20 Old-School Food Trends Texans Are Suddenly Loving Again
Texans have a soft spot for flavors that feel like home, and lately the past is tasting better than ever.
Across the state, dishes once found in church cookbooks, roadside cafés, and grandma’s kitchen are slipping back onto menus and family tables.
Think hearty plates that don’t apologize for being comforting, nostalgic desserts that spark memories, and classic preparations revived by a new wave of pride in local tradition.
1. Buttermilk Biscuits with Gravy
Fluffy, buttery biscuits drowning in sausage gravy? Yes, please. This breakfast staple is back in a big way, reminding everyone why mornings used to taste better.
Homemade versions are popping up at brunch spots and family tables alike. The secret is cold butter and a hot oven – grandma knew what she was doing.
2. Kolaches
Sweet or savory, these Czech pastries have deep Texas roots. Kolaches are making a strong comeback, especially in Central Texas where bakeries can barely keep up with demand.
Fruit-filled versions bring nostalgia, while sausage-stuffed ones fuel road trips perfectly. Did you know the savory kind are technically called klobasniky?
3. Texas Sheet Cake
Big, chocolatey, and made to feed a crowd – Texas sheet cake is the ultimate potluck hero. Its thin, moist layers and rich frosting make every bite pure nostalgia.
Families are dusting off old recipes and baking these for birthdays, barbecues, and random Tuesdays. The frosting goes on while the cake’s still warm, creating that signature fudgy texture.
It’s simple, delicious, and totally Texan.
4. Pimento Cheese
Once relegated to church picnics, pimento cheese is now showing up on fancy restaurant menus. This tangy, creamy spread is having a major moment across Texas.
Some folks add jalapeños for a spicy kick, while purists stick with the classic cheddar-mayo-pimento trio. It’s perfect on crackers, celery, or straight from the spoon – no judgment here.
5. Frito Pie
Chili, cheese, and Fritos – what’s not to love? This humble dish is reclaiming its spot at football games and backyard cookouts all over Texas.
The beauty is in its simplicity: rip open a bag, dump in the toppings, grab a fork. Some call it trashy, Texans call it tradition.
Plus, it’s basically impossible to mess up, which makes it perfect for feeding hungry crowds.
6. Cast-Iron Cornbread
Crispy edges, fluffy center, and that unmistakable cast-iron crust – cornbread is back where it belongs. Texans are rediscovering the magic of baking it the old-fashioned way.
A screaming hot skillet is the secret to that perfect golden crust. Serve it with chili, barbecue, or just butter and honey.
Sweet or savory, everyone has an opinion, but nobody’s skipping seconds.
7. Chili Con Carne
Real Texas chili is all about the beef and the spice – beans are optional and hotly debated. This hearty, slow-cooked classic is warming hearts and bellies again.
Whether you’re team beans or team no-beans, everyone agrees: good chili takes time. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes.
8. Chicken-Fried Steak
Crispy, golden, and smothered in cream gravy – this is Texas comfort on a plate. Nothing beats that satisfying crunch followed by tender beef underneath.
Diners across the state are packing tables with folks craving this nostalgic favorite. It’s messy, it’s indulgent, and honestly, that’s exactly why everyone’s ordering it again.
Pro tip: pair it with mashed potatoes for the full throwback experience.
9. Barbacoa Tacos
Slow-cooked, tender, and bursting with flavor, barbacoa tacos are a Sunday morning tradition making a comeback. The beef practically melts in your mouth after hours of cooking.
Traditionally made with cow’s head, modern versions use beef cheek or chuck roast. Either way, it’s rich, savory, and absolutely worth the wait.
Add cilantro, onions, and lime – perfection on a tortilla.
10. Fried Okra
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – fried okra is the Southern side dish that’s winning over a new generation. Forget the slimy reputation; done right, it’s downright addictive.
A cornmeal coating and hot oil transform this humble veggie into crunchy perfection. Dip it in ranch or eat it plain – either way, you’ll want more.
11. Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is summer in a dish. Texas peaches make it even better, and families are baking it all year long now.
The crust can be biscuit-style or cake-like, depending on who’s baking. Either way, that bubbling fruit filling is pure comfort.
Serve it hot and watch everyone fight over the corner pieces.
12. Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding
Layers of vanilla wafers, creamy pudding, and fresh bananas – this dessert is nostalgia in a bowl. Potlucks aren’t complete without it, and Texans are remembering why.
The wafers soften just right, creating that perfect cake-like texture. Some folks add meringue on top, others stick with whipped cream.
13. German-Style Potato Salad
Forget mayo – this tangy, bacon-loaded version is the potato salad Texas German communities grew up with. Served warm with a vinegar-based dressing, it’s making a flavorful comeback.
The bacon adds smoky richness while the vinegar keeps things bright and zesty. It pairs perfectly with barbecue and sausages.
Once you try it, that mayo version just won’t hit the same anymore.
14. Brisket Sandwiches with Simple White Bread
Fancy buns are great, but sometimes plain white bread is all you need. Old-school brisket sandwiches are all about letting the smoky meat shine.
The soft bread soaks up all those juices without overpowering the flavor. Add pickles, onions, and maybe some sauce – that’s it.
15. Homemade Pickles
From dill to bread-and-butter, folks are canning their own again.
It’s easier than you think: cucumbers, vinegar, spices, and a little patience. The reward is a jar of crispy, flavorful pickles you can actually pronounce the ingredients of.
Plus, they make great gifts – if you can bear to share.
16. Deviled Eggs
These creamy, tangy bites are the ultimate party starter, and they’re back on every Texas table. Deviled eggs are simple, retro, and always the first thing to disappear.
Everyone has their own twist – some add relish, others prefer hot sauce or bacon bits. The classic paprika sprinkle on top is non-negotiable, though.
Make a double batch because one tray is never enough.
17. Sweet Tea Brewed Strong
Texas sweet tea is a religion, not just a beverage. The comeback is real, with families brewing big batches the old-fashioned way again.
The trick is adding sugar while the tea’s still hot so it dissolves completely. Then pour it over ice and sip all day long.
18. Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Creamy and packed with chicken and pasta – this casserole is pure comfort food. It fed families for decades, and now it’s feeding them again.
Often made with a can of Rotel for a little kick, it’s the ultimate make-ahead meal. Perfect for potlucks, busy weeknights, or when you just need something warm and filling.
19. Ranch-Style Beans
Ranch-style beans are a Texas staple that’s back in the spotlight. They’re the perfect side for barbecue, tacos, or breakfast tacos.
Slow-cooked with bacon, onions, and chili powder, they’re hearty and full of flavor. Some folks mash them up for refried beans, but they’re just as good whole.
20. Homemade Tamales
Making tamales is a labor of love, and Texas families are bringing back this delicious tradition. Whether filled with pork, chicken, or cheese, they’re worth every minute of effort.
Tamaladas – tamale-making parties – are happening again, turning cooking into a social event. The smell of masa steaming in corn husks is pure nostalgia.
