How to Make Traditional Amish Potato Pie (Just Like Grandma’s)

Amish and Mennonite culinary traditions are defined by resourcefulness. Historically rooted in agrarian lifestyles, their recipes were designed to sustain hard-working families using exactly what was available in the root cellar and the dairy house.

The Savory Potato Pie is a perfect example of this philosophy. While sweet pies like Shoofly or Sugar Pie get most of the tourist attention, savory pies were the backbone of the dinner table. Often referred to in community cookbooks simply as “Potato Pie,” it is frequently served alongside—or sometimes topped with—a generous helping of Chow-Chow, a traditional sweet-and-sour pickled vegetable relish. The rich, creamy, and salty profile of the potato pie perfectly balances the tangy, vinegary crunch of the chow-chow.

While tourist brochures often paint a romanticized picture of Amish and Mennonite cooks laboring over antique wood-burning stoves, the reality is far more practical. Most Mennonite cooks, and many Amish households (using pneumatic or generator-powered appliances depending on their specific ordnung), utilize fully modern kitchens to produce their famous baked goods. The secret to their legendary pies isn’t a magical antique oven; it’s the reliance on scratch-made ingredients, high-quality dairy, and generations of refined technique.

Here is a traditional recipe for a rich, savory Amish Potato Pie.

Authentic Amish Savory Potato Pie

Yield: One 9-inch pie (6-8 servings)

Prep time: 20 minutes

Bake time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade lard or butter crust is most authentic, but store-bought works in a pinch)

For the Filling:

3 cups russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
4 slices thick-cut bacon (or 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled sausage)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 cup sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese, shredded
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

The Method

Preheat your modern oven to 400°F.
Line a 9-inch pie dish with your unbaked crust, crimping the edges. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
Place the cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender (about 10 minutes). Drain well and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
While the potatoes boil, fry the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and use a tablespoon of the leftover bacon grease to sauté the diced onions until translucent.
Add the sautéed onions, crumbled bacon, melted butter, and heavy cream to the bowl with the potatoes. Mash them roughly—you want the mixture to be cohesive but still have plenty of texture and distinct potato chunks. Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes so it isn’t piping hot.
Once the potato mixture has cooled slightly (to prevent scrambling the eggs), stir in the beaten eggs, shredded cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Pour the filling into your chilled pie crust. Bake on the middle rack for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and slightly puffed.

How to Serve: Let the pie rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve it warm with a large dollop of cold Chow-Chow relish on the side. The contrast between the hot, rich pie and the cold, acidic relish is the defining characteristic of this meal.

Homemade, Hearty, and Honest: Inside Charlotte’s Authentic Amish Kitchen

From Farm to Uptown: A Taste of Amish Tradition Arrives in Charlotte

The Queen City’s culinary scene is known for its rapid innovation, sleek concepts, and modern twists on Southern classics. However, a new restaurant in the heart of Charlotte is making waves by embracing a strictly traditional, slower approach to food. The Hearthside Amish Kitchen has officially opened its doors, bringing authentic, scratch-made Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food to an unexpected urban setting.

The Backstory: A Journey of Faith and Flavor

The story behind Hearthside begins not in North Carolina, but in the rolling farmlands of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It is the brainchild of Levi and Emma Yoder, an Amish couple who, after years of running a successful farm stand and bakery within their close-knit community, felt a calling to share their culinary traditions further afield.

The idea first took root when Levi’s younger cousin, who had left the ordnung (the Amish communal rules) to pursue higher education, settled in Charlotte and raved about the city’s appreciative and diverse food scene. He convinced Levi and Emma that Charlotte was ready for the honest, hearty cooking they were known for.

After much prayer and consultation with their church elders—and navigating the unique technological restrictions of their faith while planning a modern business—the Yoders decided to take the leap. The restaurant operates with the help of several family members and friends from their community who made the move with them. Hearthside balances modern requirements, like electric refrigeration and lighting needed for city codes, with traditional preparation methods, utilizing gas-powered appliances and preparing nearly everything by hand.

Atmosphere and Atmosphere

Walking into Hearthside, the contrast is immediately charming. While the building is a standard Charlotte commercial space, the interior has been transformed to reflect simple Amish comfort. The restaurant features warm, natural wood accents, exposed brick, and simple, hand-built furniture.

