Discover the simplicity and comfort of homemade bread with this easy-to-follow recipe for 4-Ingredient Amish White Bread. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can create a loaf of bread that’s soft, fluffy, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this classic Amish-style bread from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast (2 packets)
- 2 1/2 cups warm water (110° to 120°F)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 cup), divided
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 6-7 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and sugar mixture. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy and activated.
- Melt the Butter:
- In a small saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Dough:
- To the bowl with the activated yeast mixture, add the melted butter and kosher salt. Stir to combine. Gradually add 6 cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. The dough should come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl. If it’s too sticky, add additional flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough ball in a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Loaf:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a loaf. Place the loaves into greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pans with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30-60 minutes, or until it’s doubled in size and fills the pans.
- Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Bread:
- Once the loaves have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Finish with Butter:
- In the last few minutes of baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Brush the melted butter over the tops of the hot loaves as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Slice and serve the bread warm with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe to suit your taste.
- Add Flavors: Enhance the flavor of your bread by adding ingredients such as herbs, spices, or grated cheese to the dough before shaping it into loaves.
- Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and ensure the sugar used is vegan-friendly.
Keto Version:
- Low-Carb Option: While this recipe is not inherently keto-friendly due to the use of all-purpose flour and granulated sugar, you can experiment with low-carb flour alternatives such as almond flour or coconut flour, and use a sugar substitute such as erythritol or stevia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? A: Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. However, you may need to adjust the rising times as instant yeast tends to rise faster.
Q: How should I store the bread? A: Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage.
Q: Can I make this bread without a bread machine? A: Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be made by hand, without the need for a bread machine. Follow the instructions for mixing, kneading, and shaping the dough as outlined above.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, 4-Ingredient Amish White Bread is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves freshly baked bread. Whether you enjoy it sliced with butter for breakfast, toasted for sandwiches, or as a side for soups and stews, this homemade bread is sure to impress. Give it a try and taste the difference of homemade goodness!