A Comfort-Food Tour Worth Taking
Built around practicality, seasonality, and reliable flavor, Amish cooking has a strong emphasis on pantry basics like flour, eggs, potatoes, and more. But despite working with simple, dependable ingredients, the traditional dishes they cook up are comforting, satisfying, and above all else, delicious. For something that's less flashy and focused on the cooking, you should definitely give some of these 20 classic Amish dishes a try!
1. Chicken Pot Pie
Warm and oh so comforting, Amish-style chicken pot pie is more like a hearty stew with thick noodles than your familiar pastry-topped pie. The broth is rich and savory, filled with tender chicken, carrots, and celery in every bite. It's thickened just enough to cling to the noodles without turning gummy, and when served hot, you'll down it in seconds.
2. Shoofly Pie
Who doesn't love a baked good that's sweet, dense, and unapologetically old-school? Shoofly pie has a molasses base and a crumb topping that transforms into a deep, caramel-like crust. The texture can range from cakey to gooey depending on the recipe, so it's really up to the baker's preference.
3. Amish Potato Salad
Perfect in the summer, Amish potato salad tends to be creamy, slightly sweet, yet balanced with enough tang to keep it from feeling heavy. Hard-boiled eggs and crunchy celery help make it more substantial than a basic deli version, and many recipes use a touch of mustard and a bit of sugar which gives it that classic picnic flavor.
4. Chow-Chow
It sure has a funny name, but it packs a load of flavor. Chow-chow is a bright, pickled relish made from chopped vegetables, often including cabbage, onions, peppers, and sometimes green tomatoes. It’s sweet-and-sour with a gentle bite, turning even plain foods into an explosive experience. Put it on hot dogs, beans, or roasted meats and you’ll see why people keep a jar around.
5. Amish Beef and Noodles
Sometimes, comfort food that doesn’t try to impress you with tricks, just steady flavor and a filling bowl, is the best kind. That's what Amish beef and noodles is. The beef is slow-cooked until it falls apart, and the gravy turns silky from the long simmer. Egg noodles, often homemade, soak up the sauce without losing their chew, making every bite filled with flavor.
6. Whoopie Pies
These soft sandwich cookies bring together two cake-like rounds with a creamy filling that’s sweet and satisfying. Chocolate is the best-known version, but you’ll also see many varities, like pumpkin, oatmeal, and other flavors depending on the season. It's all about the soft and pillowy texture when it comes to this baked good.
7. Scrapple
Fun to say and even more fun to eat, scrapple is a pan-fried loaf made from pork and cornmeal, sliced and crisped until the outside browns nicely. It’s savory, peppery, and surprisingly satisfying when served with eggs or tucked into a sandwich. It’s a classic breakfast choice that doesn’t waste anything.
Steamykitchen SteamyKitchen.com on Wikimedia
8. Amish Macaroni Salad
Made with a creamy dressing that contains a hint of sweetness, Amish macaroni salad is loaded with chopped celery, onion, and hard-boiled eggs. It holds up well at gatherings because the flavors mingle and improves as it chills. You can serve it alongside any barbecue and it'll fit right in.
9. Buttered Egg Noodles
Buttered egg noodles sound simple on paper, but the flavor can be wildly exciting when done right. The noodles are tender and lightly chewy, and when coated in butter that carries a mild richness, creates a heavenly pairing. A sprinkle of parsley or black pepper is sometimes all it needs to give it that touch of freshness and a kick.
10. Amish White Bread
Who doesn't love freshly baked bread? Amish white bread is soft, slightly sweet, and delicious with a variety of pairings. It’s the kind of loaf that turns toast into something you actually look forward to. The crumb is tender and fine, which makes it ideal for sandwiches and French toast.
11. Corn Fritters
Corn is already tasty enough on its own, but when you fry it with batter, you'll be surprised by how much better it can be. These fritters are crispy at the edges, tender in the center, and full of sweet corn flavor that tastes best when it’s fresh. The batter is usually straightforward, letting the corn do most of the work.
12. Amish Coleslaw
Perfect for any summer outing, Amish coleslaw often leans sweeter than most, with a dressing that nicely balances vinegar tang and sugar. The cabbage stays crisp, and you’ll sometimes see carrots or onions mixed in for extra bite. It pairs especially well with fried chicken, pulled pork, or anything smoky. If you want coleslaw that feels traditional, this is a solid bet.
13. Apple Butter
So well spiced and heartwarming to enjoy, Amish apple butter is slow-cooked until it turns thick, dark, and deeply apple-forward. It spreads like a dream on toast, biscuits, and pancakes, levelling up any sweet treat you pair it with. Because it’s concentrated, a little goes a long way without feeling overly sweet.
Ministerstwo Rolnictwa i Rozwoju Wsi on Wikimedia
14. Pickled Beets
Want something that cuts through rich and hearty dishes? Pickled beets are exactly what you're looking for. The color is bold, but the flavor is friendly, especially when the pickling liquid includes a touch of sugar and warm spice. These work well as a side dish, a salad topping, or a snack straight from the jar.
15. Ham Loaf
Ham loaf is a homey classic that features a baked mixture of ground ham and pork with a sweet and tangy glaze. The texture leans more tender, resembling a meatloaf more than a firm slice of ham. Many cooks add breadcrumbs and eggs to keep it moist and cohesive. It's delicious for any relaxing and easy Sunday dinner.
16. Green Bean Casserole
Who knew veggies could taste so warming and delicious? Amish-style green bean casseroles often highlight the beans by complementing them with a creamy base. You’ll see mushrooms, onions, and seasonings used to build a rounded flavor instead of just salt.
17. Pennsylvania Dutch Chicken Corn Soup
This soup is light but filling, loaded with chicken, sweet corn, and egg noodles or dumplings. The broth tastes clean and comforting, but not boring, thanks to the herbs that keep it from feeling flat. It’s the kind of bowl you can enjoy even when you’re not in the mood for something heavy. Add a slice of bread and it turns into a full meal.
redazadi from Annapolis, USA on Wikimedia
18. Amish Cinnamon Rolls
For the ultimate sweet treat, Amish cinnamon rolls are usually soft, generously swirled, and baked to stay tender rather than dry at the edges. The cinnamon-sugar filling tastes rich and satisfying, especially when paired with a simple glaze. If you’re feeding a group, these disappear fast.
19. Dried Corn and Ham Soup
Another hearty soup you can try, this option uses dried corn for a chewy texture that’s different from fresh or canned varieties. The ham adds smoke and salt, while the long simmer ties everything together into a thick, satisfying bowl. It’s especially common in colder months as it's able to warm you right up.
20. Baked Oatmeal
Baked oatmeal turns a basic breakfast staple into something more exciting. It’s mildly sweet and warmly spiced, but most impressively, it's firm enough to hold its shape while staying soft inside. You can add apples, raisins, nuts, or whatever toppings your heart desires. You can even leave it plain for a simpler bite.
KEEP ON READING
