24 Weird Foods Boomers and Gen X Once Considered Fancy

Step into a time machine (or at least the family kitchen of decades past) and revisit a world where fancy meant neon-colored gelatin and a well-molded cheese ball.

For Boomers and Gen X, certain dishes were once considered the pinnacle of sophistication—whether thanks to clever advertising, changing food trends, or sheer novelty.

From wobbly masterpieces to canned delights, this list takes a humorous and nostalgic look at the foods that once stole the show at dinner parties and family gatherings.

1. Jell-O Salad

Once upon a time, Jell-O salads were the undisputed queens of potlucks and dinner parties. The more suspended ingredients, the fancier they seemed. Fruits? Sure. Vegetables? Why not. Cottage cheese? Absolutely.

Boomers and Gen Xers took pride in crafting these gelatinous marvels, often featuring layers upon layers of colors and textures that somehow dared guests to dig in. A bite of one could range from refreshingly fruity to unexpectedly savory—but hey, it was all part of the experience!

While Jell-O still enjoys its place in dessert bowls, its days as a main course contender are (thankfully) behind us.

2. Shrimp Cocktail

If you were serving shrimp cocktail back in the day, you weren’t just hosting a dinner—you were throwing a gala. This dish, elegantly perched in glass goblets, was the ultimate flex of refined taste.

Cold, juicy shrimp paired with a zesty, horseradish-heavy cocktail sauce felt both indulgent and sophisticated. For many Boomers and Gen Xers, ordering one at a restaurant was a power move, a sign that you had impeccable taste (and maybe a solid tax refund).

Though still popular today, shrimp cocktail has lost its “fancy” edge—but back in the day, this was seafood royalty.

3. Cheese Ball

The cheese ball wasn’t just an appetizer; it was an event. A glorious orb of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and mysterious seasonings, often coated in nuts or parsley, it proudly sat at the center of every buffet table.

Serving one meant instant prestige—a host who knew how to entertain. Boomers and Gen Xers delighted in its spreadable goodness, especially when paired with an artfully arranged selection of Ritz crackers.

Though cheese boards have taken its throne, the cheese ball remains a nostalgic symbol of effortless party elegance.

4. Aspic

If Jell-O salad had a bizarre, culinary cousin, it was aspic—a dish that looked more like an art project than actual food. Made by suspending meats, vegetables, or even seafood in a clear gelatin mold, aspic was once considered the epitome of gourmet presentation.

Boomers and Gen Xers respected the delicate craft behind these shimmering, savory creations. But today’s diners might sprint in the opposite direction if they saw a roast chicken encased in translucent jelly.

Aspic still holds a special place in retro food history, even if its wiggly weirdness keeps it firmly in the past.

5. Deviled Eggs

No gathering was complete without a platter of deviled eggs, and nothing said “upscale” like a dusting of paprika on top. These bite-sized beauties were simple, elegant, and endlessly customizable, making them a must-have at holiday feasts and backyard barbecues alike.

For Boomers and Gen Xers, a well-made deviled egg was a sign of class—a dish that transcended generations. Their tangy, creamy goodness ensured that even today, they remain a reliable party favorite.

One thing’s for sure: deviled eggs have stood the test of time—unlike some of their gelatin-based counterparts.

6. Vienna Sausages

Vienna sausages were proof that fine dining could fit in a can. These miniature meat links were considered quite the treat, especially when served on a toothpick at cocktail parties or alongside a cheese platter.

Boomers and Gen Xers loved the convenience and salty satisfaction of these little wonders. Some enjoyed them straight from the can, while others took it up a notch by baking them into casseroles or wrapping them in crescent rolls (hello, pigs in a blanket!).

While Vienna sausages are still around, they’ve lost some of their glamorous party snack status—but for those who grew up with them, they remain a tiny taste of nostalgia.

7. Chipped Beef on Toast

Known affectionately (or not) as “S.O.S.” (Something On a Shingle), chipped beef on toast was a staple in many Boomer and Gen X households.

This dish, featuring thinly sliced dried beef smothered in a creamy, salty gravy, was simple, filling, and cost-effective—qualities that made it a popular choice for both home-cooked meals and military mess halls.

While some remember it fondly as a comforting classic, others recall it as a meal of last resort. Either way, chipped beef on toast had its moment in the culinary spotlight.

8. Spam

Spam wasn’t just food—it was a movement. This canned wonder was versatile, affordable, and surprisingly long-lasting, making it a household staple for Boomers and Gen Xers alike.

It could be fried, baked, diced, mixed into casseroles, or even served “fancy style” with a pineapple slice on top. For many, Spam represented innovation in food preservation, a testament to modern convenience.

