Remember These 15 Foods From 1970s Potlucks?

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15 Potluck Dishes Everyone Brought to the Party in the 1970s (cheapism.com)

Throwback Feast: Revisiting the Grooviest Potluck Dishes of the 1970s!

Ah, the 1970s! A time when leisure suits were chic, disco was king, and the humble potluck reigned supreme.

Neighborhood gatherings, church socials, and backyard barbecues were incomplete without a spread of dishes that often featured a surprising amount of canned soup, jiggly Jell-O, and convenient cake mixes. While some of these culinary creations have certainly stood the test of time, others… well, let’s just say they offer a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of taste.

Get ready for a trip down memory lane as we dish out some of the most iconic potluck recipes from the ’70s!

Cheese Balls: The O.G. Party Starter

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Is it just us, or are cheese balls due for a triumphant return? These glorious, cream cheese-laden spheres, often sporting a crunchy pecan coat and bursting with sharp cheddar, were the undisputed champions of ’70s party tables.

And let’s not forget the mandatory halo of assorted crackers! While most were delightfully savory, some adventurous souls (looking at you, Great-Aunt Betty, with your crushed pineapple rendition) took them to a whole new level of… unique.

Jell-O Salad: The Deceptively Delicious Dessert

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Don’t let the “salad” in the name fool you – Jell-O salad was, and always will be, a dessert. In the ’70s, this meant a vibrant, molded masterpiece, often suspending an array of fruits, creamy additions like cottage cheese, and even the occasional marshmallow. Every slice was a delightful, jiggly surprise!

Deviled Eggs: A Timeless Classic

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Some things never go out of style, and deviled eggs are definitely one of them. This retro party staple, a simple yet satisfying blend of mashed yolks, mayo, and mustard, always got that finishing touch of paprika for a pop of color. And admit it, you weren’t a true ’70s potluck aficionado unless you had a dedicated deviled egg tray!

7-Layer Salad: The Architectural Wonder

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Just like the deviled egg tray, a clear glass bowl for 7-layer salad was a household essential back in the day (extra points if it was a fancy pedestal number!). While you could personalize your layers, the core ingredients almost always included crisp iceberg lettuce, frozen peas, crispy bacon, a generous sprinkle of cheese, and that iconic, thick layer of sweetened mayonnaise dressing.

Devils on Horseback: A Sweet and Savory Intrigue

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Despite the slightly ominous name, “Devils on Horseback” were anything but scary. These delightful little morsels featured dates, often stuffed with almonds or blue cheese, then wrapped in bacon and glazed with a sweet and savory sauce. They were a hit at every ’70s gathering!

Grape Jelly Meatballs: The Effortless Crowd-Pleaser

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Talk about easy peasy! Grape jelly meatballs were a potluck MVP for a reason. With just three ingredients – grape jelly, ketchup or chili sauce, and frozen meatballs – they created an irresistible sweet and tangy bite that always disappeared first.

Harvey Wallbanger Cake: A Spirited Sweet Treat

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Named after the popular ’70s cocktail, the Harvey Wallbanger cake brought all those zesty, boozy flavors to bundt cake form. Orange was the star, and naturally, it all started with a convenient boxed cake mix.

Swedish Meatballs: Not Just for Furniture Stores

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Long before Ikea’s cafeteria, Swedish meatballs were a potluck sensation in the ’70s. Perfectly suited for slow cookers and served with a side of toothpicks, their distinct flavor came from a generous dash of allspice and nutmeg.

Black Forest Cake: The Elegant “Gateau”

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While Black Forest cake has a longer history, the ’70s saw it achieve peak popularity, often referred to as “gateau” (fancy!). This chocolate layer cake, brimming with cherries and swathed in whipped frosting, was a surefire hit at any neighborhood gathering.

Tuna Noodle Casserole: The Hearty Pantry Staple

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Casseroles weren’t just for weeknight dinners in the ’70s; they were potluck mainstays! The divisive but undeniably popular tuna noodle casserole was cheap, hearty, and a brilliant way to use up pantry odds and ends. A can of Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup was, of course, non-negotiable.

Mississippi Mud Pie: A Chocolate Lover’s Dream

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Many variations of Mississippi mud pie exist, but in the ’70s, it meant a glorious chocolate-on-chocolate layered creation, often featuring pecans, whipped cream, and a hint of coffee. Shortcut ingredients like Jell-O pudding and Cool Whip helped achieve those impressive, “ooh-and-aah”-worthy layers.

Seafood Pasta Salad: An Elevated Macaroni Moment

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Whether with imitation crab or tiny shrimp (nothing too fancy!), seafood pasta salad was an easy potluck winner. It was a step up from basic macaroni salad, especially when you busted out that jar of dried dill.

Watergate Salad: A Scandalously Delicious Green Fluff

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Born from Kraft’s instant pistachio pudding in 1975 (originally “Pineapple Pistachio Delight”), this creamy, green, fruity fluff earned its infamous name after the Watergate scandal, thanks to a Chicago newspaper. And no, it’s still not a salad in the traditional sense!

Crudite and Green Goddess Dressing: A Fresh Alternative

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The ’70s clearly had a thing for green food! Green goddess dressing and dip exploded in popularity, offering a fresh, herby, and creamy counterpoint to the heavier “salads” and dishes. We think this one is definitely due for a comeback!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake: The Sweetest Centerpiece

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What could be more eye-catching on a ’70s dessert table than a pineapple upside down cake? This meant perfectly placed canned pineapple rings and bright red maraschino cherries, creating a dessert that was unapologetically, gloriously sweet. And back then, no one seemed to mind!