What do you think?
Rate this book
Betty Crocker Lost Recipes: Beloved Vintage Recipes for Today's Kitchen
A captivating collection that celebrates the wonderful recipes from the Betty Crocker archives in a package that appeals to the modern cook
Betty Crocker Lost Recipes is the ultimate treasure for the most devoted Betty Crocker fans, as well as cooks who are interested in recipes with a retro/nostalgic twist. Eighty percent of the book includes tried-and-true recipes that simply aren’t in today’s cooking repertoire—mainly from-scratch recipes that are hard to find. Twenty percent is a fun look back at some of the cooking customs of the past that may not be worth repeating, but are worth remembering. Features include ideas like “How to Throw a Hawaiian Tiki Party,” and the robust introductory pages contain interesting stories, anecdotes, and artwork from Betty Crocker’s history. Recipes are carefully curated to ensure that they are still relevant, achievable, and made with available ingredients—think Beef Stroganoff, Chicken à la King, Waldorf Salad, and Chiffon Cake. These lost recipes are ready to grace the tables of a whole new generation of cooks.
Betty Crocker Lost Recipes is the ultimate treasure for the most devoted Betty Crocker fans, as well as cooks who are interested in recipes with a retro/nostalgic twist. Eighty percent of the book includes tried-and-true recipes that simply aren’t in today’s cooking repertoire—mainly from-scratch recipes that are hard to find. Twenty percent is a fun look back at some of the cooking customs of the past that may not be worth repeating, but are worth remembering. Features include ideas like “How to Throw a Hawaiian Tiki Party,” and the robust introductory pages contain interesting stories, anecdotes, and artwork from Betty Crocker’s history. Recipes are carefully curated to ensure that they are still relevant, achievable, and made with available ingredients—think Beef Stroganoff, Chicken à la King, Waldorf Salad, and Chiffon Cake. These lost recipes are ready to grace the tables of a whole new generation of cooks.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published October 10, 2017
2760 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
December 22, 2017
Okay, I am impressed. I bought this book as a gift for a family member who LOVES cook books and now I am making another order for a copy of it for myself. It's such a clever, kitschy book. Sure, the recipes can be found just about anywhere and there aren't really as many as you'd expect there to be in a Betty Crocker book, but the rest of what the book has to offer is what makes it worthwhile. The housewife tips are fantastic, the old style pages really make it feel like older recipes, and the notes before each recipe, along with their modern updates, are fun to have.
It's more coffee table book than cookbook, but that's perfect for me.
It's more coffee table book than cookbook, but that's perfect for me.
February 3, 2019
Nice trip down memory lane. Most of these recipes weren't exactly lost for me. I have managed to keep my mom's and my old Betty Crocker cookbooks in pretty good shape.
A few of these recipes were new or updates for me.
A few of these recipes were new or updates for me.
March 5, 2022
Ok, so I must be old because most of these recipes were familiar to me. They were the dinners of my childhood. This cookbook brought up a lot of memories. We served Waldorf Salad at our Wedding Luncheon. The Cheese Sandwich Loaf, I remember being served at a Ladies Tea and it was as terrible as it looks & sounds.
A fun walk down memory lane but this cookbook is not really needful to me as I already have most of these recipes & to those cooks & readers who are a little older these are not "lost" recipes but familiar recipes that are part of their repertoire. I did enjoy the little history info. on the different recipes. My favorite part of the book was the ideas for a Tea Party, Tiki Party & Merry Kitschmas Party.
Some of the recipes includes: Deviled Eggs, Stuffed Mushroom Caps, Chicken Tetrazzini, Pot Roast, Beef Stew, Pigs in a Blanket, Danish Puff, Sally Lunn, Hot German Potato Salad, Gingerbread, Banana Cream Pie, and Peach Cobbler.
A fun walk down memory lane but this cookbook is not really needful to me as I already have most of these recipes & to those cooks & readers who are a little older these are not "lost" recipes but familiar recipes that are part of their repertoire. I did enjoy the little history info. on the different recipes. My favorite part of the book was the ideas for a Tea Party, Tiki Party & Merry Kitschmas Party.
Some of the recipes includes: Deviled Eggs, Stuffed Mushroom Caps, Chicken Tetrazzini, Pot Roast, Beef Stew, Pigs in a Blanket, Danish Puff, Sally Lunn, Hot German Potato Salad, Gingerbread, Banana Cream Pie, and Peach Cobbler.
