Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Holidays & Occasions
  3. Christmas
  4. Christmas Recipes
  5. Our Favorite Vintage Christmas Recipes That Deserve a Comeback This Year

Our Favorite Vintage Christmas Recipes That Deserve a Comeback This Year

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Assistant Editor and Writer for Southern Living
By Kaitlyn Yarborough Updated April 14, 2022
Skip gallery slides
FB
Pork Crown Roast
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

In the South, the Christmas season revolves around family, time-honored traditions, and usually the kitchen. We can't think about our childhood Christmas memories without landing on our favorite holiday meals and treats that make appearances year after year—and are passed down generation to generation. From mouthwatering roasts to perfect pound cakes, our Christmas recipes are not ones to forget. At Southern Living, we've featured some of the very best, truly award-worthy holiday recipes that deserve to be spotlighted yet again.

These throwback recipes go back decades and feature the old-school holiday dishes we have loved the most, submitted largely by our talented readers over the years. When we say, "An oldie, but a goodie," these recipes fit the bill no matter how many years go by. Spice up your holiday menu this year by giving these vintage Christmas recipes another look—you might just find a new family classic. There's something for every occasion. 

Start Slideshow

1 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pork Crown Roast

Pork Crown Roast
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Pork Crown Roast

Nothing centers a Christmas table quite as stunningly as a crown pork roast. 

1 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Christmas Snow Salad

Christmas Snow Salad
Credit: Jennifer Causey

Recipe: Christmas Snow Salad

Originally from our November 1982 issue, this bright retro salad still deserves a spot on your Christmas buffet today.

2 of 32

3 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Honey-Glazed Spiced Carrots

Honey-Glazed Spiced Carrots
Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Honey-Glazed Spiced Carrots

Once a classic side for Christmas Eve, glazed carrots offer the sweetness that sweet potato casserole does on Thanksgiving. Carrots, meet your special-occasion makeover.

3 of 32

Advertisement

4 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

The not-so-secret ingredient to the best meatballs is grape jelly. Make sure to have a crock of these slow-cooker meatballs ready for hungry guests when they arrive.

4 of 32

5 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Baked Ham with Brown Sugar-Citrus Glaze

Baked Ham with Brown Sugar-Citrus Glaze
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Baked Ham with Brown Sugar-Citrus Glaze

With a glistening glazed ham residing at the head of the holiday table, you're already off to a good start. It pairs well with any side Mama wants to serve.

5 of 32

6 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Buche de Noel

Buche De Noel
Credit: Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

Recipe: Buche de Noel

The name of this festive Christmas cake is literally translated as "yule log."

6 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls

Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls

We might be serving hearty roasts and casserole-happy sideboards, but there's always room for rolls at Christmas.

7 of 32

8 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pecan-Coated Pork Loin Roast

Pecan-Coated Pork Loin Roast
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Pecan-Coated Pork Loin Roast

Southerners love pork loin, and this recipe dresses it up nicely for the holiday.

8 of 32

9 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese

Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Recipe: Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese

Southern grandmothers have been gracing our table with the classic appetizer duo of pepper jelly and cream cheese for as long as we can remember. Here, it's upgraded into a holiday-worthy dish with the addition of seasoned shrimp. 

9 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Classic Roasted Duck with Orange-Bourbon-Molasses Glaze

Classic Roasted Duck with Orange-Bourbon-Molasses Glaze
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Classic Roasted Duck with Orange-Bourbon-Molasses Glaze

Feel instantly fancy and old-fashioned when serving this perfectly crispy roasted duck. (Break out both the vintage china and Mama's old apron.) The secret is in the sauce: a glaze of orange marmalade, bourbon, molasses, lemon juice, and ginger.

10 of 32

11 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Classic Cornbread Dressing

Classic Cornbread Dressing
Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Classic Cornbread Dressing

Southerners know that any classic dressing recipe starts with skillet cornbread. As far as we're concerned, it goes with any Christmas main.

11 of 32

12 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Molded Cranberry Salad

Molded Cranberry Salad
Credit: Hector M Sanchez

Recipe: Molded Cranberry Salad

Even if it just sits there, pushed to the farthest corner, a congealed salad just wants to be on the Christmas spread. The congealed salads of the 1960s deserve some love—if anything, for posterity's sake—and we're giving this cranberry rendition its due.

12 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chocolate Trifle

Chocolate Trifle Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Chocolate Trifle

High on style, low on effort. This chocolate trifle looks decadent and fancy enough for the holiday spread, but takes only five storebought ingredients. (They never have to know.)

13 of 32

14 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Old-School Green Bean Casserole

Old-School Green Bean Casserole
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Old-School Green Bean Casserole

Is there a world where this doesn't belong on the list? From the frozen French-cut green beans to the crispy fried onion topping, it's a familiar staple on every Southern holiday table.

14 of 32

15 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chicken Liver Mousse Crostini with Pepper Jelly

Creamy Shrimp Dip with Crispy Wonton Chips
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken Liver Mousse Crostini with Pepper Jelly

If Aunt Barb said she loved this smooth, velvety mousse topped with spicy-sweet pepper jelly once, she said it a million times. This retro holiday snack is a favorite among the Southern crowd.

15 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cassandra's "Light" Fruitcake

Cassandra’s “Light” Fruitcake
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Anna Hampton

Recipe: Cassandra's "Light" Fruitcake

"Every time your mama wasn't looking, I'd sneak into the closet and pour more whiskey over those cakes," said King's father. This family recipe was a childhood tradition that lived on through Cassandra King after her mother passed—but just slightly askew—until her daddy let her in on the secret she was missing.

