Remember the days when a party wasn’t complete without coconut-covered pineapple and cream cheese stuffed celery? From the 1950s to the 1960s, party food was a reflection of the times – flashy, audacious, and above all, delicious!
In this article, we will dive into the classic recipes of the era, exploring the nostalgia of 1950s party food and exploring ways to recreate these treats today. From classic appetizers to crowd-pleasing desserts, you’ll be sure to find ideas to make your next shindig a hit.
So, get ready to get your party planning started with some iconic 1950s food — we guarantee your guests will come back for seconds.
Updated Feb 2024
Note: This post is an extension of “The Mini Guide to Hosting the Ultimate 1950’s Themed Party“. Inside this post, I talked about invites,decor, music, clothing and food, the essentials for a successful party. This article jumps into deeper into the food side.
Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Note: If the item you clicked on is no longer available, just do a search for like items. There are loads of vintage items being added to Etsy daily!
Party Foods of the 1950’s
Let’s break out the Cheez Wiz and start the 1950’s food party, shall we?
Source: Flickr
From my original post:
For the most authentic experience for your party, you need to serve 1950’s food. If you want recipes or ideas see if you can find some old 1950’s cookbooks online (like Etsy) or in used book stores, they will really help plan your menu.
Vintage Cookbooks – Fantastic Party Food Ideas (Hare are some examples)!
NOTE: If the product is not available when you click thru, just do a search for other options. Etsy is always filled with “new” vintage items.
I have also created a collection of vintage cookbooks avail for purchase, I update monthly on Etsy that you can find HERE.
If you need a little more help then my resources of materials for how to host that 1950s party (see end of post), then you should pickup a book like the one pictured below. A 1957 printing of “Good Housekeeping Party Menus and Recipes“. Based on the original titled “Good Housekeeping Party Book”, this paperback book has 200 different menus and 1000 recipes and party ideas.
The contents of the book. WOW so many helpful topics and recipes!
Source: Etsy
There is also this gem of a cookbook (avail as of Feb 2024 HERE) – 1950s Betty Crocker’s Bisquick Party Book. “97 gay new ideas and recipes…for coffee time through late T.V….from appetizers to desserts!”
The vintage recipes include things like, Party Tuna Bake, Hamburger Onion Pie, Shrimp Salad Short Pie, Hamburger Turnovers and more!
I love a good tuna bake and make it all the time (my recipe is different from the one below though).
Source: Etsy-familyhistoryfood
Check out this super cool vintage ‘Molly Magic Party Book’ . Compliments of Eagle Brand Condensed Milk – 1950’s era. AMAZING dessert recipes for any 1950s party you are hosting!
Source: Etsy
“Entertaining with Stork“, was produced to promote the sale and use of Stork Margarine and has lots of recipes in it’s pages. Loads of fun ideas for your 1950s Themed Party (including how to feed your teenagers)!
Source: Etsy
The Good Housekeeping Appetizer Book. Loads of fun ideas!
Source: Etsy
Vintage 1950s Cream Cheese Cookbook – “Philly Dip Party Handbook” – Dips, Sauces, Party Food.
Source: Etsy
I own the 1950s Betty Crocker Cookbook in the image below it has been really helpful in creating that authentic 1950’s food experience. Here are a few recipes from my book you can use for your own party.
Jello Molded Salads will be a big hit with your guests…guaranteed.
Pigs in the Blankets are a 1950s party food staple.
Canapes are always a good way to go and they are quick to make.
Drinks are a must and a good punch recipe should always be on hand. Here are 2 for you.
Vintage Food Advertising w/ Recipes
Vintage advertising is an excellent source for 1950’s food ideas and recipes. Just type into Google ‘1950s vintage food recipes’ and watch the magic happen. Pinterest is also a great place for recipes and ideas.
Source: Flickr
I showed you a Jell-O Mold Salad from my vintage cookbook above, here is another one for your eating pleasure.
Party Food Note: I’m pretty sure this won’t work at your event, but it was kind of fun to add because at some point SOMEONE thought this was a good idea.
Instead of a Jell-O mold how about Jell-O pudding? In particular ‘Frosted Fondant Pudding’ featuring Carnation Milk? What a delish 1950s ad!
Note: Want more 1950s dessert ideas? Then check out my blog post ‘1950s Dessert Ideas For Your Next Party‘
Source: Etsy
SPAM! Yes you need this (and can still be found in stores today)! Has anyone ever had a ‘Spam and cheese ribbon loaf?’
Meat Loaf. Easy to make and a true 1950’s favourite (you could make mini ones for your party!).
Source: McCallum Vintage Recipe Divas
Seven-Up Floats. Can be dessert, a drink option or a main dish.
Source: Pop Culture Safari
Ikea can easily supply you the next food option OR if you want to be authentic here is a recipe for Swedish Meat Balls.
Source: Antique Alter Ego
Looking for some dessert ideas to sweeten the party up? Angel Food cake is oh so good, especially when it’s a ‘Betty Crocker Cherry Nut Angle Food Cake’. YUM!
FURTHER READING: Vintage Cake Ideas As Seen Thru 1920s-1950s Ads
Source: Flickr
Marshmallow Crispy Squares are so easy, even I can make them! ‘9-minute marshmallow crispy square’.
Source: Flickr
Lastly here were my other suggestions from my original post:
- French Fries
- Hotdogs and Hamburgers
- Celery & Cheese whiz
- Devilled Eggs
- Pineapple upside cake
- Casserole…anything
- Fondue
- Fruit on Skewers
- Roasts
- Pound Cake
- Fruit Cup
- Meat Pies
- TV Dinners
- Soufflé
- Grilled cheese
- Ice Cream/Banana splits
REMINDER! Make sure you check out my Etsy collection that I update once a month with vintage cookbooks from the 1900s to 1960s avail for sale.
I hope this extension of my “How to host a 1950s Themed Party” blog post was helpful and got the wheels turning on what to serve at your own party. Good Luck and Happy Shopping!
Question Time: What are your favorite 1950s Party Foods that you would add to this list?
Further Reading:
Food:
- Party Foods of the 1950’s
- 1950s Dessert Ideas For Your Next Party
- Let’s Get Cooking: Vintage Cookbooks 1940s & 1950s
- My 1950’s Betty Crocker cookbook and a few things I have learned from good old Betty herself
- Dig That Dish-The Coolest Vintage Recipe Book Around
Party Games, Party Decor, 1950s Music, 1950s Fashion & More
- Party Game Ideas for a 1950s Themed Party
- 1950s Party Decor that you can buy right now!
- Vintage Dance Crazes
- Vintage Dance Crazes-Part 2
For further Inspiration please make sure to check out my Pinterest Board on “Vintage Cooking Ideas”.
Liz
