Amish White Bread Recipe

Amish White Bread is a simple, classic bread that’s soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a pat of butter. This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients, making it easy to prepare even for beginners. The result is a wonderfully fluffy bread with a golden crust that the whole family will love. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cook’s Notes and Tips
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: Add the vegetable oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the top. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
6. Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until it has risen about 1 inch above the edge of the pan.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

• Water Temperature: Make sure the water is warm (about 110°F/45°C) but not too hot, as hot water can kill the yeast.
• Kneading: Kneading is crucial for developing the gluten in the dough, which gives the bread its structure and texture. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but avoid adding too much as it can make the bread dense.
• Rising Time: The rising time may vary depending on the temperature in your kitchen. If your kitchen is cool, the dough may take longer to rise.

Variations

• Honey Amish Bread: Replace the granulated sugar with 1/3 cup of honey for a slightly different flavor.
• Whole Wheat Version: Substitute 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version of this bread.
• Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Before the second rise, roll the dough out, sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, and roll it back up to create a cinnamon swirl inside the bread.

Serving Suggestions

• Sandwiches: This bread is perfect for making sandwiches, whether it’s a classic BLT or a simple peanut butter and jelly.
• Toast: Slice and toast it, then spread with butter and jam for a delicious breakfast or snack.
• Garlic Bread: Slice and butter the bread, sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley, then broil for a quick and easy garlic bread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Bread Without a Stand Mixer?

Yes, absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It may take a bit longer, but it’s a great way to get a feel for the dough.

How Do I Store Amish White Bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container or a plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Slice the bread before freezing for easy use.

Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. If using instant yeast, you can skip the activation step and add the yeast directly to the flour.

Why Is My Bread Dense?

If your bread turns out dense, it could be due to under-kneading, not allowing the dough to rise long enough, or using water that was too hot and killed the yeast.

Can I Double the Recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make two loaves. Just make sure to use a larger mixing bowl, and divide the dough evenly between two loaf pans.

Amish White Bread is a simple, delicious bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Its soft, fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor make it ideal for everything from sandwiches to toast. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a homemade loaf that’s far better than anything store-bought. Gather your ingredients, start kneading, and enjoy the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread!

Happy Baking!