Back in the Civil War days, food had to last, travel well, and fill you up. That meant recipes were simple, sturdy, and made with what was on hand.
These meals kept soldiers and families going through tough times—and they still work great when modern supplies run short.
Whether you’re a prepper, camper, or curious cook, these 16 old-school recipes are worth revisiting.
1. Hardtack
This cracker was built for survival. Just flour, water, and time in the oven made it nearly indestructible.
It lasts for years when stored properly and only needs soaking in soup or coffee to soften. A true prepper staple.
2. Johnnycakes
Made from cornmeal, salt, and water, these pan-fried cakes were a favorite on both sides of the battlefield.
Crispy on the outside, soft inside, they cook up fast and keep hunger at bay. Think of them as cornmeal’s answer to pancakes.
3. Cornmeal Mush
Boil cornmeal in water until it thickens into a smooth, hearty porridge. It’s warm, simple comfort in a bowl.
Add a bit of salt or sugar, then fry leftovers into crisp slices. It stretches ingredients and fills bellies.
4. Salt Pork
Pork cured in heavy salt kept well without refrigeration. Soldiers often fried it or added it to stews for flavor.
Though salty on its own, it adds rich fat and depth to otherwise bland dishes. Soak before cooking to reduce bite.
5. Bean Soup
Dried beans, water, and whatever meat scraps were around made this wartime classic a belly-warming favorite.
Beans store well, cook slowly, and deliver protein and fiber. Add herbs or smoked meat for a richer twist.
6. Confederate Slapjack
Similar to Johnnycakes but fried thinner, these quick breads use basic pantry items like flour and lard.
They’re portable, flexible, and ready in minutes. Eat them plain or with sweet or savory toppings.
7. Hoecakes
Legend says these corn cakes were baked on the flat of a hoe over an open flame. They’re that simple.
Crispy edges and soft centers make them a hit with just cornmeal, water, and fat. Great for griddles or skillets.
8. Coffee Substitute (Roasted Chicory)
When coffee ran out, roasted chicory root filled the cup. It brews dark, bitter, and earthy like the real thing.
Still popular in parts of the South, it’s caffeine-free and lasts long. A great backup when beans aren’t around.
9. Molasses Taffy
A wartime treat using just molasses and butter. Boil it, pull it, and let it harden into chewy ribbons.
This sticky candy keeps well and offers an energy boost. It’s sweet survival you can make with a single pot.
10. Apple Butter
Cook down apples with sugar and spices into a smooth, rich spread. It stores beautifully and tastes like autumn.
Slather it on bread or hoecakes for flavor and comfort. Perfect for canning and long-term storage.
11. Vinegar Pie
When lemons were scarce, vinegar stood in for tartness in this surprisingly tasty dessert. Sugar and eggs do the rest.
It bakes into a custard-like filling with a tangy bite. Proof that simple pantry items can become something special.
12. Dried Apple Hand Pies
Soldiers carried these pocket-sized treats on long marches. Dried apples rehydrated in sugar made for a portable dessert.
Wrapped in basic pastry and baked golden, they hold up well. Make a batch and stash them for the road.
13. Dried Pea Soup
Split peas boiled down into a thick, comforting soup with just water, salt, and a bit of pork if available.
Peas keep for ages and cook soft with time. A great source of protein when meat is scarce.
14. Rice And Molasses
This no-fuss dish mixed boiled rice with a drizzle of molasses. Sweet, filling, and cheap to prepare.
Both ingredients store long-term and offer steady energy. It’s humble, but satisfying when resources run low.
15. Corn Pone
Baked rather than fried, this dense cornbread uses no eggs or milk. Just cornmeal, water, and a bit of fat.
The result is a hearty slab of sustenance. Great on its own or as a base for beans and stew.
16. Dandelion Greens With Bacon Fat
Foraged greens were sautéed in leftover bacon grease for a quick, flavorful side. Bitter, salty, and surprisingly nourishing.
They grow wild and need no prep beyond a rinse. Add vinegar or onion for extra kick and nutrition.