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    Home » Amish Recipes

    Pennsylvania Dutch Food (35 Traditional PA Recipes)

    Published: Feb 2, 2024 · Modified: Aug 3, 2026 by Anna 21 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Pennsylvania Dutch food is hearty, homemade comfort food that's been passed down through generations. Rooted in German and Swiss traditions, these recipes are made from scratch with simple ingredients.

    I grew up Amish in eastern Pennsylvania eating these foods on a regular basis. From chicken pot pie and potato filling to shoofly pie and whoopie pies, these traditional recipes have been family favorites for many years.

    Pennsylvania Dutch foods: chicken pot pie, shoofly pie. buttered noodles, soft pretzels, and bacon dressing.

    In this collection, I'm sharing more than 30 authentic Pennsylvania Dutch recipes, along with a few classic PA Dutch foods that every visitor to Lancaster County should try.

    Jump to:
    • Are "Pennsylvania Dutch" and "Amish" the Same Thing?
    • What Foods Are Pennsylvania Dutch?
    • Most Popular PA Dutch Foods
    • Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Food
    • Old-Fashioned PA Dutch Desserts
    • How Pennsylvania Dutch Recipes Have Changed Over Time
    • The Pennsylvania Dutch Foods I Grew Up With
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Than Just Recipes

    Are "Pennsylvania Dutch" and "Amish" the Same Thing?

    No, PA Dutch and Amish are not exactly the same thing, although they share many cultural traditions, including similar foods and recipes. The Amish are one group within the broader Pennsylvania Dutch culture.

    "Pennsylvania Dutch" describes Americans of German and Swiss ancestry, particularly those who settled in Pennsylvania. The term "Dutch" came from the German word "Deutsch," meaning German. Despite the name, Pennsylvania Dutch people have a rich German cultural and linguistic background.

    The Pennsylvania Dutch community is made up of descendants of German-speaking immigrants who arrived in Pennsylvania during the 17th and 18th centuries. If you look at the history of the Amish, you'll notice that many of them have Swiss-German roots.

    The PA Dutch are known for their distinctive culture, including their unique dialect of the German language. They brought their language, traditions, and culinary practices with them.

    Today, the term "Pennsylvania Dutch" is used to describe the descendants of these early German immigrants and includes both Amish and non-Amish communities, especially in parts of southeastern Pennsylvania.

    While the terms "PA Dutch" and "Amish" are often used interchangeably, they refer to different aspects of Pennsylvania culture.

    Traditional PA Dutch, Amish, and Mennonite recipes are all very similar, though. They all have PA Dutch roots. And as someone who grew up Amish in Pennsylvania, I can tell you there is a lot of overlap. Many of the foods I grew up eating are traditional Pennsylvania Dutch recipes that have been passed down through generations.

    What Foods Are Pennsylvania Dutch?

    Below you'll find many of the traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dishes I grew up eating, along with a few classic regional foods.

    Pennsylvania Dutch cooking is known for hearty comfort foods (filling and stick-to-your-ribs stuff here 🙂 ), homemade breads, simple desserts, and lots of preserved foods. Many recipes were created using inexpensive pantry staples and fresh ingredients from the family garden.

    Some of the best-known Pennsylvania Dutch foods include chicken pot pie (made with homemade noodles), shoofly pie, scrapple, Lebanon bologna, potato filling, whoopie pies, chow chow, pepper cabbage, apple butter, and soft pretzels. Many of these recipes are still served at family gatherings, church dinners, and holiday meals throughout Pennsylvania Dutch country.

    Most Popular PA Dutch Foods

    While many Pennsylvania Dutch dishes are familiar comfort foods, there are also some foods that are especially tied to this region and its history. I don't have recipes on my site for all of these traditional favorites, but they are foods I grew up with and wanted to include in this collection.

    #1. Lebanon Bologna: A Taste of Pennsylvania Dutch Country

    Lebanon bologna is a distinctive PA Dutch favorite named after Lebanon County, where it originated. The combination of curing, smoking, and seasoning gives Lebanon bologna its characteristic taste, making it a flavorful and beloved part of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine.

