24 Traditional Amish Recipes (2024)

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24 Traditional Amish Recipes (1)

ByGrace Mannon

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated: Jul. 20, 2023

    These Amish recipes are made with basic ingredients and tried-and-true techniques.

    1/24

    Amish Sugar Cookies

    These easy-to-make, old-fashioned sugar cookies simply melt in your mouth! I’ve passed this recipe around to many friends. After I gave it to my sister, she entered the cookies in a local fair and won best of show. —Sylvia Ford, Kennett, Missouri

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    Enjoy more Amish cookie recipes.

    2/24

    24 Traditional Amish Recipes (2)

    LAUREN HABERMEHL FOR TASTE OF HOME

    Amish Friendship Bread

    Not only will the fun tradition of sharing friendship bread keep you steadily supplied with a delicious snack, but it will also help you build a sense of community with everyone who gives and receives a starter of their own! That’s what we call a win-win.

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    Here’s what you need to know about Amish butter.

    3/24

    Shoofly Pie

    My grandmother made the best shoofly pie in the tradition of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Shoofly pie is to the Pennsylvania Dutch as pecan pie is to a Southerner. —Mark Morgan, Waterford, Wisconsin

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    For more hearty meals, take a look at our Pennsylvania Dutch recipes.

    4/24

    Amish Breakfast Casserole

    We enjoyed hearty breakfast casseroles during a visit to an Amish inn. When I asked for a recipe, one of the women told me the ingredients right off the top of her head. I modified it a bit to create this version that my family loves. —Beth Notaro, Kokomo, Indiana

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    Find the best cooking ideas from Amish kitchens.

    5/24

    Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Butter

    You can spread this apple butter on thick and still enjoy a breakfast that's thin on calories. For a smoother texture, use tender varieties such as McIntosh or Cortland apples. —Diane Widmer, Blue Island, Illinois

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    6/24

    Amish Chicken Corn Soup

    Creamed corn and butter make my chicken corn soup homey and rich. This recipe makes a big batch, but the soup freezes well for future meals—one reason why soups are my favorite thing to make. —Beverly Hoffman, Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania

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    The Amish don’t shy away from soup for breakfast!

    7/24

    Classic Cabbage Rolls

    I've always enjoyed cabbage rolls but didn't make them since most methods were too complicated. This recipe is fairly simple and results in the best cabbage rolls. My husband, Sid, requests them often. They're terrific to share at gatherings with our children and grandchildren. —Beverly Zehner, McMinnville, Oregon

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    How many of these tried-and-true Amish kitchen tools do you own?

    8/24

    Taste of Home

    Pickled Eggs with Beets and Hot Cherry Peppers

    Because my grandmother didn't measure anything when she cooked, I had to guess when I decided to duplicate her recipe for pickled eggs. The color becomes more intense the longer they marinate. —Judie Thurstenson, Colcord, OK

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    9/24

    Amish Potato Pancakes

    I have always been fascinated with Amish culture, especially the cooking! I came across this old recipe years ago, and it's my husband's very favorite side dish. —Barbara Braatz, Greendale, Wisconsin

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    10/24

    Old-Fashioned Whoopie Pies

    Who can resist soft chocolate sandwich cookies filled with a layer of fluffy white frosting? Mom has made these for years. They're a treat that never lasts very long with my two brothers and me around. —Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina

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    Find more Amish baked goods to add to your repertoire.

    11/24

    Amish Potato Bread

    A tasty mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, plus a small amount of mashed potatoes, give this golden bread its wonderful texture. The loaf is very moist and stays that way even days after making it. —Sue Violette, Neillsville, Wisconsin

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    Don’t miss our collection of Amish bread recipes.

    12/24

    Amish Noodles

    These are the best buttered noodles ever! They are easy to make and kid-friendly, and they pair nicely with lots of main dishes. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

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    13/24

    Pennsylvania Dutch Funny Cake

    I can still remember my grandma serving this delicious cake on the big wooden table in her farm kitchen. Every time I bake this unusual cake, it takes me back to those special days at Grandma's. —Diane Ganssle, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

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    If desserts are what you crave, here are the best Amish baking tips.

