The holidays have a way of bringing people together around the table. From family dinners and festive gatherings to quiet evenings enjoying seasonal traditions, dessert is often one of the most anticipated parts of the meal. And when it comes to holiday desserts, a delicious pie is a timeless favorite.
Whether you’re planning Thanksgiving dinner, preparing for Christmas festivities, or simply looking for something sweet to share with family and friends, having a pie ready to serve can make holiday hosting a little easier.
A Holiday Tradition Worth Sharing
Few desserts feel as at home on a holiday table as a pie. From the first slice served after Thanksgiving dinner to dessert shared during Christmas celebrations, pies have long been part of the traditions that make the season special.
Part of their appeal is their versatility. A pie can be the centerpiece of a dessert table, a sweet addition to a family gathering, or a thoughtful contribution when you’re invited to someone else’s holiday dinner.
And because holiday schedules can get busy, having dessert taken care of ahead of time can leave you with more time to focus on preparing the meal, welcoming guests, and enjoying the company around you.
Whether you’re planning an elaborate holiday feast or a smaller get-together, a ready-to-serve pie is a simple way to make the occasion feel complete.
The History of Pies: From Practical Food to Holiday Favorite
Pies have a long history that stretches back centuries. Early versions were often made with pastry shells designed to hold fillings, helping cooks prepare and transport foods. As baking traditions evolved, pies became a familiar part of meals across Europe and eventually made their way into American kitchens with European settlers.
Over time, American cooks adapted pie recipes to the ingredients available to them, creating familiar favorites using seasonal fruits, pumpkins, and other local ingredients. Pies became especially associated with autumn harvest celebrations and family gatherings, when seasonal ingredients offered plenty of inspiration for the kitchen.
Pumpkin pie, in particular, gradually became one of America’s best-known Thanksgiving desserts. Although it wasn’t part of the documented 1621 harvest feast commonly called the First Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie recipes appeared in American cookbooks by the late 18th century. As Thanksgiving developed into a national holiday during the 19th century, familiar foods and recipes helped shape the traditions that many families recognize today.
Today, holiday pies come in countless varieties, from fruit-filled classics to rich, creamy desserts. Yet their place at the holiday table reflects something that has remained remarkably consistent over time: the joy of sharing food, celebrating the season, and gathering with the people who matter most.
The Story Behind Troyer's Home Pantry Pies
At Troyer’s Dutch Market, holiday pie traditions connect with the familiar flavors and time-honored baking heritage of Troyer’s Home Pantry. Based in Apple Creek, Ohio, Troyer’s Home Pantry was founded in 1991 and has grown into a regional bakery known for pies, cookies, breads, and other baked goods rooted in Amish and Mennonite baking traditions.
The bakery’s history reflects an appreciation for traditional recipes and the comfort of familiar baked goods. These are the kinds of desserts that feel right at home on a family table, whether they’re shared during a holiday meal or enjoyed during an ordinary afternoon.
For shoppers preparing for the holiday season, Troyer’s Dutch Market carries Troyer’s Home Pantry pies in both 6-inch and 12-inch sizes, with shelf-stable and refrigerated options available. Having different sizes and storage options gives customers flexibility when planning desserts for gatherings of all kinds.
Whether you’re continuing a long-standing family tradition or starting a new one, a pie can be a simple way to bring people together. And with Troyer’s Home Pantry pies available at Troyer’s Dutch Market in Massillon, Ohio, adding a familiar dessert to your holiday table can be one less thing to worry about as the celebrations approach.
Choosing the Right Pie Size for Your Gathering
When planning holiday desserts, it’s helpful to consider how many people you’ll be serving and what else will be on the table. Troyer’s Home Pantry pies come in two sizes, making it easier to plan for different occasions.
6-Inch Pies for Smaller Gatherings
A 6-inch pie can be a convenient choice for smaller households, intimate dinners, or gatherings where you want to offer more than one dessert without committing to a full-size pie. They’re also perfect for a smaller holiday meal or a sweet treat to enjoy at home throughout the season.
