12 retro Spam recipes & menu ideas from yesteryear that you may be adventurous enough to try - Click Americana (2024)

What can you make with Spam? According to these retro recipes — what can’t you make with Spam?! Check out these easy vintage how-tos here.

Spam ‘n’ macaroni loaf (1940s)

For a harmonious taste blend, arrange alternate layers of Spam slices and macaroni mixture in loaf pan.

Bake in a pan of water at 375 (F) until firm. Serve with broccoli blossoms accented with your favorite sauce. Top billing with any audience!

12 retro Spam recipes & menu ideas from yesteryear that you may be adventurous enough to try - Click Americana (1)

ANOTHER ONE: Macaroni loaf: A classic ’50s molded pasta recipe

Spam ‘n’ eggs (1943)

Top o’ the morning!

Golden honey on piping hot biscuits, fried egg with edges lacy — crisp, hearty slices of broiled spam — the perfect cool-morning breakfast!

A triumph in ration points, too, because Spam is all good to eat — no bones, no waste, no surplus fat!

12 retro Spam recipes & menu ideas from yesteryear that you may be adventurous enough to try - Click Americana (2)

Spam dinner recipe (1943)

Full point value… no waste, no bone, no surplus fat

Broil or fry thick slices of Spam — or stud whole Spam with cloves and bake 20 minutes, basting with sauce: 1/2 tsp vinegar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp prepared mustard, 1 tsp water. Serve with limas (beans) and baked potato.

12 retro Spam recipes & menu ideas from yesteryear that you may be adventurous enough to try - Click Americana (3)

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Planked Spam (1948)

Score a whole Spam and rub with brown sugar. Surround it on the plank with tomato slices capped with large mushrooms doused in butter.

Bake 25 minutes in hot oven, then ring with mashed potatoes and slip back in the oven for quick browsing. Bring it to the table, plank and all… and be greeted with cheers.

12 retro Spam recipes & menu ideas from yesteryear that you may be adventurous enough to try - Click Americana (4)

Spam cheeseburger (1948)

A slice or two Spam on one half of a buttered bun, cheese on the other. Under the broiler till the Spam is golden brown, the cheese bubbling hot. Dills, olives, mustard or mayonnaise — then bite into a super-snack.

12 retro Spam recipes & menu ideas from yesteryear that you may be adventurous enough to try - Click Americana (5)

Spam ‘n’ scrambled (1950)

Fluffy eggs every time if you follow this method:

Break eggs into bowl; for each egg used, add 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon cream, and a dash of pepper. Beat lightly with a fork. Melt in a skillet enough butter or margarine to coat the bottom. Turn heat low, add eggs.

Let them “set” slightly. Keep turning edges gently toward center of pan; avoid stirring. Remove from burner before quite firm. Brown the Spam slices in another pan. Serve both on a hot plate.

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MORE: Check out these retro Cheez Whiz recipes from their Idea Book (1974)

Hit for a hot night: Spam summer platter (1950)

Stuffed celery: Mash cream cheese with sweet cream to give butter-like consistency; add grated onion, dash of Worcestershire; fill celery stalks and dust with paprika.

Stuffed tomatoes: Make tomato cups by slicing off top and removing core; fill with shredded cabbage drenched with French dressing or mayonnaise.

With sliced Swiss cheese, bread, and appetizing Spam, dinner’s ready — and so’s the family.

Cold or hot, Spam hits the spot!

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Spam ‘n’ cheese ribbon loaf (1951)

Tender, pure-pork Spam joins with a zesty cream cheese mixture for memorable eating. Serve for supper or lunch — or a noteworthy appetizer.

Cut into 8 slices 1 whole Spam. Mix together 3 ounces cream cheese (softened with a little milk), 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon grated onion, 1 tablespoon minced parsley, 1/4 teaspoon salt. Spread between slices of Spam.

Chill for 4 hours (or longer; overnight if desired). Slice and serve. Good with deviled eggs or potato salad.

