Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread is a delightful, soft bread that brings the comforting essence of homemade goodness to your kitchen. Its slightly sweet flavor and fluffy texture make it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for an everyday loaf, this bread is versatile and easy to make. Bake it fresh and enjoy the warm aroma that fills your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this delicious bread.
- Flavorful Delight: The combination of sugar and bread flour creates a subtly sweet taste that appeals to everyone.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for sandwiches, breakfast toast, or enjoying on its own with a bit of jam.
- Homemade Aroma: The smell of baking bread will fill your home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Family Favorite: This recipe is likely to become a staple in your household, loved by both kids and adults.
Tools and Preparation
To make Amish White Bread successfully, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. These items will help you efficiently prepare and bake your delicious loaves.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Dough scraper
- 9×5-inch loaf pans
- Kitchen towel
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl provides ample space for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Dough scraper: Helps in kneading and dividing dough easily without sticking.
- 9×5-inch loaf pans: Ensures your bread bakes evenly and retains its shape during the rise.
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 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 warm water.
- Stir in the yeast, allowing it to sit until it forms a creamy foam—this usually takes about 5–10 minutes.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Mix in the salt and vegetable oil into the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add in the bread flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead until smooth, which should take about 8–10 minutes.
- Place the dough into a well-oiled bowl and twist it to coat all sides with oil.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise until doubled in size—about 1 hour.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
- Once doubled, punch down the dough gently.
- Knead for another few minutes before dividing it in half.
- Shape each half into loaves and place them into two well-oiled 9×5-inch loaf pans.
- Allow the loaves to rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they grow an inch above the molds.
Step 5: Bake Your Loaves
- Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees F).
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Let cool before slicing for best texture.
Now you’re ready to enjoy freshly baked Amish White Bread!
How to Serve Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread is a versatile staple that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you are having it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there are numerous serving options to elevate your meal.
Toasted with Jam
- Spread your favorite jam or preserves on warm, toasted slices of Amish White Bread for a sweet treat.
Sandwiches
- Use slices of this soft bread to make delicious sandwiches filled with meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables for a satisfying lunch.
French Toast
- Dip slices of Amish White Bread in an egg mixture and cook them on a skillet for a delightful breakfast option.
Served with Soup
- Pair warm slices alongside your favorite soup to enhance the flavors and provide a comforting meal.
Garlic Bread
- Top slices with butter and garlic before baking to create a tasty garlic bread perfect for any Italian dish.
Croutons
- Cube stale Amish White Bread, season it, and bake until crispy for homemade croutons that add crunch to salads.
How to Perfect Amish White Bread
To achieve the best results with your Amish White Bread, follow these helpful tips.
- Use fresh yeast: Ensure your active dry yeast is not expired for optimal rising and fluffiness.
- Measure flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can make the bread dense.
- Knead properly: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic; this helps develop gluten for a better texture.
- Allow proper rising time: Be patient during the rising stages; this will significantly improve flavor and texture.
- Check oven temperature: An accurate oven temperature is crucial for even baking. Use an oven thermometer if necessary.
- Cool completely before slicing: Let the bread cool fully on a wire rack before slicing to maintain its structure.
Best Side Dishes for Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider when planning your meal.
- Creamy Tomato Soup: A classic pairing that complements the softness of the bread beautifully.
- Garden Salad: Fresh greens tossed with vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast.
- Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans balances well with the savory flavors of the bread.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide color and nutrition alongside your bread.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad adds richness that matches perfectly with slices of bread.
- Cheesy Broccoli Casserole: This hearty dish makes a filling companion to your fresh Amish White Bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Amish White Bread can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Using cold water: Cold water can kill the yeast, preventing the bread from rising. Always use warm water around 110 degrees F.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much or too little flour can change the dough’s texture. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurement.
- Skipping the kneading step: Kneading develops gluten, which gives bread its structure. Don’t skip this vital step; knead until smooth.
- Not allowing enough rising time: Rushing through the rise can lead to dense bread. Allow the dough to double in size for best results.
- Overbaking or underbaking: Baking time is crucial. Check for a golden-brown crust and a hollow sound when tapping the bottom of the loaf.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Amish White Bread in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
Freezing Amish White Bread
- Wrap loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for optimal freshness.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; label with the date for reference.
Reheating Amish White Bread
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, about 10 seconds at a time.
- Stovetop: Toast slices in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown, adding butter if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Amish White Bread.
What makes Amish White Bread different?
Amish White Bread is known for its soft texture and sweet flavor, making it perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Can I make Amish White Bread using a bread machine?
Yes, you can use a bread machine. Just follow the instructions provided by your machine’s manual while using our recipe as a guide.
How do I know when my bread is done baking?
Your bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I customize my Amish White Bread?
Absolutely! You can add herbs, cheese, or even nuts to create your own unique version of this classic recipe.
How should I store leftover Amish White Bread?
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.
Final Thoughts
Amish White Bread is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and easy to make. With options to customize and perfect, this recipe will surely become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted with butter, give it a try!
Amish White Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Amish White Bread is the epitome of homemade comfort, boasting a soft, fluffy texture with a hint of sweetness. This versatile bread is perfect for crafting delightful sandwiches, toasting for breakfast, or simply enjoying with butter and jam. Easy to prepare, this recipe is ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking to fill their homes with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or need an everyday loaf, Amish White Bread will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and stir in yeast. Let it sit until foamy (5-10 minutes).
- Mix in salt and vegetable oil. Gradually add bread flour, mixing until fully combined.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Punch down the dough; divide it in half, shape into loaves, and place in greased loaf pans. Allow to rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake loaves for about 30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
