8 Forgotten Holiday Dishes From the 1960s

The 1960s holiday table was an adventurous yet comforting landscape where culinary experimentation collided with the warmth of tradition. Decades later, many of these festive dishes, once centerpieces of family gatherings and neighborhood buffets, have faded from view. This article revisits eight quirky, comforting, and sometimes oddball creations that once defined the holiday experience. Their flavors, textures, and vintage flair capture midcentury American spirit, inviting a new generation to rediscover retro holiday magic.

1. Jell-O Salad

Jell-O salad stood as a quirky staple of 1960s holiday tables. These wobbly, jewel-toned creations often featured a swirl of pineapple, orange segments, carrots, and sometimes even olives or cottage cheese suspended in molded gelatin. Appearing sweet or savory depending on the mix, Jell-O salads were prized for their colorful visual appeal and playful textures. Though hard to find today, their retro charm and adventurous spirit still echo through memories of vintage family gatherings.

2. Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia salad delighted guests with its soft sweetness and pastel color. Mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, canned mandarin oranges, chunks of pineapple, and whipped topping were tossed together for a blend that was more dessert than side dish. Served chilled in bright bowls, ambrosia salad added a tropical touch and fluffy indulgence to every holiday meal. The creamy, fruity combination created comfort and fun for festive crowds in the 1960s, a tradition now mostly reserved for potluck events.

3. Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole became a household favorite for holiday tables by marrying canned green beans with cream of mushroom soup and topping everything with crispy fried onions. The dish was warm, hearty, and easy to assemble, offering savory comfort and a satisfying crunch. Appearing on Thanksgiving and Christmas menus throughout the decade, it’s remembered as a classic bite of midcentury American cooking, even though fresher vegetable sides have since gained favor.

4. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple upside-down cake won hearts and became a showstopper at parties with its sweet brown sugar glaze, vibrant pineapple rings, and maraschino cherries arranged atop buttery cake. Baking then flipping the cake revealed a gleaming, caramelized top that added flair to dessert spreads. Each slice offered a cheerful burst of fruit and sweetness that captured the mood of 1960s holiday celebrations. Today, its retro charm lingers whenever a slice makes a rare appearance.

5. Chicken à la King

Chicken à la King gave dinners a touch of comfort and elegance during the 1960s. Tender chicken, mushrooms, and diced peppers simmered in a thick white sauce, sometimes accented with sherry, then served over toast, rice, or puff pastry shells. It was a dish made for both convenience and occasion, often using leftovers or canned goods. Warm and creamy, Chicken à la King became a familiar sight at family gatherings and festive buffets, though now it mostly appears in retro recipe books.

6. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs brought bite-sized joy to buffets and gatherings. Hard-boiled egg halves were filled with a whipped mixture of yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, and relish, then dusted with paprika for color. They were beloved for their creamy, tangy filling, packed neatly into each egg white. Multiple variations of flavors kept them interesting, but the classic version was a reliable favorite at holiday tables through the decade. Today, they remain a nostalgic treat for party hosts and guests alike.

7. Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff introduced a hint of sophistication to the dinner table. Tender strips of beef and mushrooms were simmered with onions in a rich, tangy sour cream sauce, then poured over egg noodles for a cozy meal. Ideal for cool-weather holidays, stroganoff was beloved for its warming flavors and the ease of serving to large groups. Though lighter and quicker dishes have replaced it on most modern menus, beef stroganoff is remembered as a comforting classic from the 1960s.

8. Baked Alaska

Baked Alaska dazzled with layers of sponge cake, ice cream, and billowy meringue toasted until golden and crisp. This dessert was a spectacle and a delight, uniting warmth and chill in every slice. Its showy presentation made it a festive highlight at holiday celebrations, marking the end of meals with style and surprise. Preparing Baked Alaska was a labor of love, so its presence at parties always signaled a special occasion and created lasting memories for all involved.