10 Delicious Amish-Style Thanksgiving Dishes

The Amish celebrate Thanksgiving in many of the same ways non-Amish Americans do: with family, rest, and tables laden with hearty dishes. One difference may be the size of their get-togethers – with the typical Amish family size being eight, ten, or larger, they are often making larger portions than your average American family.

But whatever the size of your Thanksgiving gathering, these ten recipes, covering some well-known classics, and some with a more Amish flavor, are sure to please.

1. Classic Amish Corn Pudding

Classic Amish Corn Pudding is made with fresh corn, eggs, and milk, creating a texture that is both smooth and satisfying. The dish is a perfect side for turkey and other holiday favorites.

Making this corn pudding is simple and requires just a few ingredients. It’s a great way to use seasonal corn and is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Let’s get into the recipe!

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh corn (or canned, drained)
• 1 cup milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the corn, milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Mix well until everything is combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is lightly golden.
5. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

2. Creamy Amish-Style Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a staple at any Thanksgiving table. This dish is perfect for soaking up gravy and pairing with your favorite turkey.

To make these mashed potatoes, you’ll need just a few ingredients. The key is to use good-quality potatoes and plenty of butter for that creamy texture. Let’s get into the recipe!

Ingredients

• 3 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil the Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher or ricer to mash them until smooth.
3. Add Milk and Butter: Stir in the warm milk and butter until fully combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
4. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
5. Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and top with an extra pat of butter if desired. Enjoy!

3. Savory Chicken and Noodles

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with Amish-style chicken and noodles. This hearty meal is a staple in many Amish households. This meal embodies the warmth and simplicity of Amish cooking, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table.

To make this dish, you’ll need some basic ingredients that are often found in Amish and non-Amish kitchens alike. The combination of chicken, noodles, and broth creates a comforting experience that brings family and friends together.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, add the whole chicken and cover it with chicken broth. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat. Simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
2. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat and set aside. Discard the skin and bones.
3. Make the Gravy: In the same pot, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until al dente.
5. Combine: Once the noodles are cooked, add the shredded chicken back into the pot, stirring to combine well. Let everything heat through for another few minutes.
6. Serve: Ladle the chicken and noodles into bowls, garnishing with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Amish Chicken and Noodles!

4. Homemade Amish Apple Butter

Homemade Amish-style apple butter makes a sweet addition to any Thanksgiving table. This rich, spreadable treat is perfect for slathering on warm bread or biscuits. 

Making apple butter is simple and rewarding. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers. It’s a great way to use up apples, especially during the fall season when they are at their best.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a homemade treat that everyone will enjoy. This apple butter can also be a wonderful gift for friends and family during the holidays!

Ingredients

• 6 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples: In a large pot, combine the chopped apples and lemon juice. Stir to coat the apples.
2. Add Sugar and Spices: Mix in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook the Mixture: Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft, about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have one, you can transfer it to a blender in batches.
5. Simmer: Return the blended apple mixture to the pot. Cook on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring frequently, until thickened to your liking.
6. Jar the Butter: Pour the hot apple butter into sterilized jars and seal. Allow to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.

5. Classic Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole features fresh green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. The combination creates a delightful texture and flavor that everyone will enjoy.

The green beans retain their crunch, while the creamy sauce adds richness. Topped with crunchy fried onions, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crispy fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the green beans for about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.
4. Add the blanched green beans to the soup mixture and season with salt and pepper. Mix until the beans are well coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with half of the crispy fried onions.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top.
7. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Amish Green Bean Casserole!

6. Traditional Stuffing with Sage

When it comes to Thanksgiving, traditional Amish-style stuffing with sage is a sure winner. This dish is all about simple ingredients coming together to create a warm, comforting side.

This stuffing is made from cubed bread, sautéed onions, and celery, all seasoned generously with sage. It’s easy to prepare, and you can even make it ahead of time. Just pop it in the oven when it’s time to eat, and you’ll have a delicious side ready to impress your guests!

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of bread, cubed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried sage)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Pour the broth over the bread mixture, stirring to combine. Add the parsley and mix again.
5. Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top.
6. Serve warm with gravy and enjoy your traditional Amish Thanksgiving feast!

7. Amish Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream

Amish pumpkin pie features a smooth, spiced pumpkin filling nestled in a flaky crust, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. The rich orange hue of the filling is a feast for the eyes, while the creamy texture invites you to take a bite.

This pie is not just about taste; it also embodies the simplicity and heartiness of Amish cooking. Using fresh pumpkin and traditional spices, it captures the essence of fall. The whipped cream on top adds a lightness that perfectly balances the pie’s richness.

Ingredients

• 1 (9-inch) pie crust, unbaked
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup evaporated milk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth.
4. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
5. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the pie cool completely before serving. Top with whipped cream just before serving for that perfect finishing touch.

8. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Sweet potato casserole is a staple at many Thanksgiving tables, and this Amish-style version is not only delicious but also easy to make. It combines creamy sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a layer of marshmallows that caramelize beautifully in the oven.

It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort, perfect for gathering around the table with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash them in a large bowl.
3. Add the sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly.
5. Top the sweet potato mixture with mini marshmallows, spreading them out evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

9. Fruit Salad with Honey Dressing

This Fruit Salad features a mix of fresh fruits, creating a colorful and refreshing side. The honey dressing adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the natural flavors of the fruits.

This salad is not just tasty; it also brings a burst of color to your holiday spread. Making this salad is simple and quick, making it a perfect choice for busy holiday preparations. It’s a great way to incorporate healthy options into your Thanksgiving feast, ensuring everyone has something light and refreshing to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup blackberries
• 2 cups diced pineapple
• 2 cups diced apples
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruit: In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, pineapple, and apples.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Combine: Drizzle the honey dressing over the fruit mixture and gently toss to coat all the fruit evenly.
4. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh mint leaves and enjoy this refreshing salad at your Thanksgiving gathering!

10. Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Maple glazed Brussels sprouts are a savory-sweet addition to any Thanksgiving table. These little green gems are roasted to perfection, giving them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. The sweet maple glaze adds a rich flavor that balances the natural bitterness of the Brussels sprouts. 

To make these maple glazed Brussels sprouts, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. This dish is not only tasty but also visually appealing, making it a standout on your holiday spread.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
4. In the last 5 minutes of roasting, drizzle the maple syrup over the Brussels sprouts and sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top.
5. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly.
6. Remove from the oven and serve warm, garnished with extra walnuts if desired.