8 Classic Holiday Dishes We’d Love to See on the Table Again

The holidays have a way of bringing old favorites back to the table. Some dishes have been holiday staples for generations, while others may have faded from the menu but still bring back memories of family gatherings and celebrations. From colorful molded salads to classic desserts and retro appetizers, these eight recipes offer a nostalgic look at dishes that are still worth making today.

Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia salad has been a familiar fixture at holiday gatherings for generations, combining canned or fresh fruit with coconut, marshmallows, and a creamy dressing. Its sweet flavor and fluffy texture make it feel more like a dessert than a traditional salad, which is part of its nostalgic appeal. For a fresher version, use well-drained mandarin oranges and pineapple along with fresh orange segments. A little freshly squeezed orange juice can also brighten the mixture without making it overly sweet.

Jell-O Mold

Few dishes capture the look of vintage entertaining quite like a colorful Jell-O mold. Depending on the recipe, gelatin can be layered with fruit, vegetables, cream cheese, whipped topping, or other ingredients to create a dish that doubles as a centerpiece. Modern versions can be much simpler, using fresh or canned fruit and a lightly sweetened gelatin mixture. If you’re serving one for the holidays, choose complementary flavors and give it plenty of time to fully set before unmolding.

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole remains one of the most recognizable holiday side dishes, thanks to its combination of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions. The original version became popular in American home kitchens in the mid-20th century and continues to appear on Thanksgiving and Christmas tables. You can make it with canned, frozen, or fresh green beans depending on the texture you prefer. Fresh or frozen beans tend to provide a little more bite, while canned beans offer the soft texture associated with the classic casserole.

Classic Meatloaf with Holiday Glaze

Meatloaf may not be reserved exclusively for the holidays, but its nostalgic, home-cooked appeal makes it a welcome addition to a casual holiday meal. A traditional loaf made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings can be finished with a tangy tomato-based glaze before baking. For a seasonal variation, cranberry sauce can be combined with ketchup or barbecue sauce to create a sweet-tart glaze. It’s also a practical choice for a smaller gathering when a large holiday roast isn’t necessary.

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad dates back to the late 19th century and remains recognizable for its combination of apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a creamy dressing. The crisp fruit and celery provide a refreshing contrast to richer holiday dishes, making it a useful addition to a heavy holiday menu. Traditional versions generally use mayonnaise, although plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for some or all of it. For the best texture, prepare the salad close to serving time and keep it chilled.

Baked Alaska

Baked Alaska is one of those desserts that turns a few familiar ingredients into an impressive centerpiece. It traditionally combines a layer of sponge cake with ice cream and a thick coating of meringue, which is browned briefly in the oven. The meringue acts as insulation, helping protect the ice cream from melting immediately during baking. Individual versions can make the dessert easier to serve, but a full-size Baked Alaska creates the kind of dramatic presentation that suits a holiday celebration.

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail became a symbol of classic American entertaining and remains one of the easiest retro appetizers to bring back to a holiday spread. Chilled cooked shrimp are traditionally served with a tangy cocktail sauce, often made with ketchup or chili sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, and seasonings. Much of the appeal is that it can be prepared ahead of time and requires little last-minute cooking. For a polished presentation, arrange the shrimp around a bowl of sauce or serve individual portions in small glasses.

Fruitcake (Yes, Really!)

Fruitcake has a much longer holiday history than its modern reputation might suggest. Traditional versions combine dried or candied fruit, nuts, and spices in a dense cake, with some recipes calling for the fruit to be soaked before baking. For a more approachable version, use a mixture of dried cherries, cranberries, raisins, dates, or apricots along with toasted nuts. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, fruit juice or strong tea can be used to soften dried fruit before adding it to the batter.

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