Food has the power to transport us back to simpler times, so if you’re craving a bit of nostalgia along with some comfort food, these childhood classics will certainly hit the spot. They’re my go-to dishes for those times I’m cooking for the kids or want to feel like a kid myself. Best of all, you can savor them for five Weight Watcher points or less.
1. Garlic Breadsticks
Who doesn’t love the combination of garlic and soft, delicious bread? These treats are just two points per serving and come together in a flash. All you need is some self-rising flour and Greek yogurt to make the breadstick base and a bit of minced garlic and light vegetable oil spread to brush on top.
2. Tuna Casserole
Tuna casserole was my favorite dish as a child, and it still holds up today. In addition to getting a nice dose of protein from the tuna and plenty of nutrients from the veggies, you’ll also be able to indulge for two Weight Watchers points a serving guiltlessly. I also love how this recipe is a great way to clean out the fridge because you can add virtually any vegetables you have on hand. Use whole wheat egg noodles for some extra fiber, and top it all off with some crunchy Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for the ultimate bite.
3. Strawberry Pie
If you want to tap into those carefree, nostalgic days of youthful summers, this three-point strawberry pie will certainly do the trick. It starts with a buttery, flaky crust topped with zero-sugar strawberry Jello studded with fresh strawberries. I love how easily it comes together and the interplay of different textures. Plus, since it calls for low-calorie sweetener and sugar-free Jello, it only tastes like a super sweet strawberry treat.
4. Chicken Meatballs
These one-point chicken meatballs are an excellent weeknight meal that delivers big on comfort food flavors. Since you can prepare them in just over half an hour, they’re quicker than takeout, too. Mix chicken breast with a bit of white onion, panko breadcrumbs, egg, and some spices, and serve them up with a side of sugar-free marinara crowned with some fresh basil. You will have yourself a nostalgic Italian-style feast that’s served without a side of guilt.
5. Green Bean Casserole
If you’re anything like me, green bean casserole was your favorite holiday food as a kid, but you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to roll around to enjoy it. At two Weight Watcher points per serving, this creamy casserole is a celebration fit for every time. Green beans and mushrooms are smothered in low-fat cream of mushroom soup and a bit of skim milk, then topped with a whole wheat breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese crust for that ideal mix of velvety casserole and crisp topping in every forkful.
6. Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Traditional apple cider donuts get a glorious glow-up in this baked rendition that will only cost you three points per serving. Smart swaps give you all the flavor with just a fraction of the calories, and they’re bound to take you straight back to those crisp October evenings of childhood. You can use whatever kind of apples you have on hand and a splash of apple cider vinegar to add tartness and zing to these fall treats.
7. Chicken Burgers
Skip greasy takeout burgers and opt for these one-point chicken ones whenever you’re feeling the desire to snack on a childhood classic. Lean ground chicken breast, bread crumbs, egg, a sprinkle of paprika, and chopped onions give these patties exceptional flavor while sparing you the diet-busting fat content you’ll get from a standard patty.
8. Mini Corndog Muffins
I’m a sucker for both cute food and classic flavors, so these mini corndog muffins appeal to me on so many levels. At three points per serving, they keep my waistline happy, too. You don’t need much to stir up a batch, just a bit of cornmeal, milk, flour, egg, and some hot dogs. I love the contrast of the slightly sweet and savory corn muffin and juicy hot dog centers.
9. Onion Rings
We all love classic onion rings, but this rendition is next-level thanks to the addition of cheese sandwiched between two slices of onion. Depending on the type of string cheese you use, they’ll fall between one and two Weight Watcher points, which definitely makes them a smarter choice than anything you’ll find at your local greasy spoon. Their low-calorie secret is that these cheese-stuffed and gently breaded rings are baked, not fried, but with all of the delicious flavors going on, you won’t even be able to tell the difference.
10. Eggplant Parmesan
If there were a food that perfectly represented my happy place, it would be this one. There’s something about the combination of meaty eggplants smothered in cheese and sauce that has the power to reduce my stress level to zero. This lightened-up version is just four points, and it’s full of cheesy goodness, satiny marinara sauce, and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. You save loads of calories by swapping in cottage cheese, which is why this dish is on heavy rotation at my house; it fits with my points plan and always hits the spot.
11. Pineapple Upside Down Cake
My mom used to make this cake all of the time when we were kids, and it reminds me of Easter dinner with the family. Although I’ll always have a soft spot for her version, I like my lightened-up four-point rendition instead. You’ll get the same flavor profile with just a few ingredient swaps, like Greek yogurt and almond milk, and if you use a zero-calorie sweetener and sugar-free maple syrup, you can cut down on sugar, too. It tastes just like your childhood retro version and looks the same, too, with a pretty pattern of pineapple rings and maraschino cherries.
12. Pizza Meatloaf
This recipe is a fantastic two-for-one, where you’ll get both pizza and meatloaf combined in a single dish. A serving of this double dose of nostalgia is only five Weight Watcher points, and I promise you that the dish marries both flavors together flawlessly. Extra-lean ground beef gets a savory upgrade with shredded mozzarella, tangy pizza sauce, and some pepperoni, then topped with more pepperoni slices, cheese, pizza sauce, and a dash of Italian seasoning for good measure. If you have kids, they’ll love this fun and funky combination, but you should treat yourself even if you don’t.
13. Apple Pancakes
Pancakes were one of my favorite weekend childhood breakfasts, so I was thrilled when I discovered these one-point wonders that fit into my diet and gave me something to cheer about in the morning. Plus, since they’re full of rolled oats, you’ll get plenty of fiber, keeping you nice and full for hours. I like to add a dash of cinnamon to my pancake batter to really enhance the flavor of the apples, but it’s completely optional.
These takes on some of my most cherished childhood favorites always put a smile on my face, and for just a handful of points per serving, I can treat myself to a bite of nostalgia with absolutely no guilt.