Though often joked about today, Spam still has a cult following, especially in places like Hawaii, where it’s a beloved ingredient in dishes like Spam musubi. Love it or hate it, Spam is a food icon.

9. Fondue

Back in the day, if you were dipping bread into a bubbling pot of cheese, you were officially living the high life. Fondue was more than just a dish—it was an interactive experience, bringing people together one gooey bite at a time.

Boomers and Gen Xers embraced the melty magic of Swiss-inspired fondue, whether it was cheese, chocolate, or even hot oil for meats. The beauty of fondue? It made you feel sophisticated while requiring minimal effort.

While it may no longer be the peak of fine dining, fondue still holds a special place in the hearts of those who remember twirling their skewers like culinary connoisseurs.

10. TV Dinners

Few things screamed modern luxury quite like having an entire meal in a compartmentalized aluminum tray. TV dinners were a technological marvel, allowing Boomers and Gen Xers to enjoy a hot meal without lifting a finger (except to turn the knob on the oven).

Complete with meatloaf, mashed potatoes, a vegetable, and—if you were lucky—a brownie, these frozen feasts made dinnertime as easy as peeling back the foil.

TV dinners paved the way for the microwave meal era, proving that sometimes, convenience outshines culinary craftsmanship.

11. Duck à l’Orange

If you wanted to impress your guests and sound extremely cultured, Duck à l’Orange was the ultimate showstopper. A dish that blended crispy duck with a sweet, citrusy glaze, it became a staple of high-end dinner parties and fancy restaurants.

Boomers and Gen Xers saw this as a pinnacle of gourmet cooking, even if some were slightly confused about the idea of fruit and poultry joining forces.

While not as common today, Duck à l’Orange still holds its place as a relic of fine dining’s golden age—the kind of dish you might still see in a fancy French bistro (or in an old Julia Child cookbook).

12. Beef Wellington

If you wanted to announce your culinary dominance to dinner guests, you made Beef Wellington. This legendary dish wrapped a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin in a flaky, buttery puff pastry, often coated with mushroom duxelles and a layer of pâté.

Boomers and Gen Xers knew that making this dish was an event—one misstep and your pastry could turn soggy, or worse, the whole thing could fall apart.

Though it’s not as common outside of Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen, Beef Wellington remains a symbol of lavish 20th-century dining—a dish that practically shouted, “I watch PBS cooking shows and I’m not afraid to prove it.”

13. Liver and Onions

Ah, liver and onions—a meal that divided families faster than a heated Monopoly game. On one hand, it was packed with iron and nostalgia; on the other, it had a strong, acquired taste that sent some kids running for the hills.

Boomers and Gen Xers often grew up with this dish as a “good-for-you” dinner, whether they liked it or not. Some embraced the rich, savory depth of the liver, while others spent entire meals sneaking bites to the family dog.

Today, liver and onions is more of a fond memory (or a nightmare, depending on who you ask), but for those who loved it, it still holds a special (if slightly controversial) place in culinary history.

14. Ambrosia Salad

Nothing quite said “luxury dessert” in the mid-century like a bowl of marshmallow-studded, fruit-filled Ambrosia Salad. A strange yet beloved blend of pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut, mini marshmallows, and whipped cream, this dish blurred the line between salad and dessert—but nobody cared.

Boomers and Gen Xers embraced its pastel fluffiness, often bringing it to family gatherings, potlucks, and Church socials. It was light, sweet, and just mysterious enough to make people wonder, “Who thought of this, and why?”

Though it’s less common today, Ambrosia Salad still makes an occasional retro-themed comeback, proving that nostalgia is the best seasoning.

15. Chicken a la King

Creamy, comforting, and one of the original “dump everything in a pot” dishes, Chicken à la King was the height of gourmet home cooking. Featuring chunks of chicken, mushrooms, and peas in a rich, sherry-spiked white sauce, this dish was spooned over toast, rice, or noodles for maximum effect.

Boomers and Gen Xers embraced its elegance, often serving it on fancy china at dinner parties or making it for a “classy” family meal.

While it may have fallen out of favor for flashier dishes, Chicken à la King still holds a nostalgic spot in comfort food history—because honestly, who doesn’t love a creamy, carb-covered masterpiece?

16. Eggs Benedict

Before avocado toast took over the breakfast world, Eggs Benedict was the undisputed king of weekend brunch sophistication. Featuring a perfectly poached egg perched atop an English muffin, draped in silky hollandaise sauce, this dish made you feel like royalty—one luxurious bite at a time.

