a pizza pan. —Jennifer Sergesketter, Newburgh, Indiana
Cajun Shrimp SkilletThere’s plenty of sauce with these shrimp—I always have some bread on the side to soak it up. Make the dish your own by using your favorite amber beer or flavorful broth. —Mark Oppe, North Pole, Alaska
Quick and Easy TiramisuNo one can resist this classic cool and creamy dessert. It's quick to prepare, but it can be made ahead for added mealtime convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed DressingMy family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Cherry Dream CakeI serve this cherry cake for holidays because it's so festive and easy. No one will know your secret is adding a package of cherry gelatin to a boxed cake mix! —Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee
Rich Hot Fudge SauceI've made this scrumptious topping since the early 1980s. It always turns out smooth and yummy. The dark chocolate flavor, with a hint of rum extract, is not overly sweet but will still satisfy a chocoholic's cravings. —Carol Hanihan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Easy JambalayaI brought this easy jambalaya to a Sunday potluck and it was quickly gobbled up. When friends asked me for the recipe, they couldn't believe how easy it was! —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
Light & Creamy Chocolate PuddingThis pudding is exactly what its name promises—light and creamy. Because it uses soy milk, it’s a smart choice if you’re lactose intolerant. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Turkey ScallopiniQuick-cooking turkey breast slices make this recipe a winner when you only have a few minutes to fix a satisfying meal. I've also used flattened boneless skinless chicken breast halves in place of the turkey of this entree. —Karen Adams, Cleveland, Tennessee
Seven-Layer CookiesThe addition of dulce de leche makes this a decadent new take on traditional seven-layer bars. You can cut this recipe in half and make it in an 8x8-in. pan. —Andrea Barlow, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Cranberry Sweet-and-Sour PorkThis fresh take on a beloved Asian-style dish is sure to cause a stir at the dinner table. —Gert Snyder, West Montrose, Ontario
Taco Salad for a Large CrowdI made this huge taco salad to bring to a party and people were scrambling to figure out who made it. Needless to say I only brought home an empty bowl and the guests went home with a full stomach! Everyone loves this taco salad recipe. —Lisa Homer, Avon, New York
Cream Cheese Pumpkin MuffinsI first made this recipe back in 1987 and have since made it many times over the years because it's my children's favorite muffin recipe.
—Wendy Stenman
Breaded Pork ChopsThese traditional pork chops have a wonderful home-cooked flavor like the ones Mom used to make. The breading makes them crispy outside and tender and juicy inside. Why not treat your family to some breaded pork chops tonight? —Deborah Amrine, Grand Haven, Michigan
Cheesy Stuffed PeppersThis is my favorite summertime supper because I can use peppers and tomatoes fresh from my garden.—Betty DeRoad, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
French Fry CasseroleKids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just a few ingredients and little prep time. It's a win-win for all! —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
Warm Crab & Spinach DipIn Maryland, we stayed at a hotel that sent guests home with a crab dip recipe and a spice pouch. Now I’ve made my own dip that rekindles memories of that trip. —Kristina Wenner, Jamison, Pennsylvania
Pesto PinwheelsIt's not a party without a basket of pesto pinwheels. The delectable hand-held appetizer is filled with basil, Parmesan and a sprinkle of sweet peppers.
Tater Tot CasserolesGround beef, sausage, cheese, and, of course, Tater Tots make this homey casserole a crowd-pleaser. Cayenne pepper and hot Italian sausage give it an extra punch of flavor. —Ryan Jones, Chillicothe, Illinois
Grilled BroccoliI started using this grilled broccoli recipe in 1987 when I began cooking light. It's been a favorite side dish ever since. With its lemon and Parmesan flavors, it once took second place in a cooking contest. —Alice Nulle, Woodstock, Illinois
Originally Published: November 07, 2018