12 retro Spam recipes & menu ideas from yesteryear that you may be adventurous enough to try - Click Americana (8)

Spam-bean bake (1952)

Less then 5 minutes from can opener to oven… and the eating is wonderful! Slices of savory Spam, sizzling and fragrant, top hearty baked beans. Satisfying main dish for an easy summer meal… kind to the budget, too!

Slice into 8 slices 1 whole can of Spam. Combine canned baked beans (contents 2 medium cans or 1 large), 2 tablespoons molasses, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon dry mustard. Place in greased casserole, top with Spam slices. Bake in a moderate oven (350 F) for about 25 minutes.

12 retro Spam recipes & menu ideas from yesteryear that you may be adventurous enough to try - Click Americana (9)

Spam ‘n’ Yam fiesta loaf (1955)

… luscious with cling peaches from California.

Summer sunshine for a winter meal! Simply cut a Spam loaf into two crosswise. Between the two layers, spread canned sweet potatoes, mashed and seasoned. Surround with golden cling peaches from California. Top with “fan” of peach slices.

Drizzle on peach juice seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard. Bake in a moderately hot oven (400 F) for 30 to 35 minutes.

12 retro Spam recipes & menu ideas from yesteryear that you may be adventurous enough to try - Click Americana (10)

Dixie Bake (1958)

It’s our light, light Bisquick biscuits along with tender, flavory Spam that make our Dixie Bake so bright, good, and quick for any meal. An inspiration for breakfast, lunch, or even supper! Try it soon and you’ll see.

Ingredients: 12 ounces of Spam, 12 whole cloves, 2 cups Bisquick, 2/3 cup milk, 1/2 cup apricot jam, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard, 1 tablespoon water.

Instructions: Heat oven to 425 (F) — hot. Slice Spam into 12 squares almost to the bottom. Stud with whole cloves. Place in a 8-inch square baking dish. Add milk all at once to the Bisquick; stir with fork. Beat 15 strokes.

Roll dough around on the cloth-covered board lightly dusted with Bisquick. Knead gently 10 times. Roll 1/2-inch thick. (Makes about 12 2-inch biscuits.)

Surround meat with biscuits. Spread meat and biscuits with a mixture of jam, mustard, and water. Bake for 20 minutes, until biscuits are golden and the meat is cooked through. (Makes 4 servings.)

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Spam “Around the World” dinner casserole (1959)

Exciting one-dish meal especially developed for the Spam “Billion Can Festival”! Try it for a dinner that’s quick, easy, and good:

Cook, drain one 8-ounce package of egg noodles. Spread in broad, shallow 2-quart casserole dish. Top with a 1-pound can of green beans, drained, and 1 can of Spam sliced and cut into 1/2-inch strips.

Pour over all of 1 can of Cream of Mushroom soup, mixed with 1/2 can (3/4 cup) milk and 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Top with crisp cracker crumbs. Bake at 350 (F) for 30 minutes.

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Wagon-wheel pie (1964)

Bake-Off inspired and ready for your hungry crew! Meat-hearty with Spam, bright with the fresh flavor of Veg-all mixed vegetables.

The tender pastry’s made as they’d expect, with Pillsbury Best flour: instant blending or regular.

12 retro Spam recipes & menu ideas from yesteryear that you may be adventurous enough to try - Click Americana (13)

ALSO TRY: This hot dog crown casserole is one of the most retro-looking dinners ever

12 retro Spam recipes & menu ideas from yesteryear that you may be adventurous enough to try - Click Americana (2024)

FAQs

How do I make Spam more interesting? ›

Start with a few strips of jalapeño Spam fried until crisp in hot oil (or pork fat!). Slide them into a couple of hot corn tortillas, sprinkle with onions, and cilantro (and maybe a handful of pickled red onions). Of course, you can also take your Spam along to the far east with Spam-chi fried rice.

