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.

12 retro Spam recipes & menu ideas from yesteryear that you may be adventurous enough to try - Click Americana (6)

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.

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

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 is the best thing to eat with Spam? ›

Here are 28 of our favorite ways to use Spam.
  • 01 of 33. Air Fryer Spam Fries with Spicy Dipping Sauce. View Recipe. ...
  • 02 of 33. Breakfast SPAMadillas. ...
  • 03 of 33. Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls. ...
  • 04 of 33. Spam and Green Onion Casserole. ...
  • 05 of 33. Spam® Musubi. ...
  • 06 of 33. Spam® and Eggs. ...
  • 07 of 33. Breaded Spam® Steaks. ...
  • 08 of 33. Spam® Tacos.
Jan 18, 2024

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? ›

This breakfast hash recipe proves your morning can be so much more than just “meat & potatoes.” Grab a skillet to sizzle up the savory flavor of diced SPAM® classic with red & green bell peppers, spices and diced potatoes, of course. In 10-inch cast-iron skillet, heat oil over medium heat.

What does Spam actually stand for? ›

SPAM is an acronym: Special Processed American Meat.

Can you eat Spam straight out of the can? ›

Because Spam is already cooked, it can be eaten straight from the can and requires minimal preparation prior to eating. It's also highly versatile and can be added to a wide variety of recipes. Some of the most popular ways to enjoy Spam include adding it to sliders, sandwiches, pasta dishes and rice.

Why isn't Spam good for you? ›

Spam is a type of processed meat, a category that also includes things like cured sausages, hams, and hot dogs. Processed meats like these have been linked to a higher risk of some health issues, including high blood pressure, something studies seem to indicate may be linked to their high sodium content.

When should you not eat Spam? ›

No, SPAM® products are not good indefinitely. They are good for 3 years in the can so we suggest not to use past that date on the can for your over all safety not only the quality.

Is Spam bad for your stomach? ›

While tasty, Spam is not necessarily the healthiest food option due to its high sodium and fat content. Eating too much Spam can increase the risk of heart disease due to its high levels of saturated fat and sodium. However, consuming small amounts of Spam occasionally is unlikely to have any significant health risks.

What can I do with a can of Spam? ›

35 Spam Recipes - From Savoury to Sweet - Quick and Easy Meals and Treats
  • 10 Minute Spam Ramen.
  • Spam Fried Potatoes.
  • Spam Fried Rice.
  • Spam Musubi.
  • Glazed Baked Spam.
  • Geordie's Spam Cubano.
  • Crispy Spam Steak.
  • Spamsilog.
Sep 10, 2022

What are the 15 different flavors of Spam? ›

The 15 flavors of SPAM

The twelve that followed were Hot & Spicy, Jalapeño, Garlic, SPAM with Bacon, Oven Roasted Turkey, SPAM Lite, Teriyaki, Chorizo, SPAM with 25% Less Sodium, Black Pepper, Portuguese Sausage, and SPAM with Tocino, which is a Filipino-style bacon.

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.

Is it OK to eat Spam raw? ›

You can eat Spam raw since all canned foods are pasteurized during the process. Also, you can eat raw spam straight from the can, but the smell can be quite unpleasant. Spam is a canned meat that is made of minced pork as well as processed in ham.

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.

How is Spam cooked in Hawaii? ›

You won't get waves of flavor this big except off Oahu's North Shore. In large skillet over medium-high heat, cook SPAM® with Real HORMEL® Bacon, pineapple, mango, cumin, smoked paprika, salt and garlic powder 6 to 8 minutes or until nicely browned. Serve over rice. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

How do I spice up my Spam? ›

Some popular ways to season Spam include using garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and soy sauce. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper to create unique flavor profiles.

How Spam became cool again? ›

Spam has made a comeback in the United States because Asian and Asian American chefs such as Chris Oh have tried to reinvent it in their own ways, said Ku, the Binghamton University professor. “They brought some of the culinary influences of Asia and the Pacific and upscaled it.”

References

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