Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition filled with gratitude, family, and of course, delicious food. Among the many cultural influences on American Thanksgiving tables, Amish Thanksgiving recipes stand out for their simplicity, heartiness, and wholesome flavors.
Rooted in a lifestyle that values farm-fresh, seasonal ingredients and time-tested cooking methods, Amish dishes bring a cozy, nostalgic touch to your holiday feast. Whether you’re looking for rich stuffing, savory sides, or classic desserts, these recipes offer a genuine taste of Amish heritage that’s sure to warm hearts and fill bellies.
In this post, we’ll explore some beloved Amish Thanksgiving recipes that you can easily recreate in your kitchen. Each recipe embodies the spirit of community and tradition, making your holiday meal not only delicious but also meaningful.
From comforting casseroles to fresh-baked breads and sweet pies, let’s dive into the flavors that make Amish Thanksgiving so special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Amish Thanksgiving recipes are a celebration of simplicity done right. These dishes rely on fresh, wholesome ingredients and straightforward preparation methods, which means you get rich, authentic flavors without any fuss.
The focus on farm-to-table freshness ensures that every bite bursts with natural goodness. Plus, the recipes are versatile enough to accommodate modern tastes while honoring traditional roots.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes are approachable and rewarding. You’ll find that the hearty textures and comforting aromas create a warm atmosphere, perfect for gathering loved ones around the table.
Amish cooking is all about sharing and caring, which shines through in every dish.
Ingredients
- Whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh sage (1/4 cup, chopped)
- Butter (1 cup, softened)
- Onions (2 large, diced)
- Celery stalks (3, chopped)
- Day-old white bread (10 cups, cubed)
- Chicken broth (2 cups)
- Eggs (2, beaten)
- Carrots (4 medium, sliced)
- Green beans (1 lb, trimmed)
- Potatoes (5 lbs, peeled and cubed)
- Molasses (1/4 cup)
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup)
- Apples (3 medium, peeled and sliced)
- Flour (2 cups)
- Milk (1/2 cup)
- Cinnamon (1 tsp)
Equipment
- Roasting pan with rack
- Mixing bowls
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Potato masher
- Whisk
- Pie dish
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and half of the chopped sage.
- Make the stuffing: In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. In a bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, cubed bread, chicken broth, beaten eggs, and remaining sage. Mix gently.
- Stuff the turkey: Loosely fill the turkey cavity with the stuffing mixture. Do not pack tightly to allow for expansion. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body.
- Roast the turkey: Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a pan. Dot the skin with the remaining butter. Roast for approximately 13 minutes per pound, basting occasionally with pan juices to keep the skin moist and flavorful.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the turkey roasts, boil peeled potatoes in salted water until tender, about 20 minutes. In a separate pot, steam green beans and carrots until crisp-tender.
- Make mashed potatoes: Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Amish apple pie: In a mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup molasses, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 2 tbsp flour. Pour into a pie dish lined with crust (homemade or store-bought). Cover with top crust and seal edges. Cut slits for steam to escape.
- Bake the pie: Place pie in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling bubbles.
- Finish roasting turkey: Check turkey’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Let rest for 20 minutes before carving.
- Serve and enjoy: Arrange sliced turkey on a platter with mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, and a generous slice of apple pie for dessert.
Tips & Variations
“For extra moist turkey, brine your bird overnight in a solution of water, salt, sugar, and herbs before roasting.”
Use homemade bread for stuffing to add authenticity and deeper flavor. You can swap out sage for thyme or rosemary to vary the herb profile.
For a vegetarian twist on Amish stuffing, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit eggs. Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
For side dishes, consider adding Amish-style green bean casserole or simple buttered corn. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, pumpkin pie is also a traditional Amish favorite and pairs wonderfully with the meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 45 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Amish Thanksgiving feast pairs beautifully with a crisp apple cider or a light white wine such as Riesling. For non-alcoholic options, consider a spiced herbal tea or sparkling water infused with fresh fruit slices.
Serve the meal family-style on rustic wooden platters or classic white dishes to evoke that warm, Amish farmhouse feel. Add a basket of homemade dinner rolls or Amish white bread for guests to enjoy with butter and preserves.
For dessert, alongside the apple pie, offer whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to complement the warm spices. You might also explore other traditional Amish desserts like shoofly pie or whoopie pies for added sweetness.
Conclusion
Amish Thanksgiving recipes bring a timeless charm to your holiday table that is both comforting and delicious. Rooted in tradition and enriched with fresh, simple ingredients, these dishes remind us that the best meals are often the most straightforward ones, made with love and shared with family.
By embracing these recipes, you’re not only preparing a feast that honors the spirit of Thanksgiving but also connecting with a culinary heritage that values community, patience, and wholesome nourishment.
Whether you’re a fan of the hearty stuffing, the tender roasted turkey, or the sweet apple pie, these Amish dishes will make your holiday meal memorable and satisfying.
For more wholesome and easy recipes, check out our posts on Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.
More Amish Thanksgiving Recipes to Try
Amish Green Bean Casserole
- Fresh green beans
- Homemade mushroom gravy
- Fried onions or crispy shallots
- Butter and seasoning
This simple yet flavorful casserole is a staple at Amish tables. Blanch green beans until just tender and mix with a creamy mushroom gravy.
Top with fried onions and bake until bubbly and golden. It’s a perfect side dish to complement your turkey.
Amish Shoofly Pie
- Molasses
- Brown sugar
- Flour
- Eggs
- Butter
Shoofly pie is a molasses-based pie with a crumbly topping, beloved in Amish communities. This sweet, sticky dessert pairs wonderfully with coffee and is a nostalgic way to end your Thanksgiving feast.
Amish Dinner Rolls
- Flour
- Yeast
- Milk
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are essential for soaking up gravy and butter during Thanksgiving. Amish rolls are made with simple ingredients and require gentle kneading and proofing to achieve their perfect texture.
Amish Sweet Potato Casserole
- Sweet potatoes
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Eggs
- Marshmallows or pecans (optional)
This comforting casserole combines mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar and butter, topped with marshmallows or pecans for a delightful sweet-savory balance.
Amish Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin puree
- Flour
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)
A moist and spiced pumpkin bread is a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving morning or as a snack after the big meal. This bread is easy to make and filled with warm fall flavors.
Explore more delicious and wholesome recipes like these to complement your Amish Thanksgiving feast. For a different twist on seasonal meals, check out our Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy or indulge your sweet tooth with the Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy.
📖 Recipe Card: Amish Thanksgiving Roast Turkey
Description: A traditional Amish-style roast turkey seasoned with simple herbs and butter. Perfectly juicy and flavorful for a Thanksgiving feast.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT3H30M
Total Time: PT3H50M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12 pounds), thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Rinse turkey and pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix butter, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage, and garlic.
- Rub butter mixture all over turkey and under the skin.
- Place onion, carrots, and celery in roasting pan.
- Set turkey on top of vegetables and pour chicken broth into pan.
- Roast turkey for about 3 to 3.5 hours, basting every 45 minutes.
- Check internal temperature; turkey is done at 165°F (74°C).
- Remove turkey and let rest 20 minutes before carving.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 | Protein: 40g | Fat: 28g | Carbs: 3g
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