Much like the rustic and inviting atmosphere often found in traditional Amish bakeries (image_102.png), Hearthside prioritizes functionality and warmth. The centerpiece of the kitchen is a large, visible brick hearth, used for slow-roasting meats and baking the bread that aromas the entire space. The Yoders encourage a slower dining pace, prioritizing conversation and community over quick turnover.

Favorite Items: A Taste of Home

The menu at Hearthside is straightforward, celebrating seasonal ingredients and time-honored techniques. “We don’t do fancy here,” Emma Yoder explains. “We do honest food, the way our mothers and grandmothers taught us.” The portions are generous, and everything is made fresh daily. While the entire menu has been well-received, a few items have quickly emerged as favorites among Charlotte locals.

1. The Sourdough Starter Bread

No meal at Hearthside is complete without a loaf of their signature sourdough, baked fresh in the hearth. This crusty, rustic bread, served warm with house-churned, slightly salty butter, is a direct nod to the foundational baked goods of Amish tradition (image_102.png). The starter used for this bread has been passed down in Emma’s family for generations, giving it a unique depth of flavor.

2. Levi’s Broasted Chicken

A staple of Amish celebratory meals, Levi’s broasted chicken is a revelation. The chicken is pressure-fried using a special technique that seals in the juices while rendering the skin incredibly crisp and flavorful. It’s served alongside creamy, hand-mashed potatoes drenched in savory brown gravy.

3. The Savory Potato Pie (Chow-Chow Pie)

This is a hearty traditional dish that has taken Charlotte by surprise. It’s a deep-dish savory pie filled with layers of seasoned potatoes, onions, and often bacon or sausage, baked until golden and bubbling. It’s served with a side of chow-chow, a traditional tangy Amish pickled vegetable relish, which perfectly cuts the richness of the pie.

4. Emma’s Glazed Donuts & Shoofly Pie

The bakery counter at Hearthside is a must-visit, reminiscent of the bustling setups found in Amish country (image_102.png). The glazed donuts are light, airy, and covered in a thin, crackly glaze. However, the true star is the authentic Shoofly Pie—a rich molasses-bottom pie with a brown sugar crumble topping that is intensely sweet and comforting.

In a city that often moves at a breakneck speed, Hearthside Amish Kitchen offers a welcome respite. It’s a place to disconnect (there’s no Wi-Fi, and the Yoders encourage quiet conversation), slow down, and appreciate the profound comfort of food made purely with tradition, patience, and a lot of heart.

A Taste of Tradition: Inside Frederick’s New Amish Bakery, Homestead Hearth

The modern world can often feel like a blur of digital screens, pre-packaged foods, and industrial efficiency. In the heart of historic Frederick, a new business is offering a delightfully simple antidote. Homestead Hearth Amish Bakery has officially opened its doors, bringing the slow-simmered traditions, warm hospitality, and mouth-watering flavors of Pennsylvania Dutch country to central Maryland.

Nestled in a newly-renovated brick building on West Patrick Street, the bakery immediately signals its presence with the irresistible aroma of yeast and melted butter. But Homestead Hearth is not just another artisanal bake shop. It is a genuine, family-owned establishment that adheres to centuries-old Amish methods, prioritizing high-quality ingredients, careful attention to detail, and a profound respect for the baking process.

A Legacy Brought South

The story of Homestead Hearth begins many miles north, in the rolling farmland of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It was there that Abram Kauffman, the bakery’s founder and primary baker, first learned his trade. From a young age, he stood at his mother’s and grandmother’s side, observing the precise science and comforting art of traditional Amish baking.

“We make everything from scratch,” Kauffman says, his calm voice a soothing presence amidst the busy kitchen. “There are no short-cuts. We use real butter, fresh eggs from our farm, and flour milled not far from here. The goal is simple: to make food that is honest, nourishing, and, well, delicious.”

After decades of running a successful farm stand in Lancaster, the Kauffman family saw an opportunity for a new kind of community. “Frederick is a wonderful town,” he explains. “It values its history and its community. We felt our family could be a good fit here, and we hoped the people of Frederick would appreciate the kind of traditional food we make.” The shift required careful consideration within their community, but with a clear plan to maintain their way of life, the Kauffmans made the move, bringing their cherished recipes and centuries-old expertise with them.

