Breakfast: the most important meal of the day—or at least the weirdest, if you rewind a few decades.
From jiggly gelatin molds to ham-wrapped bananas (yes, really), the retro breakfast scene was a kaleidoscope of bold choices and questionable flavor experiments. Some dishes were ahead of their time.
Others… well, let’s just say they belong in a museum—preferably behind glass. But here’s the thing: nostalgia is a powerful spice. Even the oddest meals carry a kind of charm that makes us wonder if we’re missing out on a culinary treasure—or dodging a bullet wrapped in bacon and regret.
So, let’s take a time-traveling trip back to the breakfast tables of the ‘50s through the ‘80s. We’re dusting off the cookbooks, unearthing the icons, and deciding once and for all which retro breakfast dishes should stay buried—and which deserve a modern-day comeback.
1. Ham and Banana Hollandaise
Imagine waking up to the curious combination of ham and bananas smothered in hollandaise sauce. This oddball dish from the 1960s is as perplexing as it sounds. It wrapped ripe bananas in salty ham before drenching them in creamy hollandaise, then baking the whole ensemble until golden.
The contrast of sweet fruit, savory meat, and rich sauce might intrigue the adventurous eater, yet it often left taste buds bewildered. While innovative in its time, this breakfast concoction is one that most would prefer to forget.
Stories of its creation vary, but it often appeared at brunches where hosts aimed to impress with avant-garde offerings. Today, however, we thankfully have more refined options that don’t involve such a bewildering trio.
2. Gelatin Breakfast Molds
In the era of Jell-O fascination, breakfast saw its fair share of gelatinous creations. Gelatin molds filled with fruit, cereal, or even bits of sausage were a curious sight on many tables. These wobbly wonders often left diners questioning the logic behind suspending breakfast staples in a dessert-like form.
The aesthetic appeal of a perfectly formed gel mold couldn’t save these creations from their textural oddity. They may have been easy to serve and visually engaging, but they were far from a culinary delight.
While a nostalgic nod to the creativity of past generations, gelatin breakfast molds are best remembered as a quirky chapter in breakfast history, not as a dish to resurrect for the modern palate.
3. Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
Known by many as “S.O.S,” this savory dish was a staple during WWII, often served to soldiers. Spread over toast, the salty, creamy concoction of chipped beef and gravy was hearty enough to fuel troops in trying times.
While it filled bellies, its appearance and texture left much to be desired. The salty beef combined with thick, gloopy gravy atop crispy toast was less about flavor and more about sustenance.
For those who grew up with it, creamed chipped beef may evoke a sense of nostalgia, yet the dish itself isn’t one most wish to bring back. Modern palates often seek fresher, more vibrant flavors to start the day.
4. Tang-Flavored Pancakes
The 1970s saw the rise of Tang, the powdered drink mix, as a breakfast staple. Not content with just sipping it, adventurous cooks began adding it to pancake batter. The result? Bright orange pancakes with a citrusy zing.
While innovative and certainly vibrant, the Tang-infused pancakes offered a peculiar twist to a classic breakfast dish. The artificial orange flavor wasn’t for everyone, making it more of a novelty than a beloved breakfast option.
For those who remember these pancakes fondly, it might be more about the fun of experimentation than the actual taste. Today, we can enjoy both pancakes and orange juice, separately, in their full glory.
5. Hot Dr. Pepper
In the 1960s, Dr. Pepper enthusiasts discovered a unique way to enjoy their favorite soda—hot. By heating Dr. Pepper and adding a lemon slice, they transformed the fizzy drink into a warm, sweet morning beverage.
While the idea of hot soda might sound appealing to some, it left many longing for the crisp, chilled version of the classic drink. The experience of sipping hot, sugary soda in the morning was a trend that quickly fizzled out.
Though it made a memorable impression, hot Dr. Pepper remains a quirky footnote in breakfast history, better suited for curious taste testers than regular breakfast drinkers.
6. Breakfast Liver and Onions
A breakfast choice that puzzled many, liver and onions made its way to morning tables in certain households. The robust, metallic flavor of liver paired with sweet sautéed onions was an acquired taste, to say the least.
While nutritious, this dish was more about practicality and use of ingredients than universal appeal. For those who grew up with it, liver and onions might evoke memories of family breakfasts, aromatic and hearty.
However, with today’s diverse breakfast options, it’s a dish best left as a childhood memory rather than a menu staple. Most would agree that there are more enticing ways to start the day.
