10+ Gross Recipes That Will Surprise Your Taste Buds

Gross recipes often spark curiosity and disbelief. Many dishes that were once popular now seem unappealing or downright strange. Exploring these unusual recipes can bring a mix of nostalgia and humor as you discover the odd food combinations our ancestors enjoyed.

You might be surprised by how some of these “gross” recipes can actually be tasty if you give them a chance. They reflect the creativity and resourcefulness of past generations, often born out of necessity or unique culinary trends. This exploration might even inspire you to try your hand at making one of these infamous dishes!

1) Ham and Bananas Hollandaise

Ham and Bananas Hollandaise is a unique dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. This recipe dates back to the 1970s and has gained attention for its unusual mix of ingredients.

To make this dish, you’ll need ripe bananas and thin slices of ham. The bananas are often paired with a tangy hollandaise sauce, making it a surprising meal. Many find its taste intriguing, while others are skeptical.

If you like trying vintage recipes, this one is definitely worth a shot!

Ingredients

• 6 medium bananas
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 6 thin slices of boiled ham (about 1/2 lb)
• 3 tablespoons prepared mustard
• 2 envelopes hollandaise sauce mix
• Water (as needed)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the bananas and arrange them in a baking dish.
3. Top with ham slices and drizzle with lemon juice.
4. Prepare hollandaise sauce according to the package instructions.
5. Pour the sauce over the bananas and ham.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Enjoy!

2) Bologna Cake

Bologna cake is an unusual appetizer that might surprise you. It’s made primarily with layers of bologna and cream cheese. If you enjoy bologna, you might find this dish interesting.

To make it festive, you can add toppings like olives or herbs. It’s often served at retro parties and can be a conversation starter. You may find it gross, but some find it a fun throwback to simpler times.

Ingredients

• 1 package bologna (12 oz)
• 8 oz cream cheese
• Optional toppings (olives, herbs, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. Stack slices of bologna on a plate.
2. Spread cream cheese between layers.
3. Add any optional toppings on the sides or top.
4. Chill in the fridge for one hour.
5. Slice and serve cold.

3) Jellied Bouillon with Frankfurters

Jellied Bouillon with Frankfurters is a unique dish that some find intriguing. This retro recipe combines beef stock and unflavored gelatin to create a savory jelly around hot dogs. It might sound strange, but it has a certain charm.

You will need sliced hard-boiled eggs and diced celery for added texture and flavor. The colorful presentation can be fun for gatherings, even if it isn’t for everyone.

With its wobbly texture, this dish is often a conversation starter at potlucks. Give it a try to see if you enjoy this vintage treat!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
• ½ cup cold water
• 3 cups hot beef stock
• 10 hot dogs (frankfurters)
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• Diced celery

Cooking Instructions

1. Dissolve gelatin in cold water.
2. Stir in hot beef stock until mixed well.
3. In a mold, layer hot dogs, celery, and egg slices.
4. Pour the gelatin mixture over the layers.
5. Refrigerate until set, about 4 hours.

4) Cheesy Marmite Toast

Cheesy Marmite toast is a simple but unique snack. The combination of savory Marmite and melted cheese creates a bold flavor. It’s perfect for a quick treat or breakfast.

To make it, start with your favorite bread. Toast it until golden brown, then spread a layer of Marmite on top. Next, add a generous amount of cheese.

You can use any cheese you like, but cheddar works well. Place the toast under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Enjoy it hot!

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• Marmite, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the bread until golden brown.
2. Spread Marmite on each slice.
3. Sprinkle cheese on top.
4. Broil in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until cheese melts.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

5) Aspic

Aspic is a unique dish made from meat gelatin. It’s often served as a savory treat. The idea of eating jelly made from meat can be strange, but many people enjoy it.

The traditional way to make aspic involves simmering bones and meat to create a rich broth. Once cooled, the broth thickens into a jelly-like form. You can add vegetables or small pieces of meat for extra flavor.

