The Best Pioneer Day Recipe Ideas

Cooking pioneer recipes allows us to honor tradition, connect with our heritage, and gain a newfound appreciation for the evolution of food. If you have ever wondered if you can recreate authentic recipes used by the Pioneers than keep reading! We hope you are hungry!

What is Pioneer Day?

Pioneer Day, also known as Days of ’47 or Utah’s Pioneer Day, is a holiday celebrated on July 24th each year in Utah, USA. It commemorates the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.

This special occasion is an excellent time to gather with family and friends to honor the rich heritage and enjoy some delicious traditional pioneer recipes. In this article, we’ll explore some delightful and authentic Pioneer Day recipe ideas that will transport you back in time to the days of early settlers.

Keep reading to discover some recipes that the Mormon Pionees may have made along their journey out west.

Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings

Dutch ovens were an essential part of pioneer life, and they remain a staple for cooking over an open flame. Prepare a hearty and comforting dish of Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings, just like the pioneers used to make.

Tender chicken cooked with vegetables and savory herbs, topped with fluffy dumplings, this recipe will bring warmth and nostalgia to your Pioneer Day celebrations.

Here is our recipe that can be made in the Instant Pot

Cornbread

Cornbread was a popular and simple food among pioneers due to its versatility and ease of preparation. Bake a batch of golden-brown Cornbread, and serve it with a dollop of butter or honey. This delightful side dish will complement any pioneer-themed meal and remind you of the rustic charm of early settlers’ kitchens.

Find our easy Instant Pot recipe here

Potato Cakes

Ingredients:

• 6 potatoes, peeled and grated
• 2 Tbsp. salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup flour

Instructions:

1. Wash and peel potatoes before grating them.
2. Combine with salt, milk, eggs, and flour.
3. Pour spoonfuls of the mixture into a hot pan with melted shortening.
4. Cook the cakes until done and golden brown on both sides.

Pioneer Apple Pie

Apples were abundant in the pioneer regions, and they made excellent filling for pies. Prepare a scrumptious Pioneer Apple Pie with a flaky crust and sweet apple filling seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly authentic pioneer dessert experience.

Ingredients:

• 4 large apples
• 6 Tbsp. butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• Cherries
• Butter, melted
• Evaporated milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the large cooking apples by slicing them thinly.
2. Make double-crust pie pastry.
3. Melt butter and brush the bottom of the pastry shell with it.
4. Lay apple slices on the pastry shell.
5. Mix sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6. Sprinkle some of the dry ingredients over the first layer of apples.
7. Take fresh or canned cherries and make another layer with them.
8. Sprinkle with the dry ingredients.
9. Continue layering and top with the melted butter.
10. Add top crust and brush with evaporated milk.
11. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes at 425°F.

Butter\Egg\Milk-less Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup cold water
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1 tsp cloves
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 25 ml hot or lukewarm water
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder

Instructions:

1. Boil the brown sugar in a cup of cold water with all the prepared raisins.
2. Add in the salt, cloves, and cinnamon.
3. Then, also, stir in the nutmeg and shortening.
4. Boil for 3 minutes and let it cool.
5. Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water you prepared then add flour and baking powder.
6. Add the baking soda mix to the first mixture.
7. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes at 350°F.

Brown Bread

This bread has many variations. Here is one that may have been made by the Pioneers.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp molasses
• Graham flour

Instructions:

1. Boil water and add in the salt, molasses, and baking soda.
2. Slowly mix graham flour until you make a stiff batter.
3. Let the mixture cool down and add a pint of the light cake made from compressed yeast.
4. Pour into pre-buttered bread tins and bake.

Hasty Pudding

While not as sugary as modern day pudding- this could be seen as a tasty treat for Pioneers.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cornmeal

Instructions:

1. Boil the salt in 3 cups of water.
2. Add in the cornmeal slowly and in a steady flow.
3. Give it a steady stir so clumps will not form.
4. Continue stirring for 20 minutes until cooked.

Baked Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 large bowl of canned lima, red kidney, white northern, lima, and butter beans
• Pork and beans
• 1 lb bacon, chopped
• large onions, chopped
• Garlic, chopped
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/2 tsp mustard

Instructions:

1. Mix equal parts of canned lima, red kidney, white northern, lima, and butter beans.
2. Add pork and beans to make 16 ounces of bean mixture.
3. Fry the chopped bacon until cooked, but not crisp.
4. Pour the bean mixture into a large pan with bacon and chopped onions and garlic.
5. In another pan, mix the brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard.
6. Cook the mixture for 15 minutes.
7. Pour the prepared liquid into the bean mixture and bake for an hour.

Mormon Funeral Potatoes

Mormon Funeral Potatoes, also known as Cheesy Potato Casserole, are a beloved comfort food in Utah and are often served at gatherings and potlucks. This cheesy and creamy dish is a must-have for Pioneer Day celebrations, and it pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a stand-alone vegetarian option.

Find our recipe here

Johnny Cakes

Pioneeers used corn in many ways. One of them being the classic Johnny Cake- using corn in place of oats.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 Tbsp. molasses
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups cornmeal
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 Tbsp. butter

Instructions:

1. Beat eggs, then add buttermilk and molasses.
2. Mix the cornmeal, flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add butter.
4. Bake the cake mixture in a dutch oven until done.

Pioneer Lemonade

Quench your thirst with a refreshing glass of Pioneer Lemonade. This classic lemonade recipe uses simple ingredients like fresh lemons, sugar, and water to create a drink that will remind you of the resourceful and inventive nature of the pioneers.

Pioneer Day is an opportunity to pay homage to the resilience and ingenuity of the early settlers who paved the way for the communities we live in today. Celebrate this special day with these pioneer-inspired recipes that will not only delight your taste buds but also connect you with the spirit of the past.

So, gather your loved ones, enjoy these delicious dishes, and share stories of the pioneers as you create cherished memories on this meaningful occasion. Happy Pioneer Day!

More Articles You May Enjoy:

• Mormon Pioneer Trek Ideas: The Ultimate Planning Guide
• 40+ Primary Activity Day Ideas for Boys and Girls
• 30+ Gratitude Quotes for Latter-Days Saints