Our Most Traditional Amish and Mennonite Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is traditional Mennonite food? ›

Many Mennonites are farmers, and traditionally their diets rely heavily on meat, eggs, dairy and seasonal produce. One recipe book — “The Mennonite Community Cookbook” — has been called the “grandmother” of all Mennonite cookbooks and has taken residence in Mennonite kitchens for generations.

Traditional Amish food includes dishes like tasty roasted chicken, creamy mashed potatoes & gravy, seasoned vegetables, fresh bread, and homemade jam. The Amish are also known for excellent baked goods, especially pies, cookies, breads, cakes, and fry pies.

"When I visited Amish country in Penn. I fell in love with the Fried Chicken they made. Here is one of their recipes. Very tasty!"

In fact, they eat lots of things in soup form—even breakfast! A typical Amish breakfast includes coffee soup, a bowl of creamed coffee served with freshly baked bread for dunking.

Daily dishes often include hearty meats such as pork chops, ham, roast beef, or meatloaf; dairy products like eggs and cheese; potatoes and vegetables; and desserts like shoofly pie or doughnuts. These ingredients come together to create a unique flavor that can't be found anywhere else.

This is a common dish on Amish farms, but it makes for a hearty supper. Amish chicken and rice casserole contains chicken, rice, and a wonderful cheese sauce that's amazing enough on its own. But you can pair it with some corn on the cob or fresh fruit as well. Cook the rice in a rice cooker.

The Amish Have No Dietary Restrictions

Having no dietary restrictions means they can eat whatever their heart desires.

Food is one of the methods of celebration among the Amish. Sharing a meal or a snack is a great way to fellowship. Drop in to visit an Amish family and they'll quickly invite you to share some popcorn and ice cream. It might be pretzels or chips.

According to the Amish 365 website, pizza is a favorite for Amish families. “The Amish have had a long love affair with pizza,” the site, which focuses on Amish and Mennonite recipes and culture, states.

Are the Amish Allowed to Eat Pork? Because there are no food restrictions, or notions of pigs being unclean, the Amish can eat pork.

Do Amish eat potato chips? ›

Snack foods include homemade cookies because there are usually some around. They also like potato chips and pretzels, and a lot of popcorn is made.

It's no surprise that outsiders are often curious about Amish everyday life, and their eating habits. Do the Amish drink coffee? The answer is yes, they certainly do! However, they don't use electric kettles or coffee machines as we do.

Alcohol consumption isn't prohibited in all Amish communities, and neither is it encouraged. It doesn't play a big role in Amish youth culture, either. However, it often becomes more of a feature during Rumspringa.

Generally speaking, Mennonites typically eat more fruits and vegetables than the average person. There is no 'typical' diet for Mennonites, and their diets vary depending where they live. Mennonites may eat pasta, rice, and some local foods.

As the Evangelical movement grew, strict temperance became the dominant view, especially among Mennonites and Brethren. Today, opposition has relaxed and it is not uncommon to find beer or wine at family picnics.

And they all said, au contraire, mein herr. Mennonites love coffee.

Traditionally, Mennonites sought to continue the beliefs of early Christianity and thus practice the lovefeast (which includes footwashing, the holy kiss and communion), headcovering, nonresistance, the sharing of possessions and nonconformity to the world; these things are heavily emphasized in Old Order Mennonite and ...