Meal planning is made so much easier when you use themed dinner ideas. You may have been trying to come up with fun Thursday dinner themes because what goes with Thursday?? Well, let me help you. Today I’m sharing some great ideas for your next Throwback Thursday themed dinner.
Whether you want to make this a weekly tradition or an occasional family experience, this list of Throwback Thursday dinner ideas will help you plan this week’s menu!
I love themed meal planning because it helps me come up with ideas without thinking too hard and long about it. For instance, when planning your menu for the week, your thought process might look like this:
This Thursday our themed dinner menu will be Throwback Thursday. What can I make that’s a favorite meal from my childhood?
Be sure to check out The Ultimate List of Themed Dinner Ideas here.
In our household, we’re vegetarian. In fact a large majority of our extended family is vegetarian as well. Sometimes I make vegetarian dinners that are just you know, naturally vegetarian. However, sometimes I take recipes that call for meat and replace the meat with a vegetarian option.
Being a vegetarian has many health benefits.
Vegetarian substitutions for meat:
You’ll find these products in the freezer aisle or health food section of your local grocery store. You can also find these products at most health food stores like Whole Foods.
- ground beef or turkey > vegetarian burger crumbles
- chicken > Quorn Meatless Pieces
- chicken breast > Quorn Meatless Filets
- shredded chicken or pork > canned jackfruit
- beef, chicken, or pork > black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas
- deli meats > Lightlife Deli Slices
- sausage > Gimme Lean Breakfast Sausage, Field Roast Apple Sage Sausage
- tuna > chickpeas
Throwback Thursday Themed Dinners
How to plan your menu in 4 easy steps:
- Select your main dish.
- Choose 2 – 3 side dishes that compliment your main dish.
- Think about variety of food groups. Try to choose something from each of the main food groups.
- Focus on providing well rounded, nutritious meals.
25 Throwback Thursday Recipes
Main Dishes
Favorite recipes from back in the day. Throwback recipes to your childhood. You can introduce your kids to recipes you remember from your growing up years. Have fun with it!
Cozy Chicken a la King Recipe
Cozy, comforting Chicken a la King is one of my favorite weeknight dinners! Juicy chicken and tender veggies with creamy, flavorful gravy served over toast, biscuits, or pasta is a winner with the whole family, even picky kids.
Oatmeal and Pecan Meatloaf | Vegetarian Recipe
This is a simple, vegetarian classic "meatloaf" made with oatmeal and pecans with a sweet ketchup topping. It's so good!
Vegan Cauliflower Lentil Loaf
A hearty plant-based dinner idea that will satisfy even meat-eaters! A Vegan Cauliflower Lentil Loaf that mimics the classic meatloaf with no meat, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free! Get all your protein and veggies in this healthy recipe!
Instant Pot Beefy Lasagna Mac (cheesy ground beef pasta)
A healthier version of hamburger helper, This beefy, cheesy lasagna mac is the BEST Instant Pot pasta recipe and is sure to be one of your family’s new favorite meals!
Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup (hearty & healthy!)
Made with tender chunks of beef, a variety of veggies and potatoes, plus super-sweet cherry tomatoes, this soup is cold weather comfort food at it’s finest.
Traditional Scottish Mince & Tatties (hearty, easy ground beef recipe!)
Traditional Scottish mince and tatties is a hearty, easy weeknight dinner! It’s also a unique ground beef recipe when you want something a little different.
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe is a family favorite from my childhood. Filled with cheesy goodness and creamy flavors, it will take you back to your mom’s house in the 90s!
Vegan Double Noodle Chik'n Soup!
This Vegan DOUBLE NOODLE Chicken Soup is delicious, veganized version Campbell's soup and full noodles perfect for slurping! You'll feel like you were transported right back to childhood with this yummy 30 minute soup!
Slow Boat to China #SundaySupper
Quick-cooking rice updates this retro recipe for Slow Boat to China. This is a quick meal that is perfect for busy nights.
Old Fashioned Goulash
A a deliciously simple recipe with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni. You may have eaten this retro Goulash recipe as a kid. It is an easy weeknight dinner to make, and very kid friendly!
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
A a rich, delicious comfort food. A cheesy creamy homemade macaroni and cheese made with a roux, and with two kinds of cheese makes this a family favorite!
Gluten-Free Porcupine Meatballs with Easy Pan Gravy
Parents and kids alike will enjoy these fun and delicious porcupine meatballs with easy pan gravy. With only a few naturally gluten-free ingredients, they’re an allergy-friendly meal the whole family will love!
Easy One-Pot Hamburger Soup
This Easy Hamburger soup is a simple one-pot, hearty soup made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, celery and a delicious tomato broth. Only 5 WW blue plan points!
Chow Mein Casserole aka Minnesota Hot Dish
Chow Mein Casserole, also known as Minnesota Hotdish, is classic midwestern casserole comfort! This ground beef and rice casserole with creamy soup and a crunchy chow mein noodle topping is super easy to throw together or can be made ahead and frozen!
Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade chicken noodle soup with cuts of carrots and celery, tender pieces of chicken, egg noodles, and a seasoned chicken broth. It’s really the best cure-all when you aren’t feeling well and the best part is it’s a one-pot meal!
Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
This vegan shepherd’s pie is packed with plant-based protein and great flavors! It’s easy to make, and ready in under an hour. Serve this for those special occasions, a wintery dinner, or pack it for lunch. Great for meal prep, and suitable for freezing.
