9 Meals Boomers Can’t Resist Recommending

Boomers always seem to have a meal or two they swear by—recipes they’re convinced everyone needs to try. And honestly, there’s a reason these dishes keep coming up. They’re the meals they grew up on, the ones that got served at family dinners or brought to every potluck.

If you’ve ever had someone tell you, “You haven’t lived until you’ve tried my tuna casserole,” you know exactly what I mean. These are the meals they recommend, and deep down, they just want you to like them as much as they do.

Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia salad was a sweet staple that showed up at just about every family gathering. Boomers loved it because it felt fancy but wasn’t complicated to make. With mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, marshmallows, and shredded coconut all tossed in a creamy mix of sour cream or whipped topping, it was equal parts dessert and side dish.

What made it special was the tradition behind it. Everyone’s grandma had a recipe, and every family had their spin—maybe some cherries or a sprinkle of pecans.

Egg Salad

Egg salad is the definition of simple comfort food. Boomers grew up eating it in sandwiches, on crackers, or even just straight out of the bowl with a spoon. It’s made with pantry staples—boiled eggs, mayo, mustard, and a little salt and pepper—and somehow always manages to taste like home.

Every family had their little tricks. Some mixed in pickles or celery for crunch, while others added paprika or a dash of hot sauce for flavor. It was practical, filling, and perfect for a quick lunch or an easy picnic spread.

Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

Pimento cheese sandwiches are a Southern classic that Boomers can’t help but recommend. Creamy, tangy, and packed with just the right amount of kick, this spread was a picnic basket favorite. For many, it’s tied to memories of summer afternoons, family reunions, and church potlucks. The best part? It didn’t take much—just white bread, pimento cheese, and maybe some pickles on the side.

While it’s simple, it’s far from boring. The recipe could change depending on who made it—maybe a touch more mayo, a splash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne for spice.

Spam

Spam has a way of making people either smile or scrunch up their noses, but Boomers grew up finding ways to make it work. It was affordable, lasted forever in the pantry, and could turn into breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Sliced and fried, it showed up in sandwiches or alongside eggs. Diced, it found its way into casseroles or even pasta dishes.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple upside-down cake is a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. For Boomers, this was the ultimate showstopper at family gatherings. Sweet pineapple rings caramelized with butter and brown sugar made the perfect topping for a fluffy yellow cake. Plus, it had maraschino cherries to make it feel extra special.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are the potluck MVP, and Boomers knew it. With a creamy, tangy filling and just the right sprinkle of paprika, they were always the first thing to disappear off the buffet table. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy without requiring much effort—a little mayo, some mustard, and a bit of seasoning, and you’re good to go.

What makes deviled eggs special is their versatility. Some added relish, others went heavy on the mustard, and a few even got creative with bacon or hot sauce. No matter how they were made, they were always a crowd-pleaser.

Meatloaf

Meatloaf is one of those meals that feels like home. It’s the kind of dinner Boomers grew up eating on weeknights, probably with mashed potatoes and green beans on the side. The recipes varied from family to family—maybe your mom added ketchup, while your neighbor’s went heavy on the Worcestershire sauce—but it always hit the spot.

Jell-O Salad

Jell-O salad is one of those dishes that makes you pause for a second and say, “Wait, people really ate that?” But for Boomers, it’s not a joke—it’s a favorite from family reunions, church potlucks, and holiday dinners. These wiggly, colorful creations were packed with canned fruit, marshmallows, or even cottage cheese, and no one batted an eye.

Lime Jell-O with pineapple chunks or strawberry with a Cool Whip topping? Pure childhood.

Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole was the definition of easy comfort food. Boomers remember it being whipped up in minutes with just a can of tuna, cream of mushroom soup, some noodles, and maybe a crunchy topping like crushed chips or breadcrumbs. It was a cheap, no-fuss dinner that filled everyone up.