    Lebanon bologna is commonly enjoyed as an appetizer or sandwich ingredient. It has become a popular lunchmeat choice in Lancaster County and the surrounding areas, and is readily available at local grocery chains.

    Having grown up with this, you can imagine my delight when my local bulk food store started carrying it. In my opinion, there's no better cold sandwich than homemade bread topped with several slices of smoked sweet Lebanon bologna, a thick slice of deli meunster cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickle slices. So yummy!

    #2. Birch Beer: A PA Dutch Favorite Drink

    Birch beer is a classic Pennsylvania Dutch country drink that you'll often find in the Lancaster and Berks County areas. While it isn't exclusively a Pennsylvania Dutch food, it has long been enjoyed throughout the region and is a familiar favorite at family gatherings, restaurants, and local markets.

    Similar to root beer, birch beer is a sweet, carbonated drink made with birch bark extract. It has a unique flavor that is a little spicy, a little sweet, and something you remember once you've tried it.

    #3. Scrapple: A Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Breakfast Food

    Scrapple is a popular choice in PA Dutch-style breakfast spreads, often taking the place of bacon or sausage. Made with the leftover pork scraps and meat that was cooked off of the bones, cornmeal, and flour, this mixture is seasoned with traditional spices and shaped into a rectangular form similar to meatloaf.

    Scrapple was originally a practical way for families to use all parts of the pig after butchering. Today, it remains a beloved regional food and is often served as part of a Pennsylvania Dutch breakfast, alongside eggs, toast, or other breakfast favorites.

    When sliced and fried, scrapple develops a firm, slightly crisp exterior, maintaining a buttery smooth interior. It is often served with maple syrup or ketchup. (This is one PA Dutch food that I have never learned to enjoy. 🙁 )

    #4. Wet-Bottom Shoofly Pie

    a slice of Amish wet bottom shoofly pie - one of the most popular PA Dutch foods.

    Wet-bottom shoofly pie is one of the most well-known Pennsylvania Dutch desserts. This traditional pie has a gooey molasses layer on the bottom, a cake-like middle, and a buttery crumb topping, all baked in a flaky pie crust.

    Shoofly pie originated in southeastern Pennsylvania and has long been enjoyed in Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch communities. Made with simple pantry ingredients like molasses, flour, sugar, and eggs, it is a great example of the old-fashioned, from-scratch cooking this region is known for.

    In many Amish homes, wet-bottom shoofly pie is served as a breakfast treat with a cup of coffee, much like coffee cake. Growing up, we often ate it with milk poured over the top, which is still one of my favorite ways to enjoy it.

    Go to Recipe

    #5. Chicken Pot Pie

    a bowl of PA Dutch chicken pot pie with homemade noodles - Pennsylvania Dutch food.

    When many people hear "chicken pot pie", they picture a flaky pie crust filled with creamy chicken and vegetables. But in Pennsylvania Dutch country, chicken pot pie means something completely different.

    Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch chicken pot pie is made with square homemade noodles and chicken simmered together in a flavorful broth. The homemade noodles are the star of this dish and are what make it different from other versions of chicken pot pie.

    This is the kind of pot pie I grew up eating in eastern Pennsylvania. It is a comforting meal that has been served in Pennsylvania Dutch homes for generations.

    The best chicken pot pie comes from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania! (We also had chicken pies made with a crust, but when we said "pot pie", we meant the pot pie that's cooked in a pot with noodle squares. 🙂)

    Go to Recipe

    #6. Potato Filling

    a roaster full of Pennsylvania Dutch potato filling

    Pennsylvania Dutch potato filling is a classic side dish made with mashed potatoes, bread stuffing, butter, and seasonings. It is a traditional part of many Pennsylvania Dutch holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

    Similar to stuffing but with a unique texture and flavor from the mashed potatoes, this old-fashioned dish is one that many Pennsylvania families look forward to every year.

    Go to Recipe

    #7. Whoopie Pies

    a stack of Amish chocolate whoopie pies with a light vanilla filling.

