24 Traditional Amish Recipes (2024)

Home Recipes Cooking Style Comfort Food

24 Traditional Amish Recipes (1)Grace MannonUpdated: Jul. 20, 2023

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

    Amish Sugar Cookies

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    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

    Enjoy more Amish cookie recipes.

    Amish Friendship Bread

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    24 Traditional Amish Recipes (2)

    LAUREN HABERMEHL FOR TASTE OF HOME

    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.

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

    Shoofly Pie

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    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

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

    Amish Breakfast Casserole

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    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

    Find the best cooking ideas from Amish kitchens.

    Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Butter

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    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

    Amish Chicken Corn Soup

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    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

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

    Classic Cabbage Rolls

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    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

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

    Pickled Eggs with Beets and Hot Cherry Peppers

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Amish Potato Pancakes

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    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

    Old-Fashioned Whoopie Pies

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    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

    Find more Amish baked goods to add to your repertoire.

    Amish Potato Bread

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    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

    Don’t miss our collection of Amish bread recipes.

    Amish Noodles

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    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

    Pennsylvania Dutch Funny Cake

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    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

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

    Apple Dumplings with Sauce

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    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

    Amish Onion Cake

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    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

    Spaetzle Dumplings

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Oatmeal Molasses Crisps

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Amish Macaroni Salad

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    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

    Amish Apple Goodie

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    MOLLY ALLEN FOR TASTE OF HOME

    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

    Amish Chicken and Noodles

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    TMB STUDIO

    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

    Amish Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Pie

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    NANCY MOCK FOR TASTE OF HOME

    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

    Amish Broccoli Salad

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    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.

    Amish Vanilla Pie

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    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

    Amish Yum-Yum Salad

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    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

    Originally Published: January 06, 2021

    24 Traditional Amish Recipes (25)

    Grace Mannon

    Grace learned a ton about the nitty-gritty of food and nutrition while earning her master’s degree in food science. She worked for a well-known baby food company and a company responsible for many favorite snack foods before transitioning to being a stay-at-home mom. She loves writing about complicated food science concepts in an understandable way and as a Taste of Home contributor, Grace covers a little bit of everything, from vintage recipes to must-have holiday foods and treats.

    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 do Amish eat for breakfast? ›

    13 Heartwarming Amish Breakfasts
    • 01 of 13. Amish Friendship Bread. ...
    • 02 of 13. Baked Oatmeal. ...
    • 03 of 13. Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole. ...
    • 04 of 13. Mennonite Orange Muffins. ...
    • 05 of 13. Amish Friendship Chocolate Bread. ...
    • 06 of 13. Lemon Poppy Seed Amish Friendship Bread. ...
    • 07 of 13. Amish Hash Browns. ...
    • 08 of 13. Amish Sourdough Pancakes.
    Apr 3, 2020

    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 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.

    What time do the 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.

    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.

    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.

    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 music do the Amish listen to? ›

    Yes, the Amish may listen to music, but it has to be music that is uplifting, and culturally appropriate. This means that sacred music like church hymns, and even country or classical music, is acceptable. Keep in mind, the Amish don't have radios or television.

    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

    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 people eat rice? ›

    This is a common dish on Amish farms, but it makes for a hearty supper. Amish chicken and rice casserole contains chicken, rice, and a wonderful cheese sauce that's amazing enough on its own. But you can pair it with some corn on the cob or fresh fruit as well. Cook the rice in a rice cooker.

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