Baked Vegan Mac & Cheese (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)
This super easy homemade Baked Vegan Mac & Cheese is a gluten-free and allergy-free recipe that will blow your mind! This healthy and dairy-free version of the classic is still ultra-creamy, but secretly veggie-packed, kid-friendly, and contains no nuts or soy! Comfort food that’s quick enough for any weeknight dinner!
Hamburger Casserole
You'll love how easy this hamburger casserole is to make! Baked with noodles, ground beef, seasonings, cheese and vegetables, this recipe goes together in minutes.
Vegetarian Sausage and Cheese Quiche
This vegetarian sausage and cheese quiche recipe was given to me by my late mother in law. It's simple to prepare when using a premade pie crust.
Vintage 1960 Chicken Divan
Vintage 1960 Chicken Divan is a classic recipe filled with chicken and broccoli and topped with a creamy sauce. This family favorite has stood the test of time for generations.
Super Easy Sloppy Joes from Scratch
These old fashioned Sloppy Joes beat Manwich any day! They're made with basic ingredients, perfectly seasoned and nice and juicy!
Perfect Vegan Sloppy Joes • Happy Kitchen
Mouthwatering, delicious vegan sloppy joes are the perfect addition to your vegan sandwich collection! Look no further to satisfy your craving for comfort food, with a healthy, vegan twist.
Tuna macaroni salad with pickles
Classic tuna macaroni salad is a well loved and easy to make side dish perfect for any occasion.
Chickpea Salad {Mock Tuna Salad}
Quick and easy, this simple chickpea salad recipe makes a perfect vegetarian substitute for tuna salad. Yum!
12 Side Dishes Ideas
Use one of these delicious side dish options to round out your Throwback Thursday meal.
Easy Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad "Gurkensalat" (GF, V, P)
The simple, classic German side dish, “Gurkensalat”. This Easy Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad is just like grandma used to make! Thinly sliced cucumber and onions, chilled and marinated in a sweet vinegar base. A healthy and delicious gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and allergy-free recipe for any gathering!
Easy Gluten-Free Homemade Rice-A-Roni Copycat (Vegan, Allergy-Free)
No need to buy the box anymore! This super quick and easy Gluten-Free Homemade Rice-A-Roni copycat recipe is a no-fail, vegan, allergy-free side dish the entire family will love! Just 7 ingredients (including seasoning), one-pot, and 15 minutes!
Melissa's Best Deviled Eggs
These deviled eggs are a classic. Just a few ingredients, these deviled eggs will be loved by your whole family.
Crispy Skillet Fried Potatoes
These Country Fried Potatoes are just like grandma used to make! Crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside. Cast iron skillet not required, but they do make the best skillet fried potatoes!
5-Cup Salad
5-Cup Salad made just the way grandma made it - with only 5-ingredients. Mandarin oranges, pineapple, coconut, marshmallows, and sour cream come together wonderfully in the classic, timeless recipe.
Cheese Pudding
Cheese pudding is like a savory bread pudding, with soft white bread and shredded sharp cheddar baked in an eggy custard. You only need a few basic ingredients and about 10 minutes prep time!
Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe : Bake or Smoke it
This isn't a "lite" recipe, but it's by far the best mac and cheese around; especially when smoked. Combining 4 different cheeses; this mac and cheese is full of flavor.
Frog Eye Salad • Food Folks and Fun
Frog Eye Salad is a creamy and fluffy pineapple, orange, and coconut pasta salad that can be served as a side dish or dessert! This recipe serves a crowd so it’s great for BBQs and potlucks!
5 Minute Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
This four ingredients salad is an old classic. It's super easy and always a hit!
Healthy Vegan Waldorf Salad Recipe • Happy Kitchen
This healthy Waldorf salad is a vegan take on the classic Waldorf salad. Deliciously creamy apple cider vinegar dressing is used instead of mayonnaise for a lighter and fresher version. Perfect for your Labor Day vegan menu!
Corn Pudding
This is another recipe given to me from my mother in law. Always a crowd pleaser!
Pineapple Cheese Casserole & Sundays at Home
I have to say, this recipe is a family favorite. I’ve had this recipe for over twenty years and still love it.
More Throwback Thursday Side Dish Ideas
- steamed frozen vegetables (corn, broccoli, etc.)
- Hasselback Potatoes
- brown rice
- baked potatoes
- beans or peas
- fruit salad or sliced fruit
- garden salad
- bread or toast
- lima beans
Theme Day Menus: Throwback Thursday
Let’s put it all together. I’ll show you how I would create menus based on the Throwback Thursday themed dinner ideas I’ve shared above.
related: Wish someone would do all your menu planning for you? Good news! Eat at Home Meal Planning service is a simple solution for busy women just like you.
8 Throwback Thursday Menu Plans
Themed Dinner Idea #1
- Instant Pot Beefy Lasagna Mac
- steamed broccoli
- garlic toast
Themed Dinner Idea #2
- Oatmeal and Pecan Meatloaf
- Mashed Potatoes
- steamed frozen peas
- 5 Minute Mandarin Orange Salad
Themed Dinner Idea #3
- Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
- steamed broccoli
- garden salad
Themed Dinner Idea #4
- frozen nuggets (your favorite)
- Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
- steamed frozen peas
- sliced fresh tomatoes with salt and pepper
Themed Dinner Idea #5
- Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
- Garden Salad
- dinner roll
Themed Dinner Idea #6
- Vegetarian Sausage and Cheese Quiche
- grilled or steamed asparagus
Themed Dinner Idea #7
Themed Dinner Idea #8
- Old Fashioned Goulash
- garlic toast
- lima beans
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