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Ree Drummond is officially a grandma! Alex and Mauricio welcomed their baby girl, Sofia, in December, and Ree has been soaking up every minute of life with her first grandchild. "We have no idea what being grandparents will look like or how much it will change our lives," The Pioneer Woman wrote before Sofia's arrival—and now that she's here, there's no doubt Ree has embraced her new role with the same warmth she brings to everything else.
Of course, one of the best things about grandmas is the way they cook. Ree's own grandmother, lovingly known as Ga-Ga, was famous for her chicken and noodles, a recipe that Ree still makes to this day. Whipping up big batches of comfort food has always been one of the ways Ree shows love, and you can bet that she'll continue the tradition of making her own recipes to pass down from generation to generation. So, in honor of grandmas everywhere, check out this list of grandma recipes that are the edible version of a warm hug.
This collection of grandma-inspired recipes celebrates the comforting dishes that never go out of style. You'll find old-fashioned favorites like homemade biscuits, scalloped potatoes, and Salisbury steak alongside nostalgic sweets like Jell-O mold and ambrosia salad. These recipes are just as popular at church potlucks as they are at Sunday dinners, because they're so easy to love. And just like Ree, you can pull inspiration from the generations before you—whether it's her mom Gerre's elegant baking or her late mother-in-law Nan's hearty crowd-pleasers. One thing is for sure: Grandma's kitchen will always be the heart of the home.
Chicken and Noodles
Ree grew up eating this hearty variation on chicken soup. "It reminds me of my grandmother Ga-Ga, who always had Reams noodles in her freezer," she says. Making it is sure to warm you right up.
Get Ree's Chicken and Noodles recipe.
Salisbury Steak
Made from ground beef patties and a creamy mushroom sauce, this recipe has stood the test of time. In fact, it was first created back in 1897!
Get the Salisbury Steak recipe.
Jell-O Mold
This jiggly dessert will wow guests from any generation. It's refreshing tropical flavor and creamy coconut layer is always the star of the show.
Get the Jell-O Mold recipe.
Cinnamon Rolls
Ree's mom always made these cinnamon rolls around the holidays to give out to friends and family. It's a sweet tradition that The Pioneer Woman still does today! "They really are that good," she says.
Get Ree's Cinnamon Rolls recipe.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken pot pie is a classic grandma recipe, but this updated variation will satisfy your family, too! It has all the same comforting flavor, plus the fun addition of cheesy crust dippers!
Get Ree's Chicken Pot Pie Soup recipe.
Buttermilk Biscuits
A basket of these homemade biscuits can do no wrong! Serve them up from brunch, lunch, dinner, or anything in between. They're even better with a big pat of butter and a drizzle of honey.
Get the Buttermilk Biscuits recipe.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
As far as family-friendly meals goes, this casserole recipe is always a hit! The creamy filling and crunchy potato chip topping will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Get the Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe.
Waldorf Salad
This creamy, crunchy salad has been around for more than a century! It's a favorite for potlucks and picnics, but you can also dress it up by serving it in crisp lettuce cups.
Get the Waldorf Salad recipe.
Ham with Cherry-Pineapple Glaze
It doesn't get more retro than this fruit-covered ham! Make it for the holidays and your family is sure to smile. Every bite is sticky-sweet and savory!
Get Ree's Ham with Cherry-Pineapple Glaze recipe.
Ambrosia Salad
This fluffy, sweet dish is more of a dessert than it is a salad! But that's what makes these types of grandma recipes so great—they're always surprising in the best way possible!
Get the Ambrosia Salad recipe.
Apple Bread Pudding
When apples are in season, this cozy bread pudding is the dessert that feels like a warm hug. The chunks of tender fruit bake into custardy bread with a hint of cinnamon, making it a recipe that tastes like something straight from grandma's table
Get Ree's Apple Bread Pudding recipe.
Sheet Pan Glazed Meatloaf
Grandmas have been making meatloaf for generations, but this version takes a modern twist by baking it on a sheet pan for extra caramelized edges. The sweet glaze on top adds that nostalgic touch everyone remembers from childhood dinners.
Get Ree's Sheet Pan Glazed Meatloaf recipe.
Tomato Soup Cake
It might sound surprising, but tomato soup cake has been a staple in many family recipe boxes since the 20th century. The soup blends right into the batter, creating a moist spice cake that's full of cozy flavor and topped with creamy frosting.
Get Ree's Tomato Soup Cake recipe.
Swiss Steak
This classic dish is all about tender beef smothered in a rich tomato gravy. Slow cooking makes the meat melt-in-your-mouth soft, while the sauce practically begs to be spooned over mashed potatoes.
Get Ree's Swiss Steak recipe.
Cranberry-Pecan Cheese Ball
Over the years, your grandma has probably made tons are variations on make-ahead cheese balls. It's an elegant appetizer that makes entertaining easy. This one is loaded with sweet-tart cranberries and nutty pecans.
Get the Cranberry-Pecan Cheese Ball recipe.
Stuffed Tomatoes
Garden-ripe tomatoes filled with a savory breadcrumb and herb mixture were once a summer staple in grandma's kitchen. They're simple, elegant, and a great way to make the most of fresh produce from the garden.
Get the Stuffed Tomatoes recipe.
Steak Diane
This retro steak dinner was popular from the 1940's through the 1960's, but it's about time for it to make a comeback! Just wait until you try the creamy, savory steak sauce!
Get the Steak Diane recipe.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
You can serve this classic side dish with just about anything—ham, steak, chicken, or fish. Best of all? It's great for making ahead!
Get the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
Shrimp Dip
For an updated take on this classic appetizer, try using fresh shrimp instead of canned. It's brightened up even more with lemon juice, green onions, parsley, and a layer of cocktail sauce on top.
Get the Shrimp Dip recipe.
Homemade Apple Pie
There's nothing like the smell of warm apple pie. It has a flaky crust and tender fruit filling that's just begging to be topped with a scoop of ice cream!
Get the Homemade Apple Pie recipe.
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