21 Boomer Favorites That Don’t Impress Gen Z At All

Some things that Boomers love just don’t land the same way with Gen Z, and the differences are pretty entertaining. From fashion choices to food trends, what once felt iconic now gets eye rolls from the younger crowd. Looking at these ‘favorites’ shows how quickly tastes and culture change, and reminds us to have a laugh about it.

Stuffed Meatloaf

Stuffed meatloaf comes packed with juicy beef, gooey cheese, and a sweet BBQ glaze that feels straight out of a Boomer dinner playbook. While it might not trend on TikTok, it’s still the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners hearty and filling. A slice delivers old-school comfort with flavors that stick around long after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Meatloaf

Cheese and Onion Quiche

Cheese and onion quiche delivers that buttery crust, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and caramelized onion combo Boomers love to serve at brunch. It feels classic and comforting, though Gen Z might wonder why it’s not a breakfast burrito instead. Fast to prep and easy to bake, it still earns a spot on the table when you want something timeless and cozy.
Get the Recipe: Cheese and Onion Quiche

Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Spinach and artichoke dip has been the MVP of potlucks for decades, bubbling away in a slow cooker while everyone gathers around. Gen Z may reach for guac or salsa instead, but the creamy, cheesy richness still wins points at family get-togethers. With only a few minutes of prep, it’s effortless and undeniably crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli casserole mixes creamy sauce, tender florets, and a buttery cracker topping in a dish that feels like every Boomer’s holiday table staple. Younger eaters might side-eye the retro vibes, but it’s still comfort food baked in one pan. Cheesy, hearty, and warm, it’s a casserole that always feeds a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry brie bites bring together puff pastry, gooey brie, and tart cranberries in a party-ready appetizer that Boomers have been leaning on for ages. They may not scream edgy to Gen Z, but their flavor and presentation keep them timeless. Simple to make and pretty on the platter, they shine when you want finger food that feels a little fancy.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites

Red Velvet Cake

Red velvet cake carries that nostalgic Boomer-era flair with its cocoa notes, moist crumb, and cream cheese frosting piled high. It might not excite younger crowds the way trendy desserts do, but it never fails to impress at birthdays or family dinners. Each slice feels like a sweet nod to tradition, colorful and comforting all at once.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Beef stew simmered low and slow fills the kitchen with cozy aromas, giving Boomers the comfort food they grew up on. Gen Z might see it as old-fashioned, but tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth still make it hard to resist. It’s one of those recipes that wraps you up like a blanket in bowl form.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

3 Ingredient Shortbread

Shortbread cookies are the ultimate simple treat, made with nothing more than butter, sugar, and flour, Boomers love their straightforward charm. While Gen Z leans toward over-the-top cookie mashups, these delicate, crumbly bites never go out of style. They melt in your mouth with buttery richness, perfect for tea time or holiday trays.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Shortbread

Cranberry Chicken Salad

Cranberry chicken salad has all the hallmarks of a Boomer favorite, chicken, mayo, and crunchy add-ins with a pop of sweet-tart cranberries. It might not rank high in TikTok recipe hacks, but it’s reliable and easy for weekday lunches. Every bite gives you creamy dressing, tender chicken, and just enough crunch to keep it interesting.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Salad

Potato Fritters

Potato fritters, pan-fried to golden perfection, are a breakfast classic Boomers have been enjoying for decades. Gen Z might call them “basic,” but crispy outsides and tender insides topped with yogurt still make them delicious. They’re simple, hearty, and the kind of meal that feels right at any breakfast table.
Get the Recipe: Potato Fritters

Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken slow-cooked in a creamy garlic tomato sauce, feels like the sort of romantic dish Boomers rave about serving. Gen Z might scroll past the name, but tender, saucy chicken cooked hands-free in a crockpot never goes out of style. It’s rich, easy, and the kind of dinner that makes you glad for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

Impossible Quiche

Impossible quiche, with its self-forming crust of eggs, bacon, cheese, and Bisquick, feels like pure Boomer-era kitchen magic. Younger generations may not find it exciting, but the creamy, cheesy center keeps it firmly in the comfort food lane. Ready for the oven in minutes, it’s an easy all-in-one meal that still delivers.
Get the Recipe: Impossible Quiche

Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey-glazed carrots have long been a Boomer go-to side dish, with tender slices coated in a glossy honey-butter glaze. A vegetable in sweet sauce might not wow Gen Z, but the colorful, caramelized finish still makes them look good on any table. Easy to whip up with pantry staples, they deliver simple comfort with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots

Green Bean Hamburger Casserole

Green bean hamburger casserole is a retro favorite that layers ground beef, beans, and plenty of cheese into a hearty bake. While Boomers love its budget-friendly simplicity, younger eaters might call it dated compared to trendier meal-prep bowls. Still, it’s filling, cheesy, and family-friendly, making it a dependable dish for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Hamburger Casserole

Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

Bruschetta al pomodoro is a timeless appetizer Boomers adore, featuring ripe tomatoes, basil, and toasted bread. Gen Z might consider it too simple compared to loaded flatbreads or avocado toast, but fresh ingredients always shine. Easy to assemble and full of flavor, it’s one of those recipes that never really goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

Potato and Leek Soup

Potato and leek soup is a creamy, velvety favorite that feels straight out of a Boomer cookbook. Gen Z might find it plain compared to bolder flavor trends, but the buttery garlic and thyme still give it a timeless appeal. Warm and filling, it’s the kind of recipe that quietly earns loyalty at the table.
Get the Recipe: Potato and Leek Soup

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast is classic Boomer comfort food, with tender beef, vegetables, and gravy that simmer all day. Gen Z might scroll past it for flashier recipes, but the rich, hearty flavors keep it a staple in family kitchens. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like tradition and feels like home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Pineapple Cheese Ball

Pineapple cheese ball is a Boomer party classic, mixing creamy cheese, pineapple, peppers, and pecans into one sweet-savory appetizer. Gen Z might not grab for it first, but its tropical-meets-retro charm still makes it a quirky centerpiece. Rolled up and ready to serve, it’s a conversation starter as much as it is a snack.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cheese Ball

Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Slow cooker Italian beef is a hands-off recipe Boomers love, yielding tender, shredded meat with peppers and seasoning. Gen Z might think it looks like just another crockpot dinner, but the sandwich-shop flavors win over anyone who tries it. It’s low effort, big reward, and the leftovers are just as good.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Beef

French Onion Soup

French onion soup topped with gooey cheese and crusty bread is the epitome of Boomer-era “fancy” dining. Gen Z might see it as heavy or old-school, but the rich broth and caramelized onions make it comforting every time. Served steaming hot, it’s cozy, indulgent, and still perfect for chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms filled with cream cheese, cheddar, and veggies are a classic appetizer Boomers bring to every gathering. Gen Z may label them predictable, but one bite of their melty, savory goodness always wins fans. Golden and bite-sized, they’re easy to make, easy to eat, and always dependable.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms