Simple and Satisfying: Delicious Amish Comfort Food Recipes

Nothing quite compares to a good meal of traditional Amish comfort food. Recipes found in Amish cuisine tend to be hearty and wholesome, with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. These delicious recipes carry with them a long history of culture and tradition that have been handed down through the generations. Best of all, these classic Amish comfort foods are easy to make and fill you with the warmth and satisfaction of true home-cooked meals.

Today, many Amish communities still cook and eat traditional Amish dishes that reflect their distinctive way of life. From popular Amish casseroles to exciting takes on classic dishes, here are some delicious Amish Comfort food recipes that are sure to please your crowd.

Famous Amish Dishes Everyone Should Try  

Perhaps the most unique aspect of Amish cuisine is its reliance on staples and familiar flavors. Fortunately, these particular staples can be easily sourced from your local grocery store, allowing you to recreate traditional Amish meals with ease and convenience. The following recipes feature some of the most famous (and tasty!) dishes found in Amish culture.

Fried Oyster Mushrooms and Apples 

This iconic dish is a popular addition to Amish holiday feasts. To make it, you’ll need fresh oyster mushrooms, tart apples, sweet onions, and a light coating of seasoned flour. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. fresh oyster mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tart apples, peeled and diced
• 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the onions and sauté, stirring occasionally until softened and golden.

3. Add the mushrooms and apples and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Meanwhile, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.

5. Toss the mushrooms and apples in the seasoned flour, coating evenly.

6. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

7. Serve hot.

Dutch Potato Pancakes 

Potato pancakes have long been a beloved staple in the world of Amish comfort food. These pancakes have a wonderfully crisp and crunchy texture, with a nice balance of salty and sweet flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to make them:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. potatoes, grated
• 1 small onion, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Mix together the grated potatoes, onion, and eggs.

2. Add the salt, pepper, and flour and mix until thoroughly combined.

3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil.

5. Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.

6. Serve hot.

Amish Baked Ziti 

This comforting, cheesy ziti dish is a surefire crowd pleaser. To make it, you’ll need Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, and ripe tomatoes. Here’s what you need to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 lb. ziti pasta
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of generously salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and boil until al-dente, about 10 minutes.
3. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the marinara sauce and cooked sausage. Stir to combine.
4. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and pour in the pasta mixture.
5. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, oregano, and diced tomatoes over the top.
6. Drizzle the melted butter over the top and cover with foil.
7. Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve hot.

Variations of Famous Amish Dishes  

Of course, many of the traditional recipes served in Amish households can also be modified to fit changing tastes over time. The following recipes give a unique spin on classic Amish dishes, bringing a modern twist to these timeless favorites.

Amish Nacho Casserole

This delicious casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, with its hearty mix of flavors and textures. To make it, you’ll need a combination of beans, beef, tomatoes, cheese, and crisp corn chips. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 (15 oz.) cans chili beans
• 2 (10 oz.) cans diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups crushed corn chips
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, garlic, chili powder, and cumin over medium-high heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is cooked through.

3. In a 9×13 baking dish, spread the chili beans, tomatoes and green chilies, cooked beef, and shredded cheese.

4. Top with the crushed corn chips.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve with optional toppings, if desired.

Amish Baked Macaroni and Cheese 

What better way to warm up on a cold night than with a big serving of homemade macaroni and cheese? This classic Amish dish is rich, creamy, and oh-so- comforting. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Cook macaroni according to package directions.

3. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.

4. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

5. Add the flour, salt, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce and whisk to combine.

6. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick and bubbly.

7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese, reserving the remaining ½ cup for later.

8. Once the macaroni is cooked, add it to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.

9. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

10. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and drizzle the melted butter over the top.

11. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

12. Serve hot.

Traditional Amish Desserts  

We couldn’t forget desserts in our roundup of classic Amish dishes! This list of traditional Amish desserts will have your taste buds rejoicing. From light and fruity desserts to rich and decadent treats, these desserts prove that Amish food isn’t all about hearty savories.

Shoo-Fly Pie 

Shoo-Fly pie is a classic Amish dessert that is surprisingly easy to make. It features a spiced molasses filling with a crunchy crumb topping, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.