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Homemade American Diner Classics Made Easy

Homemade American Diner Classics Made Easy

Nothing beats the comforting flavors of a classic American diner. From hearty breakfasts and satisfying sandwiches to comforting dinners and old-fashioned desserts, these timeless recipes are easy to make at home and perfect for any day of the week when you’re craving familiar, feel-good food.

Classic Western Omelet

Serves: 1–2 | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup ham, diced
  • ¼ cup onion, chopped finely
  • ¼ cup bell pepper, chopped finely
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 Tablespoon whole milk
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

  1. In a 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat and then sauté ham, onion and bell pepper until tender and just beginning to brown (about 7 minutes).
  2. While cooking ham and vegetables, whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.
  3. Spread the ham and vegetables over the pan to form a single layer.
  4. Pour in the egg mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
  5. Tilt the pan to let liquid flow to pan. Let set (about 5 minutes).
  6. Fold over into a half-moon and continue cooking 1 minute longer.
  7. Serve immediately.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 481, Carbs 8 g, Fat 32 g, Protein 39 g, Sodium 1539 mg

 

 

Philly Cheesesteak

Serves: 4 | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound rib eye, sliced very thinly
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ small bell pepper (any color), seeded and sliced into thin strips
  • ½ cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 Tablespoons onion, chopped
  • 4 slices Provolone
  • 4 teaspoons processed cheese spread like Cheez Whiz (optional)
  • 4 hoagie rolls

Directions

  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and add peppers, mushrooms and onion. Sauté until tender. Remove from pan and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and heat. Add the meat and let cook, without flipping, until it turns grey. Flip over and shred in the pan while cooking. Drain out or wipe off any excess oil from pan. Place Provolone cheese over meat and return pepper-onion mixture to skillet, beside meat. Cover skillet and let cook until cheese is melted (about 1–2 minutes).
  3. Spread rolls with Cheez Whiz (optional).
  4. Spoon meat mixture into rolls and serve.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 543, Carbs 38.5 g, Fat 32 g, Protein 40.2 g, Sodium 662 mg

 

Fried Clams

Serves: 2–4 | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 6 minutes

Ingredients

  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 Tablespoon butter, melted and cooled
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 egg white, cold
  • 1 pint shucked clam, rinsed and well drained
  • Oil, for deep frying
  • Tartar sauce

Tartar Sauce:

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 2½ teaspoons lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 2 teaspoons yellow onion, minced finely
  • 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish

Directions

  1. Prepare tartar sauce about 2 hours ahead. Whisk the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper together. Stir in the onion and pickle relish. Keep in a container with lid, refrigerated.
  2. Preheat oil to 375°F.
  3. Prepare batter. Whisk milk, egg yolk, butter and salt together in a bowl. Stir in flour until mixture is smooth. In another bowl (preferably chilled), whip or whisk egg white until soft peaks form. Fold this into the milk mixture.
  4. Fry the clams. Use a fork to poke and pick up a clam. Dip into batter and fry until golden brown. Continue dipping and frying until no more clams are left. Fish out with spider strainer or slotted spoon and let drain over paper towels.
  5. Serve with tartar sauce.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 430, Carbs 35.1 g, Fat 12.5 g, Protein 41.3 g, Sodium 1756 mg

 

Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy

Serves: 4 | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20–25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces beef cube steaks (about 6 ounces each)
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • Oil, for frying

For gravy:

  • 2 tablespoons oil from fried chicken or butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup water

Directions

  1. Prepare meat for frying. Dry steaks with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Put flour on a plate. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Coat meat with flour, dip into egg mixture, and then coat with flour again.
  2. Fry the meat. Heat oil, ¼ inch deep, in a skillet over medium heat. Fry steaks until golden brown (about 4 minutes on both sides, with internal temperature of 160°F). Remove from pan and drain over paper towels.
  3. Prepare gravy. Melt butter (if using) over medium heat or drain off oil from skillet in excess of 2 Tablespoons. Add flour, salt and pepper and stir until smooth. Continue cooking until browned (about 3 minutes). Whisk in water and milk. Continue whisking until mixture comes to a boil. Cook until thickened.
  4. Steaks and gravy can be served, if desired, with mashed potatoes, hash browns, biscuits or home fries and eggs, cooked vegetables, or a salad.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 563, Carbs 29 g, Fat 28 g, Protein 46 g, Sodium 839 mg

 

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Serves: 6–8 | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3¾ cups pasta sauce
  • 1 pound spaghetti, cooked al dente (follow package instructions)
  • Parmesan, grated, for sprinkling

Pasta sauce:

  • 8 large fresh tomatoes or 12 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced into small pieces, or 2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 8 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup fresh basil, minced, or 1 Tablespoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Optional ingredients:

  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon marjoram and/or oregano
  • Parmesan cheese

For meatballs:

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup dry breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Directions

For meatballs

  1. Combine meatball ingredients in a bowl, mixing thoroughly.
  2. Shape into 18 meatballs.

For sauce

  1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Sauté garlic and cook until tender.
  3. Add fresh tomatoes and cook until heated through.
  4. Stir in basil and the rest of the ingredients.
  5. Bring to a simmer and add meatballs.
  6. Simmer until meatballs are done and sauce is of desired thickness (35 minutes for “fresher” sauce or 2 hours for thicker consistency).
  7. Serve sauce over cooked pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 778, Carbs 88.2 g, Fat 23.9 g, Protein 48.5 g, Sodium 1116 mg

 

Deep Dish Apple Pie

Servings: 12 | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 75 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds of Granny Smith Apples (8 cups)
  • 1 orange
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon of orange juice
  • ½ cup white sugar, plus1 teaspoon
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon of ground allspice
  • ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • 2 deep-dish, premade pie crusts
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon of water
  • Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash, peel, core and slice the apples.  Place in a bowl.
  2. Zest the orange and the lemon.
  3. Squeeze the juices from the orange and lemon and pour into a bowl.
  4. Whisk in the sugar and the zest.
  5. Add the flour and salt.
  6. Mix in the cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg.  Mix thoroughly.
  7. Add the apples and toss.
  8. Pour the apples into one of the deep-dish pie crusts.
  9. Remove the second crust from its dish and place it over the apple mixture.
  10. Fold it under the bottom crust and crimp the pie edges with your fingers.
  11. In a small bowl, whisk together the water and egg.
  12. Brush the egg on the top of the pie crust.
  13. Sprinkle with the remaining sugar and slice in 4 to 5 slits.
  14. Place in the oven and bake for 60 to 75 minutes or until the juices are bubbling and the crust is golden brown.
  15. Serve warm or cold with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 300, Carbs 42 g, Fat 14 g, Protein 3 g, Sodium 325 mg

 

 

 

***These recipes and more are found in Louise Davidson’s American Diner Cookbook: Favorite Classic Recipes to Make at Home. To get your own copy, click on the cover below or click here.

To download or print the featured recipes, click here.

Classic American Diner Recipes

Classic American Diner Recipes

Bring the charm of classic American diners to your kitchen with beloved dishes. Enjoy timeless comfort food that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and packed with nostalgia.

Buttermilk Pancakes

Serves: 10 (Yield: 30 pancakes) | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30–40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 cups buttermilk
  • Butter for greasing, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sift and whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a bowl.
  3. Make a well in the center and add eggs, buttermilk and butter.
  4. Mix into a lumpy batter.
  5. Add a little butter to griddle or skillet (optional).
  6. Scoop ¼ cup of batter and pour into pan.
  7. Cook until pancake begins to bubble at edges and bottom is browned.
  8. Flip over to brown remaining side.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 270, Carbs 48 g, Fat 3 g, Protein 11 g, Sodium 913 mg

 

 

Reuben Sandwich

Serves: 4 | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 slices marbled or regular rye bread
  • 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 1 pound corned beef, sliced
  • 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For dressing:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Tablespoon chili sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon grated onion
  • ½ teaspoon horseradish
  • ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

  1. Prepare dressing. Mix ingredients for dressing together well in a bowl.
  2. Assemble the sandwiches. Lightly butter the bread. Lay four slices, buttered-side up, on a clean surface. Add the fillings on each slice in this order: 1 Tablespoon dressing, 2 slices Swiss cheese, ½ cup sauerkraut, and ¼ pound of corned beef. Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered-side down.
  3. Toast the sandwiches in a sandwich press or on a grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is browned (about 1-2 minutes on each side).

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 803, Carbs 36 g, Fat 57.4 g, Protein 38.4 g, Sodium 2731mg

 

 

Chicken Pot Pie

Serves: 4 | Preparation time: 30 minutes plus 30 minutes resting time | Cooking time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

  • 5 cups chicken stock
  • 2 chicken bouillon cubes
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
  • 4 cups roasted chicken, diced

For the pastry:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup vegetable shortening
  • ¼ pound unsalted butter, diced
  • ½ ice water, or as needed
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon water, for egg wash