Farm-Fresh Favorites

Walking into Homestead Hearth is a step into a simpler time. The decor is functional and warm, with clean lines, simple wooden shelves, and the joyful focus on the food itself. The bakery case is a dazzling display of golden-brown crusts and colourful fillings, making it difficult to choose just one treat. However, some items have already become local legends.

The Famous Glazed Donuts

These are not your typical donut-shop offerings. Massive in scale, each glazed donut is a work of yeasty perfection. Fried until a deep golden hue and then completely coated in a smooth, perfectly balanced vanilla glaze, they have a light, airy texture with a subtle chew. Local residents have been seen lining up early in the morning, ready to claim their prize before they sell out.

Molasses-Rich Shoofly Pie

For a true taste of Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, look no further than Kauffman’s shoofly pie. Built on a delicate, flaky crust, this pie features a rich, molasses-based filling with a subtle hints of cinnamon. The top is covered in a buttery crumb topping that creates an irresistible textural contrast. It’s sweet, comforting, and a powerful reminder of how profound simple flavours can be.

Sourdough Bread with a Difference

The bakery’s sourdough is another must-try. Made with a centuries-old starter and baked with minimal intervention, it has a wonderfully complex, tangy flavor and a deeply-caramelized, chewy crust. Perfect for slicing, toasting, or simply slathered in fresh butter, it’s a staple that has many locals making regular pilgrimages to the Patrick Street shop.

And Much More…

Beyond these headliners, the bakery offers a wide and ever-changing array of other treats, from substantial whoopie pies with velvety cream filling to seasonal fruit pies bursting with fresh flavours. Savoury options, such as simple, but perfect, breakfast sandwiches and savoury rolls, are also available, making it a complete destination for breakfast and lunch.

An Invitation to Slow Down

Homestead Hearth is more than just a place to buy bread; it’s an invitation to slow down and appreciate the craftsmanship of an older, quieter way of life. When you visit, take a moment to look past the counter. The Kauffman family, including Abram’s wife and daughters, often work together, their simple presence a quiet testament to their values. In a world of fast food and short attention spans, this new Frederick bakery offers a delightful, warm, and thoroughly delicious return to tradition.

Homestead Hearth Amish Bakery is located at 123 West Patrick Street in Frederick.

A Full Day of Farm Life: Arthur Welcomes Meadow View Heritage Farm

Surrounded by the sprawling, fertile cornfields of Central Illinois, the town of Arthur is well-known as the heart of the state’s Amish country. For decades, visitors have flocked to the area to share the road with horse-drawn buggies and purchase traditional crafts. However, a new, expansive destination has just opened its gates just outside the village limits, offering a comprehensive, immersive experience. Meadow View Heritage Farm is more than just a quick stop; it is a full-day, family-friendly attraction that beautifully combines a scratch-made bakery, a vibrant greenhouse, handcrafted furniture, and an interactive petting zoo.

A Backstory Rooted in the Prairie

The story of Meadow View begins with the Kauffman family, a multi-generational Amish family who have farmed the Arthur area for over a century. Originally, patriarch Eli Kauffman and his sons operated a modest roadside stand selling sweet corn and a small buggy repair shop. However, Eli noticed that families visiting from nearby cities like Champaign and Decatur often wanted to linger, eager to stretch their legs and give their children a taste of genuine farm life.

Realizing there was a need for a destination where visitors could truly slow down and stay a while, the Kauffmans spent the last two years expanding their property. They converted a massive, traditional timber-frame barn into a sprawling retail market and bakery, built safe, interactive enclosures for their farm animals, and constructed a beautiful, sunlit greenhouse. Today, Meadow View is a bustling hub of agricultural life, designed specifically to welcome families and share the simple joys of their heritage.

Cultivating Comfort and Craftsmanship

Stepping onto the grounds of Meadow View offers something for every generation. Parents can leisurely browse the expansive outdoor furniture galleries, admiring rows of heavy, weather-resistant poly-lumber gliders, Adirondack chairs, and intricately carved wooden dining sets. Meanwhile, the towering greenhouse is a paradise for gardeners, overflowing with lush, brilliantly colored hanging plants and vibrant vegetable starters.

For the younger guests, the expansive petting zoo is the ultimate highlight. Children can feed and interact with a gentle array of farm animals, including miniature horses, curious pygmy goats, fluffy alpacas, and newborn calves. It is a screen-free, hands-on environment that encourages a deep appreciation for nature and animal care.

