If you’re a boomer, we bet you ate some of these 23 foods growing up

If you’re a Baby Boomer, these foods probably bring back memories of everything from weeknight dinners to holidays and family celebrations.

Many of them are still enjoyed today, and you might even keep a few in your own regular rotation. While generations before and after might have enjoyed these foods too, for Baby Boomers, these are some foods many remember from their childhood and younger years.

If you were born between 1946 and 1964, which ones were your favorites growing up? Do you still enjoy them today? Even if you’re not a boomer, share which ones you’ve tried. Keep the discussion going in the comments.

1. Chipped Beef on Toast

If you grew up in the Baby Boomer era, chances are you remember this dish being called “SOS.” Creamy white gravy with salty dried beef over toast was a no-frills meal that stretched inexpensive ingredients.

This dish was first served in the military, where it was a simple but filling staple.

2. Scotcharoos

Many boomers remember Scotcharoos at school functions, church bake sales, family parties, or just as a treat to enjoy at home. Made with cereal, peanut butter, butterscotch chips, and chocolate, they were quick for moms to whip up.

3. Swiss Steak

Slow-simmered beef cooked in tomato gravy was the definition of hearty comfort food. It often relied on cheaper cuts of meat that became tender after hours of cooking.

4. Classic Casseroles

Casseroles were always on the table, from Chicken Divan and tuna noodle to green bean casserole and tater tot casserole. Every family had their favorites, and some moms didn’t even follow a recipe, making up their own variations instead.

If you grew up as a boomer kid, you can probably still close your eyes and remember the smell of one baking in the oven.

5. Three-Bean Salad

This tangy salad made with beans and a sweet vinegar dressing was a picnic and potluck regular. Canned beans made it inexpensive and easy to prepare in big batches.

6. Liver & Onions

Many kids turned up their noses, but liver with sautéed onions was a budget-friendly dinner that stretched a paycheck. If you grew up in the boomer era, you probably remember it being served often because it was one of the cheaper cuts of meat.

7. Strawberry Pretzel Salad

If you grew up in the Baby Boomer era, you probably remember this strawberry pretzel dessert showing up at get-togethers.

The buttery pretzel crust, combined with the strawberry Jell-O, creamy filling, and strawberries, made it a crowd favorite then, and it still is today.

8. Pimento Cheese

Made with cheddar, mayo, and chopped pimentos, this spread was especially loved in the South but found fans everywhere. It was inexpensive, versatile, and worked just as well in a sandwich as it did with crackers.

9. Meatloaf

A loaf of ground beef glazed with ketchup or tomato sauce was about as classic as dinner could get.

Families often stretched the meat with breadcrumbs or oats, making it a thrifty way to serve everyone. Served with a side of mashed potatoes, it made a hearty, filling dinner.

10. Deviled Eggs

No holiday table or family cookout felt complete without a plate of deviled eggs. They were affordable to make in bulk and used staples like mustard and mayo.

11. German Chocolate Cake

This rich cake layered with coconut-pecan frosting was one of the most memorable desserts of the era.

It was often baked for birthdays and celebrations, and ingredients like boxed cake mix made it budget-friendly. It’s still a favorite after all these years because it’s that tasty.

12. Sloppy Joes

Ground beef simmered in a tangy sauce and piled onto buns made for a quick, inexpensive dinner. It was messy to eat, but it was a weeknight favorite in many households.

13. Canned Meat

Pantries were often filled with budget-friendly canned meat like Vienna sausages, chipped beef, Spam, corned beef, sardines, and canned tuna.

Some Baby Boomers grew up eating fried Spam with eggs, Vienna sausages straight from the can, sardines with crackers, or having a plate of chipped beef on toast.

14. Cheese Balls

Cheese balls were a staple appetizer at holiday parties and gatherings. They were inexpensive to make and always a hit with everyone.

15. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This delicious cake with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries always looked impressive on the table. Canned fruit made it easy to put together without spending a lot.

16. Bologna Sandwiches

White bread stacked with a slice of bologna and sometimes a piece of cheese was a common lunch. It was cheap, quick to make, and filled plenty of lunchboxes. Many boomers enjoyed fried bologna sandwiches, too.

17. Potato Salad

This creamy potato salad was a must at every picnic and potluck. It’s still a favorite dish that everyone loves now as well.

18. Frozen TV Dinners

If you’re a boomer, eating a frozen TV dinner while watching your favorite show felt like a treat. Salisbury steak, turkey with gravy, or fried chicken in those divided trays were budget-friendly compared to eating out.

Many say TV dinners were way better back in the day than they are today. If you had them back then, do you agree?

19. American Goulash

This dish of macaroni tossed with ground beef, tomatoes, and seasonings stretched ingredients to feed a whole family. It was affordable, filling, and came together with pantry basics.

20. Jell-O 1-2-3

If you grew up in the baby boomer era, you probably remember the magic of Jell-O 1-2-3 separating into three layers as it chilled. It has long been discontinued, but it’s still one of those desserts boomers recall fondly from childhood.

(By the way, we know this image looks a little different from the original Jell-O 1-2-3 you may have grown up with. If you want a blast from the past, just Google it to see the original Jell-O box.)

21. Homemade Stews (Or Canned)

Nothing beats the comfort of a pot of stew simmering on the stove all afternoon. But when money or time was tight, canned stews like Dinty Moore were a practical backup.

22. Scalloped and Au Gratin Potatoes

These creamy, cheesy potato dishes were Sunday dinner staples and showed up often. They used inexpensive potatoes and basic ingredients to make a rich, satisfying side.

23. Peanut Butter Blossoms

These soft peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolate kiss were a beloved treat. If you’re a boomer, you probably remember them appearing on Christmas cookie trays. It’s one of those timeless recipes that never went out of style.

Let us know in the comments which of these foods you’ve tried. If you’re a boomer, did we miss any that were staples in your childhood? We’d love to hear the ones you remember most from growing up!