19 Classic Recipes from the ’90s That Are Making a Comeback

Remember the delicious dishes from the ’90s? Well, they’re back, and better than ever! These meals and snacks brought so much comfort and joy during that decade, and now they’re making a serious comeback. It’s like revisiting an old favorite TV show—nostalgic, heartwarming, and surprisingly fresh. Some of these dishes have been given modern twists, while others are as simple and satisfying as you remember. So, if you’re in the mood to bring back the flavors of your childhood or just looking for something different for dinner, these ’90s classics are exactly what you need.

Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza

This dish combines two ’90s favorites—Caesar salad and pizza. For the crust, use store-bought or homemade pizza dough. Top with Caesar dressing, grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, and shaved Parmesan cheese. Bake until the crust is golden, then drizzle with more dressing before serving. For extra flavor, brush the crust with olive oil and garlic before baking. This inventive fusion meal became popular for its simplicity and has made a nostalgic return​.

Molten Lava Cake

A signature ’90s dessert, the molten lava cake is all about that gooey center. Mix 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with ½ cup butter and melt. Add 2 eggs, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ cup flour. Pour into greased ramekins and bake for 10 minutes at 425°F. The trick is in the timing—overbaking leads to a solid center, while the perfect bake yields that signature molten core​.

Barbecue Chicken Pizza

For a classic 90s twist on pizza, use prepared pizza dough and cover with your favorite barbecue sauce. Add grilled chicken, mozzarella cheese, red onions, and cilantro. Bake at 450°F for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. This sweet and savory combo became an instant favorite and still reigns today​.

Focaccia

Focaccia became a staple in the ’90s thanks to its versatility. For a simple recipe, combine 4 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1½ cups water to form a dough. Let it rise, then spread onto a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle rosemary, and sea salt, and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. The airy texture and herbaceous flavor make it a delicious accompaniment​.

Skillet Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese was another ’90s comfort dish that’s back in a big way. In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter and whisk in 4 tablespoons flour. Slowly add 3 cups of milk, then stir in 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Cook until smooth, then toss with 8 ounces of cooked macaroni. For extra crunch, top with breadcrumbs and broil until golden​.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

This creamy dip was a ’90s party essential and has recently seen a resurgence. Mix 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 package cream cheese, 1 cup shredded Parmesan, 1 can artichoke hearts, and 2 cups spinach. Spread in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until bubbly. Serve with chips or bread for a nostalgic appetizer​.

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes were a weeknight favorite that have come back into style. For the filling, sauté 1 pound of ground beef, then stir in ½ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons mustard, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes. Serve on toasted buns with a side of chips. This messy, hearty dish still pleases both kids and adults alike​.

French Onion Soup

A throwback to upscale ’90s dining, French onion soup is making a return. Start by caramelizing 4 large onions in butter, then add 4 cups of beef broth, ½ cup white wine, and thyme. Ladle into bowls, top with a slice of toasted baguette, and cover with Gruyère cheese. Broil until the cheese melts and browns. Its rich flavors are a comforting classic​.

Tuna Tartare

A true ’90s fine dining staple, tuna tartare blends freshness with luxury. Chop ½ pound sushi-grade tuna and mix with 1 avocado, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Serve with wonton chips for added crunch. This light, trendy appetizer is making a comeback in modern restaurants​.

Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeño poppers were a ’90s party must-have and are just as popular today. Slice 12 jalapeños in half and remove the seeds. Stuff with a mix of 1 package cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and crumbled bacon. Coat in breadcrumbs and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Their cheesy, spicy kick remains irresistible​.

Chicken and Andouille Gumbo

Gumbo, a Creole and Cajun classic, rose in popularity during the ’90s and has made a comeback as a beloved comfort food. To prepare, start by making a roux with ½ cup flour and ½ cup oil, stirring until it reaches a dark caramel color. Add onions, celery, and bell peppers—the “Holy Trinity”—along with chicken and andouille sausage. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and simmer for 1 hour, adding okra and filé powder for thickness. Serve over rice, and you’ve got a flavorful, hearty dish​.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

This comforting casserole became a staple in many ’90s households and is making a comeback. Mix 12 ounces of cooked egg noodles with 2 cans of tuna, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar. Pour into a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. The creamy texture and simple ingredients make it a timeless dinner option​.

Hamburger Helper

Hamburger Helper provided a quick meal solution in the ’90s, and it’s making a return with homemade versions. Brown 1 pound of ground beef, drain the fat, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of beef broth, 1 cup of milk, and 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Simmer until the pasta is tender. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. This one-pot dish is comforting and nostalgic, bringing back memories of family dinners.

Taco Salad

Taco salads became popular in the ’90s due to their fun presentation and mix of flavors. Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef with taco seasoning. In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar, and crushed tortilla chips. Top with the seasoned beef, and drizzle with a mixture of sour cream and salsa. Garnish with sliced black olives and avocado. This hearty salad has all the best parts of tacos in a lighter format.

Fish Sticks

Homemade fish sticks were a ’90s staple, providing a healthier take on the frozen version. Cut white fish fillets, like cod, into strips and season with salt and pepper. Coat each strip in flour, dip in beaten egg, and roll in breadcrumbs. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, until golden and crispy. These homemade fish sticks are perfect for dipping in tartar sauce and are healthier than their store-bought counterparts. They pair well with fries or a side salad.

Funfetti Cake

Funfetti cake was the ultimate birthday cake in the ’90s, known for its colorful sprinkles. To make it, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In another bowl, beat 1 cup sugar with 1/2 cup butter, then add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together, and fold in 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes in a cake pan. This vibrant, fun cake is a joyful addition to any celebration.

Chicken Schnitzel

Chicken schnitzel, crispy and delicious, was a popular dinner in the ’90s and has made a strong comeback. Pound 2 chicken breasts until thin, dredge in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat with breadcrumbs. Fry in a pan with oil for about 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. This simple yet flavorful dish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a family favorite.

Corn Dogs

Corn dogs were a popular fair food in the ’90s that people often made at home. Start by mixing together 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Add 1 cup of milk and 1 egg to form a thick batter. Insert wooden sticks into hot dogs, dip them in the batter, and fry in hot oil until golden brown. These fun, hand-held snacks are perfect for recreating carnival vibes at home. Serve with mustard or ketchup for dipping.

Bagel Bites

Bagel Bites were a quick, after-school snack in the ’90s that many people remember fondly. You can recreate them by slicing mini bagels in half and topping each with pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and small pepperoni slices. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These bite-sized pizzas are just as fun and easy to make now as they were decades ago. Perfect for parties or quick snacks, they bring back memories of carefree afternoons.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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