Our Most Traditional Amish and Mennonite Recipes (2024)

Shoofly Pie

Shoofly pie is as traditional to Pennsylvania Dutch cooking as pecan pie is to southern cooking. The molasses and buttery streusel filling is baked in a flaky pie crust. It is usually served for breakfast with coffee.

Amish Macaroni Salad

A potluck classic, this creamy pasta salad goes with just about everything. Sugar gives it a traditionally sweet edge, though you can use less if you like. Hard-cooked eggs and bell pepper are also a must.

Amish Casserole

Simple, hearty, and budget-friendly are the hallmarks of Amish cooking, and this casserole has all three. You also probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. "Plain and simple, yet delicious," says Martha.

Cabbage Borscht

Cabbage borscht is a very traditional Mennonite dish that's just as delicious today, especially on a chilly night. This version is made even heartier with the addition of chicken, potatoes, and carrots.

• Our Most Popular Cabbage Recipes

My Amish Friend's Caramel Corn

Foolproof caramel corn came to creator Anitalouise from an Amish family who gives it away during Christmas. It's a classic, no-frills recipe that had Recipechase raving: "I am speechless ... only because my mouth is stuffed with caramel corn."

Amish White Bread

Over 5,000 reviewers agree that this simple white sandwich bread is as delicious as it is foolproof. It's a staple in Amish homes where nearly everything is made from scratch. "If I could give this recipe more stars I would!" says Luvz2bake.

• 20 Easy Bread Recipes to Make at Home

Pennsylvania Dutch Pickled Beets and Eggs

Many reviewers love this recipe, a Pennsylvania Dutch classic, for after Easter when there's plenty of leftover hard-boiled eggs around. "I actually tripled the recipe and it didn't last a week in the fridge," says Mtfreg.

All-Day Apple Butter

This concentrated spiced apple spread is famous in Lancaster, PA, an Amish country town where apples are harvested and preserved every fall. A slow cooker makes this version even easier (and makes your kitchen smell amazing).

Amish Slaw

Christina J shares the slaw she makes in her Amish community. The quick pickle method (a hot sugar and vinegar mixture that's poured over the cabbage) helps preserve the mix for a few days in the fridge.

Amish Meatloaf

"I have made it so many times I have lost count," says Lori W. of this meatloaf. The Amish twist to this classic includes crushed butter crackers in place of breadcrumbs in the filling and a couple slices of bacon layered beneath the ketchup glaze.

• 10 Best Side Dishes for Meatloaf

Whoopie Pies

The story goes that when Amish farmers and school kids found these snack cakes in their lunch boxes, they'd shout "whoopie!" Well, we're just as excited to eat them now. The cake and frosting sandwiches were originally made to use up extra cake batter.

Mennonite Cabbage Potato Kielbasa Bake

The Mennonite faith has roots in Germany — which is why kielbasa and cabbage star in this comforting casserole. "The kielbasa really flavors the whole dish," says Pazla. "It's simple and delicious."

Amish Custard Cottage Cheese Pie

In true Amish form, this silky-smooth custard pie uses affordable ingredients like cottage cheese and evaporated milk with fantastic results. Whipping the egg whites before folding them into filling makes it wonderfully fluffy.

Pennsylvania Dutch Corn Pie

Recipe creator Imlizard has a lot of love for this hearty pie. "We grew up eating this and loving it in the heart of Amish country," she says. A few shortcuts like refrigerated pie crust and creamed corn streamline the dish while keeping the classic flavors.

Baked Oatmeal

Hearty, warming, and ready to feed a crowd, this recipe is the perfect breakfast for a busy day on an Amish farm. Creator BlanchL picked it up on a visit to Pennsylvania Amish country. "Everyone who tries it, loves it!" she says.

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