20 Deliciously Cheap & Practical Amish Meals (That Are Also Delicious)

The Amish know how to stretch a dollar without skimping on comfort or flavor. These meals are born from practicality—hearty, affordable, and often made with pantry staples or garden veggies. Whether you’re feeding a big family or just craving something cozy, these 20 Amish-inspired recipes deliver big on taste and simplicity.

1. Amish Chicken Pot Pie (With Noodles)

An Amish Chicken Pot Pie is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl. Rich, homemade noodles swim alongside tender chicken and garden-fresh veggies in a creamy stew. Reminiscent of simpler times, this dish embodies the heart of Amish cooking: practicality and soul-soothing warmth. Unlike the pastry-covered pot pies, this variant allows each ingredient’s flavor to shine through in every bite. The noodles, made from scratch, offer a delightful chew, while the broth wraps it all in a savory hug. Perfect for cold evenings when a touch of heartiness is needed.

2. Ham and Bean Soup

Imagine a chilly night warmed by a pot of Ham and Bean Soup. This dish is a staple in Amish households, where simple ingredients yield profound comfort. Smoked ham hocks lend their rich, smokey flavor, marrying perfectly with creamy white beans. Slow-simmered to perfection, each spoonful offers a taste of nostalgia, reminding one of family gatherings around a communal table. The beans, soft yet firm, create a satisfying base, while the ham provides depth and heartiness. This soup not only fills the stomach but also warms the soul, making it a cherished family favorite.

3. Amish Baked Oatmeal

Amish Baked Oatmeal transforms the humble oat into a breakfast delight. Unlike the usual stovetop oats, this version is baked to a cake-like perfection, inviting you with its golden crust. Additions like apples, raisins, or nuts enhance its texture and flavor, making each bite an exploration. This dish stands out for its ability to satisfy sweets cravings without overwhelming sugar, keeping things balanced and wholesome. With a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt, it becomes a morning masterpiece. Ideal for those who want a hearty start without fuss, it stays true to Amish values.

4. Shoofly Pie (Wet-Bottom Style)

Shoofly Pie is a testament to the ingenuity of Amish baking. Named for the sticky allure that ‘shoos’ flies away, this pie captivates with its gooey molasses bottom and crumbly topping. Using just pantry staples like flour, brown sugar, and syrup, it delivers complex flavors that dance between sweet and deep, treacle richness. Despite its simplicity, each slice tells a story of resourcefulness, turning everyday items into a dessert masterpiece. Serve it warm or chilled, and let the molasses work its magic, leaving an unforgettable mark on your taste buds.

5. Chicken Corn Soup with Hard-Boiled Eggs

Chicken Corn Soup with Hard-Boiled Eggs is an unexpected delight that perfectly encapsulates the creativity of Amish cuisine. This PA Dutch classic combines creamy corn with succulent chicken and the surprising addition of hard-boiled eggs. The result is a soup that’s both nourishing and intriguing. Every spoonful offers a blend of textures, from the crunch of corn to the softness of eggs, creating an engaging eating experience. It’s a dish that challenges traditional norms, reminding us that innovation can come from the simplest of kitchens.

6. Amish Haystack Dinner

Amish Haystack Dinner is a communal favorite for its adaptability and flavor-packed layers. This build-your-own meal starts with a base of rice, topped with seasoned taco meat and a medley of fresh veggies. Cheese and crushed chips add a satisfying crunch, making each bite a unique combination of textures and tastes. It’s a versatile dish, allowing each diner to tailor their plate to their liking, whether they prefer more heat or a cheesy overload. Ideal for gatherings, it embodies the spirit of community and sharing, staples of Amish dining traditions.

7. Homemade Egg Noodles with Buttered Crumbs

Homemade Egg Noodles with Buttered Crumbs celebrates the beauty of simplicity. The noodles, crafted from a simple dough, are rolled thin and cut into strips, then tossed in browned butter and crispy breadcrumbs. This dish showcases how basic ingredients can create something extraordinarily comforting. The buttered crumbs add a crunchy contrast to the silky noodles, offering a delightful mouthfeel. It’s a testament to the Amish culinary philosophy—where less is more, and flavor is paramount. A perfect accompaniment to any meal, it stands proud on its own.

8. Potato and Green Bean Skillet

Potato and Green Bean Skillet brings the garden to your table with its fresh simplicity. The dish combines diced potatoes and tender green beans, sautéed with onions in butter. This trio of ingredients is a celebration of summer harvests, offering a vibrant and wholesome side dish. Each forkful captures the earthiness of potatoes, the crispness of beans, and the sweetness of caramelized onions. It’s a versatile dish, easy to pair with any main course or enjoy on its own. True to Amish principles, it highlights the potential of fresh, local produce.

9. Poor Man’s Steak

Poor Man’s Steak is a nostalgic nod to thrifty, flavorful cooking. Ground beef is mixed with breadcrumbs, forming hearty patties that are baked in a rich mushroom gravy. It’s a dish that transforms humble ingredients into a comforting classic, perfect for any family meal. The patties are juicy and flavorful, absorbing the savory gravy for a melt-in-the-mouth experience. It’s an economical choice, yet it never compromises on taste, embodying the resourcefulness of Amish chefs who know how to stretch their ingredients without losing quality.

