Best 2 1950s School Cafeteria Recipes

In the heart of the 1950s, school cafeterias were a hub of culinary nostalgia, serving up classic American dishes that left an indelible mark on generations of students. From the iconic Sloppy Joes and the comforting Chicken Noodle Soup to the hearty Meatloaf and the delectable Chocolate Chip Cookies, these recipes embody the essence of a bygone era. Join us on a culinary journey back in time as we explore the flavors and aromas of the 1950s school cafeteria, with a collection of recipes that will transport you to the lunchroom tables of yesteryear.

Let's cook with our recipes!

OLD SCHOOL CAFETERIA-STYLE YEAST ROLLS

Old School Cafeteria-Style Yeast Rolls image

Big, fluffy and tender yeast rolls, reminiscent of those old school cafeteria rolls so many of us loved.

Provided by Deep South Dish

Categories Breads

Time 3h

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2-1/2 teaspoons dry active yeast
1/3 cup granulated sugar
12 ounce can evaporated milk, heated to 110 degrees F
4 cups bread flour*
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon cooking oil
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

Steps:

Combine yeast with 1 teaspoon of the sugar and 1/4 cup of the warmed milk. Stir together and let rest until puffy and doubled, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, aerate flour before measuring, then spoon into measuring cup and level, placing into large bowl. Whisk in remaining sugar and salt.
Add remaining evaporated milk, oil, one of the eggs, yeast and butter; stir until blended. Cover with plastic wrap and a clean towel, set aside for 15 minutes.
Turn out onto floured surface and knead by hand for 20 minutes, or until dough is elastic and can be stretched without tearing, or add dough to mixing bowl with dough hook and knead on speed 2 for 8 to 10 minutes.
Add 1 teaspoon of oil to bowl, return dough to bowl, turn to coat, cover with plastic wrap and towel and let rest in a draft free spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Butter a 9 x 13 x 2 inch baking pan and set aside. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 4 times, drawing in flour if too sticky.
Use rolling pin to roll into a rectangle and fold the sides into the dough, as with biscuits, rolling and folding 4 more times. Roll out to rectangle again, cut dough in half lengthwise, then into 12 equal squares. Shape into balls and place into buttered pan.
Cover with plastic wrap and a towel and set aside in a warm place until doubled in size.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Beat remaining egg and gently brush tops of rolls with beaten egg. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan and transfer to a cooling rack as soon as possible to prevent bottoms from getting soggy.

SCHOOL CAFETERIA PIZZABURGERS

School Cafeteria Pizzaburgers image

From the 1950s-60s school cafeteria recipes. My school district called theses "Sweepsteaks" and I loved them. The original recipe I found was for 50 servings, so you may need to adjust seasonings to your taste, as cutting large recipes down, the amounts don't always adjust easily.

Provided by Mikekey *

Categories Sandwiches

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1/2 lb lean ground beef
1/8 c onion flakes, dehydrated
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 c tomato paste
1/2 c water
1/4 tsp each dried basil, dried oregano, dried marjoram, dried thyme
2 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
4 large hamburger buns, split
8 slice american cheese

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. Brown ground beef. Drain.
3. Add onions, granulated garlic, salt, pepper, tomato paste, water, mozzarella and seasonings. Mix.
4. Place split rolls on sheet pan. Divided meat mixture evenly among bun halves. Top each half with a slice of American cheese.
5. Bake until heated through, about 8 minutes. Each serving is 2 open-faced halves.

Tips:

Embrace Simple Ingredients: Many of these recipes rely on basic, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find and affordable. This makes them accessible to home cooks of all levels.
Master Basic Techniques: These recipes often involve fundamental cooking techniques like boiling, baking, and frying. Perfecting these techniques will help you execute the dishes successfully.
Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients: While these recipes are simple, using fresh, high-quality ingredients will elevate their flavors and textures.
Pay Attention to Cooking Times: Many of these dishes have specific cooking times to ensure optimal results. Follow the instructions closely to avoid over or undercooking.
Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Some of these recipes provide suggestions for variations or additions. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients or flavors to create your own unique dishes.

Conclusion:

With their focus on simple ingredients, basic techniques, and nostalgic flavors, these 1950s school cafeteria recipes offer a glimpse into a simpler time. They are perfect for home cooks looking for comforting, budget-friendly meals that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes are sure to please your taste buds and transport you back to the carefree days of school lunches past. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey through time with these classic dishes.