Boomers and Gen Xers saw Eggs Benedict as the height of weekend indulgence, often ordering it at fancy hotel brunches or making a grand effort to prepare it at home.

Though it’s still a brunch favorite, Eggs Benedict has maintained its reputation as the meal that separates casual eaters from true breakfast enthusiasts—because let’s be honest, poaching an egg perfectly is basically a culinary magic trick.

17. Watergate Salad

Some desserts are born from culinary genius, and others… just happen. Watergate Salad falls into the latter category—a fluffy, pastel-green concoction made from pistachio pudding, whipped topping, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and nuts.

Boomers and Gen Xers embraced this pudding-based phenomenon at potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings, never once stopping to ask, “Who decided pistachios and marshmallows belong together?”

Despite its odd ingredient combo, Watergate Salad was a hit, proving that if it’s sweet and fluffy enough, people will eat it without asking too many questions.

18. Veal Oscar

If you wanted to impress guests in the 1960s and ’70s, Veal Oscar was your golden ticket. It combined tender veal, asparagus, crab meat, and a luxurious béarnaise sauce, making it one of the fanciest plates you could serve without wearing a tuxedo.

Boomers and Gen Xers saw this dish as a symbol of elegance, often reserved for special occasions and candlelit dinners. It was rich, indulgent, and just complicated enough to make the cook feel like a five-star chef.

Though it’s not as common today, Veal Oscar remains a reminder of a time when “fancy dining” meant layering premium ingredients on top of each other just because you could.

19. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Before Pinterest-worthy cakes took over the internet, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake was the go-to showstopper dessert. With caramelized pineapple rings, maraschino cherries, and a buttery cake base, it looked as good as it tasted.

Boomers and Gen Xers loved its dramatic reveal, flipping the pan over to unveil a perfectly glazed masterpiece. It was sweet, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings.

While modern desserts tend to be more elaborate, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake still holds its ground—because sometimes, the simplest things are the best (especially when there’s caramel involved).

20. Salmon Mousse

If there was ever a dish that divided the room, Salmon Mousse was it. A blend of pureed salmon, cream cheese, gelatin, and seasonings, this dish was often molded into decorative shapes (fish-shaped, if you really wanted to go all in).

Boomers and Gen Xers saw it as a classy appetizer, something to be served with crackers at a fancy party. But to some, the idea of whipped seafood in gelatin form was… a little too experimental.

While it has faded from the spotlight, Salmon Mousse is still a legendary throwback to a time when seafood belonged in everything—even your dip.

21. Lobster Thermidor

If Duck à l’Orange was fancy, Lobster Thermidor was positively extravagant. This French classic combined tender lobster meat, creamy brandy-infused sauce, and a crispy cheese topping, making it the definition of culinary indulgence.

Boomers and Gen Xers associated it with high-class dining, the kind of meal you ordered at a white-tablecloth restaurant when you wanted to impress a date (or pretend you understood French cuisine).

Though its popularity has dwindled, Lobster Thermidor remains a nostalgic reminder of an era when luxury dining meant “the more butter and cheese, the better.”

22. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Before meal-prep containers became a thing, Stuffed Bell Peppers were the ultimate self-contained dinner. Filled with ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and spices, they were both nutritious and Instagrammable—decades before Instagram existed.

Boomers and Gen Xers appreciated this dish for its simplicity and versatility, whether served at a family dinner or a neighborhood potluck.

While they may not be as trendy as quinoa bowls, Stuffed Bell Peppers still hold their own as a hearty, comforting meal that proves “food bowls” existed long before hipster cafés figured them out.

23. Baked Alaska

Desserts are supposed to be delicious, but Baked Alaska took things a step further by being an actual performance piece. Featuring ice cream encased in sponge cake and covered in toasted meringue, it was often flambéed tableside for dramatic effect.

Boomers and Gen Xers loved its showstopping appeal, making it a staple at fancy dinner parties and upscale restaurants. The best part? Watching guests’ faces light up as the flames danced across the dessert.

Though it’s a rarity today, Baked Alaska will always be remembered as the dessert that dared to combine fire and ice cream—and somehow made it work.

24. Jello Poke Cake

Jell-O Poke Cake was the dessert equivalent of a neon sign—bright, colorful, and impossible to ignore. This simple cake was made by poking holes into a baked sheet cake and pouring liquid Jell-O over it, creating a vibrant, marbled effect inside every slice.

Boomers and Gen Xers adored its playful, psychedelic appearance, making it a hit at birthdays, potlucks, and just about any occasion that called for a sugar rush.

Though modern cakes have gotten fancier, Jell-O Poke Cake still holds its place as one of the most fun and effortlessly nostalgic desserts ever invented.