July 15, 2020
The title pretty much says it all: recipes dating back to the first Betty Crocker cookbook, released in 1950, through the 1990s’ update. The 1950 Betty Crocker's Picture Cookbook has proven so popular that it’s back in print, with fans including Woman’s Day magazine and Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle, who swears by it. (The Betty Crocker Cookbook has its very own Wikipedia page, by the way.) A few recipes in Betty Crocker Lost Recipes: Beloved Vintage Recipes for Today’s Kitchen predate that revered tome, but nearly all have been spruced up to make them more accessible to today’s harried cooks (e.g., microwave, canned ingredients, slow cooker, less sugar, salt and fat).
If you subscribe to Saveur or Bon Appétit, this cookbook is not for you; for the rest of us — whether due to nostalgia or convenience — you’ll find plenty to like. This cookbook is an extra bargain since it’s free on Kindle Unlimited.
If you subscribe to Saveur or Bon Appétit, this cookbook is not for you; for the rest of us — whether due to nostalgia or convenience — you’ll find plenty to like. This cookbook is an extra bargain since it’s free on Kindle Unlimited.
July 17, 2019
I'm glad for the existence of Betty Crocker Lost Recipes, even if most of the recipes aren't to my taste. There are a lot of people out there who do love vintage cookbooks, and so many of those books were cheaply made or have endured decades of use and abuse. This cookbook gathers favorite recipes for every meal and snack of the day--plus handy Betty Crocker kitchen and party-organizing tips--and so preserves them for new generations to enjoy. There are some pictures and vintage illustrations throughout, but I wish there were photos to go along with every recipe.
May 3, 2020
3.5 stars
February 26, 2018
Perhaps I am out of touch but none of these recipes seemed lost, except for the cheese sandwich loaf which really needs to stay lost. I was disappointed. Most of these were recipes that were and still are used. I was looking for something more obscure and food history.
April 1, 2018
I think I’ll just keep using my old vintage Betty Crocker cookbook. The couple of recipes I tried I didn’t really care for. Unlike my old Betty Crocker which has great recipes.
March 15, 2022
You know what, this is it. I'm adding this to my wishlist. I want this cookbook. It is everything from my childhood, plus adjacent dishes I'm sure I'll love. Swiss steak, meatloaf, stuffed peppers. I also really loved that recipe for Schaumtorte!
To me, this is classic American cuisine. Comfy, yummy, simple, savory sweet. And very midwestern--that Schaumtorte I've never heard of anywhere outside of Swissconsin. I enjoyed the sections on lighting things on fire (crepes Suzette!) and the little tidbits of homemaking advice from older editions of the Betty Crocker Picture Cookbooks.
To me, this is classic American cuisine. Comfy, yummy, simple, savory sweet. And very midwestern--that Schaumtorte I've never heard of anywhere outside of Swissconsin. I enjoyed the sections on lighting things on fire (crepes Suzette!) and the little tidbits of homemaking advice from older editions of the Betty Crocker Picture Cookbooks.
April 22, 2019
This was a cute cookbook- vintage recipes, many included the stories behind them and the year the recipe appeared in a Betty Crocker cookbook. However, many of these recipes were lost for a reason (like Cheese Sandwich Loaf- ewww); I can't imagine cooking them by choice.
This would be a particularly fun book if you were throwing a vintage theme party, but I didn't find a lot of useful recipes that I actually want to make. Still, there are a few (Molasses Crinkle cookies? Yes please!) & I'm so glad I don't have to wear high heels & pearls to make them.
This would be a particularly fun book if you were throwing a vintage theme party, but I didn't find a lot of useful recipes that I actually want to make. Still, there are a few (Molasses Crinkle cookies? Yes please!) & I'm so glad I don't have to wear high heels & pearls to make them.
October 12, 2019
Really enjoyed this... found a few old favorites from my mom's old Betty. Lots of nice basic staples, all collected in one place. I have a number of these recipes scattered around in various other cookbooks so this one may replace a few vintage ones that are hanging around getting little use (particularly for some basic bread, cake, and cookie recipes).
July 19, 2023
A lot of classics I remember from family gatherings. Both my grandmothers and my mom used many of these recipes frequently for holiday meals. I liked the bit of trivia included with each recipe, too. Like when they first appeared in publication, how they came to be, if they were inspired, and any adaptations that they underwent.
August 24, 2025
An update of old nostalgic meals. Some better than others. But fun to look at!
November 25, 2025
Fun on the recipes, not so fun on the trad wife f*ckery.
