Back in the 1930s, ingenuity in the kitchen wasn’t just a trend—it was a necessity. From water pie to peanut butter and mayo sandwiches, discover 17 of the most historic dishes that ruled the Depression era, filling the bellies of struggling families.
Meatloaf
While still popular today, meatloaf was also a staple dish during the Great Depression. It was often served alongside mashed potatoes and had a ketchup topping that would become caramelized during baking. According to Life at the Table, “meatloaf was one of the most common dishes due to simplicity and necessity. Making food last for as long as possible was an important part of survival.”
Hot Milk Cake
Simple, buttery, fluffy, and sweet, hot milk cake embodied Depression-era frugality. The dessert was first seen in 1911 and remained popular throughout the Great Depression, known for its use of scalded milk to help activate baking powder in the batter. The cake is a testament to the era’s resourcefulness and was enjoyed both with and without a glaze.
Water Pie
This may not sound too appetizing, but water pie is a surprisingly creamy dessert made primarily with water. It involves just six very simple ingredients: water, butter, sugar, flour, vanilla, and a pie crust. As shared by AllRecipes, “Making a pie that requires a mere six ingredients may seem like a fun hack today, but during the Great Depression, water pie was simply a dessert that reflected the circumstances for many Americans.”
Rabbit Stew
Rabbit was a common and affordable protein source back in the day. Rabbits were easy to catch and less costly to raise than other livestock. While they were previously viewed mostly as pets, desperate times called for desperate measures. To this day, rabbit stew remains popular in some regions.
Red Flannel Hash
This is a vegetarian dish made with beets, potatoes, and onions. It was named after its resemblance to red flannel fabric and was one of the era’s better vegetarian options. It was supposedly first created by New England colonists, but today, it’s a mostly forgotten American classic.
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
You may be surprised to hear that Kraft macaroni & cheese was first introduced in 1937, especially as it’s still much-loved today. It was originally launched as an economical, convenient meal, made with patented instant cheese powder. The brand sold over 9 million boxes in its first year, making it a staple of the Great Depression era.
Tomato Soup
A simple yet comforting dish still enjoyed today, tomato soup was often eaten without accompaniments during the Great Depression. The soup is symbolic of modest meals during hard times, made with inexpensive ingredients. And while tomato soup has always been eaten, it made quite the comeback during the 2020 pandemic.
Poor Man’s Cookies
According to OOLA, the hosts of a 1930 radio show asked listeners to write in their “go-to cookie recipes.” From the show came the invention of “Jake and Lena Cookies,” which were made with raisins, flour, shortening, and a single egg. Because of the cheap, minimal ingredients used, they were then nicknamed “Poor Man’s Cookies.”
Stovetop Goulash
Goulash was a popular dish during the Great Depression and was considered to be a real American comfort food. It involves mixing some sort of ground meat, tomatoes, macaroni, other pantry staples that were on hand, and a blend of spices for flavor. The meal represents the ingenuity in creating filling dishes during tough times.
Sugar Cream Pie
Known as “HoosierPost” sugar cream pie in Indiana, this unique Depression-era dessert was served either warm or chilled. The pie is a nostalgic nod to family recipes and a testament to making do with limited resources during tough times. It’s a culinary symbol of the era, reflecting the ingenuity of home cooks!
Sausage Johnnycake
A sausage johnnycake is a hearty, old-fashioned breakfast dish—a filling and affordable meal that was popular during the Great Depression. The savory cake, typically topped with maple syrup, offered a blend of flavors and textures, balancing the need for economical cooking with the desire for palatable and satisfying meals.
Peanut Butter and Mayo Sandwich
Most people wouldn’t dream of eating a peanut butter and mayo sandwich today, but the unique combination was quite popular during the 1930s. As reported by Atlas Obscura, “During the Great Depression, people valued high-calorie combinations of protein and fat. Meat and dairy were costly, and consuming enough energy could prove challenging. Enter peanut butter and mayonnaise on white bread.”
Baked Apples
A cheaper alternative to traditional apple pie, baked apples were a flavorful yet cost-effective dessert. Made with sugar, cinnamon, butter, and water, the sweet treat demonstrates the era’s resourceful approach to cooking. The exclusion of a costly pie crust also underscores the economic constraints of the time.
Cabbage and Noodles
Cabbage and noodles was a popular dish that combined affordable ingredients like hot dogs, cabbage, peas, and egg noodles—a classic example of Depression-era culinary improvisation. The meal was able to fill up a crowd on a budget, which is exactly what was needed during times of economic hardship.
Breakfast Sugar Cookies
Breakfast sugar cookies, a simple yet delightful treat, were a special Sunday morning indulgence during the Great Depression. Made with basic ingredients like eggs, sugar, and flour, these cookies were often accompanied by condensed milk, providing a sweet start to the day. This dish illustrates the small luxuries families enjoyed in the era.
Fried Dough
Soldiers in Europe during World War I found comfort in fried dough, says The Salvation Army, and during the Great Depression, the affordable treat brought joy to many families. Its simple ingredients—flour, water, and a pinch of salt—made it a humble yet satisfying snack. Whether enjoyed as a makeshift donut or sprinkled with sugar, fried dough provided a temporary escape, reminding people that even in tough times, a little indulgence can go a long way.
Wacky Cake
Despite its name, this cake isn’t all that wacky. It’s simply a moist chocolate cake made without eggs, butter, or milk and typically topped with vanilla frosting and sprinkles. The tasty cake illustrates the ingenuity of baking during the ingredient shortages of the Great Depression.
Read More: Why People Aren’t Religious Anymore: 15 Simple Reasons
As society evolves, so does our approach to spirituality. This article looks at the subtle yet profound shift from traditional religious adherence to a more personal, evidence-based belief system.
Why People Aren’t Religious Anymore: 15 Simple Reasons
17 Things Society Can No Longer Do Because Gen Z Said So
Gen Z, our digital-native, trendsetting generation, is making waves in the cultural sea, steering the ship of societal norms in fresh and unexpected directions. As they charter new territories, there are certain practices they’d rather we say goodbye to. Curious? Let’s take a look at 17 things the rest of us can no longer do because Gen Z said so.
17 Things Society Can No Longer Do Because Gen Z Said So
19 Common Behaviors of Highly Intelligent People
Intelligent individuals often display a range of behaviors and qualities that set them apart from others. When exploring these characteristics, it’s crucial to comprehend that intelligence is a multifaceted attribute. Here are 19 essential behaviors and qualities frequently observed in highly intelligent people.
19 Common Behaviors of Highly Intelligent People
17 Things We Were Taught in High School That We Now Know Aren’t True
Well, this one may depend on when you went to high school, but for this millennial, these are the things we were taught in high school that have been proven not to be true. Personally, I still want to go back and correct every teacher who told me I wouldn’t always have a calculator in my pocket; the joke is on them.
17 Things We Were Taught in High School That We Now Know Aren’t True
16 Reasons Why Trump May Not Get a Second Term
Though Republican frontrunner Donald Trump thinks his trip back to the Oval Office is all but guaranteed, there are some real hurdles he has to get past. Here are the 16 obstacles that may stand in the way of a second term.