    Whoopie pies are one of the most recognizable Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish bakery treats. They are made with two cookies sandwiched together with a lightly sweet creamy filling.

    While these soft, cake-like chocolate whoopie pies are the classic version, Amish bakeries often sell many different varieties, including pumpkin, oatmeal, molasses, and peanut butter whoopie pies.

    Depending on where you are from, you may also hear them called "gobs." The name varies by region, but the idea is the same - a delicious handheld treat that has become a favorite far beyond Pennsylvania Dutch country.

    Go to Recipe

    #8. Apple Dumplings

    an Amish apple dumpling on a plate with caramel sauce.

    PA Dutch apple dumplings are whole apples wrapped in a flaky pastry crust, baked until tender, and served with a sweet syrup or sauce.

    This old-fashioned dessert has long been a favorite in Pennsylvania Dutch homes and is especially delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of soft cinnamon apples, buttery crust, and sweet syrup is hard to beat.

    Apple dumplings are the kind of dessert that feels right at home on a farmhouse table, especially during apple season. They are amazing!

    Go to Recipe

    Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Food

    The foods below may not be as famous as shoofly pie or chicken pot pie, but they are just as much a part of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. These are the kinds of dishes you would find on family tables, at church dinners, and gatherings throughout Pennsylvania Dutch country.

    #9. Chicken Croquettes

    a Plate with fried chicken croquettes, one is cut in half to show the inside.

    Pennsylvania Dutch chicken croquettes are a classic way to turn leftover chicken into something special. The filling is made with cooked, finely chopped chicken mixed with a creamy sauce, then shaped, breaded, and fried until golden and crispy.

    Chicken croquettes are a great way to stretch simple ingredients into a delicious meal. The crispy coating paired with the creamy chicken filling makes them a favorite old-fashioned comfort food.

    Of course, the deep-frying is what gives them that amazing crispy outside (and probably the least healthy part!). Air-frying is another option if you want a lighter version.

    Go to Recipe

    #10. Chicken and Waffles

    PA Dutch waffle on a plate topped with chicken and gravy.

    Lancaster County-style chicken and waffles is a savory dish made with tender chicken and creamy gravy served over fluffy homemade waffles.

    Unlike the Southern-style chicken and waffles that many people know today, the Pennsylvania Dutch version is made with roasted chicken in gravy.

    Go to Recipe

    #11. Chicken Corn Noodle Soup

    a bowl of yummy looking Amish noodle soup with corn and chicken.

    While classic chicken noodle soup is a popular American dish, the addition of corn in this dish is a PA Dutch tradition.

    This soup includes chicken, corn, and noodles, creating a hearty version of chicken noodle soup. The noodles used can vary, but PA Dutch housewives often made homemade noodles, contributing to the homemade and from-scratch nature of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking.

    Chicken corn soup is known for its simplicity, wholesome ingredients, and delicious flavor, making it a staple in Pennsylvania Dutch households. (Sometimes chicken corn soup is made with homemade rivels instead of noodles.)

    Go to Recipe

    #12. Amish Chicken and Noodles

    a plate full of homemade Amish chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes.

    Homemade chicken and noodles are a classic comfort food in Pennsylvania Dutch homes. This dish is similar to chicken pot pie, but instead of square noodles cooked in broth with vegetables, it focuses on tender chicken and thick homemade noodles.

    Growing up Amish, homemade noodles were a regular part of our meals. Whether served over mashed potatoes or enjoyed in a bowl with chicken and broth, they were the kind of simple, filling food that brought everyone to the table.

    Go to Recipe

    #13. Buttered Noodles

    a bowl of Amish brown butter noodles.

    Buttered noodles are one of the easiest dishes to make. It's a kid-friendly dish (because what kid doesn't like pasta?) and a great side with many different meals. Not to mention that they are comfort food at its finest.

    These brown butter noodles are rich, a bit creamy, full of flavor, and oh-so buttery! There is so much to love about these simple Amish-style noodles.

    Go to Recipe

    #14. Ham Loaf

    PA Dutch ham loaf of a platter.