January 24, 2023
I doubt I’ll be making much from this book but it’s super cute. I love the little stories about each recipe and the layout of this book is really nice.
January 14, 2022
Nostalgia, Simple Recipes, Betty Crocker - The pictures make my mouth water. So many of these recipes were ones that my mom made from her 60's era Betty Crocker Cookbook. Her beaten up copy was well loved. She got me a copy of the current Betty Crocker Cookbook when I moved out in the early 90s, but it was a three ring binder and while I use my own copy often it wasn't the same. I am looking forward to making some of these recipes.
There's a lovely one, that looks like a cake, but it's really a layered sandwich with egg salad, ham salad, cucumber salad and watercress salad - are you sensing a theme there? My coworker asked who had time to do that, but although Betty gives directions on how to make your own ham salad with bacon, you could also use store-bought. That was the one of the more time consuming ones, but the others are just regular scratch cooking recipes, like meatloaf.
There are lots of reminders of recipes there as well, ones that my mother didn't make at home, but that I learned from my home economics teacher at school. In particular, baked eggs and Welsh rarebit. I had forgotten about those and am looking forward to making them for my family. They also had applesauce donuts and hushpuppies. This is probably going to be one that I add to my collection at home.
There's a lovely one, that looks like a cake, but it's really a layered sandwich with egg salad, ham salad, cucumber salad and watercress salad - are you sensing a theme there? My coworker asked who had time to do that, but although Betty gives directions on how to make your own ham salad with bacon, you could also use store-bought. That was the one of the more time consuming ones, but the others are just regular scratch cooking recipes, like meatloaf.
There are lots of reminders of recipes there as well, ones that my mother didn't make at home, but that I learned from my home economics teacher at school. In particular, baked eggs and Welsh rarebit. I had forgotten about those and am looking forward to making them for my family. They also had applesauce donuts and hushpuppies. This is probably going to be one that I add to my collection at home.
December 14, 2019
I'm a sucker for vintage cookbooks, so when I saw this one on Prime Reading, I decided to borrow it. Hard copies are always better for cookbooks, in my opinion, but this was quite fun (and yes, I really do read all the recipes!).
Many of these recipes are from the mid-century era, and while so many of those recipes were horrific (some of those Jell-O salads were true abominations), there are some real classics here that brought back fond memories of childhood. Some are excellent enough to make today. I will always love overnight layer salad!
There is a section for a Retro Tiki Party, which is relevant to my interests. I also loved the section on flaming dishes and desserts, with the most puzzling one being the "flaming cabbage," in which you hollow out a cabbage, put a can of Sterno in it, and have guests toast their own sausages. Fun!
The classic tips are the best, though. My personal favorite for the '50s housewife was, "If you feel too tired, lie down on the floor on your back, put your hands above your head, close your eyes, and relax for 3 to 5 minutes." I imagine Mr. '50s Husband coming home from a hard day at the office and thinking his wife had been murdered.
This was a genuinely fun little read that I didn't know I needed!
Many of these recipes are from the mid-century era, and while so many of those recipes were horrific (some of those Jell-O salads were true abominations), there are some real classics here that brought back fond memories of childhood. Some are excellent enough to make today. I will always love overnight layer salad!
There is a section for a Retro Tiki Party, which is relevant to my interests. I also loved the section on flaming dishes and desserts, with the most puzzling one being the "flaming cabbage," in which you hollow out a cabbage, put a can of Sterno in it, and have guests toast their own sausages. Fun!
The classic tips are the best, though. My personal favorite for the '50s housewife was, "If you feel too tired, lie down on the floor on your back, put your hands above your head, close your eyes, and relax for 3 to 5 minutes." I imagine Mr. '50s Husband coming home from a hard day at the office and thinking his wife had been murdered.
This was a genuinely fun little read that I didn't know I needed!
July 20, 2018
I loved this book, I have an orange edition of the Betty Crocker book from the 70's. It was the supplemental book for my High School Home Ec Cooking class. It's still part a valued part of my cooking collection.
This volume traces the history of what came out of our kitchens bringing back things that have fallen out of favor because of prep methods or newer, more exciting dishes. Something for everyone to love here, I was delighted to see a salad made with Romaine Lettuce, Mandarin Oranges and a sugared almond topping. I made it several times when I was starting to preside over my own kitchen. It seemed so elegant and exotic. With any luck these recipes will be found again, I have my eye on a Carmel Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake.
Great for a beginner or experienced hand in the kitchen or someone interested in America's cultural history.
