What is Amish church soup?

Amish church soup is a creamy, hearty soup traditionally made in Amish communities for post-church gatherings. It typically combines chicken, potatoes, onions, and broth, finished with milk and crushed crackers for thickness. It’s sometimes called amish cracker soup or compared to rivel soup recipe variations, depending on regional traditions.

What is the secret ingredient in soup?

For this Amish church soup, the “secret” is the crushed crackers that thicken the broth and add a unique texture—creamy yet slightly crunchy. Additionally, using whole milk (or half-and-half) instead of just broth elevates the flavor, making it rich without overpowering the other ingredients.

What is Amish coffee soup?

Amish coffee soup is a sweet soup often served as a dessert. It’s made by brewing strong coffee, then simmering it with milk, sugar, and sometimes powdered egg noodles or crushed crackers. It’s a nostalgic treat in many Amish households.

What is the oldest type of soup?

While pinpointing the absolute oldest soup is tricky, many culinary historians agree that brothy soups made from bones and local vegetables date back to prehistoric times. In recorded history, Egyptian tombs show evidence of lentil and onion soups over 4,500 years ago. Closer to Amish traditions, simple soupy “porridge” made with grains and water or milk served as a staple in various cultures long before modern recipes emerged.

Amish Church Soup Recipe

Name: Amish Church Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Amish / American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme; 2 cups buttery crackers, crushed; Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Description

This creamy and comforting Amish Church Soup is a traditional recipe made with tender chicken, potatoes, onions, buttery crackers, and whole milk. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect budget-friendly soup for chilly nights, family dinners, or church potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

Amish Church Soup Recipe

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups buttery crackers, crushed
Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish

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Instructions

Amish Church Soup Recipe steps

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add potatoes and stir to coat. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Stir in the cooked chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
Add milk and stir gently. Do not boil after adding milk.
Crush buttery crackers into the soup and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.
Serve hot, garnished with extra crackers and chopped herbs if desired.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.

Add a handful of corn or peas for extra texture.

To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth and plant-based “chicken” or extra vegetables.

For a thicker soup, stir in more crackers until your desired consistency is reached.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Amish / American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
Calories: 290
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 760mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 55mg