Delicious Amish Poor Man’s Bread Pie Recipe
Welcome to this mouth-watering recipe article for the classic Amish Poor Man’s Bread Pie. It’s a savory pie recipe that comes straight out of the heart of the Amish country in Berlin, Ohio. Just like its name suggests, it was originally created by poor farmers who could only afford basic ingredients to make their meals.
But don’t let the name fool you! Despite its humble origins, this poor man’s pie has become a staple dish in many households across America. And who can blame them? This delicious dish is made with simple yet hearty ingredients that create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
In my opinion, there’s nothing more comforting than biting into a warm and savory slice of pie. Especially when it comes served with a side of mushroom gravy or even a blueberry cream pie for dessert! But whether you’re cooking for your family on a budget or simply looking for an easy and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.
So read on and join me as we dive into the world of Amish cooking and discover the tasty goodness of this classic Amish Poor Man’s Bread Pie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a unique and delicious twist on a classic pie recipe? Look no further than this Amish Poor Man’s Bread Pie! Don’t let the name fool you – this dish is anything but poor in flavor and comfort.
The crust is made from hard bread that has been soaked in milk, giving it a soft and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the savory filling. The ground beef is seasoned with cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a flavorful blend of sweet and salty tastes. And once the pie is assembled, it only takes 20 minutes in the oven to create a warm and hearty meal that will leave your taste buds singing praise.
But perhaps the best part of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out the ground beef for other proteins, such as chicken or even mushrooms to make it suitable for vegetarians. Additionally, this pie can be served hot or cold, making it a great option for picnics or days when you don’t feel like heating up your kitchen.
So why should you love this recipe? For starters, it’s easy to make and perfect for serving up a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort. But more importantly, it’s an example of classic Amish country cuisine that has stood the test of time – proof that even the simplest ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious. Try it out and see for yourself why this Poor Man’s Bread Pie has earned its place among the most beloved Amish recipes!
Ingredient List
Before we begin, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this Amish Poor Man’s Bread Pie Recipe:
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Dry ingredients:
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar for the filling
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Wet ingredients:
- 1 cup of milk
- 3/4 cup of vegetable oil
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For the filling:
- 8 hamburger steaks or hamburger patties precooked and cut into pieces.
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For the pie crust:
- 1 unbaked pie shell (8-inch)
If you don’t have one or more of these ingredients, don’t worry! I’ll provide some helpful substitutions and variations in the following sections.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Make Bread Pie Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Step 3: Knead dough
In a saucepan, heat up 1/2 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of butter. Once the butter is melted and the mixture is warm (but not too hot to touch), stir it into the flour mixture. Add in one beaten egg and mix until a soft dough forms.
On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and pliable.
Step 4: Fill Pie Shell
In an unbaked pie shell, roll out the dough and fill the pie shell with hard bread. Pour two cups of milk over bread to moisten.
Spread brown sugar over bread.
Step 5: Prepare Meat Patties
In a mixing bowl, prepare the meat patties by combining 1 pound ground beef, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons of flour before shaping it into hamburger steaks.
Place the prepared hamburger steaks on the brown sugar layer.
Step 6: Bake in Oven
Bake for 45 minutes or until pie filling has set and the meat patties are fully cooked. Let cool down before serving.
Note: If you crave a breakfast version for this recipe, simply omit the ground beef and create layers with your favorite breakfast items like scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese.
Enjoy your Amish Poor Man’s Bread Pie!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are many ways to tweak this recipe and make it your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Switch up the filling: While ground beef is the classic Amish Poor Man’s Bread Pie filling, you could experiment with other proteins like turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like tofu or black beans. You could also add in vegetables like diced onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
– Try different spices: While cinnamon is a staple spice in this recipe, you could also try other warm spices like nutmeg, allspice, or ginger for a different spin on the classic. Or if you want to add some heat, try cayenne pepper or chili powder.
– Make it sweet: If you have a sweet tooth, you can transform this dish into a dessert by swapping out the ground beef for fruit filling like apples, blueberries, or cherries. Add some brown sugar and cinnamon to the mix and bake until golden brown.
– Change up the pie crust: If you’re not a fan of traditional pie crusts, try using phyllo dough or puff pastry instead. These lighter options give a crispiness to your Amish Poor Man’s Bread Pie.
