19 Classic 1980s Recipes That Bring Back Big Flavor and Bigger Memories

The 1980s were bold, busy, and flavorful—from cheesy casseroles to microwave miracles and neon-hued desserts. This collection of 25 iconic recipes brings back the foods that filled dinner tables, potluck buffets, and birthday parties throughout the decade. Whether you grew up with Dorito taco salads or indulged in chocolate lava cake before it was trendy, these nostalgic dishes are as fun to revisit as they are to eat.

Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes

Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Skip the canned stuff and whip up these homemade Sloppy Joes in just 20 minutes. The rich, tangy sauce perfectly coats seasoned ground beef for a quick family dinner that everyone will love. Simple ingredients, maximum flavor!

Get the recipe -> Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes

Chicken Divan Casserole

Chicken Divan Casserole
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our creamy Chicken Divan casserole. This decadent yet low-carb dinner has just five simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights while keeping your keto goals on track.

Get the recipe -> Chicken Divan Casserole

Holiday Beef Wellington

Holiday Beef Wellington
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Transform your Christmas dinner with this showstopping Beef Wellington. Tender beef tenderloin wrapped in layers of flavor creates an elegant centerpiece worth every minute of preparation. A truly decadent holiday tradition your family will request year after year.

Get the recipe -> Holiday Beef Wellington

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu
Image Credit: Blackberry Babe

Experience juicy chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and melty cheese, then coated in crispy breadcrumbs—all made healthier in your air fryer. This modern twist on classic cordon bleu delivers gourmet flavor with half the effort.

Get the recipe -> Chicken Cordon Bleu

Walking Taco Casserole

Walking Taco Casserole
Image Credit: Baking Beauty

Experience the flavors of a beloved fair treat in this easy weeknight casserole. Seasoned ground beef and melty cheese combine with crunchy corn chips for a delicious twist on walking tacos that your whole family will love.

Get the recipe -> Walking Taco Casserole

Lasagna Stuffed Shells

Lasagna Stuffed Shells
Image Credit: Or Whatever You Do

Indulge in our Lasagna Stuffed Shells, where classic Italian comfort meets modern convenience. These jumbo pasta shells are filled with creamy cheeses and smothered in savory meat sauce, offering all the flavors of traditional lasagna in perfect, easy-to-serve portions.

Get the recipe -> Lasagna Stuffed Shells

Olive Garden Neapolitan Ziti

Olive Garden Neapolitan Ziti
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in Olive Garden’s Neapolitan Ziti, a hearty Italian creation where al dente pasta meets savory sausage, colorful peppers, and rich tomato sauce for a truly authentic taste of Naples that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast.

Get the recipe -> Olive Garden Neapolitan Ziti

Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad
Image Credit: Or Whatever You Do

This crisp broccoli salad brings together fresh ingredients in a vibrant medley that’s both nutritious and delicious. A perfect side dish for health-conscious food lovers seeking flavor without compromising on wholesome goodness.

Get the recipe -> Broccoli Salad

Frito Lay Ultimate 7 Layer Dip

Frito Lay Ultimate 7 Layer Dip
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Dive into our irresistible 7-Layer Dip, a vegetarian crowd-pleaser loaded with bean dip, seasoned sour cream, fresh vegetables, and cheese. Perfect for any celebration, from Cinco de Mayo to game day, it pairs beautifully with tortilla chips for a classic appetizer everyone will devour.

Get the recipe -> Frito Lay Ultimate 7 Layer Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip
Image Credit: Feast and West

Indulge in this effortless Spinach Artichoke Dip that requires just five ingredients and 30 minutes of your time. Creamy, hot, and utterly delicious, it’s the perfect last-minute appetizer for any gathering.

Get the recipe -> Spinach Artichoke Dip

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
Image Credit: Or Whatever You Do

Discover our vibrant Italian tortellini pasta salad, where cheese-filled pasta meets crisp vegetables in a zesty dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a refreshing side to complete any meal.

Get the recipe -> Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Loaded Potato Skins

Loaded Air Fryer Potato Skins
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Transform your potatoes into mouthwatering perfection with these air-fried potato skins. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and loaded with melty cheese and savory bacon—all drizzled with homemade ranch for an irresistible appetizer ready in minutes.

Get the recipe -> Loaded Potato Skins

Strawberry Poke Cake

Strawberry Poke Cake
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in this luscious Strawberry Poke Cake, which combines moist cake, creamy pudding, fresh strawberries, and Cool Whip for a dessert that’s both effortless and impressive. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you crave something sweet and refreshing.

Get the recipe -> Strawberry Poke Cake

Peach Pretzel Salad Dessert

Peach Pretzel Salad Dessert
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

Indulge in a refreshing twist on traditional desserts with our peach pretzel delight. The salty crunch of pretzel crust perfectly balances the sweet, juicy peach layer, creating a uniquely satisfying treat that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Get the recipe -> Peach Pretzel Salad Dessert

Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing

Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Discover a crowd-pleasing twist on classic taco night! This flavorful salad layers seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and zesty toppings over crunchy Fritos corn chips for a satisfying meal that combines the best of tacos with the irresistible crunch everyone loves.

Get the recipe -> Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing

Jello Jigglers

Jello Jigglers
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Discover the joy of making your own Jello Jigglers at home! These colorful, wiggly treats are perfect for both snack time and dessert, delighting kids and adults alike. Our simple recipe creates irresistibly fun gelatin squares everyone will love.

Get the recipe -> Jello Jigglers

Chili’s Molten Lava Cake

Chili’s Molten Lava Cake
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in pure decadence with this decadent chocolate cake that reveals a hot, molten center when sliced. It’s the perfect harmony of warm and cold, gooey and creamy, topped with cool vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce.

Get the recipe -> Chili’s Molten Lava Cake

Colorful Jello Poke Cake

Colorful Jello Poke Cake
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This vibrant Jello Poke Cake is perfect for any celebration. Customize it with your favorite color combinations to match holidays or themes. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make—ready in just 45 minutes plus chilling time!

Get the recipe -> Colorful Jello Poke Cake

Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail

Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Experience brunch reinvented with this irresistible twist on a classic appetizer. Juicy shrimp meets the vibrant flavors of your favorite morning cocktail, creating a mouthwatering combination that will forever change how you serve seafood at your gatherings.

Get the recipe -> Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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