Amish White Bread Recipe 🍞
This Amish white bread recipe yields a soft, slightly sweet loaf that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a little butter. The process is easy to follow and creates a bakery-quality bread that your family will love. Whether you’re new to baking bread or an experienced baker, this recipe will become a go-to for delicious, homemade bread.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (475ml) warm water (around 43°C / 110°F, the ideal temperature to activate yeast)
- ⅔ cup (135g) granulated sugar (adds a touch of sweetness to the bread)
- 1 ½ tablespoons (14g) active dry yeast (to help the bread rise)
- ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil or melted butter (for richness and flavor)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (enhances the bread’s taste)
- 6 cups (750g) all-purpose flour (gives the bread its structure)
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Sprinkle the yeast evenly on top of the water mixture. Allow it to sit undisturbed for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is important because it shows that the yeast is active and ready to help the bread rise.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- Add the vegetable oil (or melted butter) and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually begin adding the flour, 1 cup at a time, while mixing to prevent any lumps. Continue adding flour until the dough starts to come together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You may need slightly more or less flour depending on humidity and the type of flour used, but you want the dough to be soft, slightly sticky, and elastic.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft and spring back when pressed gently with your finger.
Step 3: First Rise
- Lightly grease a large bowl with a bit of oil or butter. Place the dough in the bowl and cover it with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is the first rise, and it’s essential for developing the texture and flavor of the bread.
Step 4: Shape the Bread
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a loaf by folding the edges toward the center and rolling it tightly, forming a uniform loaf.
- Place the shaped loaves into greased 9×5-inch loaf pans. Press down gently to ensure they fit well.
- Cover the pans with a towel and allow the dough to rise for another 30–40 minutes, or until the loaves have risen above the top of the pans.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). This ensures the oven is hot and ready to bake the loaves to a golden brown.
- Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown, and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- For an extra soft and buttery crust, you can brush the tops with butter immediately after removing them from the oven. This step is optional, but it gives the bread a lovely finish.
Step 6: Cool & Enjoy
- Let the loaves cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice the bread once it has cooled, or enjoy it warm with butter or your favorite spread. This bread is perfect for toast, sandwiches, or just as a side with soups and stews.
Additional Variations:
- Whole Wheat Amish Bread: Substitute 2 cups of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. You may need to increase the liquid slightly to accommodate the whole wheat flour’s absorbent nature.
- Honey Amish Bread: For a sweeter flavor, replace the sugar with ⅔ cup of honey. Honey adds a rich flavor and a slightly different texture to the bread.
Baking Tips:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh. Old or expired yeast may not rise as effectively, leading to denser bread.
- The rising times are approximate. Depending on the temperature of your kitchen, it might take longer or shorter for the dough to double in size, so always rely on the dough’s appearance.
- Store your Amish white bread at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months.
Enjoy your homemade Amish white bread with this easy-to-follow recipe! Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your household.