    Ham loaf is similar to traditional meatloaf. However, it has a different flavor profile since it is made with ham and a brown sugar glaze.

    Typically, ham loaf is made with ground ham and ground pork. But for this Amish recipe, we are using ground ham and ground beef instead of pork. Although, if you prefer, you can use ground pork in place of ground beef. It's good either way.

    Go to Recipe

    #15. Hot Bacon Dressing

    a small bowl of hot bacon dressing with a plate of salad in the background.

    PA Dutch hot bacon dressing is a type of salad dressing made from a combination of bacon and its drippings, vinegar, sugar, and egg. It boasts a delicious sweet and sour taste complemented by the rich, savory essence of bacon.

    This dressing, said to have originated in Amish/PA Dutch communities, is known for its delicious tangy flavor. It's perfect over a bowl of dandelion greens or spinach salad.

    Go to Recipe

    #16. Corn Fritters

    PA Dutch corn fritters stacked on a plate.

    This recipe for Pennsylvania Dutch corn fritters is basically corn fritter pancakes. Stuff a pancake-type batter full of delicious sweet corn and fry the patties to golden perfection. The results are amazing!

    Go to Recipe

    #17. Homemade White Bread

    sliced homemade bread in a skillet with a red towel.

    Homemade white bread has long been a staple in Pennsylvania Dutch kitchens. Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for sandwiches or toast, it's one of those recipes every home baker should know.

    There is nothing quite like a warm slice of fresh bread with butter melted into it. Drizzle it with honey, and it is simply divine!

    Go to Recipe

    #18. Potato Salad

    a glass bowl of Amish potato salad sprinkled with paprika.

    Amish potato salad is a combination of cooked and diced potatoes with boiled eggs and chopped pickles. Which are dressed in a miracle whip-based dressing with sweet sugar, tangy vinegar, and mustard.

    It's a combination of flavors that creates a unique taste that many people love. And it is a cool and creamy dish that will fill you up. I can sit and eat a bowl full of potato salad all by itself because it's just so good!

    Go to Recipe

    #19. Macaroni Salad

     a dish of yummy-looking macaroni salad with a cooked dressing.

    This recipe for macaroni salad combines cooked macaroni, hard-boiled eggs, crispy veggies, and a cooked creamy dressing with the perfect combination of sweet and tangy.

    Pennsylvania Dutch macaroni salad is sure to be a hit at your next cookout or get-together. It's truly an old-fashioned classic macaroni salad!

    Go to Recipe

    #20. PA Dutch Pepper Cabbage

    a small bowl full of pepper cabbage ready to eat, cabbage head and green pepper in the background.

    Pepper cabbage (also called pepper slaw) is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch side dish made with finely chopped cabbage, peppers, and a sweet and tangy vinegar dressing. Unlike creamy coleslaw, this refreshing slaw has a crisp texture and bright flavor that pairs well with many hearty PA Dutch meals.

    It is a simple, old-fashioned dish that has been served for generations at family meals, church dinners, and summer gatherings.

    Go to Recipe

    #21. Soft Pretzels

    homemade Pa Dutch golden soft pretzels.

    Soft pretzels have deep roots in Pennsylvania Dutch country, where they have been enjoyed for generations. These homemade PA Dutch soft pretzels are buttery, chewy, and golden brown - especially delicious when served warm from the oven.

    If you have ever enjoyed an Auntie Anne's pretzel, you have tasted a version of this Pennsylvania tradition. Auntie Anne's began in Pennsylvania and grew from a small farmers market pretzel stand into the well-known pretzel company it is today.

    Whether homemade, found at a Pennsylvania Dutch market, or your local mall, soft pretzels remain one of the foods most closely associated with this region.

    Go to Recipe

    #22. Cup Cheese

    a dish of PA Dutch cup cheese (Amish cheese spread).

    My recipe for Amish cheese spread (cup cheese) is a soft spreadable cheese that's made by melting white American cheese in hot milk. Also known as "shmear kase", this was often served at Amish church dinners along with peanut butter spread on buns.