Our Favorite Finds at Meadow View

Whether you are looking to completely redesign your patio space, entertain the kids for the afternoon, or just indulge your sweet tooth, the farm is packed with exceptional offerings. Here are a few standout favorites that you simply cannot miss:

Warm Apple Cider Donuts: The undisputed stars of the farm’s bakery. These incredibly soft, cake-style donuts are fried fresh throughout the day and heavily tossed in sweet cinnamon sugar. They practically melt in your mouth and are perfect alongside a cup of the bakery’s fresh coffee.
Handcrafted Poly-Wood Gliders: Built to withstand the harsh Illinois winters, these gliders are made from high-density, recycled plastics but feature a beautiful, wood-like grain. They are incredibly comfortable, maintenance-free, and come in a stunning array of colors.
“Dragon Wing” Begonia Hanging Baskets: The Kauffman family’s greenhouse is famous for these massive, trailing plants. They are fiercely vibrant, remarkably hardy, and instantly transform any front porch into a lush summer oasis.
The Pygmy Goat Encounter: While not something you can take home, spending a quarter on a handful of feed to give to the farm’s incredibly social, bouncing pygmy goats is an unforgettable experience that will be the highlight of any child’s visit.

A Worthwhile Stop

A visit to Meadow View Heritage Farm is the perfect way to spend a long weekend afternoon. In a world that constantly rushes forward, the Kauffman family offers a refreshing, joyful return to the land. From the irresistible scent of fresh baking to the sound of children laughing in the petting zoo, it is an attraction that truly brings the entire family together.

A Northern Tradition in the Deep South: Stone Mountain Welcomes The Hickory Hearth Amish Kitchen

Just outside the shadow of Georgia’s famous quartz monzonite dome, the historic village of Stone Mountain is beloved for its quaint Southern charm, antique shops, and proximity to the state’s most visited park. Recently, however, the local culinary scene has taken an unexpected and delightful turn. Blending traditional Deep South hospitality with the slow-paced, scratch-made craftsmanship of the North, The Hickory Hearth Amish Kitchen has opened its doors, offering a profoundly comforting dining experience to DeKalb County.

A Backstory Brought South

The journey of The Hickory Hearth began hundreds of miles north in Holmes County, Ohio—the heart of the world’s largest Amish settlement. For decades, the Hostetler family farmed the rolling hills and operated a small, highly sought-after roadside bakery. But the harsh Ohio winters eventually took their toll. Seeking a warmer climate and a longer growing season, patriarch Jacob Hostetler and his family made the rare decision to relocate southward.

Drawn by the natural beauty of Stone Mountain and the welcoming local community, the Hostetlers purchased a sprawling, vacant property just outside the main village. Over a busy year, the family and their extended community worked to transform a dilapidated 1940s barn into a stunning dining hall. They milled their own timber to build the heavy oak tables, installed soft gas lighting, and constructed a massive open-hearth kitchen. Today, The Hickory Hearth stands as a testament to hard work and the universal language of good, honest food.

Cultivating Comfort and Craft

Stepping into The Hickory Hearth is a welcome respite from the fast-paced modern world. The dining room is free of television screens and pop music, replaced instead by the gentle clatter of heavy ceramic plates and the irresistible aromas of roasted meats, cinnamon, and fresh-baked yeast dough.

The Hostetlers are deeply committed to their heritage, importing specific staples like raw-milk cheeses and churned butter from their relatives in Ohio, while eagerly embracing Georgia’s incredible local agriculture. The result is a menu that stays completely true to Amish slow-cooking traditions while celebrating the flavors of the South.

Our Favorite Finds at The Hickory Hearth

Whether you have just finished hiking to the top of Stone Mountain or are simply looking for a Sunday dinner that feels like home, the menu is packed with stick-to-your-ribs perfection. Here are a few standout favorites that you absolutely must try:

Cast-Iron Fried Chicken: The undeniable star of the menu. The Hostetlers soak local, farm-raised chicken in seasoned buttermilk before dredging it in a proprietary flour blend and pan-frying it in heavy cast iron. It is remarkably crispy, tender, and perfectly golden.
Georgia Peach Whoopie Pies: A brilliant Southern twist on the classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert. Two incredibly soft, cake-like vanilla cookies sandwich a massive layer of fluffy marshmallow cream that has been folded with sweet, locally grown Georgia peaches.
Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes: No Amish meal is complete without potatoes. These are whipped by hand until fluffy, leaving just enough skin for texture, and then generously drenched in a rich, nutty brown butter gravy.
Sweet Corn Chow-Chow: Served as a complimentary starter alongside warm, yeast rolls. This bright, tangy-sweet relish is made from pickled corn, green tomatoes, and cabbage, acting as the perfect palate cleanser before a heavy, savory meal.

