Have you ever wondered about what kind of food people ate back in the 1800s? It may come as a surprise to some of you, but the early pioneers knew how to whip up an entire meal from scratch that tasted delicious while using very few ingredients.
In fact, some of the ingredients that they used were literally picked up off the side of the trail as they made their journey west. Keep reading to find out what some of the best pioneer recipes are that you can still make today!
Potato Cakes
When traveling at a grueling snail-paced speed across the country, pioneers needed a staple food that would last for many months. They depended on potatoes to prepare all sorts of different recipes, including potato cakes. Similar to our pancakes today, this delicious breakfast recipe was enjoyed on a regular basis.
Ingredients
- 6 Potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 Cup of flour
- 2 Eggs
- 2 Tbsp of salt
Johnnycakes
Another important crop that stored well for long journeys was corn. All sorts of different recipes could be made from them and one of those favorites that families loved was Johnnycakes. This cake recipe is only slightly different from the “jonikin” recipe that you may have heard of, which uses oats instead. Johnnycakes was a sweet and satisfying meal that even the kids of today wouldn’t turn their noses up to.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups of buttermilk
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 2 cups of cornmeal
- 2 Tbsp of molasses
- 2 Tbsp of butter
- 1 tsp of baking soda
Cured Bacon
Just like us today, pioneers crossing the Oregon Trail were hooked on the taste of irresistibly delicious bacon. And to have enough bacon for the entire trip, it’s been estimated that a family of four would need roughly 400 pounds of it. That’s a lot of pig! To help the meat last longer, they would pack it in a barrel with bran, along with molasses, salt, and brown sugar to cure the bacon, also known as cured bacon!
Ingredients
- Ham
- Salt
- 1 lb of brown sugar
- 1 pint of molasses
- 1 tsp saltpeter
Oregon Trail Breakfast Cornmeal Mush
Breakfast was the most important meal of the day when people were needing nourishment for the physical tasks that each new day demanded of them. Cornmeal mush was a big hit back then just as it is with some families today. And to make it even more delicious, don’t forget the hot maple syrup!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup of cornmeal
- 1 Tbsp of lard
- 4 Cups of boiling water
- Dried currants
- 1 Tbsp of salt
- Molasses
- Milk
- Butter
Fried Bread Pudding
Another favorite among pioneers was bread pudding, but it wasn’t just any bread pudding. They added their own twist by frying it in a cast iron skillet for a crispy outside and warm, gooey inside. This treat could be enjoyed as a dessert or even part of the main meal.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of stale bread, cut into cubes
- 2 Eggs
- 1/3 cup of sugar
- 1 Tbsp of cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- Butter or lard for frying
- Milk or cream
- Maple syrup or honey for topping
Side Pork and Mormon Gravy
While cured bacon is already wonderful on its own, sometimes pioneers would prepare it a little differently using only a few ingredients. Side pork with Mormon gravy was a satisfying and filling meal that they would eat alongside cornbread or potatoes.
Ingredients
- 8 Thick slices of bacon or side pork
- Flour
- Milk
- Fat drippings
Wild Game Stew
For those lucky enough to have had a successful hunt, pioneers would make use of every part of their catch. Wild game stew was a favorite way to use up all the different cuts of meat as well as any vegetables they may have picked along the trail.
Ingredients
- Cuts of wild game meat (deer, moose, beef, bison, rabbit, etc)
- Onion
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water or broth for cooking
- Misc. vegetables or herbs as desired
Soda Biscuits
Still searching for the perfect side dish, you can serve your family for breakfast? Then try making these simple-to-make soda biscuits. You’ll only need four ingredients and be able to serve an entire batch in less than 30 minutes! They’ll especially taste wonderful when you also make sausage gravy, and eggs.
Ingredients
- 3 1/3 cups of flour
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 1 tsp of salt
- milk
Corn Dodgers
Whenever pioneers got the munchies, Corn Dodgers were a popular snack that they turned to. Not only were they versatile but they could be enjoyed anytime throughout the day.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups of cornmeal
- 2 Cups of milk
- 1 Tsp of baking soda
- 1 Tbsp of sugar
- 2 Tbsp of butter
- 1/2 tsp of salt
Shoo Fly Pie
Dating back to the early 1700s when it was first made by Pennsylvania Dutch colonists, Shoofly pie is a recipe that some pie enthusiasts still enjoy to this day. This type of pie was especially popular around the time of the Civil War. The molasses and crumbly topping combine for a uniquely sweet yet delightful tart flavor. Don’t forget the whipped topping!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup butter or lard, melted
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 egg, beaten
- Hot water
- Add cinnamon to your liking
Fried Cabbage
Cabbage was cheap and easy to grow, making it a common vegetable found in pioneer gardens. And what better way to serve it up than by frying it with bacon drippings, onions, and vinegar? Fried cabbage is one way to get your children to eat their veggies!
Ingredients
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 diced onion
- 1/4 cup of vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or lard for frying
More Resources:
- Pioneer Skills We Need to Learn and Teach
- Vintage Cookie Recipes
- Great Depression Era Home Remedies
- How to Make a Great Depression Pantry
As you can see, the pioneers were able to use their resources wisely and created tasty and filling meals that your family can still enjoy today. So, the next time you’re camping or looking for a delicious meal that’s just in time for dinner while using minimal ingredients, try out one of these pioneer recipes! Trust me, your family will thank you for it. What are the best pioneer recipes in your family?
