12 Traditional Amish & Mennonite Recipes

If you ever come across an authentic Amish or Mennonite restaurant — go in and have a seat, try the simple, hearty food.

Discover the flavors and rich culinary traditions of Amish and Mennonite communities with this collection of classic recipes. From comforting soups to old-fashioned desserts, these dishes reflect the cherished simplicity and homestyle cooking that define these communities. Join us on a culinary journey through the kitchens of the Plain People, where wholesome ingredients and time-honored methods create meals that warm both the body and the soul.

Old-Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup

A brown clay bowl full of grandma's chicken noodle soup with homemade egg noodles, carrots, celery, and fresh parsley. A hand is holding a piece of whole wheat bread.
Photo Credit: The Peasant’s Daughter.

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A comforting classic brimming with tender chicken and hearty noodles, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. This timeless soup is a reminder of the simpler, homestyle kitchen traditions. Make your own homemade egg noodles to take it to the next level.

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Traditional German-Style Sauerkraut

A large jar full of homemade fermented green cabbage sauerkraut with carrot strips.
Photo Credit: The Peasant’s Daughter.

Tangy and delicious sauerkraut, a staple in Amish and Mennonite cuisine, offering a delightful blend of flavors and a side dish that pairs well with a variety of hearty entrees.

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Amish Zucchini Bread

Sliced zucchini bread. A wooden cutting board is under the bread.
Photo Credit: Zucchini Zone.

Moist and spiced zucchini bread, a beloved homemade treat enjoyed by many, often served during gatherings and family dinners in Amish and Mennonite communities.

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Amish Sticky Buns

Sticky, circular buns in a round pan.
Photo Credit: The Graceful Dame.

Sweet and gooey sticky buns with a delightful cinnamon filling, these Amish-style buns make for a scrumptious addition to breakfast or brunch, and they are a true crowd-pleaser.

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Red Beet Eggs

Vibrant red beet eggs nestled around a round plate.
Photo Credit: The Graceful Dame.

Vibrant and tangy hard-boiled eggs pickled with beets, a colorful and traditional dish frequently found at Amish and Mennonite gatherings, potlucks, and picnics.

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Chocolate Whoopie Pies With Peanut Butter Icing

A chocolate whoopie pie is on the top of a wooden bowl.
Photo Credit: The Grateful Dame.

A heavenly dessert featuring rich chocolate cakes sandwiched with creamy peanut butter icing. These whoopie pies are a cherished indulgence in Amish and Mennonite communities.

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Amish-Style Baked Oatmeal With Blueberries

A baked oatmeal and blueberries slice topped with peanuts and honey.
Photo Credit: Brunch & Batter.

Wholesome baked oatmeal with a burst of blueberry goodness, providing a nutritious start to the day and a popular breakfast choice in Amish and Mennonite homes.

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Amish Pumpkin Pie

A pumpkin pie with a topping of whipped cream on a plate.
Photo Credit: Little Home In The Making.

A warm slice of pumpkin pie with traditional Amish flavors, a classic dessert perfect for fall celebrations, enjoyed with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

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The Best Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

A red cranberry jello salad with fresh fruit in a bundy-type mold on a platter for serving.
Photo Credit: Platter Talk.

A delightful cranberry jello salad recipe that’s a hit at gatherings, bringing a touch of sweetness and tartness to the Amish and Mennonite table during the Christmas holidays.

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The Best Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Five stacked plain sugar cookies on parchment paper.
Photo Credit: Platter Talk.

Soft, buttery, and sweet sugar cookies, a delightful treat for any occasion, loved for their simplicity and homestyle taste.

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Streusel Kuchen (German Coffee Cake)

A brown cake with nuts in a bowl.
Photo Credit: Platter Talk.

A delectable German coffee cake with a crumbly streusel topping, perfect for sharing over coffee or tea.

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Amish Mashed Potatoes

A wooden spoon stirring creamy mashed potatoes in a bowl.
Photo Credit: The Cagle Diaries.

Creamy and velvety mashed potatoes are always a hit.

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More German Recipes

Two bowls of red cabbage soup served with sour cream.
Photo Credit: The Peasant’s Daughter.

Lots of Amish culinary traditions are from a German background, and we frequently cook traditional German food, too.

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About The Amish & Mennonite Culinary Tradition

A black Amish horse and buggy travels down a road.
Photo Credit: Envato Elements.

Amish and Mennonite culinary traditions primarily have their roots in the European cuisines of Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. The Anabaptist movement, from which both communities originated in the 16th century, had a significant presence in these regions of Europe. The culinary heritage of these communities reflects the simple, hearty, and traditional foods commonly prepared in these European countries.

The Amish, in particular, draw from the German and Swiss culinary traditions. They often use ingredients and cooking methods reminiscent of the German-speaking regions, focusing on hearty and comforting dishes. Ingredients like root vegetables, bread, dairy, and meats are staples in their recipes.

Mennonite recipes also share this European influence, especially from the German-speaking areas. Traditional Mennonite dishes often include ingredients like potatoes, sausages, bread, and dairy products, reflecting the agricultural and culinary practices of their European forebears.

Amish and Mennonite recipes have adapted over time, incorporating ingredients available in their new homes, but the foundational influences from these European traditions remain evident in their beloved dishes.

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