– Add cheese: Cheese makes everything better! Consider sprinkling shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top of your pie before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
Keep in mind that any changes you make might result in different baking times or temperature adjustments. Play around with ingredients to find what works best for your taste buds. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
One of the best things about the Amish Poor Man’s Bread Pie Recipe is how versatile it is. This rich and satisfying pie can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a midnight snack.
Serving Suggestions:
– For breakfast, serve a warm slice of the bread pie alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea.
– For lunch, pair the pie with a crisp green salad and your favorite dressing.
– For dinner, serve the pie with a side of steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes.
– For dessert, top a warm slice of the bread pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce.
Pairing Recommendations:
This hearty dish pairs well with a variety of beverages including apple cider, hot chocolate, or even a bold red wine. If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, try serving it with a glass of milk.
The Amish Poor Man’s Bread Pie is also great for potlucks or large gatherings as it can easily feed a crowd. Serve it alongside classic Amish sides such as mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, or homemade bread.
Overall, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends and provides endless opportunities for pairing and serving.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Amish Poor Man’s Bread Pie recipe can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. For short-term storage, simply cover the pie with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to two days, ensuring that it is kept at or below 40°F (4°C).
If you want to store the pie for longer, freezing is the way to go. Cover the unbaked pie shell with plastic wrap and freeze it separately from the filling. Freeze the filling separately after you’ve assembled all of the ingredients in a separate container. This would ensure that the pie crust will not get soggy while it’s being frozen. When frozen this way, both components can last up to three months.
When you are ready to bake, thaw the crust and filling overnight in the fridge. Allow them to come to room temperature for an hour before baking. If you’re reheating leftover portions, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat individual slices for 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through.
In my opinion, reheated leftovers are often inferior in flavor and texture compared to freshly baked pies. As much as possible, I would suggest baking small portions at a time so that you have freshly-baked pies whenever you want them!
Tips for Perfect Results
Baking a perfect pie can be a challenge, but with the right tips and techniques, you can achieve delicious results every time. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Amish Poor Man’s Bread Pie Recipe:
1. Use fresh ingredients.
Starting with fresh ingredients is crucial for a successful recipe. Be sure to check the expiration dates on your flour, sugar, and cinnamon to ensure their freshness. Using fresh ingredients will ensure that your pie has optimal flavor.
2. Preheat your oven.
Make sure that your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking your pie. This will ensure that your pie bakes evenly and prevent it from being undercooked or burned.
3. Follow the recipe measurements accurately.
Recipes are like chemistry experiments, precise measurements are important to get the desired results. Measure all the ingredients correctly for a consistently baked pie every time.
4. Blind-baking your crust.
For an unbaked crust, it’s best to blind-bake it first before filling it with pie filling. Blind-baking helps cook the crust before adding heavy fillings that could make it soggy, resulting in a crispier crust.
5. Add seasonings based on preference.
Feel free to adjust the amount of ground cinnamon, granulated sugar or brown sugar in this recipe according to your taste preference.
6. Let your pies rest after baking.
Allowing your pies to cool after baking will give them time to set up properly and ensure that their flavors meld together completely.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a perfect Amish Poor Man’s Bread Pie Recipe every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Amish Poor Man’s Bread Pie Recipe is a perfect dish for any occasion. It is easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens. This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
With rich flavors of ground beef, warm bread, and a hint of cinnamon, this pie recipe is sure to leave you craving more. What’s more, it can serve as a great meal for a low budget.
Whether you are looking to impress guests with an unforgettable meal or simply enjoy a comforting classic Amish recipe, this poor man’s bread pie recipe is an excellent choice that won’t disappoint. Try it out today, and you won’t regret it!
Amish Poor Man’s Bread Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (8 inch) unbaked pie shells
- 15 ounces stale bread, crumbled
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 5 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375*.
- Roll out and line an 8" pie pan.
- Crumble the hard bread, (You will need enough bread to fill pie shell).
- Add sugar, flour and cinnamon, sprinkling evenly over top of bread.
- Fill pie shell with milk to within 1/2" of top edge.
- Bake until the pie is firm in the middle and you don't see any juice in the middle.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.