    There are at least two different types of cup cheese, and some PA Dutch people may be more familiar with sour cup cheese also known as Limberger cheese.

    Go to Recipe

    #23. Apple Butter

    two jars of homemade Amish apple butter.

    Amish apple butter is a thick and smooth spread made from cooked apples, sugar, and spices. It is a traditional recipe that has been passed down for generations among the Amish community.

    To make apple butter, apples are first peeled, cored, and chopped into pieces. They are then cooked down until they are soft and tender. The cooked apples are then blended until they form a smooth puree, namely applesauce.

    Sugar and spices are added to the puree, and the mixture is cooked or baked for several hours until it thickens and darkens in color. The cooking process allows the sugars in the apples to caramelize and deepen the flavor of the butter.

    Go to Recipe

    #24. Pickled Chow Chow

    little white ramekin filled with chow chow and jars of it in the background

    Chow chow is a traditional pickled relish commonly made and enjoyed by the Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish communities. It's made with various beans, vegetables, and a sweet and tangy dressing.

    It is simply a pickled vegetable mix. So if you love pickled food, this might be something you would enjoy.

    Go to Recipe

    #25. Red Beet Eggs

    red beet eggs in a round circle on a plate with beet slices in the middle.

    Pickled eggs and beets are a classic dish where hard-boiled eggs are preserved with red beet slices in a sweet and tangy pickling liquid. This liquid, made with vinegar, sugar, and beet juice, gives the eggs a slightly sweet and tasty flavor.

    People in the PA Dutch and Amish communities often enjoy pickled eggs and beets as a side dish or snack. The sweet and tangy flavor makes them a unique and delicious addition to meals or a delightful treat on their own.

    Go to Recipe

    #26. Breakfast Casserole

    a pan of breakfast casserole made with bread, a slice on a small plate.

    This simple breakfast casserole is a tasty combination of bread, meat, cheese, and eggs. It's an easy recipe that you can prepare the night before and bake in the morning, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings when you're short on time.

    Whether you're feeding a crowd or planning for meal prep, this dish is a beloved favorite in Amish communities, commonly savored for breakfast or brunch.

    Go to Recipe

    #27. Rice Pudding

    a bowl of Pennsylvania Dutch rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon.

    PA Dutch rice pudding is a creamy, slightly sweet, and oh so delicious cooked rice dish that's perfect for a light dessert or snack at any time of the day. It's comfort food that takes me back to my childhood.

    Go to Recipe

    #28. Pork and Sauerkraut

    Pork and sauerkraut is a traditional New Year's meal with German roots that is still enjoyed by many Pennsylvania Dutch families today. The dish is often associated with good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

    Sauerkraut was always a familiar food in my family. My mom used to can her own sauerkraut, and we enjoyed it not only with pork but also served alongside hot dogs.

    I don't have my mom's sauerkraut recipe to share, but if you would like to learn how to make traditional pork and sauerkraut, this video shows one way to prepare this Pennsylvania Dutch favorite.

    Old-Fashioned PA Dutch Desserts

    Pennsylvania Dutch desserts are often simple, old-fashioned recipes made with pantry staples and seasonal ingredients. Many of these sweet treats were baked for family gatherings, holidays, and Sunday dinners.

    #29. Sand Tart Cookies

    sand tart cutout cookies decorated with sprinkles on a wire rack.

    Pennsylvania Dutch Sand Tarts are addicting little cookies that I grew up eating every year at Christmas. I thought everyone's family made sand tart cookies, and little did I know that it was a very regional cookie introduced by the Pennsylvania Dutch.

    The beauty of the sand tart cookie is how thin and crisp it is, which makes it so addicting. You can never stop with just one or two.

    Sand tarts are fun cut-out cookies, making them a favorite Christmas cookie for this region. Traditionally, they get sprinkled with cinnamon and topped with a nut.

    Go to Recipe

    #30. Donuts

    Amish glazed donuts on a wire rack.

    A beloved treat throughout Pennsylvania Dutch country, homemade yeast donuts are a classic example of the hearty, comforting foods that have been passed down through generations. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, at a church gathering, or as a special homemade treat, these glazed donuts have long been a favorite among Amish and PA Dutch families.