A Worthwhile Stop

A visit to The Hickory Hearth Amish Kitchen is more than just grabbing a bite to eat; it is an immersion into a slower, more intentional way of life. It offers a rare chance to sit back, pass hearty bowls of food around the table, and appreciate a meal crafted with genuine care. Just remember to bring your appetite—the Hostetler family is famous for making sure nobody leaves hungry!

A Taste of Tradition in the Big Woods: Clarington’s New Amish Restaurant

Nestled deep within the ancient, towering hemlocks of Cook Forest State Park and bordered by the winding, wild Clarion River, the tiny village of Clarington, Pennsylvania, has long been a haven for hikers, canoers, and nature lovers. While the area is famous for its breathtaking outdoor recreation, a new, mouth-watering destination is giving visitors another reason to make the trek. Trading camp food for deeply comforting, scratch-made Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, The Whispering Pines Amish Kitchen has officially opened its doors, bringing authentic, homestyle cooking to the heart of the big woods.

A Backstory Brought to the Forest

The story of The Whispering Pines begins about an hour south in the sprawling Amish settlement of Smicksburg, Pennsylvania. For decades, the Troyer family operated a bustling, highly successful bakery and catering business, serving massive spreads at local auctions and weddings. However, patriarch Eli Troyer and his wife, Rebecca, always dreamed of a quieter pace of life surrounded by nature.

When a rustic, 19th-century timber lodge went up for sale along River Road in Clarington, the family saw their opportunity. The Troyers relocated to the forest, spending a grueling but rewarding year renovating the property. They sanded down the massive, exposed log beams, installed expansive windows overlooking the woods, and built a large, open-hearth kitchen. Today, the restored lodge serves as a warm, welcoming retreat for tired travelers and hungry locals alike.

Cultivating Comfort and Craftsmanship

Stepping into The Whispering Pines Amish Kitchen feels like entering a bygone era. There is no Wi-Fi, no background music, and no rushing. Instead, the dining room is filled with the soft glow of gas lanterns, the murmur of friendly conversation, and the rich, savory aroma of roasting meats and freshly baked yeast breads. The Troyer family runs the entire operation, adhering strictly to their heritage. They source their ingredients from a network of traditional farms back in Smicksburg and rely entirely on slow, intentional cooking methods that have been passed down for generations.

Our Favorite Finds at The Whispering Pines

Whether you have just finished a long paddle down the Clarion River or a hike through the Forest Cathedral, this menu is perfectly designed to refuel you. Here are a few standout favorites that brilliantly showcase their culinary traditions:

Stuffed Roast Pork: A Sunday dinner classic available every day of the week. This incredibly tender, slow-roasted pork is served alongside a generous mound of the Troyers’ signature sage and celery bread stuffing, then completely smothered in a rich, savory pan gravy.
Brown Butter Noodles: A staple of Amish comfort food. Thick, hand-rolled egg noodles are boiled to perfection and then tossed in a decadent coating of nutty, browned butter and a hint of cracked black pepper. It is simplicity at its absolute best.
Scratch-Made Beef Pasties: Perfect for a hearty lunch. These handheld savory pies feature a flaky, golden-brown crust stuffed with seasoned ground beef, diced potatoes, onions, and carrots, baked until piping hot.
Wild Blackberry Cobbler: The ultimate forest dessert. Taking inspiration from their surroundings, this cobbler features a tart and sweet filling made from plump blackberries, baked beneath a thick, sweet biscuit crust. Served warm with a pitcher of fresh, heavy cream to pour over the top, it is simply unforgettable.

A Worthwhile Stop

A visit to The Whispering Pines Amish Kitchen is more than just a meal; it is the perfect complement to a weekend in the woods. It offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world, look out over the ancient trees, and enjoy food that was prepared with immense care and immense pride. Just be sure to arrive with a healthy appetite—the Troyers are known for their incredibly generous portions!

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How to Make Traditional Amish Potato Pie (Just Like Grandma’s)