Additional Coverage:
- 15 Meals Middle-Class Moms Cooked in the ’80s (blog.cheapism.com)
Flashback to the ’80s: Middle-Class Mom’s Kitchen Classics
The 1980s conjures images of Wall Street excess and bold fashion choices. But for the average American family, dinnertime was a more grounded affair.
Convenience and comfort food reigned supreme, punctuated by the occasional foray into “exotic” flavors. Let’s take a peek into the kitchens of big-haired, shoulder-padded moms across the nation and rediscover the iconic dishes they whipped up.
Sloppy Joes: This wasn’t just school cafeteria fare; Sloppy Joes were a frequent guest at the family dinner table. Canned Manwich, the quintessential Sloppy Joe starter kit, hit its stride in the ’80s, offering a quick, budget-friendly, and satisfying meal.
Shake ‘N Bake Pork Chops: Forget messy oil splatters! Shake ‘N Bake revolutionized breaded pork chops (and chicken, or even fish for adventurous palates). Marketed as a healthier alternative to frying, it aligned perfectly with the fitness craze sweeping the nation.
Salisbury Steak: The microwave was the ultimate kitchen gadget, and frozen meals were its loyal subjects. Salisbury steak, a savory beef patty, part burger, part meatloaf, smothered in gravy and often paired with mashed potatoes, was a freezer aisle staple. It later found its way onto school lunch trays, but its star has since faded.
7-Layer Dip: The ’80s loved layers, and 7-layer dip was the undisputed champion. Tex-Mex cuisine (or just “Mexican food,” as it was commonly known) was gaining popularity, and this dip combined all the favorites: guacamole, refried beans, sour cream, fresh veggies, cheese, and the increasingly ubiquitous salsa.
Jell-O Poke Cake: This was the era of the poke cake, a Jell-O masterpiece. A simple box cake, poked with holes and infused with liquid Jell-O, created a vibrant, sweet treat.
French Bread Pizza: Pizza on a loaf of French bread? Pure genius!
This ’80s innovation offered a fun, easy alternative to homemade pizza dough. Crunchy crust, slightly soggy bread, and ample cheese and pepperoni made for a satisfying meal.
Even the frozen, microwavable versions were a hit.
Beef Stroganoff: While some might insist on steak, resourceful moms knew ground beef was the secret to a delicious, budget-friendly stroganoff. Hamburger Helper was a go-to, but some opted for a homemade version featuring canned cream of mushroom soup.
Penne with Vodka Sauce: On the opposite end of the ’80s noodle spectrum was penne with vodka sauce. This elegant dish, a mainstay on Italian restaurant menus, was surprisingly easy and affordable to replicate at home.
Monkey Bread: Even presidential preferences influenced the decade’s culinary landscape. Monkey bread, a favorite of President Reagan, became a household name. Moms embraced shortcuts like canned biscuit dough to create this sweet, buttery, cinnamon-laden treat.
Onion Dip: Dips were big in the ’80s, and onion dip was the epitome of simplicity and flavor. A packet of French onion soup mix and sour cream, paired with potato chips, was all it took.
Spinach Dip: No ’80s party was complete without a sourdough bread bowl overflowing with spinach dip. This iconic recipe, often found on the back of Knorr vegetable soup mix packages, was a crowd-pleaser, whether enjoyed with bread or crudités.
Tacos: The American love affair with ground beef tacos, served in hard shells, began in earnest during the ’80s. A customizable, family-friendly meal, taco night was a cherished weekly ritual.
Mud Pie: Chocolate lovers rejoiced in the rise of mud pie. This decadent dessert, often featuring coffee, crushed Oreos, and Cool Whip, was an easy and affordable treat for moms to make.
Anything with Sundried Tomatoes: Sundried tomatoes were the “it” ingredient of the ’80s, adding a touch of sophistication to any dish. Every mom had a jar on hand for special occasions, often paired with pine nuts for extra flair.
Poppy Seed Dressing: This enigmatic dressing, a ubiquitous presence on salads, slaws, and potato salads, was defined by its tiny black seeds. Whether creamy or vinaigrette-based, homemade or store-bought, its appeal remains a mystery.
Read More About This Story:
- 15 Meals Middle-Class Moms Cooked in the ’80s (blog.cheapism.com)