    There's nothing quite like a fresh, homemade yeast donut. Soft and airy on the inside, with a sweet glaze coating the outside, they practically melt in your mouth.

    Go to Recipe

    #31. Sticky Buns

    pecan-topped gooey Amish sticky bun on a plate ready to eat.

    Sticky buns are sweet yeast buns (similar to cinnamon rolls). They are rolled up with butter, sugar, and cinnamon and are baked over the top of pecans and a caramel glaze. When they are finished baking, the pan gets inverted, causing the sticky caramel sauce to drizzle down over the buns.

    A delightful Pennsylvania Dutch pastry to enjoy with a morning cup of coffee!

    Go to Recipe

    #32. Apple Schnitz Pie

    9" Amish apple schnitz pie.

    Schnitz is slices of dried fruit, especially sliced dried apples. I believe the word "Schnitz" comes from German, meaning to carve or slice. So Apple Schnitz simply means sliced dried apples.

    Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Schnitz pie is an apple pie made with cooked dried apples and spices. The filling is the consistency of thick apple butter.

    Sometimes my mom made this pie using homemade apple butter and apple sauce instead of dried apples. We still called it Schnitz pie. It tasted very similar and was faster to put together.

    Go to Recipe

    #33. Dutch Apple Pie

    a slice of Dutch apple pie with crumb topping on a glass plate.

    Dutch apple pie is a classic old-fashioned dessert made with tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a buttery crumb topping instead of a traditional top crust.

    Apple desserts have long been a part of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, where seasonal ingredients and simple, homemade recipes were a big part of everyday life. This version combines sweet apple filling with a crunchy oat topping for a pie that feels right at home on a Pennsylvania Dutch table.

    Served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, it is the kind of dessert that never goes out of style.

    Go to Recipe

    #34. Sugar Cookies

    Amish sugar cookies stacked on a board.

    This old-fashioned drop sugar cookies recipe makes the best Amish sugar cookies! They are so soft and puffy, and they practically melt in your mouth.

    They're also very easy to make. You don't have to chill the dough or take the time to roll it out. And you get amazing sugar cookies without investing very much time at all.

    Go to Recipe

    #35. Homemade Ice Cream

    a bowl with three scoops of homemade vanilla ice cream topped with a chocolate drizzle.

    This is a homemade vanilla ice cream recipe with eggs, so it's technically homemade frozen custard. The custard base needs to be cooked, therefore you'll need to plan ahead to allow the mixture time to chill.

    After churning, you end up with almost 4 quarts of smooth, rich, and delicious homemade ice cream.

    Go to Recipe

    How Pennsylvania Dutch Recipes Have Changed Over Time

    While many Pennsylvania Dutch recipes are similar from family to family, there are often little differences in the way each cook makes them. Every family adds their own touches, and recipes naturally evolve over the years.

    Amish cooking has also changed over time. While traditional foods like homemade noodles, mashed potatoes, and meatballs are still common at Amish meals, Amish families also enjoy many other foods today. You will find Amish cooks making everything from pizza to Mexican or Asian dishes alongside the traditional recipes they grew up with.

    Food traditions are not frozen in time. They continue to change as families move, new ingredients become available, and each generation adds their own touches.

    The Pennsylvania Dutch Foods I Grew Up With

    Having grown up Amish in eastern Pennsylvania, these recipes are a part of my own history. Many of these foods bring back memories of family meals, church gatherings, and the simple cooking I grew up with.

    After moving to Missouri, I realized how regional some of these foods really are. I could no longer find many of the Pennsylvania Dutch foods I grew up eating as easily as I could back home.

    Thankfully, a group of horse-and-buggy Mennonites from Lancaster County eventually moved into our area and opened a bulk food store. They carry many Pennsylvania Dutch foods that remind me of home, and I am thankful to have access to some of the things I grew up eating.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is it called Pennsylvania Dutch?