    14/24

    Apple Dumplings with Sauce

    This warm and comforting apple dumplings recipe is incredible by itself or served with ice cream. You can decorate each dumpling by cutting 1-inch leaves and a 1/2-inch stem from the leftover dough. —Robin Lendon, Cincinnati, Ohio

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    15/24

    Amish Onion Cake

    This rich, moist bread with an onion-poppy seed topping is a wonderful break from your everyday bread routine. You can serve it with any meat, and it's a nice accompaniment to soup or salad. I've made it many times and have often been asked to share the recipe. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland

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    16/24

    Taste of Home

    Spaetzle Dumplings

    These tender homemade spaetzle noodles take only minutes to make and are a natural accompaniment to chicken. You can serve them with chicken gravy, or simply butter them and sprinkle with parsley. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio

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    17/24

    Taste of Home

    Oatmeal Molasses Crisps

    When I found this recipe in an Amish cookbook, I had to try it. It’s traditional in regions with Amish populations—Pennsylvania, Ohio and the Upper Midwest. Now it’s a staple for our family and the folks at our church fellowship, too. —Jori Schellenberger, Everett, Washington

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    18/24

    Amish Macaroni Salad

    This Amish macaroni salad is a crowd favorite. It’s supposed to be sweet, but you can lessen the sugar to suit your taste. Garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs and paprika, if desired. —Mishelle Johnson, Wyoming, Michigan

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    19/24

    MOLLY ALLEN FOR TASTE OF HOME

    Amish Apple Goodie

    Use those freshly picked apples for this version of an old-fashioned apple crisp. With tender apples and a hint of cinnamon flavor, this recipe will easily become your favorite go-to dessert. —Molly Allen

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    20/24

    TMB STUDIO

    Amish Chicken and Noodles

    Similar in nature to a noodle casserole, this 7-ingredient recipe will make a meal that will stick to your ribs on those cold nights. We recommend serving this on top of creamy mashed potatoes. —Jill Schildhouse

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    21/24

    NANCY MOCK FOR TASTE OF HOME

    Amish Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Pie

    Oatmeal pie takes away the cost of pecans but leaves all the taste. The filling of sugar, eggs, corn syrup, vanilla and quick oats makes a flavor and texture that’s almost exactly like a pecan pie. —Nancy Mock

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    22/24

    Amish Broccoli Salad

    This pretty Amish broccoli salad always gets rave reviews when Mom serves it. She fixes it the night before so that the creamy sweet dressing marinates the vegetables.

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    23/24

    Amish Vanilla Pie

    We live in rural northern Indiana where we have several Amish communities. I found this recipe in our local paper a few years back, and after making a few adjustments, I came up with a fabulous pie! It reminds me of the many cream pies my grandma made for holidays. Be sure to allow the Amish vanilla pie to set and cool completely before cutting and serving. —Shelly Brubacher, Nappanee, Indiana

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    24/24

    Amish Yum-Yum Salad

    I received the recipe for Amish yum-yum salad from a friend of my mother’s years ago. I always have the ingredients on hand in case I need a quick dessert. Any flavor of gelatin works well, and sometimes I spoon it into individual parfait glasses instead of serving it in one big bowl. Everyone enjoys it. —Yvonne Bellomo, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania

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    Originally Published: January 06, 2021

    Author

    Grace Mannon

    Grace is a full-time mom with a master’s degree in food science. She has worked for clients like a bakery, a baby food company and a snack food company. Now a Taste of Home contributor, she curates recipe collections and shares baking techniques. She loves to experiment in the kitchen and writes about her hits (and misses) on her blog, A Southern...

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    24 Traditional Amish Recipes (25)

    24 Traditional Amish Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the most famous Amish food? ›

    These are some of the classics you simply must try while visiting this part of the world:
    • Butter Noodles. The Amish love of carbohydrates includes noodles as a staple accompaniment to many meals. ...
    • Breakfast Casserole. ...
    • Shoofly Pie. ...
    • Dutch Cabbage Rolls. ...
    • Pickled Beets. ...
    • Chicken Corn Soup. ...
    • Pot Pies. ...
    • Bologna.

    What is a traditional Amish dish? ›

    Traditional Amish food includes dishes like tasty roasted chicken, creamy mashed potatoes & gravy, seasoned vegetables, fresh bread, and homemade jam. The Amish are also known for excellent baked goods, especially pies, cookies, breads, cakes, and fry pies.

    What is different about Amish cooking? ›

    To truly appreciate Amish cuisine, it's essential to understand its foundations. Originating from the Swiss-German heritage, their dishes emphasize hearty ingredients, designed to fuel long hours of manual labor in the fields and homes. Grains, dairy, and locally sourced meats play a pivotal role in the Amish diet.

    Do the Amish drink alcohol? ›

    Alcohol consumption isn't prohibited in all Amish communities, and neither is it encouraged. It doesn't play a big role in Amish youth culture, either. However, it often becomes more of a feature during Rumspringa.

    Do the Amish eat sugar? ›

    The Amish do use sugar. It's a common ingredient in their meals, and not only the sweet treats. However, this sugar intake is balanced out by the fact that they don't consume sugars in processed foods and sodas like non-Amish tend to do.

    What are some Amish taboos? ›

    Use of Electricity

    The Amish taboo on electricity has become one of the public symbols of their separation from the world. Because public electric and utility lines provided a literal and mysterious connection to the outside, the use of power generated from them - and from generating plants - is forbidden.

    What time do Amish eat dinner? ›

    We usually eat around 6:00–7:00 p.m., do dishes, and do something fun with the kids, and sometimes Daddy has office work. Liz: What does your family enjoy doing together? Rachel: Our one-week vacation in the summer is the ultimate family bonding time.

    Why is Amish food so good? ›

    Slow-Cooking Technique

    Unlike other cuisines, Amish food does not rely heavily on modern appliances such as microwaves, electric ovens, and blenders. Instead, all cooking is done over an open fire or stovetop using only natural ingredients such as butter and lard to create savory dishes full of flavor.

    What foods can Amish not eat? ›

    The Amish Have No Dietary Restrictions

    Having no dietary restrictions means they can eat whatever their heart desires. While many Amish stick to a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch diet, we've seen Amish dine at Olive Garden and take their buggies through the Burger King drive thru line.

    Do Amish eat ice cream? ›

    Often they can their meat to preserve it since they don't have large freezers or refrigerators. Most meals are topped off with desserts. They can range from a layered jello dessert to cake to ice cream to homemade pies.

    Do the Amish drink coffee? ›

    Conclusion. So the Amish do indeed drink coffee, and it's an important part of their culture. Coffee is as Amish as horse and buggies and wicker basket weaving.

    Why are the Amish so healthy? ›

    The Amish are protected against many types of cancer both through their lifestyle—there is very little tobacco or alcohol use and limited sexual partners—and through genes that may reduce their susceptibility to cancer. Dr. Judith Westman, director of human genetics at OSUCCC – James, conducted the study.

    What is a famous Amish dish? ›

    Popular Amish Foods

    There's a variety of local shops around Lancaster, Pennsylvania, that sell Amish specialties such as shoofly pie, smoked cheeses, Dutch apple dumplings, and much more.

    What do Amish typically eat? ›

    Popular Amish Foods
    • Shoofly Pie.
    • Dutch Cabbage Rolls.
    • Pot Pies.
    • Apple Butter.
    • Chow-Chow.
    • Cream Chipped Beef.
    • Homemade Doughnuts.
    • Scrapple.
    Mar 10, 2020

    Can the Amish drink coffee? ›

    Conclusion. So the Amish do indeed drink coffee, and it's an important part of their culture. Coffee is as Amish as horse and buggies and wicker basket weaving.

    What are the Amish good at making? ›

    The Amish are known for being experts at crafting quality, sturdy wood furniture using simple, beautiful designs. Amish-made furniture adds natural warmth and elegance to any style room, and neutral tones make it easy to mix and match pieces harmoniously.

    Do Amish eat canned food? ›

    Peaches, pears, apples, and cherries are canned to enjoy year-round. Green beans, corn, peas, and carrots are common canned vegetables. Sauerkraut. Fermented foods like sauerkraut are another popular canning tradition with the Amish.

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