17 Old School Recipes I Rely on for Cozy Familiar Flavors

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Old school recipes have a way of making us slow down and savor the comfort of the classics. This list of 17 old school favorites brings together creamy mains, timeless bakes, and desserts that never fade from memory. Think Salisbury steak and chicken stroganoff for cozy dinners, creamy baked mac and cheese and smothered chicken for ultimate comfort, plus showstoppers like beef Wellington and coq au vin. And for dessert? Cheesecake, Boston cream pie cake, carrot cake, and even flaming cherries jubilee. These recipes prove old school never goes out of style.

Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake

A cheesecake topped with glossy strawberry sauce and fresh strawberries, surrounded by piped swirls of whipped cream, sits on a white surface—perfect inspiration for your next Dessert Recipes adventure. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving a rich, creamy dessert that screams summer? My strawberry cheesecake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Bursting with fresh strawberries and effortless to create, this indulgent treat will leave your guests raving and coming back for seconds. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

Get The Recipe: Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake

Bacon and Cheese Quiche with Buttery Crust

A baked quiche with a golden crust sits on a wooden board, perfect for a Mother’s Day Brunch. One slice is cut and slightly pulled out. The quiche is topped with chopped chives, and a small bowl of chives is nearby. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This bacon and cheese quiche is a flavor-packed masterpiece—rich, creamy, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting brunch, grabbing a quick lunch, or enjoying a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress!

Get The Recipe: Bacon and Cheese Quiche with Buttery Crust

Salisbury Steak

Delight your family with this amazing Salisbury Steak recipe, ready in just 30 minutes! Transform your weeknights into a delicious culinary experience that everyone will love!

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Flaming Cherries Jubilee

A close-up of cherries simmering in a sauce with visible orange flames, this vibrant scene captures a festive flambé—perfect for adding flair to your Memorial Day Recipes. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Cherries Jubilee is the ultimate dessert showstopper—a warm, syrupy mix of boozy cherries bursting with deep, fruity flavor and rich caramel sweetness. Flamed to perfection for a touch of drama and served over creamy vanilla ice cream, it’s a bold, unforgettable treat that’s as exciting as it is delicious!

Get The Recipe: Flaming Cherries Jubilee

Buttermilk Waffles

A close-up of two stacked golden waffles topped with a pat of melting butter and drizzled with maple syrup. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Fluffy, golden buttermilk waffles with crispy edges and a touch of vanilla—just what you need to start your day or make brunch feel like a treat!

Get The Recipe: Buttermilk Waffles

Easy Stovetop Glazed Carrots

Close-up of sliced cooked carrots garnished with chopped herbs. A spoon drizzles a light sauce over the carrots, adding a glossy finish. The dish is displayed on a white plate. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

These stovetop glazed carrots are a flavor-packed delight—richly buttery, perfectly sweet, and balanced with a tangy splash of vinegar. Each tender bite glistens with a caramelized glaze, topped off with a vibrant sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Get The Recipe: Easy Stovetop Glazed Carrots

Boston Cream Pie Cake

A close up of a vanilla cake filled with custard and covered in chocolate glaze. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Boston Cream Pie Cake is a delicious reminder of everything we love about American desserts. Moist cake layers are filled with a creamy vanilla center and finished with a decadent chocolate glaze. It’s a nostalgic treat that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

Get The Recipe: Boston Cream Pie Cake

Chicken Stroganoff

Try this simple Chicken Stroganoff recipe, featuring tender chicken bathed in a delightful sour cream sauce—ready in a mere 30 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Stroganoff

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Treat yourself to the ultimate carrot cake experience! This moist, perfectly spiced cake is topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Simple to make, irresistibly sweet, and guaranteed to wow any crowd!

Get The Recipe: Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Coq Au Vin

Close-up of a plate featuring a crispy roasted chicken drumstick on a bed of thick stew with carrots, mushrooms, and onions, garnished with herbs. This family favorite is served over creamy mashed potatoes—one of those incredible recipes you'll want to make again. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Coq Au Vin may sound fancy, but don’t let that intimidate you! This classic French dish is surprisingly simple to make and totally worth it—not just for the delicious flavors, but for the bragging rights you’ll earn at the dinner table!

Get The Recipe: Coq Au Vin

Chocolate Mousse

Indulge in pure chocolate bliss with this irresistible, creamy mousse! Rich, velvety bittersweet chocolate meets airy, cloud-like whipped cream to create a perfectly balanced treat that melts in your mouth and keeps you coming back for more. Go ahead—treat yourself!

Get The Recipe: Chocolate Mousse

Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a classic Italian dish. This authentic and flavorful recipe provides a hearty, comforting meal sure to be loved by all.

Get The Recipe: Pasta Fagioli

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

A moist chocolate bundt cake with chocolate frosting on a plate. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Don’t let the name fool you – this Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is full of rich chocolate flavor! It’s also the most moist cake we’ve ever made, which is why it remains a fan favorite!

Get The Recipe: Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Smothered Chicken

This smothered chicken recipe is super easy to make, whether you use the stove or a slow cooker. It’s all about those tender chicken thighs swimming in a tasty gravy that’s just right for comfort food lovers!

Get The Recipe: Smothered Chicken

Beef Wellington

Unlock the secrets to the perfect Beef Wellington with this easy-to-follow recipe! Impress your guests with a dish that’s as elegant as it is delicious—perfect for any occasion and way simpler than you’d imagine!

Get The Recipe: Beef Wellington