Directions

  1. Prepare the pastry. Whisk first 3 (dry) ingredients together in a bowl. Add the butter and shortening and rub in with your hands or cut in with 2 knives, a pastry cutter, or a food processor. The mixture should look like coarse cornmeal, with a few pea-size pieces of butter or shortening. Gradually add ice water while mixing until dough comes together. Transfer dough onto a floured surface and shape into a ball. Wrap with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  3. Prepare the filling. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat and sauté the onions until tender and translucent (about 10–15 minutes). Meanwhile, place chicken stock and bouillon cubes in a saucepan. Heat, with stirring, until cubes are dissolved. Keep the stock warm while going back to the onions and adding the flour. Stir for 2 minutes to make a roux. Add the hot stock and continue to stir until mixture begins to thicken (about 1–2 minutes). Add in the salt, pepper, cream, vegetables and diced chicken. Stir and continue cooking until heated through. Remove from heat.
  4. Assemble and bake the pot pies. Distribute the filling into 4 mini pie or tart pans. Brush the edges of the pans with egg wash. Divide the chilled dough into 4 equal pieces and shape into balls. Flatten into about 8-inch rounds (they should be about ½ inch larger than the mouth of the pan). Cover the filled pans with the dough and crimp around the edges to seal. Make a few slits in the crust with a knife. Brush with egg wash. Place on a baking sheet and bake until crust is golden and filling is boiling (about 1 hour).
  5. Sprinkle with minced parsley and serve.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 639, Carbs 47 g, Fat 28.7 g, Protein 23.6 g, Sodium 1269 mg

 

 

Meatloaf

Serves: 8 | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup fat-free milk
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 egg whites
  • 2 cups soft whole wheat bread crumbs
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano, crushed
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1½ pounds lean ground beef

For glaze:

  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup ketchup

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×5-inch rectangular baking pan with aluminum foil.
  2. In a small bowl, mix glaze ingredients together and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk first 4 ingredients (through egg whites) together well.
  4. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
  5. Place in pan and spread evenly with a spatula or wooden spoon.
  6. Bake for 50 minutes.
  7. Skim off any fat from surface.
  8. Spread glaze over top of meatloaf.
  9. Return to oven and bake until done (about 10 minutes, with internal temperature of 160°F).
  10. Let stand for 10 minutes to set.
  11. Slice and serve.
  12. May be served with mashed potatoes, eggs or biscuits and a salad.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 197, Carbs 8 g, Fat 9 g, Protein 20 g, Sodium 308 mg

 

 

Home Fries

Serves: 2–4 | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds Russet potatoes (or any other starchy potato type), peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Place potatoes into a pot and cover with water. Add baking soda to the water and bring to a boil. Boil briefly just to make slightly soft (about 1–2 minutes). Drain. Let cool slightly and wipe off any excess moisture.
  2. Heat 1 Tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until tender (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. In a separate skillet, heat the remaining oil over medium heat. Swirl in the butter to melt. Heat until oil begins to shimmer.
  4. Add potatoes and spread into a single layer over the skillet. Cook until browned and crisp around the edges (about 10 minutes).
  5. Add cooked onion, garlic powder and paprika. Mix to combine.
  6. Season with more salt and pepper, as needed.
  7. Serve while warm.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 467, Carbs 67.8 g, Fat 19.7 g, Protein 8.2 g, Sodium 21.5 mg

 

 

Red Velvet Cake

Serves: 8–12 | Preparation time: 60 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons fine salt
  • 2 ¾ cups plus 1 tablespoon sifted cake flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ tablespoons water
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened, plus some more for greasing pans
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
  • 1 cup whole or low-fat buttermilk

For Icing

  • 1 pound sifted powdered sugar (4 cups)
  • 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter (¾ cup)
  • 1 pound cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk

Directions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F, and grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter, then flour. Tap off the excess flour, and set aside.
  2. Sift the baking powder, baking soda, flour, and salt twice together, set aside.
  3. Whisk the water, cocoa, vanilla, and food coloring in a small bowl until smooth, set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the butter on medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy, about 30 seconds. Add the sugar, ¼ cup at a time, beating about 15 minutes, until the mixture becomes fluffy.
  5. Gradually add the eggs one at a time, along with the orange zest, beating after each addition. Add the red cocoa mix.
  6. On low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Beat the batter using a spatula, 10 to 12 strokes.
  7. Divide cake batter into two cake pans, and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow the cakes to rest for 10 minutes before removing from the pans.
  9. In the meantime, prepare the icing. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together at high speed, gradually reduce the speed until light and fluffy.
  10. When the cakes are completely cool, place 1 cake on a serving plate. Spread the icing on the top. Place second cake on top and spread icing on top and sides.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 370, Carbs 49 g, Fat 18 g, Protein 4 g, Sodium 390 mg

 

 

 

***These recipes and more are found in Louise Davidson’s American Diner Cookbook: Favorite Classic Recipes to Make at Home. To get your own copy, click on the cover below or click here.

To download a copy of the featured recipes, click here.