    The name "Pennsylvania Dutch" can be confusing because it does not refer to people from Holland. The word "Dutch" comes from Deutsch, the German word for "German." The Pennsylvania Dutch were mostly German-speaking immigrants from areas of Europe such as the Palatinate, Alsace, and Switzerland who settled in Pennsylvania during the colonial era. Their language became known as Pennsylvania Dutch (Pennsylvania German), and the name continued even after the original meaning of "Dutch" was forgotten by many English speakers. The name "Pennsylvania Dutch" stuck, even though it actually refers to their German heritage.

    What is the most famous Pennsylvania Dutch food?

    Some of the best-known Pennsylvania Dutch foods include chicken pot pie (made with homemade noodles), shoofly pie, whoopie pies, scrapple, Lebanon bologna, apple dumplings, and soft pretzels. While these dishes are especially popular in southeastern Pennsylvania, some have also become favorites across the United States.

    Where can I buy Pennsylvania Dutch food?

    If you're visiting Pennsylvania Dutch country, you'll find authentic Pennsylvania Dutch foods at local farmers markets, Amish bakeries, family restaurants, and roadside stands throughout Lancaster County and the surrounding area.
    Sometimes you can also find these foods in bulk food stores owned by Amish or Mennonites across the United States. If you don't live near any Amish communities, many traditional recipes can easily be made at home. That's exactly why I created this collection - to help you enjoy authentic Pennsylvania Dutch food no matter where you live.

    More Than Just Recipes

    Pennsylvania Dutch food is more than just a collection of recipes. These dishes tell the story of a people, a place, and the generations of families who gathered around the table to share them.

    Having grown up Amish in eastern Pennsylvania, many of these foods are tied to my own memories - family meals, church gatherings, holidays, and the simple everyday cooking I grew up with. Even after moving away from Pennsylvania, these recipes continue to remind me of home.

    Whether you grew up eating Pennsylvania Dutch food or you are discovering these recipes for the first time, I hope this collection gives you a taste of the traditional flavors and simple, comforting foods that have been enjoyed by Pennsylvania Dutch families for generations.

    If you have a favorite Pennsylvania Dutch recipe or a food that reminds you of home, I would love to hear about it in the comments below. Thank you!

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    1. Emilia Bartolomucci

      April 28, 2026 at 6:39 pm

      I like this website! It is very helpful for my PA project because I got Pennsylvania Dutch.

      Reply
      • Anna

        April 29, 2026 at 12:56 pm

        Awesome! Glad you are here!

        Reply
    2. CalGirl

      October 10, 2025 at 3:27 am

      Thanks much!! I've lived on the "left" coast 40 yrs now, & in intermountain West 4 yrs before that. I was born/grew up in Central PA & in the Mennonite farming valley (Cumberland) of Western Maryland. I am of German-speaking Swiss who came first to Lancaster & Lebanon counties in the early 1700s. Your list of recipes covers nearly every meal of my upbringing. I still probably cook this way for half of our meals...so hard sometimes to continue in a "Tex/Mex" culture. Story: one time I asked the Deli Dept. of my local grocer to order me a ring of Lebanon Bologna. They did! I went to pick it up & the teen attendant looked at it as she was preparing it for me & said "This thing is rotten!!!" Before I could explain, she threw it into the trash. I never tried that again. Disappointing. A clash of cultures.

      Reply
      • Anna

        October 11, 2025 at 1:51 pm

        🙂

        Reply
    3. Wm. Stuckey

      August 29, 2025 at 1:07 am

      My Father's surname Stuckey, Palmyra, Pa. Grandmother made pig or hog maw. They should not of told me made in a pigs stomach.

      Reply
      • Anna

        September 02, 2025 at 11:27 am

        😉

        Reply
      • CalGirl

        October 10, 2025 at 3:39 am

        Sorry about the pig stomach products. My dad used to say the "Dutch" used everything about the pig except the squeal. It was a tasty way of survival. I still miss Pennsylvania Scrapple, the end line of whatever was left. BTW I've had in the past a Gates (Goetz)/Ellenberger/Harpster/Halderman relative ask me if I ever heard of a Stuckey in our family b/c there was one that we can't place. Never even heard the name until your comment.