7. Bacon-Wrapped Prunes
Bacon-wrapped prunes were a fixture at 1950s breakfast buffets. The allure of bacon could hardly save the chewy, shriveled texture of warmed-up prunes, which left many questioning this odd pairing.
The idea of combining sweet and salty was appealing in theory, but in practice, the textural contrast was jarring. Prunes, while nutritious, didn’t offer the burst of flavor expected alongside crispy bacon.
Though a creative attempt at elevating breakfast offerings, bacon-wrapped prunes are a dish many are content to remember rather than revitalize. Bacon’s versatile charm finds better partners in today’s breakfast repertoire.
1. Dutch Baby Pancakes
Dutch Baby Pancakes are a delightful fusion of crepe and popover, making for an impressive breakfast treat. These puffed oven pancakes look like an artist’s creation, emerging from the oven golden and airy.
With a simple sprinkle of powdered sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice, they transform into a breakfast delight that satisfies both the eyes and taste buds. Their soft, custard-like interior complements the crispy edges perfectly.
Easily customizable, Dutch Babies can be paired with fruits, syrups, or savory toppings, making them a versatile addition to any breakfast table. They deserve a comeback, bringing elegance to modern mornings.
2. Shirred Eggs
Elegance meets simplicity with shirred eggs, a dish that elevates breakfast with minimal effort. Baked in small ramekins with cream, cheese, and sometimes fresh herbs, shirred eggs offer a luxurious start to the day.
The gentle baking process results in tender eggs with a velvety texture, complemented by rich, melty cheese and aromatic herbs. They are perfect for leisurely weekend breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Their timeless elegance and practicality make shirred eggs a worthy candidate for revival. Picture a slow morning, coffee in hand, and these delightful eggs gracing your table with their understated charm.
3. Cornmeal Mush
Cornmeal Mush, reminiscent of fried polenta, is a Depression-era breakfast that provided comfort and sustenance. Sliced, fried until golden, and drizzled with syrup or honey, it offers a hearty start to the day.
Its humble origins don’t take away from its satisfying texture and flavor. The crispy exterior gives way to a warm, creamy interior, creating a delightful contrast with each bite.
In today’s world of gourmet breakfasts, cornmeal mush stands out with its simplicity and charm. It’s a dish that not only fills the stomach but warms the heart, deserving a place at our modern tables.
4. Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping
There’s something undeniably comforting about coffee cake with a crumb topping. This classic breakfast treat combines buttery cake with a sweet, crunchy cinnamon-sugar layer on top.
Served slightly warm, it’s the perfect companion to your morning coffee, evoking feelings of nostalgia with every bite. The aromatic blend of cinnamon and sugar transports you to cozy gatherings and leisurely mornings.
As a versatile breakfast option, coffee cake can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with fruits and nuts. Its timeless appeal makes it a beloved choice that should never go out of style.
5. Wheat Germ Pancakes
Wheat Germ Pancakes bring a taste of the ’70s to modern breakfast tables. These hearty pancakes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the addition of wheat germ.
The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of wheat germ adds depth to the pancakes, which pair beautifully with butter and maple syrup. For those seeking a wholesome breakfast, these pancakes offer satisfaction and sustenance.
Reviving this retro dish means embracing a nutritious start to the day without sacrificing flavor. Wheat germ pancakes are a testament to the idea that healthy eating and indulging in comfort food are not mutually exclusive.
6. Grapefruit Broiled with Brown Sugar
Grapefruit broiled with brown sugar was once the epitome of breakfast glamour. The broiling process caramelizes the sugar, enhancing the grapefruit’s tart-sweet balance and adding a touch of sophistication.
Topped with a cherry, this dish presents a visually striking and flavorful addition to any breakfast spread. It’s a refreshing departure from typical morning fare, offering a burst of citrusy goodness.
For those who appreciate a blend of sweet and tart flavors, broiled grapefruit provides a delightful retro twist. This elegant dish is ready for a comeback, adding a hint of mid-century charm to modern breakfasts.
7. Savory Oatmeal
Before fruit and honey took over, oatmeal had a savory side. Cooking oats with butter, salt, and sometimes a soft egg or cheese, savory oatmeal offers a comforting and satisfying start to the day.
The creamy texture of oats pairs wonderfully with the richness of butter and the umami of cheese or eggs. Each spoonful provides warmth and flavor, reminiscent of cozy breakfasts from the past.
As a versatile base, savory oatmeal can be customized with various toppings, from herbs to vegetables. It’s a dish worth reviving, reminding us that oats aren’t just for sweet mornings.
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