Homemade Amish White Bread: A Time-Honored Recipe for Perfectly Soft Loaves
Are you craving the comforting aroma and irresistible taste of freshly baked bread? Look no further than this Amish White Bread recipe! Known for its soft texture and subtly sweet flavor, this traditional bread is a staple in many kitchens. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making your own homemade Amish White Bread from scratch. From the ingredients and instructions to helpful cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions, we’ve got you covered. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 6 cups bread flour
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.
2. Mix the Dough:
- Once the yeast is activated, add salt, vegetable oil, and 4 cups of bread flour to the bowl. Stir until well combined. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of bread flour, stirring 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. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
4. First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaves:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them into greased 9×5-inch loaf pans. Cover the pans with a towel and let the dough rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
6. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the loaves have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the baked loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade Amish White Bread warm with butter or your favorite spreads!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Yeast Activation: Ensure that the water temperature is between 105-115°F (40-46°C) for optimal yeast activation. Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, while water that is too cold won’t activate it properly.
- Flour Substitutions: You can use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour, but keep in mind that bread flour will yield a slightly chewier texture.
- Custom Flavors: Get creative with your bread by adding ingredients like herbs, seeds, or even cheese to the dough for added flavor and texture.
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 equal amounts. However, you may need to adjust the rising time slightly as instant yeast typically activates more quickly.
Q: How should I store homemade Amish White Bread? A: Once completely cooled, store the bread in a plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto:
- Almond Flour: Substitute almond flour for bread flour to create a keto-friendly version of this bread. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly from the traditional recipe.
Low-Carb:
- Coconut Flour: Replace some of the bread flour with coconut flour to reduce the carb content of the bread. Coconut flour is highly absorbent, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe accordingly.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, homemade Amish White Bread is a delightful addition to any meal or occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven with butter or using it to make sandwiches or French toast, this bread is sure to impress. So why wait? Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and experience the joy of baking your own delicious loaves of Amish White Bread today!