This volume traces the history of what came out of our kitchens bringing back things that have fallen out of favor because of prep methods or newer, more exciting dishes. Something for everyone to love here, I was delighted to see a salad made with Romaine Lettuce, Mandarin Oranges and a sugared almond topping. I made it several times when I was starting to preside over my own kitchen. It seemed so elegant and exotic. With any luck these recipes will be found again, I have my eye on a Carmel Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake.
Great for a beginner or experienced hand in the kitchen or someone interested in America's cultural history.
December 31, 2018
This is a fantastic cookbook! It's got a retro vibe, but the tips and backstory (Betty through the ages) are really fun. Also, most of the food is very family friendly, made from easy to get ingredients, and the cooking times are accurate. Also, the book includes full nutritional information! My favorite chapter was appetizers - this is where you can really have fun and go a little retro. People loved the olive balls and generally love deviled eggs. The crockpot schnitzel recipe is also good (there is actually a similar version in the Williams Sonoma crockpot cookbook, but this one is a little easier). There are some good breakfast casseroles here, and a few fun deserts.
This is worth checking out if you like to cook or entertain. There are some great theme party ideas and menus in here, and while some of the recipes are dated, a lot of them have stood the test of time.
This is worth checking out if you like to cook or entertain. There are some great theme party ideas and menus in here, and while some of the recipes are dated, a lot of them have stood the test of time.
June 9, 2018
A charming look at Betty Crocker through the ages! Part history, part vintage housekeeping tips, but mainly, a delightful collection of classic recipes. Enjoy a look at appetizers, main dishes, breads, salads and desserts that have pleased American families for decades. Includes four themed party suggestions: Merry Kitchmas, Retro Tiki, Time for Tea and Fire Obsession (Flambé!) that will inspire and give you a chuckle. While you're laughing, enjoy those vintage "Wisdom from Betty" tips! Prepare to roll your eyes when you read "Think pleasant thoughts while working and a chore will become a 'labor of love.'" Okay, Betty... *eye roll* I just want to eat banana cream pie.
November 14, 2021
In terms of finding new recipes to try, this book was not super helpful. But in terms of food history or maybe just Betty Crocker history – this was a fun read. The recipes have been updated to be easily reproducible by a modern cook, with tweaks made to ingredient lists (can sizes have changed a lot over the years) or cooking method as needed. But what really shines here are the photos, facts and excerpts from earlier Betty Crocker cookbooks. Really interesting exploration of how things have changed over the years.
September 18, 2021
Reading this cookbook was a little like sitting at the table when I was growing up. This is a compilation (and update) of some popular retro recipes, things like stuffed peppers, beef stroganoff, and cheese balls. There were added elements like notes on why the recipe was included or ways to adjust the recipe, and some very funny ways to throw kitschy parties with some of the recipes. I’m going to make some apple sauce donuts and Swedish limpa rye bread first.
June 3, 2018
It's Baaack!
They brought back my favorite hushpuppy recipe! It makes the best hushpuppies in the world and they will forever spoil you for any other hushpuppies in the world. The cookbook is worth the price for that recipe alone but it is full of other good things. Buy it at once and cook from it tonight. Enjoy!
They brought back my favorite hushpuppy recipe! It makes the best hushpuppies in the world and they will forever spoil you for any other hushpuppies in the world. The cookbook is worth the price for that recipe alone but it is full of other good things. Buy it at once and cook from it tonight. Enjoy!
December 1, 2020
Do cookbooks count if you, for some reason, read them cover-to-cover? I really loved this and I’m looking forward to cooking my way through it. I particularly enjoyed the articles about types of kitschy and retro parties I can throw. The whole book just reminded me of something that would be lying around my grandma’s house. 10/10 for nostalgia.
July 4, 2019
Oldies but goodies!
Found a few forgotten dishes from my childhood! Surprised at the simplicity of the majority of the recipes. Most can easily be made at home with little planning.
Found a few forgotten dishes from my childhood! Surprised at the simplicity of the majority of the recipes. Most can easily be made at home with little planning.
June 14, 2020
It's hard not to like Betty Crocker and when she (they) go back into history there is definitely something to like.