And if you’ve got a house full of pie lovers? Everyone can have their own little slice of happiness without having to fight over the last piece!
12-Inch Pies for Holiday Tables
Planning a larger family dinner or expecting a house full of guests? A 12-inch pie offers a larger option for sharing around the holiday table.
It’s a practical choice for gatherings where dessert is part of the main event, whether you’re serving pie after a holiday meal or setting out several desserts for guests to enjoy.
When deciding which size to choose, consider your guest count, the number of desserts you’re serving, and whether you’d like leftovers to enjoy after the celebration.
Shelf-Stable and Refrigerated Pies: What's the Difference?
One of the helpful things about planning holiday desserts ahead of time is having options that fit your schedule. Troyer’s Home Pantry pies are available in shelf-stable and refrigerated varieties, giving shoppers different options to consider when preparing for the holidays.
Shelf-Stable Pies for Pantry Planning
Shelf-stable products can be convenient when you’re organizing your holiday shopping list in advance. Depending on the specific pie and its packaging, a shelf-stable option may be suitable for keeping on hand until you’re ready to serve it.
If you’re shopping early for an upcoming gathering, check the product label for its storage instructions, expiration or best-by date, and any preparation requirements.
Refrigerated Pies for Chilled Storage
Refrigerated pies are another option for holiday dessert planning. These pies need to be stored according to their packaging instructions, so it’s worth making room in the refrigerator when organizing your holiday groceries.
If you’re purchasing desserts alongside other ingredients for a large holiday meal, planning your refrigerator space ahead of time can help keep everything organized.
A helpful holiday shopping tip: Always follow the storage, handling, and serving instructions provided on the pie’s packaging. Requirements can vary by product, so check the label rather than assuming every pie can be stored the same way.
Making Holiday Dessert Planning Easier
Between preparing the main meal, coordinating family plans, and getting the house ready for guests, the holidays can leave plenty of things on your to-do list. Planning dessert in advance is one simple way to make the season a little less hectic.
Here are a few ways to work pies into your holiday plans:
Plan your guest list first. Knowing approximately how many people will attend can help you decide whether a 6-inch or 12-inch pie is the better fit.
Consider offering more than one dessert. If you’re hosting a large gathering, a combination of desserts can give guests more choices.
Add dessert to your shopping list early. Check product availability and storage instructions so you know when to purchase your pies and how to store them.
Leave time for preparation. Review the packaging to determine whether your selected pie needs thawing, refrigeration, or any other preparation before serving.
Keep serving simple. Set out plates, forks, and a serving utensil ahead of time so dessert is ready when everyone has finished their meal.
A little planning can make dessert feel like one less thing to worry about, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the traditions and people that make the holidays meaningful.
More Pies and Holiday Sweets to Enjoy
Troyer’s Home Pantry isn’t the only pie option at Troyer’s Dutch Market! Our selection also includes Kauffman’s pies and Emma Kate’s Fry Pies, offering even more variety for your holiday dessert table. Whether you prefer a traditional pie to share with the family or an individual fry pie to enjoy as a sweet treat, there’s something for every kind of pie lover.
Looking for something beyond pie? You’ll also find a variety of cookies and other sweet treats that are perfect for holiday gatherings, dessert trays, or sharing with friends and family. With so many options available, you can mix and match your favorites to create a holiday dessert spread everyone will love.
Find Troyer's Home Pantry Pies at Troyer's Dutch Market
With 6-inch and 12-inch sizes, along with shelf-stable and refrigerated varieties, you can explore the options available at Troyer’s Dutch Market and choose what works best for your occasion.
Whether you’re preparing for a large holiday gathering or looking for something to share with a smaller group, Troyer’s Home Pantry pies offer options to consider for your seasonal dessert plans.
