Amish White Bread

Amish White Bread is a classic, comforting recipe that brings the warmth of homemade bread to your kitchen. With its soft, pillowy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, this bread is perfect for everything from sandwiches to serving alongside a hearty soup. Known for its simple ingredients and straightforward process, it’s an ideal recipe for beginner bakers or anyone looking to fill their home with the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked bread. The dough comes together in minutes, and with just a little patience as it rises, you can enjoy warm, freshly baked loaves in a couple of hours. This Amish White Bread recipe yields two beautiful loaves, making it great for families, gatherings, or for those who love to have homemade bread on hand for several days. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick breakfast with butter or as part of a bigger meal, this bread is sure to become a household staple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Easy

With just six basic ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels. It’s easy to follow, and the dough is forgiving for beginners.

2. Deliciously Soft

Amish White Bread results in incredibly soft and fluffy loaves that make every slice a treat. It’s the perfect balance of light and tender with a slightly sweet taste.

3. Budget-Friendly

This bread is made with everyday ingredients, which means you can make two loaves at a fraction of the cost of store-bought bread.

4. Versatile

Enjoy it fresh from the oven, toast it for breakfast, or use it for sandwiches. The mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with any topping or spread.

5. Makes Two Loaves

This recipe yields two loaves, which is perfect for sharing, storing, or enjoying for several days. It’s ideal for families or those who love having fresh bread on hand.

Ingredients

• Warm water
• White sugar
• Active dry yeast
• Salt
• Vegetable oil
• Bread flour

Variations

• Whole Wheat Amish Bread: Substitute part or all of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf with added nutrition.
• Honey Amish Bread: Swap the white sugar for honey to create a sweeter, more aromatic bread.
• Herb-Infused Bread: Add a tablespoon of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for an herby twist.
• Garlic Bread: For a savory variation, incorporate minced garlic and a bit of Parmesan cheese into the dough before baking.
• Cinnamon Swirl Amish Bread: Before placing the dough in the loaf pans, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar in between the dough layers for a sweet, cinnamon-infused bread.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Dissolve Sugar and Proof Yeast

In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water, ensuring the water is around 110°F (45°C). Stir in the active dry yeast and let it proof for 5-10 minutes. The yeast should bubble up and form a creamy foam.

Step 2: Add Salt, Oil, and Flour

Mix in the salt and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour one cup at a time, stirring after each addition until a dough forms. When the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but avoid adding too much to keep the dough soft.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl and turn it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Punch Down and Shape the Dough

Punch down the risen dough to release the air, then knead it for a few minutes. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a loaf. Place the loaves into two well-oiled 9×5-inch loaf pans.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the pans with a damp cloth and allow the dough to rise for 30 minutes or until the dough has risen about 1 inch above the pans.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, bake the loaves for 30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Warm Water is Key: Ensure the water temperature is around 110°F (45°C). Too hot of water can kill the yeast, while too cold may prevent it from activating properly.
• Knead Well: Proper kneading helps develop the gluten and results in a soft, airy texture. Knead for at least 8-10 minutes.
• Don’t Skip the First Rise: Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. This step is essential for creating light, fluffy bread.
• Use Bread Flour: Bread flour has more gluten than all-purpose flour, which helps the bread rise and creates a chewier texture.
• Check for Doneness: Tap the bread on the bottom to see if it sounds hollow, which indicates it’s fully baked.

How to Serve

Amish White Bread is perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve it warm with butter as a side to your favorite meal, or make delicious sandwiches using your choice of fillings. It also pairs wonderfully with soups and stews, adding a comforting touch. For breakfast, spread some jam, honey, or peanut butter on a slice, or toast it for an extra crispy treat. This bread is versatile enough to accompany both savory and sweet dishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will keep at room temperature for about 3-4 days. For longer freshness, place it in the refrigerator.

Freezing

To freeze Amish White Bread, slice it first, then wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave the bread out at room temperature or reheat it in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warm. You can also toast individual slices for a quick and crispy option.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but bread flour will give the bread a better texture due to its higher gluten content.

2. Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

Yes, you can use a bread machine. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding the ingredients and use the dough setting for mixing and rising.

3. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature with a thermometer; it should reach 190°F (88°C).

4. Can I double this recipe to make more loaves?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make four loaves. Just be sure to use larger bowls for mixing and larger pans for baking.

5. How can I make the bread sweeter?

For a slightly sweeter version, increase the sugar to 3/4 cup or substitute some of the sugar with honey.

6. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just skip the proofing step and add it directly to the dry ingredients.

7. Can I add flavorings like garlic or herbs?

Yes, you can add minced garlic, rosemary, or other herbs to the dough for a savory variation.

8. How should I store this bread?

Store Amish White Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.

9. Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, you can freeze Amish White Bread. Slice it before freezing and store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

10. Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?

Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook can be used to knead the dough. Mix on medium speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.

Conclusion

Amish White Bread is a timeless recipe that delivers soft, delicious loaves with minimal effort. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The light, airy texture and slightly sweet flavor make it versatile enough to serve with any meal, from breakfast to dinner. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of homemade bread that’s perfect for any occasion.

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