This cookbook of tried and true recipes is Betty Crocker's (the company, not the person) salute to kitchens and cooks of the past. I was happy to browse through the recipes that made me very hungry. I didn't actually make any of the recipes, but I had an ebook version from my local library predominantly to see if it was something I would like to spend my money on to buy a (paper) hardcopy since I find an ebook useless in my kitchen. (Gets my tablet all full of flour and greasy fingerprints)
What I was disappointed in is that it didn't have enough of the past and didn't go far enough back into the past. It focused mostly on the 1940s and 1950s and I would have enjoyed something that immersed me even deeper into that time. But it was definitely enjoyable to see how a party was thrown back then, how women's lives revolved around the kitchen and the kitchen (and consequently the mom) was the heart and heartbeat of the family. (They are referred to as the "GOOD old days" for a reason.)
I should also tell you that since Betty Crocker prides itself on relevance and accuracy, things like measurements and ways of doing things are updated and included so that you can take a trip to the kitchen of the past in your kitchen of today.
I hope this review helps and if you happen to get this book and try one of the cookie recipes you know where to find me! 🍪 🙋♀️ 🇨🇦
Sincerely, Laura-Lee (Was Here)
This cookbook of tried and true recipes is Betty Crocker's (the company, not the person) salute to kitchens and cooks of the past. I was happy to browse through the recipes that made me very hungry. I didn't actually make any of the recipes, but I had an ebook version from my local library predominantly to see if it was something I would like to spend my money on to buy a (paper) hardcopy since I find an ebook useless in my kitchen. (Gets my tablet all full of flour and greasy fingerprints)
What I was disappointed in is that it didn't have enough of the past and didn't go far enough back into the past. It focused mostly on the 1940s and 1950s and I would have enjoyed something that immersed me even deeper into that time. But it was definitely enjoyable to see how a party was thrown back then, how women's lives revolved around the kitchen and the kitchen (and consequently the mom) was the heart and heartbeat of the family. (They are referred to as the "GOOD old days" for a reason.)
I should also tell you that since Betty Crocker prides itself on relevance and accuracy, things like measurements and ways of doing things are updated and included so that you can take a trip to the kitchen of the past in your kitchen of today.
I hope this review helps and if you happen to get this book and try one of the cookie recipes you know where to find me! 🍪 🙋♀️ 🇨🇦
Sincerely, Laura-Lee (Was Here)
December 29, 2017
This just put a smile on my face, for the nostalgia alone this is five stars! This takes me back to my childhood, so many of the main menus were straight out of my mother's kitchen. My mother's cherished English popover recipe, is nothing but a Betty Crocker copy! I totally enjoyed this, I have little desire to make these recipes, but I sure did enjoy the book and helpful wifey hints from the 50s, brush your hair and put on your lipstick, stand up straight and put a smile on your face when you serve that healthy delicious dinner, cheers everyone, bottoms up with your Manhattans and martinis 😬
January 30, 2018
Love. Love. Love this cookbook. It's one that has roots in the original Betty Crocker guidance as well as some menus loved by Grace Kelly and President and Mrs. Eisenhower. Also included is a section on a tea party and the difference between early morning and high tea. This is a book that I plan to purchase , share the cooking/baking fun with my grand-baby, enjoy the fruits of our labor and one day pass on to her.
September 1, 2019
Memories
Great walk down memory lane to a more simple time when families sat together and food was a part of the American infrastructure. When their were 2 parent households and children respected their elders and one would thank God for the food that was placed before them. I learned to cook from my first BC cookbook given to me in 1979 as a hopechest gift from my precious grandma. This brought back some wonderful memories. Get this. You will not be disappointed
Great walk down memory lane to a more simple time when families sat together and food was a part of the American infrastructure. When their were 2 parent households and children respected their elders and one would thank God for the food that was placed before them. I learned to cook from my first BC cookbook given to me in 1979 as a hopechest gift from my precious grandma. This brought back some wonderful memories. Get this. You will not be disappointed
November 22, 2020
Beats out a shelf of cookbooks and Alexa!
I have a shelf full of cookbooks that I seldom read now that I discovered this digital copy of Betty Crocker Lost Recipes. This even tops my asking Alexa , "Find me a recipe for...". These recipes are simple, uses mostly ingredients I have on hand, and entices me to try duplicating the item shown in the picture. All the while, I'm imagining the raves from those with whom I will share my masterpiece!
I have a shelf full of cookbooks that I seldom read now that I discovered this digital copy of Betty Crocker Lost Recipes. This even tops my asking Alexa , "Find me a recipe for...". These recipes are simple, uses mostly ingredients I have on hand, and entices me to try duplicating the item shown in the picture. All the while, I'm imagining the raves from those with whom I will share my masterpiece!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews