24 Traditional Amish Recipes (2024)

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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 do Amish eat for breakfast? ›

    There were only a few different options that we would typically have for breakfast when I was growing up. The typical Amish breakfast is what I still enjoy to this day. It consists of fried eggs, home fries, bacon, coffee soup and fried hominy.

    What is the best food to get from Amish country? ›

    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 an Amish lunch? ›

    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 the most famous Amish food? ›

    Here's a list of 10 staple food items and dishes you'll find in most Amish communities in Lancaster County.
    • Pot Pies.
    • Apple Butter.
    • Chow-Chow.
    • Cream Chipped Beef.
    • Homemade Doughnuts.
    • Scrapple.
    • Homemade Bread.
    • Buttered Noodles.
    Mar 10, 2020

    Can Amish eat cheese? ›

    Amish recipes are simple yet flavorful, making them perfect for a home-cooked meal. Daily dishes often include hearty meats such as pork chops, ham, roast beef, or meatloaf; dairy products like eggs and cheese; potatoes and vegetables; and desserts like shoofly pie or doughnuts.

    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.

    Can Amish eat bacon? ›

    Are the Amish Allowed to Eat Pork? Because there are no food restrictions, or notions of pigs being unclean, the Amish can eat pork.

    Can Amish have Mcdonalds? ›

    Can Amish people eat at McDonald's? They sure can. Due to it being cheap and ubiquitous, it's a very common place for Amish to stop for a meal when traveling.

    What snacks do Amish eat? ›

    Food is one of the methods of celebration among the Amish. Sharing a meal or a snack is a great way to fellowship. Drop in to visit an Amish family and they'll quickly invite you to share some popcorn and ice cream. It might be pretzels or chips.

    What do Amish like to drink? ›

    Many Amish people enjoy beer or wine at feasts or even at home, and some even produce their beers. It's a part of their Germanic heritage and as such is seen as part of their culture. Therefore, it's not unusual for Amish men to turn one of their barns into a space for creating community craft beers.

    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.

    Can Amish eat pizza? ›

    According to the Amish 365 website, pizza is a favorite for Amish families. “The Amish have had a long love affair with pizza,” the site, which focuses on Amish and Mennonite recipes and culture, states.

    Do Amish eat fried chicken? ›

    "When I visited Amish country in Penn. I fell in love with the Fried Chicken they made. Here is one of their recipes. Very tasty!"

    What are old order Amish traditions? ›

    The Amish believe in a conservative interpretation of the Bible, remaining separated from the perceived sin and decadence of “the outside world.” In line with these beliefs, most Amish rely on horse drawn buggies for transportation, dress in plain clothes, and do not use modern technology (Hostetler, 1993).

    What kind of meat do Amish eat? ›

    Grain products like bread, cornmeal, and oatmeal are also staples of the Amish diet. Scrapple, a popular breakfast food, is made with fried cornmeal mush prepared with sausage and liverwurst. Amish main meals are usually built around hearty meat dishes, such as pork chops, ham, roast beef, or meatloaf.

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