Amish White Bread Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the inviting aroma of Amish White Bread wafting from your kitchen. This classic loaf is pillowy soft, gently sweet, and makes a perfect sandwich or toast. With just a few staple ingredients and a little time, you’ll be rewarded with bread that trumps anything store-bought, bringing homemade comfort right to your table. Whether you’re a bread-baking beginner or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a cherished staple in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking Amish White Bread is refreshingly straightforward, and every ingredient pulls its weight when it comes to flavor, structure, and color. These are basic pantry items, but together, they create a loaf with a soft crumb, golden crust, and a hint of sweetness.
- Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps the dough come together smoothly; make sure it’s warm to the touch, not hot.
- White Sugar: Feeds the yeast for a perfect rise and lends the bread its signature hint of sweetness.
- Active Dry Yeast: The leavening powerhouse that gives Amish White Bread its light and airy texture.
- Salt: Essential for flavor balance and strengthening the dough’s gluten structure.
- Vegetable Oil: Adds tenderness and keeps the loaf deliciously moist, even the next day.
- Bread Flour: High-protein flour ensures a chewy, satisfying crumb without being heavy.
How to Make Amish White Bread
Step 1: Proof the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar into the warm water. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks frothy and creamy. This step guarantees your Amish White Bread gets the lift it needs.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Stir the salt and vegetable oil into your yeast mixture. Start adding the bread flour one cup at a time, mixing as you go to form a sticky but manageable dough. When it’s too stiff to mix with a spoon, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes, until the dough is soft, elastic, and only slightly tacky.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough into a large greased bowl, turning it to coat every side. Cover the bowl with a damp towel to keep the dough moist, then set it in a warm place for about one hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough has doubled in size, a sure sign your Amish White Bread is developing that dreamy fluffy texture!
Step 4: Shape the Loaves and Second Rise
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then knead it for a minute or two. Divide the dough evenly in half, shape each portion into a loaf, and nestle them into two greased 9×5-inch loaf pans. Cover and let the dough rise a second time, until each loaf is about an inch above the rim of the pan, roughly 30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake
Slide the pans into a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped. Let the bread rest in the pans for 10 minutes before gently turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to slice too soon—this allows the Amish White Bread to set up beautifully.
How to Serve Amish White Bread
Garnishes
A simple swipe of butter across a warm slice is honestly unbeatable, but a drizzle of honey or sprinkle of flaky sea salt can really highlight the bread’s subtle sweetness. For a savory spin, try a little garlic butter or a dusting of your favorite dried herbs.
Side Dishes
Amish White Bread pairs perfectly with just about everything. Serve it alongside a steaming bowl of homemade soup or stew for a truly comforting meal. It’s also fantastic next to scrambled eggs at breakfast, or as a classic partner to roasted meats and fresh salads at dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful! Cut thick slabs for the ultimate French toast, or cube it up for rustic homemade croutons or bread pudding. Little ones love it as finger sandwiches, while adults can enjoy it as open-faced toasts with playful toppings like smoked salmon or avocado.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Amish White Bread fresh, wrap cooled slices or loaves in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to four days. For the best flavor and texture, use a bread box or zip-top bag to protect it from drying out.
Freezing
Freezing is a lifesaver here! Once cooled, slice the loaf and layer pieces with parchment paper before sealing in a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to grab a slice or two as needed. Amish White Bread keeps its quality in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating
To revive leftover or thawed Amish White Bread, simply pop a slice into your toaster or a warm oven for a few minutes. For an extra treat, heat with a small pat of butter to reawaken that freshly baked taste.
FAQs
Why is my Amish White Bread dense instead of light and fluffy?
Most often, a dense loaf means the yeast didn’t activate properly or the dough was under-kneaded. Make sure your yeast bubbles during the proofing step, and knead the dough well for a soft, airy crumb.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand. The texture will be slightly less chewy, but your Amish White Bread will still be delicious and soft.
Can I cut back on the sugar?
Absolutely! Feel free to reduce the sugar to as little as 1/3 cup. The bread will be less sweet, but still soft and flavorful. Some folks even swap white sugar for honey for a different twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, every ingredient in Amish White Bread is already vegan as written. Just double-check your sugar to ensure it’s processed without bone char if that’s a consideration for you.
What’s the best way to get a soft, brown crust?
For a super soft and shiny crust, brush the freshly baked loaf with a little melted butter right after it comes out of the oven. This gives your Amish White Bread that tempting bakery-style finish.
Final Thoughts
A loaf of Amish White Bread is so much more than the sum of its parts—every bite tastes like a hug from home. Give it a try and you’ll quickly see why it’s a cherished favorite for so many families. Happy baking, and enjoy every warm, wonderful slice!
Print
Amish White Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious and fluffy Amish White Bread with this simple recipe. Perfect for sandwiches or enjoying with butter and jam!
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
- ⅔ cup white sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 6 cups bread flour
Instructions
- Dissolve Sugar and Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water, then add yeast. Let proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.
- Mix and Knead: Add salt and oil to yeast. Add flour one cup at a time. Knead on a floured surface until smooth.
- Rise: Place in a greased bowl, turn to coat dough, and cover with a damp cloth. Let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape and Second Rise: Punch down dough. Knead a few minutes and divide in half. Shape into loaves and place in two 9×5 inch greased loaf pans. Let rise 30 minutes or until dough is 1 inch above pans.
- Bake and Cool: Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Let cool in pans 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (44g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Amish White Bread, White Bread Recipe, Homemade Bread