10. Amish Macaroni Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad brings a sweet and tangy twist to the classic picnic side. This salad features tender macaroni enveloped in a creamy, mustard-infused dressing, with a hint of sugar for balance. Chopped eggs add richness, elevating it from a simple side to a memorable dish. It’s a staple at gatherings, where its surprising sweet notes spark conversations and taste buds. The Amish knack for culinary creativity shines through, transforming familiar ingredients into something delightfully unexpected, making it a must-try for anyone seeking comfort with a twist.

11. Cabbage & Noodles (Haluski)

Cabbage & Noodles, also known as Haluski, is a dish that exudes warmth and satisfaction. Fried cabbage and onions blend with wide egg noodles, all tossed in butter for a rich flavor profile. The simplicity of this meal is its strength, where every ingredient contributes to the comforting whole. The cabbage’s slight sweetness melds with the buttery noodles, creating an irresistible harmony. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down and enjoy the uncomplicated pleasures of Amish cooking, where tradition and taste go hand in hand.

12. Amish Breakfast Casserole

The Amish Breakfast Casserole is a hearty start to any day, combining eggs, potatoes, sausage, and cheese into a single, satisfying dish. Each layer contributes to a medley of flavors and textures, from the creamy eggs to the crispy potatoes. This casserole captures the essence of a farmhouse breakfast, where simplicity rules and every bite is nourishing. Its ease of preparation and ability to feed a crowd make it a family favorite, perfect for weekends. It’s a dish that brings people together over its warmth and wholesomeness, embodying the spirit of Amish hospitality.

13. Applesauce-Stuffed Pork Chops

Applesauce-Stuffed Pork Chops are a sweet and savory delight that brings innovation to the dinner table. Thin pork chops are filled with cinnamon-infused applesauce, then baked until tender and juicy. This dish marries the subtle sweetness of apples with the umami of pork, creating a harmonious blend that surprises and satisfies. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, where the fragrant cinnamon complements the savory meat. It’s a creative approach to an everyday ingredient, showcasing the Amish ability to elevate simple foods with a touch of ingenuity and tradition.

14. Amish Sloppy Joes (AKA BBQ Sandwiches)

Amish Sloppy Joes offer a nostalgic taste of sweet and tangy comfort. This version swaps the usual barbecue sauce for a homemade blend of spices and sugars, resulting in a uniquely flavored filling. Served on soft rolls, this dish is both familiar and fresh, appealing to all ages. The beef’s sweetness is balanced by tangy undertones, making each bite a flavorful journey. It’s a testament to the Amish tradition of using pantry staples to create something memorable, ensuring that simple ingredients can produce delightful results for family gatherings and everyday meals.

15. Amish Goulash

Amish Goulash is a one-pot wonder that brings families together over its comforting simplicity. Combining macaroni, ground beef, and tomatoes, this dish is both hearty and satisfying. It’s a meal that feels like a hug, offering warmth and familiarity with every bite. The ingredients meld into a delicious harmony, where the pasta absorbs the rich flavors of the beef and tomatoes. Seasoned with a few pantry spices, it embodies the Amish philosophy of making the most of what’s available, turning everyday items into a special, cherished dinner.

16. Cornmeal Mush

Cornmeal Mush is an Amish breakfast classic, filled with rustic charm. Made thick, sliced, and fried until golden brown, it becomes a versatile dish that’s enjoyed either sweet with syrup or savory as a side. Its crispy exterior gives way to a soft, creamy interior, creating a delightful contrast. This dish embodies the Amish love for simplicity and resourcefulness, transforming cornmeal into a comforting staple. Whether starting the day or complementing a meal, Cornmeal Mush is a reminder of how simplicity can be exceptionally satisfying.

17. Dutch Chicken and Waffles (with Gravy)

Dutch Chicken and Waffles offer a savory twist on a familiar favorite. Unlike the sweeter Southern version, this features tender pulled chicken in rich gravy, served atop homemade waffles. It’s a dish that surprises with its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, where the crispy waffle contrasts with the succulent chicken and velvety gravy. This meal is a testament to the Amish ability to innovate while respecting tradition, offering a unique take on chicken and waffles that delights those seeking something a bit different in their dining experience.

18. Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is a dish that showcases the beauty of leftovers. Thinly sliced potatoes and hearty ham are layered with a luscious cream sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden. Every bite is a comforting blend of creamy and savory, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. This meal exemplifies the Amish knack for turning simple ingredients into a feast, where each layer complements the next. Its ability to stretch leftovers into a satisfying meal is a testament to the resourcefulness and culinary creativity that defines Amish cooking.

19. Homemade Bread with Apple Butter

Nothing evokes the essence of Amish country quite like the aroma of Homemade Bread with Apple Butter. Freshly baked bread, with its golden crust and soft interior, pairs perfectly with the rich, spiced apple butter. This combination is a timeless favorite, celebrated for its simplicity and flavor. The apple butter, with its sweet and spiced notes, complements the bread’s warmth, creating a comforting treat that’s hard to resist. This duo represents the heart of Amish culinary tradition, where homemade goodness reigns supreme, offering a taste of home with every bite.

20. Amish Peanut Butter Spread

The Amish Peanut Butter Spread is a sweet revelation for those who encounter it. This whipped concoction blends peanut butter, honey, and marshmallow into a spread that’s both indulgent and delightful. Often served with bread or rolls at communal meals, it’s a treat that captures the essence of Amish hospitality and charm. The spread is light yet rich, offering a delightful sweetness that’s hard to resist. It’s a testament to the Amish tradition of turning simple pantry items into something extraordinary, making it a beloved addition to any meal.