        Reply
    4. Jana

      May 27, 2025 at 1:19 pm

      Anna thank you for the great recipes🌺

      Reply
      • Anna

        May 27, 2025 at 8:54 pm

        You're welcome! So glad you enjoy them.

        Reply
    5. Denise

      November 20, 2024 at 5:34 pm

      on th¾ cup shortening, ½ buttere Pennsylvania Dutch Amish Butter Rolls (Butter Semmels) the receipes say ¾ cup shortening, ½ butter.

      What does this mean

      3/4 cup shortening and 1/2 cup butter or what

      This is confusing me

      Reply
      • Anna

        November 21, 2024 at 3:12 pm

        I am sorry, but I am not sure which recipe you are referring to??

        Reply
    6. Jim Davis

      August 13, 2024 at 12:06 am

      I love the Apple Dumplings my dad made. I now make them. A lot of the pictures of the food we had when a kid, now I make a lot of these. Some, my wife like which are a lot different from the Philippines food.
      I like the "Green Tomato Mincemeat " , But haven't found any recipes like ours. Ours uses hamburger ,with a lot of the other items as the other recipes.
      Miss my mom's potato and macaroni salad, the eggs in red beat juice, Wet-Bottom Shoofly Pie. I find this so easy to make, all of my children like this. My applebutter turned out very good, but never lasts long.
      Great pictures, reminds me of home when I was growing up. Great job. Thank you for doing this. GOD Bless

      Reply
      • Anna

        August 14, 2024 at 5:26 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    7. Jann Hartman

      February 06, 2024 at 11:03 am

      Great food and pictures. Love Chicken Corn Soup, but we always made rivels (1 egg + 1 cup flour) never noodles. But, any pasta is OK (I do use pasta with protein now). You missed a few things we always had like Cracker Pudding and Pig Stomach (stuffed with loose country sausage and diced potatoes). Lebanon Bologna was the best lunchmeat and made in Lebanon and Lancaster Counties (Groff's Meat here in E-town still makes theirs and sells the others as well). Such good comfort foods we grew up eating. PS: Love your cookbook!

      Reply
      • Anna

        February 06, 2024 at 11:49 am

        Hmm...didn't think about the cracker pudding being PA Dutch I guess. I have a graham cracker pudding recipe. Don't believe I ever had rival soup or pig stomach.

        Reply
        • Judy fronina

          February 26, 2024 at 9:35 am

          May I have graham cracker pudding recipe please?

          Reply
          • Anna

            February 26, 2024 at 11:46 am

            Here it is...https://amish-heritage.org/amish-graham-cracker-pudding-recipe/

            Reply
      • CalGirl

        October 10, 2025 at 3:48 am

        Growing up, my boys thought chicken corn soup (sometimes made with leftover holiday turkey...no matter) was a 5-star meal. Served with homemade cornbread or my grandmother's homemade white bread...they were sitting at the dinner table, forks up, spoons ready, before I even had it ladled out.

        Reply
        • Anna

          October 10, 2025 at 4:17 pm

          lol, it is yummy!

          Reply
    8. Pamela Sheppard

      February 04, 2024 at 3:35 pm

      I live just a few hours from Lancaster PA so I've been on many day trips to the area. It's such a pretty place. My #1 favorite thing on your list is the Wet bottom shoe fly pie. I don't even know how I came to like it since no one in my family does! We must have gone to a buffet or something when I was little and maybe I tried it then? My second is scrapple. I know you mentioned you don't like it but it is a favorite breakfast treat. I love when I go to a local place near where I live and you see it on the menu! Thanks for the list and the great recipes!

      Reply
      • Anna

        February 05, 2024 at 9:27 am

        You're welcome! I'm so glad you're here.

        Reply

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    Hi, I’m Anna. I grew up Amish in the Lancaster County, Pa. area (the heart of Amish country). I currently live in a small rural town in Missouri and am a homeschool mom to 4 great kids. Some of my favorite things to do are spending time in the kitchen, (baking and preparing meals from scratch), gardening, and spending time with my lovely family.

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