Amish White Bread is a cherished classic that brings a touch of warmth and nostalgia to any kitchen. This traditional recipe yields soft, fluffy loaves that are perfect for sandwiches or toast. With a tender crumb and a slightly sweet flavor, it’s no wonder this bread has become a favorite among home bakers and families alike. The simple ingredients work together harmoniously, making it an ideal choice for those who love homemade goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Amish White Bread
This simple Amish bread recipe is packed with benefits that will make it a staple in your home. First, it offers a delightful softness that’s perfect for sandwiches. Second, it’s made with easily accessible ingredients, making it an economical choice. Third, the dough is straightforward to prepare, accommodating both novice and experienced bakers. Additionally, this classic Amish bread is versatile, allowing you to enjoy it fresh or toasted. With a prep time of just one hour and an overall total time of 2 hours and 30 minutes, you’ll have homemade bread ready in no time! Finally, its slightly sweet flavor makes it a favorite for everyone at the table, from kids to adults, ensuring it will be a hit for any meal.
Ingredients for Amish White Bread
Gather these items:
- 1 cup water (110°F)
- 1 cup milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil or melted butter, cooled to 100°F)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for brushing)
- 2/3 cup sugar (can be reduced if desired)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 pinch powdered ginger (optional, to activate yeast)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 5 1/2 cups bread flour (may need slightly more or less)
How to Make Amish White Bread Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Dissolve the sugar in the warm water and milk in a large bowl. Whisk in the active dry yeast and powdered ginger if using. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the yeast mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup of the bread flour into the yeast mixture until combined. Then whisk in the salt and oil.
- Step 3: With a mixer running, gradually add the remaining flour one cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. This creates a firm dough.
- Step 4: If using a stand mixer, knead the dough for about 5 minutes on medium speed. If kneading by hand, turn the sticky dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding small amounts of flour as needed.
- Step 5: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the ball of dough inside. Oil the top of the dough, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Step 6: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Knead for an additional 3 minutes, then divide into two equal portions. Let them rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Step 7: Shape each portion into a loaf and place each into greased 9×5-inch loaf pans. Brush the tops with melted butter. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes, or until the dough rises about an inch above the pans.
- Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should register 190°F when fully baked.
- Step 9: For a softer crust, brush the tops of the hot loaves with melted butter immediately after baking. Cover with a clean tea towel and let cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Then remove from pans and continue cooling, loosely covering with the towel.
- Step 10: Add all ingredients to your bread machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Select the white bread cycle and press start. Pause and restart the machine to reset the cycles. The dough will rise a second time before baking to achieve a perfect loaf.
Pro Tips for the Best Amish White Bread
Keep these in mind:
- This bread is excellent for sandwiches or toast.
- Use a thermometer to ensure bread is fully baked.
- You may adjust the sugar to taste.
- For a richer flavor, consider using milk instead of water.
- Experiment with different flours for a unique texture.
Best Ways to Serve Amish White Bread
There are numerous delicious ways to serve your homemade Amish White Bread. You can prepare classic sandwiches filled with your favorite deli meats and cheeses, or enjoy slices toasted with butter or jam for breakfast. Additionally, this bread pairs well with soups and stews, making it a perfect side for comforting meals. Whether you opt for traditional Amish white bread for sandwiches or toast, its versatility is unmatched.
How to Store and Reheat Amish White Bread
To store your Amish White Bread, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help maintain its moisture and freshness. You can keep it at room temperature for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage. When reheating, simply slice off the desired amount and toast it in the oven or toaster. This simple method ensures that you can enjoy fresh-tasting bread any time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Amish White Bread
What’s the secret to perfect Amish White Bread?
The secret lies in the yeast activation and proper kneading. Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise. Kneading develops gluten, which creates that fluffy texture.
Can I make Amish White Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. When ready, simply take it out, shape it, and let it rise again before baking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Amish White Bread?
Common mistakes include using water that is too hot or cold, which can kill the yeast. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and knead the dough thoroughly for the best results.
Variations of Amish White Bread You Can Try
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations of Amish White Bread. You can add herbs and spices for a savory twist, incorporate whole grains for added nutrition, or even include cheese for a delightful flavor. Each variation can cater to different dietary needs or personal tastes, allowing you to enjoy this classic bread in new ways!
For more tips on baking bread, check out this guide. If you’re interested in variations, you might enjoy exploring different recipes. Additionally, learn about the benefits of homemade bread to enhance your baking experience.
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Delicious Amish White Bread Recipe for Home Bakers
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Amish White Bread recipe yields soft, fluffy loaves with a tender crumb and a slightly sweet flavor. Perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water (110°F)
- 1 cup milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil or melted butter, cooled to 100°F)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for brushing)
- 2/3 cup sugar (can be reduced if desired)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 pinch powdered ginger (optional, to activate yeast)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 5 1/2 cups bread flour (may need slightly more or less)
Instructions
- Dissolve the sugar in the warm water and milk in a large bowl. Whisk in the active dry yeast and powdered ginger if using. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the yeast mixture becomes foamy.
- Stir in 1 cup of the bread flour into the yeast mixture until combined. Then whisk in the salt and oil.
- With a mixer running, gradually add the remaining flour one cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- If using a stand mixer, knead the dough for about 5 minutes on medium speed. If kneading by hand, turn the sticky dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Oil the top, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the risen dough to release air. Knead for an additional 3 minutes, then divide into two equal portions. Let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Shape each portion into a loaf and place into greased 9×5-inch loaf pans. Brush the tops with melted butter. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- For a softer crust, brush the tops with melted butter after baking. Cover with a clean tea towel and let cool in the pans for 5 minutes before removing.
- Add all ingredients to your bread machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Select the white bread cycle and press start. Pause and restart the machine to reset the cycles.
Notes
- This bread is excellent for sandwiches or toast.
- You may adjust the sugar to taste.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Amish White Bread, homemade bread, soft bread, fluffy bread