16 of 32

17 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Angel Biscuits

Angel Biscuits
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Angel Biscuits

Were they sent from heaven? Perhaps. Do they capture the holiday spirit with both the fluffiness of a biscuit and yeasty flavor of a dinner roll? Definitely.

17 of 32

18 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches

Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches
Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches

A beloved Texas tradition, this classic Czech pastry gets a spicy Southern kick from a combo of smoky Conecuh sausage and sharp Cheddar cheese.

18 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Oyster Casserole

Oyster Casserole
Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Oyster Casserole

You'll know it when you see that familiar topping of Saltines. Whether you call it oyster dressing, oyster pie, or even scalloped oysters, oyster casserole is right at home on many Southerners' Christmas table.

19 of 32

20 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Grits Dressing

Grits Dressing Recipe
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Grits Dressing

Thanksgiving gets the cornbread dressing. Let Christmas have grits dressing, an equally Southern side dish.

20 of 32

21 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Rum Balls

Rum Balls Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Rum Balls

Rum ball, rum balls, how we love thee. It's not a Christmas party in the South without some form of tipsy treat. Originally from our December 1993 issue, this boozy confection is perfect for homemade food gifts.

21 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hot Cranberry Bake

Hot Cranberry Bake Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Hot Cranberry Bake

If you've never used your Christmas cranberries for this simple, crisp-like dessert, you haven't lived. We can thank Sue-Sue Harstern of Louisville, Kentucky for this reader recipe submitted over 25 years ago.

22 of 32

23 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Green Tomato Mincemeat Pie

Green Tomato Mincemeat Pie
Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Green Tomato Mincemeat Pie

There's no Christmas pie more notorious (or divisive) than classic mincemeat pie. Back when tobacco and textiles ruled the South, mincemeat pie was welcomed with enthusiasm at Christmas dinner.

23 of 32

24 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole

Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole

Enter: the original day-after-Thanksgiving casserole. It's hands-down the tastiest, most family-friendly use of leftover turkey. So much so, that even after almost 30 years, it's still our favorite.

24 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Orange Cake

Orange Cake Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Orange Cake

This retro recipe makes a beautiful centerpiece for any holiday buffet. The citrus-flavored Bundt offers a bright finish to Christmas brunch.

25 of 32

26 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Apple-Bourbon Pie

Apple-Bourbon Pie Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Apple-Bourbon Pie

Apple pie might be a traditional Christmas dessert, but this creative version submitted by Eugenia W. Bell of Lexington, Kentucky is anything but ordinary. It gets a spiced twist from bourbon-infused raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, apricot preserves, and toasted pecans or walnuts.

26 of 32

27 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ambrosia Pudding Pie

Ambrosia Pudding Pie
Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Ambrosia Pudding Pie

Following British tradition, the earliest custard pies were recorded as puddings in antebellum cookbooks. We added a festive ambrosial note with orange marmalade, crushed pineapple, and coconut custard.

27 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Molasses Crinkles

Molasses Crinkles Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Molasses Crinkles

Show up to your next cookie swap with these festive cookies, and leave the belle of the Christmas ball. The crinkle cookies are loaded with the classic holiday spices cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.

28 of 32

29 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Japanese Fruitcake with Lemon-Coconut Frosting

Japanese Fruitcake Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Japanese Fruitcake with Lemon-Coconut Frosting

"It was the signal that Christmas really was coming when this heavenly smell filled the kitchen," said Susan Houston of Tucker, Georgia. She submitted this family recipe with hopes it would spread that same Christmas joy to others.

29 of 32

30 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie

Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie

Some things are better when kept the absolute same, like this old-fashioned pot pie recipe. How do you know it's vintage? It uses hard-boiled eggs in the filling.

30 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Toasted Oatmeal Cookies

Toasted Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Toasted Oatmeal Cookies

Consider these Christmas cookie jar-approved. What made these stand out from basic oatmeal cookies initially: the toasted oats. 

31 of 32

32 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chicken Alouette

Chicken Alouette Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken Alouette

Before the name scares you, know that Alouette is just cheese. Gloriously creamy, garlicky, herby spreadable cheese. This main dish was formerly a seasonal favorite to be served alongside tossed greens or a congealed salad.

32 of 32

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Kaitlyn Yarborough

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 32 Pork Crown Roast
    2 of 32 Christmas Snow Salad
    3 of 32 Honey-Glazed Spiced Carrots
    4 of 32 Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
    5 of 32 Baked Ham with Brown Sugar-Citrus Glaze
    6 of 32 Buche de Noel
    7 of 32 Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls
    8 of 32 Pecan-Coated Pork Loin Roast
    9 of 32 Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese
    10 of 32 Classic Roasted Duck with Orange-Bourbon-Molasses Glaze
    11 of 32 Classic Cornbread Dressing
    12 of 32 Molded Cranberry Salad
    13 of 32 Chocolate Trifle
    14 of 32 Old-School Green Bean Casserole
    15 of 32 Chicken Liver Mousse Crostini with Pepper Jelly
    16 of 32 Cassandra's "Light" Fruitcake
    17 of 32 Angel Biscuits
    18 of 32 Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches
    19 of 32 Oyster Casserole
    20 of 32 Grits Dressing
    21 of 32 Rum Balls
    22 of 32 Hot Cranberry Bake
    23 of 32 Green Tomato Mincemeat Pie
    24 of 32 Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole
    25 of 32 Orange Cake
    26 of 32 Apple-Bourbon Pie
    27 of 32 Ambrosia Pudding Pie
    28 of 32 Molasses Crinkles
    29 of 32 Japanese Fruitcake with Lemon-Coconut Frosting
    30 of 32 Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie
    31 of 32 Toasted Oatmeal Cookies
    32 of 32 Chicken Alouette

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Our Favorite Vintage Christmas Recipes That Deserve a Comeback This Year
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.