1980s
The 80s brought with it so many new ways to advertise and market commercial food brands. Think Coca-cola, McDonald’s, Nabisco, Kellog’s, and Jell-O. Some notable food products that came out during this decade were Pop Secret microwave popcorn, Jell-O pudding pops, Hidden Valley Ranch, and Hamburger Helper. It was all about convenience and brand-recognition! Here are some of the most popular foods of the decade:
Crème Brûlèe: While this decadent dessert was certainly around long before the 80s, it enjoyed a moment in the spotlight thanks to a featured spot on the menu of an upscale restaurant in NYC. Almost immediately after being served at Le Cirque, thousands of copycat recipes popped up at other restaurants around the country. Check out our unique creme brulee recipe here – it’s like creme brulee in pie form!
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Vodka Sauce: This creamy sauce changed the pasta game in the best way possible. The sauce was first made in Italy in the 70s, and by the 80s, Americans had embraced the new sauce in full.
Ranch Dressing: There’s no arguing that ranch is still one of the most popular dressings and sauces in America, particularly in the midwest. It started with a man and his homemade dressing featuring buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic, onion, dill, and other herbs and spices. He first made the dressing back in the 50s, but it wasn’t until later that he started selling it at his dude ranch, Hidden Valley Ranch. By the early 80s, everyone wanted to cover their salads, veggies, and otherwise healthy food dishes with this fattening (albeit delicious) sauce! If you can’t get enough ranch, check out our slow cooker chicken ranch recipe here!
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Blackened Fish: This Louisiana Cajun staple was introduced to the masses by Chef Paul Prudhomme. While Chef Prudhomme featured many Cajun dishes in his 1984 cookbook, the blackened fish was by far the most popular one.
Sushi: Those in Los Angelos were privileged to have the first taste of sushi in the 50s and 60s, and even changed the game up in the 70s with the invention of the beginner-friendly California roll. It wasn’t until the 80s, however, that the sushi trend swept the nation. See how fun and easy it is to make sushi rolls at home with our recipe right here!
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