11 Amish Recipes Made for the Holiday Season

You probably already know that Amish cooking is all about comfort, simplicity, and food that tastes like someone actually cared. When the holidays roll in, that style fits perfectly. You want meals that feel warm without needing fancy ingredients or complicated steps. These recipes are built on pantry basics, slow cooking, and the kind of flavor that comes from time and tradition. Whether you’re cooking for a quiet night at home or a packed family dinner, these dishes help you create something that feels real. Let’s dive into the classics that make Amish holiday cooking special.

1. Shoofly Pie

This is one of those old recipes that never needed updating. Shoofly pie gives you a deep molasses sweetness surrounded by a soft crumb topping and a buttery crust. The filling lands somewhere between cake and pie, and it’s great with strong tea or black coffee. You don’t need special tricks for this one. Just mix molasses, hot water, a little baking soda, sugar, and flour. It bakes up golden and firm enough to slice cleanly. Some people like a wet bottom, some prefer a dry version. Either way, you get dessert that tastes like the holidays without trying too hard.

2. Amish Chicken Pot Pie

You’re not dealing with the frozen boxed version here. Amish chicken pot pie is a comforting stew with homemade noodle-like squares simmered right in the broth. You cook chicken with carrots, celery, onions, herbs, and butter until the flavor gets rich and round. Then you add thick dough squares that cook and soften in the pot, turning the broth into something thick and hearty. Each bite feels like a real meal, not the flimsy version you pick up in the freezer section. It’s a favorite for cold nights and anyone who loves warmth in a bowl.

3. Church Peanut Butter Spread

Every Amish gathering needs this on the table. It’s a simple mix of peanut butter, marshmallow creme, and syrup, and you spread it on soft bread or rolls. It sounds almost too basic, but once you taste it, you understand why people keep serving it. Kids adore it, adults secretly go back for seconds, and it works as a quick holiday breakfast or snack. No baking, no complicated measurements, and it keeps in the fridge for days. If you want something easy that still feels homemade, this is one to remember.

4. Amish Wedding Noodles

This dish shows up at weddings, celebrations, and holiday dinners because everyone likes it. You simmer chicken broth with butter until the flavor deepens, then add thick homemade egg noodles and cook them until they turn soft and silky. Some cooks add shredded chicken, some keep it plain, but either way the result feels rich without being heavy. This is comfort food that fills the table in the best way. Serve it as a main or a side, and you’ll be in good shape either way.

5. Pumpkin Custard

Pumpkin pie gets all the attention, but pumpkin custard is smoother, lighter, and easier to bake. You mix pumpkin puree with milk, sugar, warm spices, and eggs, then bake it until it’s soft and creamy. No crust needed. The flavor lands between pie and pudding, and it works both warm and chilled. If you’ve got pumpkin fans in the family, this dessert makes a nice alternative to the usual pie lineup. It also keeps well, which helps when you’re prepping ahead of a busy holiday schedule.

6. Amish Brown Butter Potatoes

You don’t have to pile on extra flavors to make potatoes memorable. Browning butter until it turns golden gives a deep, nutty flavor that coats boiled potatoes beautifully. You simmer the potatoes until tender, drain them, and toss them in the butter with a little salt and maybe some parsley. The taste is simple but feels special. This works alongside turkey, ham, chicken, or just about anything else. It’s the kind of side dish people finish without thinking twice.

7. Christmas Fruit Hand Pies

These little hand pies travel well, share easily, and taste like the holidays without feeling too sweet. You fill pastry rounds with dried fruit cooked down with sugar, cinnamon, and a little apple cider or juice. The filling turns sticky and fragrant, and the crust gets crisp in the oven. They’re perfect for gift boxes, potlucks, or Christmas morning treats. If you want that holiday bakery smell in your kitchen without spending all day, these are a great move.

8. Amish Corn Casserole

This casserole shows up across the Midwest for good reason. You mix creamed corn, whole kernel corn, butter, eggs, milk, and flour or cornbread mix and bake until it sets into a golden, custardy side dish. It’s rich, warm, and pairs well with any holiday main course. Some families like it sweeter, some saltier, but the core recipe stays simple. It’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require advanced cooking skills or expensive ingredients.

9. Sweet Bologna Snacks

Amish sweet bologna has a mellow, smoky flavor that works beautifully with crackers, cheese, or mustard. You slice it thin and serve it as holiday appetizers, snack boards, or quick bites while people wait for dinner. It’s not fussy, but people love it. If you want to keep things easy while still offering something traditional, this is a great option. You can even warm the slices in a skillet to boost the flavor. You can tuck thin slices into soft rolls with a swipe of mustard for simple sandwiches. Leftover pieces also work well diced into egg dishes or salads to carry that smoky sweetness into the next meal.

10. Dutch Apple Dumplings

These dumplings are dough-wrapped apples baked in a syrupy sauce until tender. You peel and core the apples, wrap them in pastry, pour spiced sauce over the top, and bake until soft and golden. The smell alone is worth making them. They serve well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or nothing at all. This is one of those desserts that feels impressive but relies on basic ingredients and old-fashioned cooking methods. You can use tart baking apples so the filling stays firm and doesn’t turn mushy. Any leftovers warm up beautifully for breakfast or a late-night treat.

11. Amish Holiday Bread

This lightly sweet bread shows up at breakfast tables and holiday gatherings. You make a simple yeasted dough, enrich it with milk, sugar, and butter, and bake until golden. Some variations use raisins or cinnamon, and some top it with a light glaze. It toasts beautifully and pairs with jam, butter, or even the peanut butter spread mentioned earlier. It stores well and makes the kitchen smell like a real bakery. Leftover slices also make excellent French toast or bread pudding when they start to go a little stale.