Many people have strong reactions to aspic because of its texture and appearance. It can look like something out of a science fiction movie! If you’re feeling adventurous, trying aspic could lead to an interesting meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of meat broth
• 2 tablespoons of gelatin
• 1 cup of vegetables (like carrots or peas)
• 1 cup of cooked meat (like chicken or ham)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the broth in a pot until boiling (212°F or 100°C).
2. Sprinkle gelatin over the broth and stir until dissolved.
3. Add vegetables and meat to the pot.
4. Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate until set.
5. Once firm, remove from the mold and serve.

6) Doritos ‘Cereal’

Have you ever thought about eating Doritos for breakfast? Doritos ‘Cereal’ takes the crunchy snack and turns it into an unusual morning meal. Imagine pouring your favorite flavor of Doritos into a bowl and adding milk. Sounds strange, right?

This quirky dish can be found in various videos where food lovers try it out. Some people think it’s a fun experiment, while others just can’t understand it at all. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to give it a try.

Ingredients

• 1 bag of Doritos (any flavor)
• Milk (regular, almond, or your choice)

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour a generous amount of Doritos into a bowl.
2. Add your choice of milk over the Doritos.
3. Enjoy your unique breakfast treat!

7) Avocado Spaghetti with Red Sauce

Avocado spaghetti with red sauce is a unique dish that combines creamy avocados with a tangy tomato sauce. It’s quick to make and offers a fresh twist on traditional pasta.

Start by cooking your spaghetti according to the package directions. While it cooks, prepare the avocado sauce by blending ripe avocados with garlic and a bit of lemon juice for flavor.

Once the pasta is ready, mix the avocado sauce directly into the noodles. Pour your favorite red sauce over the top and stir gently to combine. The creamy avocado adds a delightful texture that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Enjoy this dish warm, or let it cool for a refreshing pasta salad!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup red tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
2. In a blender, combine avocado, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Drain spaghetti and return to pot.
5. Mix in the avocado sauce.
6. Add red sauce and stir gently.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8) Banana and Mayo Sandwich

The banana and mayo sandwich is an unusual combination that some people love. It pairs sweet bananas with creamy mayonnaise. You might be surprised by how these flavors blend together.

To make it, start with your favorite bread. Spread a generous amount of mayo on one slice. Then add sliced bananas on top. Place another slice of bread over the bananas and press down gently.

This sandwich is simple to prepare and can be a fun snack. Some like to toast the bread for extra crunch. Give it a try if you’re feeling adventurous!

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 banana

Cooking Instructions:

1. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Slice the banana and place the slices on one piece of bread.
3. Top with the other slice of bread.
4. Enjoy the sandwich as is or toast it for a warm treat.

9) Liver and Jelly Dessert

Liver and jelly dessert combines unusual flavors for a unique dish. This was more popular in earlier decades, often surprising those who tried it. The jelly adds a fun texture to the rich taste of the liver.

Making this dish involves using liver pâté set in gelatin. While it may sound strange, some people find the combination interesting. The mix of savory liver and sweet or tangy jelly can make for an unforgettable experience.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked liver pâté
• 1 cup chicken or beef broth
• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
• 1/4 cup cold water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Heat the broth until warm, then stir in the softened gelatin until dissolved.
3. Blend the liver pâté into the broth mixture until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours.

10) Tomato Ham Buffet Ring

The Tomato Ham Buffet Ring is a quirky dish that many associate with retro parties. It combines gelatin, ham, and tomato soup for a unique flavor that stirs up memories for some and a bit of surprise for others.

Making this dish starts with mixing plain gelatin and water. Then, you add a can of tomato soup for that rich, savory taste. Cream cheese gives it creaminess, making it surprisingly smooth.

Once mixed, you pour the blend into a mold with ham, letting it chill until set. When ready, you can slice it up, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 envelopes plain gelatin
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 can (1 1/4 cups) Campbell’s Tomato Soup
• 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese or 1/2 cup

Cooking Instructions

1. Dissolve gelatin in water over low heat.
2. Stir in tomato soup until smooth.
3. Blend in cream cheese until well mixed.
4. Pour mixture into a mold.
5. Add diced ham if desired.
6. Chill in the refrigerator until set.