What's the best way to cook Spam? ›

As Spam is precooked in the can, you can serve as is. However, for best results, you should put it in a skillet on medium high heat for 5 minutes, flipping half way through.

Do people eat Spam for breakfast? ›

It's like eating your breakfast for lunch, or dinner… or breakfast. In skillet, heat SPAM® Single over medium heat until golden brown on both sides, then set aside and keep warm. In separate skillet, cook egg to desired doneness.

Why isn't Spam good for you? ›

Though Spam is convenient, easy to use and has a long shelf-life, it's also very high in fat, calories and sodium and low in important nutrients, such as protein, vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it's highly processed and contains preservatives like sodium nitrite that may cause several adverse health effects.

What does Spam stand for? ›

Some say SPAM stands for Specially Processed American Meat, others believe it is a portmanteau for spiced ham, while others say it stands for Shoulder of Pork and Ham. As it relates to email, spam is not an acronym. What does the term spam refer to? Spam refers to unwanted, unsolicited junk emails.

What is the new flavor of Spam? ›

The makers of the SPAM® brand created the new maple-flavored variety following an outpouring of fan-developed maple recipes and consumer insights and feedback. The variety unites sweet, natural maple flavoring with the savory goodness of SPAM® classic, giving fans a delicious and complementary addition to any meal.

What condiment goes with Spam? ›

In a pan with butter, cook SPAM until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Spread your favorite sandwich spread (mustard or mayo) on your toast; I prefer a nice spicy brown mustard. Add SPAM, grilled onions and pickle slices.

Can you eat Spam right out of the can? ›

Spam is perfectly fine to eat straight from can. And as far as frying up slices, they taste so much better than uncooked. Try it fried with eggs or in a sandwich to make it tasty; some people find it can be nasty cold from can.

Does Spam expire? ›

During this time, the Spam will look and taste its best. In most cases, the best-by dates for cans of Spam are approximately three years after the manufacturing date. After the best-by date, Spam is still safe to eat; however, it may change in appearance, taste, or nutritional value.

Is it OK to fry Spam? ›

Every day is Fryday with these delicious treats. Fried SPAM® Classic is paired with a spicy Sriracha mayo to make your day ( … or your Fryday)! Heat about 4 inches of oil in a heavy pan or fryer to 350°F. Cut SPAM® Classic into 6 slices.

When should you not eat Spam? ›

Avoid damaged cans and funky smelling Spam

This is why FoodSafety.Gov recommends consuming shelf-stable canned meats within five years if left in the pantry. However, once opened and kept in the fridge, this figure shrinks to about only four days.

Why is Spam food hated? ›

Concerns about Spam's nutritional attributes have been raised due to the fact that it contains twice as much of the daily dietary recommendation of fat as it does of protein, and about the health effects of salt and preservatives.

Is Spam a poor mans food? ›

While it was a hit in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Hawaii, and Guam, Spam became stigmatized in the U.S. as poor man's food, symbolizing economic difficulties and war-time rationing.

What can I do with a can of Spam? ›

Keep a few cans of Spam in the pantry for super-fast weeknight dinners. Spam is actually a wonderful source of quick protein, often used in place of bacon or ham in recipes like tacos, burgers, stir-fries, quesadillas, and other simple, family-friendly recipes.

What is the most common way to eat Spam? ›

Sandwiches are the most popular vehicle used to deliver SPAM® products to your chompers.

What condiments go best with Spam? ›

In a pan with butter, cook SPAM until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Spread your favorite sandwich spread (mustard or mayo) on your toast; I prefer a nice spicy brown mustard. Add SPAM, grilled onions and pickle slices. Add lettuce and tomato or pickled jalapenos if it floats your boat.

Why do I hate Spam? ›

Spam is unsolicited junk email, sent out in bulk to many recipients at a time and clogging up your inbox. Things that you never asked to receive and are at best useless and uninteresting, at worst downright illegal. We hate spam as much as you do.

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