Name: Amish White Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅔ cup white sugar; 2 cups warm water (110°F / 45°C); 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 6 cups bread flour; ¼ cup vegetable oil; 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast

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Amish White Bread is a delightful homemade bread that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Its soft texture and sweet flavor make it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with butter. This recipe is ideal for various occasions, from family gatherings to cozy breakfasts. With its straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll find this bread not only easy to make but also a true crowd-pleaser!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, you can whip up this bread without a trip to the store.
Versatile Use: Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or even as a side with soups and salads.

Delicious Flavor: The combination of sugar and yeast creates a subtly sweet taste that everyone will love.
Great for Beginners: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe guides you through each step for success.
Homemade Touch: There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your home.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started on this Amish White Bread recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Measuring cups

Measuring spoons
Loaf pans (9×5-inch)
Kitchen towel

Oven

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
Loaf pans: Proper-sized pans help shape the bread perfectly while it bakes.

Kitchen towel: Keeping the dough covered with a towel helps maintain warmth for rising.

Ingredients

For the Dough

⅔ cup white sugar
2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

1 ½ teaspoons salt
6 cups bread flour
¼ cup vegetable oil

1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast

How to Make Amish White Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Stir in the yeast, then let it rise until it forms a creamy foam. This should take about 5–10 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Once the yeast is ready, mix in the salt and vegetable oil. Gradually add in the bread flour, one cup at a time. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer the kneaded dough to a well-oiled bowl. Twist it gently to coat it with oil, then cover with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

After the first rise, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Knead briefly, then divide into two equal parts. Shape each half into loaves and place them in well-oiled loaf pans. Let rise again for about 30 minutes or until they expand an inch past the edges of the molds.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees F). Bake the loaves for around 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Now you have delicious Amish White Bread ready to be enjoyed! Whether it’s slathered with butter or made into a sandwich, this bread will surely impress your family and friends.

How to Serve Amish White Bread

Amish White Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want a simple slice with butter or a hearty sandwich, this bread enhances any meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Classic Slices

Toasted with Butter – A warm slice of Amish White Bread topped with melting butter makes for a comforting treat.

Fresh with Jam – Spread your favorite jam or preserves on a slice for a sweet breakfast option.

Hearty Sandwiches

Turkey and Avocado – Layer slices of turkey with fresh avocado for a nutritious and filling sandwich.
Grilled Cheese – Use Amish White Bread to create a gooey grilled cheese, perfect for dipping in tomato soup.

Dipping Options

Garlic Bread – Slice the bread, spread garlic butter, and toast it for a flavorful side.
Bruschetta – Top slices with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil for an Italian-inspired appetizer.

How to Perfect Amish White Bread

To make your Amish White Bread even better, consider these helpful tips. Each step can enhance your baking experience and the final product.

Use Warm Water – Ensuring the water is at the right temperature activates the yeast properly, leading to a good rise.
Knead Thoroughly – Kneading the dough well develops gluten, which gives the bread its structure and softness.
Let it Rise – Allowing enough time for the dough to rise is crucial; it should double in size for optimal texture.

Preheat Your Oven – Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking, resulting in a golden-brown crust.
Store Properly – Keep leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature or freeze it for longer storage without losing freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Amish White Bread

Amish White Bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some delicious options that complement this homemade delight.

Chili – A hearty bowl of chili pairs perfectly with bread for soaking up flavors.
Garden Salad – A light salad balances the richness of the bread and adds freshness to your meal.
Potato Soup – Creamy potato soup served alongside slices provides comfort during colder months.

Stews – Rich stews benefit from having this bread on hand to absorb all those savory juices.
Roasted Vegetables – Roasted seasonal vegetables add color and nutrients while complementing the flavors of the bread.
Deviled Eggs – These classic appetizers are great finger foods that work well with sandwiches made from Amish White Bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Amish White Bread is a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are key points to keep in mind.

Incorrect water temperature: Using water that’s too hot or too cold can kill the yeast. Always aim for warm water around 110 degrees F (45 degrees C) to activate the yeast properly.
Not kneading enough: Insufficient kneading may result in dense bread. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic for the best texture.

Skipping the first rise: Allowing the dough to rise until it doubles in size is crucial for light and fluffy bread. Don’t rush this step; it usually takes about an hour.
Overfilling the loaf pans: If you fill your pans too high, the bread may overflow while baking. Aim to fill them just until they are an inch from the top.
Inaccurate measurements: Baking requires precision, so using a kitchen scale for measuring flour and sugar ensures consistent results every time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Amish White Bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
It stays fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Amish White Bread

Wrap individual loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.

Frozen bread can last up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Amish White Bread

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap bread in aluminum foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 10-15 seconds per slice.

Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat, adding a little butter if desired. Toast each slice for about 1-2 minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Amish White Bread that might help clarify any doubts you have.

How do I make Amish White Bread softer?

To achieve softer bread, incorporate more fat, such as butter or milk, into your recipe. Also, ensure proper kneading and rising times.

Can I use whole wheat flour for Amish White Bread?

Yes, you can substitute some or all of the bread flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that it may change the texture and flavor slightly.

What makes Amish White Bread different from other breads?

Amish White Bread is known for its soft texture and slightly sweet flavor due to added sugar. It’s a comforting staple in many households.

Can I use a bread machine for Amish White Bread?

Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for an Amish White Bread Machine. Just follow your machine’s instructions regarding ingredient order and settings.

Final Thoughts

Amish White Bread is not only easy to make but also versatile enough for various uses, from sandwiches to toast. Feel free to customize it by adding herbs or spices for extra flavor. Give this delightful recipe a try; it’s bound to become a family favorite!