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Throwback Recipes: Popular Dishes from the 70s You Need to Try



Ah, the 1970s—an era of funky fashion, groovy music, and, of course, unforgettable food. Whether you were there to experience it or you’re just diving into the retro vibes, there’s no denying that the 70s were a decade of bold flavors and creative culinary concoctions. Some of these dishes became the go-to comfort foods of the era and continue to make their mark in modern kitchens today.


If you’re ready to take a trip down memory lane (or just curious to try something new), we’ve rounded up 5 classic 70s recipes that are worth reviving. Get ready to break out the fondue pot and put on some classic tunes as you cook your way through this nostalgic list!




1. Beef Wellington

A showstopper on any dinner table, Beef Wellington was the epitome of 70s sophistication. This dish, featuring a tender beef fillet wrapped in puff pastry with a rich mushroom duxelles, is perfect for impressing your guests or treating yourself to something truly indulgent.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs beef tenderloin

  • 2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup pâté or liver mousse

  • 1 package puff pastry

  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

  1. Sear the beef tenderloin and coat with mustard. Chill.

  2. Cook the mushrooms and pâté together to make the duxelles.

  3. Wrap the beef in the mushroom mixture and puff pastry.

  4. Bake until golden and serve.



2. Chicken Kiev

A dish straight from the dinner party scene of the 70s, Chicken Kiev is a crispy, buttery indulgence that combines juicy chicken breasts with garlic-herb butter, breaded and fried to perfection.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 egg, beaten

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

How to Make It:

  1. Prepare the garlic butter by mixing butter, garlic, parsley, and lemon juice.

  2. Cut a pocket in the chicken breasts and stuff with butter.

  3. Bread the chicken and fry until golden.

  4. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes for a true 70s experience.


3. Shrimp Cocktail

This appetizer was the height of glamour in the 70s. Served chilled with a tangy cocktail sauce, shrimp cocktail remains a beloved starter for any retro-themed meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 1/2 cup ketchup

  • 2 tbsp horseradish

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

How to Make It:

  1. Boil shrimp until pink and set aside to chill.

  2. Mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to make the cocktail sauce.

  3. Serve shrimp in a glass with the sauce on the side.


4. Tuna Noodle Casserole

A hearty, comforting dish, Tuna Noodle Casserole was a go-to meal for busy families in the 70s. It’s a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that still holds a special place in many hearts.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans tuna, drained

  • 12 oz egg noodles, cooked

  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup

  • 1 cup frozen peas

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

How to Make It:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a casserole dish.

  2. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden and bubbly.

  3. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, nostalgic flavors.




5. Fondue

If you’ve never tried fondue, it’s time to embrace this 70s classic. Whether cheese or chocolate, fondue is a fun, interactive way to enjoy your food and make any evening feel like a celebration.

Ingredients for Cheese Fondue:

  • 1 lb Gruyère cheese, grated

  • 1/2 lb Emmental cheese, grated

  • 1 cup dry white wine

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 clove garlic, halved

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

How to Make It:

  1. Rub the fondue pot with the garlic.

  2. Heat the wine and lemon juice, then gradually add the cheese.

  3. Stir in cornstarch to thicken and serve with cubes of bread, veggies, or fruits for dipping.


The 70s were a decade of experimental flavors, fancy dinner parties, and creative ways to bring people together around the table. These throwback recipes are a great way to experience the magic of the era, even if you weren’t around to enjoy them the first time. So, dust off that fondue pot, break out the puff pastry, and let these dishes take you back to a time when food was all about fun and flavor.


From all of us at Scarlet Spoon, happy cooking!

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