Our Top 20 Treasured Hand-Me-Down Recipes

Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

This beauty has been officially baked more than 12,000 times and favorably reviewed by nearly 10,000 pie fans. “I have been making this recipe for close to 15 years,” says Allrecipes community member Misstexas. “My kids have literally grown up with it and it’s become a staple at every holiday meal. My neighbors, friends, & family ask for it ALL OF THE TIME. Truly a gem.”

Grandma Minnie’s Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies

Reviewer Gretchen sings the praises of the cookie’s creator: “Thank you Grandma Minnie! Finally a good recipe where the cookies turn out soft and yummy.”

Fresh Rhubarb Pie

Carol’s mom used to grow rhubarb and make this top-rated treat every spring. It’s gone on to inspire hundreds of bakers, who dish up compliments, like this from reviewer bubba: “One word says it all! EXCELLENT!”

Judy’s Pretzel Salad

A crowd-pleasing dish, this layered, sweet-salty creation has racked up loads of five star reviews, as well as some solid tips on making minor adjustments. (That’s the kind of advice that makes our AR community so special!) We’re especially amused by reviews that point out the obvious. “Never had to change a thing, and it’s a hit,” says MamaBakes. “Definitely NOT a salad, but a scrumptious dessert.”

Grandma Johnson’s Scones

Rob shared his grandmother’s scone recipe, with this stamp of approval: “Tried and tested through 3 generations of kids. Simply the best.” More than 2,000 cooks agreed, rating it five stars.

Grandma Nena’s Lumpia and Pancit

When LANIBIRD’s grandmother arrived for a visit, the house was over-run by his friends looking for a plate full of pancit, the Filipino noodle dish that’s a little like pad thai. One reviewer added to the authentic cred. “I absolutely love this recipe!” says wrote jeannette sigala. “My family is from the Philippines also, holidays and birthdays are the best! By the way, if I could rate your Grandma’s recipe six stars, I would!”

Lolah’s Chicken Adobo

Lolah means grandmother in the Phillipines, and, if you wanna start a fight, try saying, “My Lolah’s Chicken Adobo is better than your Lolah’s.” Make this recipe and there’s likely to be much agreement. It’s 4.7-star fantastic.

Grandmother’s Buttermilk Cornbread

With more than 5,700 positive reviews, this superstar is on the sweeter side of the cornbread spectrum. “It’s our family’s go to recipe,” says SereneDish3968. “We change no ingredients, but to each your own. We do make ours in muffin tin so everyone gets their own crunch outside edge and soft sweet middle.”

Russian Tea Cakes

Allrecipes community member THEAUNT708’s grandmother ”Bubba” brought this cookie recipe to the United States all the way from Lithuania. It has become a holiday tradition for so many fans, earning it an average of 4.7 stars from more than 1,000 reviewers.

Grandma VanDoren’s White Bread

Is there any better kitchen fragrance than bread baking? This beloved family heirloom was captured in a written format when Grandma turned 90. Reviewers appreciated how easy it was to follow, even for beginning bakers.

Aunt Millie’s Broccoli Casserole

This cheesy and delicious broccoli casserole has been passed down in Allrecipes community member Kaylee’s family for years and others have adopted the tradition. “Very nice,” says reviewers sschultze. Family favorite. We make it every holiday season.”

Aunt Norma’s Rhubarb Muffins

A great way to start the day, these moist breakfast pastries have a whole bunch of followers, some claiming they’ve made them heroes of the bake sale circuit. “These are the BEST rhubarb muffins ever!” says horsecrazyannie. “I’ve had so many people rave about them that I have to share the recipe! :)”

Grandma’s Polish Perogies

From a kitchen in the Old Country, these savory dumplings might make you weep with joy if it’s a taste memory from childhood. Even if you’re not familiar with this Eastern European comfort food, it has a universal appeal.

Aunt Johnnie’s Pound Cake

Simple and spectacular, Aunt Johnnie earns high marks for a spot-on dessert that makes many nostalgic. “This recipe is just like one my mom would always make growing up,” says reviewer holly_leigh82. “It has a beautiful, crunchy top and is moist and dense, just like a pound cake should be.”

My Mom’s Raised Doughnuts

When Peggi Weaver Tebben was growing up, her mother made these pillowy pastries and passed them out to the neighbor kids. So sweet! Some reviewers compare them to Krispy Kreme.

Ex-Girlfriend’s Mom’s Salsa Fresca

So fresh! This way popular salsa is a tribute to a relationship gone south, but what remains takes tacos to a very delicious place. This pico de gallo tilts to the tart scale, with loads of lime juice.

Ruth’s Grandma’s Pie Crust

This one’s 100 years old! And it never gets tired of hearing praise like this review from alacove: “This is a crowd pleasing recipe. Every time I make it, people rave about it. I’ve used it for sweet and savory pies with equal effect.”

Grandma’s Onion Rings (Southern Style)

Because frying is practically a religion down South, these super snacks are extra light and crispy. At least, that’s the word in a basket full of five-star reviews. “These are the BEST onion rings I have ever tried. ..so light and airy,” The Farmers Wife, “My family LOVES these…just perfect. Don’t change a thing.”

Husband’s Grandmother’s Shrimp Gumbo

This Southern staple was road tested at Cajun Festivals by the author’s husband’s grandmother. No shocker that it gets some heartfelt endorsements from folks in Louisiana. “I live in south Louisiana and have been making gumbo for 40 years,” says Allrecipes community member nurselady77. “This is absolutely the best gumbo recipe I have made and actually the only time that I have used a recipe for years.”

Grandma’s Five Cup Salad

Let’s turn back the clock to the good old days when canned fruit and marshmallows were on the table of every family gathering. Wait, that’s still a thing, conjuring warm memories of simpler times. Artsy20 captures the true Allrecipes spirit with this sweet review: “I grew up eating this salad. I now make it for my kids and husband. Thank you for the exact recipe! Ours left when my granny passed away. So I am very grateful to you for sharing this recipe!!”

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