Amish White Bread is a beloved staple that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This soft, fluffy bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it an ideal choice for both novice bakers and experienced cooks. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, Amish White Bread will surely delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sugar and yeast creates a subtly sweet flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, this recipe is perfect for beginners looking to try their hand at baking.
- Versatile Uses: Enjoy it as sandwich bread, toast it for breakfast, or serve it alongside soups and salads.
- Homemade Aroma: Baking this bread fills your home with an irresistible scent that everyone will love.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe yields two loaves, making it easy to share with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin your baking journey, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Dough scraper
- Loaf pans (9×5 inches)
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all your ingredients without making a mess.
- Loaf pans: Proper-sized pans ensure that your bread rises correctly and bakes evenly.
Ingredients
To make this delightful Amish White Bread, you will need the following 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 warm water. Stir in the yeast and let it rise until the yeast forms a creamy foam on top. 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 cup by cup. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Transfer the dough to a well-oiled bowl. Twist the batter to coat it in oil, then cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise until its volume doubles, which should take about an hour.
Step 4: Shape the Loaves
After rising, beat down the dough gently. Knead for a few minutes before dividing it in half. Shape each portion into loaves and place them into two well-oiled loaf molds.
Step 5: Final Rise
Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes or until it has grown an inch past the tops of your molds.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees F). Bake the loaves for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Enjoy your homemade Amish White Bread fresh from the oven!
How to Serve Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread is a versatile and delicious option that can enhance any meal. Whether you enjoy it warm with butter or as part of a sandwich, there are countless ways to serve this delightful bread.
Classic Butter and Jam
- Spread a generous layer of butter on warm slices and top with your favorite fruit jam for a sweet treat.
Toasted with Garlic
- Brush slices with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder, and toast until golden for a flavorful accompaniment to pasta dishes.
Sandwich Delight
- Use sliced Amish White Bread to create hearty sandwiches filled with meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies for lunch or dinner.
French Toast Twist
- Dip slices in an egg mixture and cook on a griddle to make delicious French toast, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Bread Pudding Base
- Cube leftover bread and mix it into a custard for a comforting dessert that highlights the bread’s soft texture.
Grilled Cheese Favorite
- The fluffy interior of Amish White Bread makes it ideal for melty grilled cheese sandwiches, offering the perfect bite every time.
How to Perfect Amish White Bread
Perfecting your Amish White Bread can elevate your baking skills. With just a few tips, you can ensure that your bread turns out consistently delicious every time.
- Use warm water: Ensure the water temperature is around 110 degrees F; too hot may kill the yeast, while too cold won’t activate it effectively.
- Knead thoroughly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this develops gluten, giving your bread its wonderful texture.
- Let it rise properly: Allow the dough to double in size during both rising phases. This step is crucial for achieving light and fluffy bread.
- Preheat your oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the loaves inside to ensure even baking and proper crust formation.
Best Side Dishes for Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread pairs well with various side dishes that complement its soft texture and flavor. Here are some great options to consider:
- Vegetable Soup: A hearty vegetable soup provides warmth and is perfect for dipping bread into.
- Garden Salad: Fresh greens topped with vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the bread.
- Chili: A bowl of spicy chili pairs wonderfully with soft bread to soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad adds richness and works well as a side dish at picnics or barbecues.
- Steamed Veggies: Lightly seasoned steamed vegetables add color and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
- Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish filled with fresh vegetables complements the bread nicely for a balanced meal.
- Baked Beans: The sweet and savory notes of baked beans create a fantastic pairing with toasted Amish White Bread.
- Egg Salad: Smooth egg salad spread on slices makes for an easy yet satisfying side or light lunch option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home bakers encounter challenges when making Amish White Bread. Here are some common mistakes to help you achieve the perfect loaf.
- Using cold water: Cold water can prevent the yeast from activating properly. Always use warm water (around 110°F) to ensure a good rise.
- Not kneading enough: Insufficient kneading can lead to dense bread. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for the best texture.
- Ignoring rising times: Skipping or shortening the rise time can affect your bread’s fluffiness. Allow the dough to double in size for optimal results.
- Overbaking: Baking too long can dry out your bread. Keep an eye on it and remove it once it’s golden brown.
- Inaccurate measurements: Baking is a science, so measure ingredients precisely. Use a kitchen scale if possible for accuracy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Amish White Bread in an airtight container.
- It stays fresh for about 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Amish White Bread
- Wrap slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating Amish White Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bread wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 10-15 seconds per slice.
- Stovetop: Toast slices on medium heat in a skillet until golden brown.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Amish White Bread, you’re not alone. Here are some common queries answered.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may alter the texture. Consider using half whole wheat and half bread flour for better results.
How do I know when my Amish White Bread is done baking?
The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check that it has reached an internal temperature of around 190°F (88°C).
What can I add to customize my Amish White Bread?
Feel free to mix in herbs, cheese, or even nuts and seeds to create variations that suit your taste preferences.
How do I store leftover Amish White Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
Amish White Bread is not only delicious but also versatile. Its soft texture makes it perfect for sandwiches or as a side dish for soups and salads. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make this recipe your own!
Amish White Bread
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 slices 1x
Description
Amish White Bread is a timeless recipe that embodies comfort and warmth, making it the perfect addition to any meal. This soft and fluffy bread is ideal for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter. With straightforward preparation and simple ingredients, it’s accessible for novice bakers while still satisfying seasoned cooks. Whether you’re hosting family gatherings or enjoying quiet evenings at home, Amish White Bread is sure to impress with its delightful aroma and taste.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup white sugar
- 2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 6 cups bread flour
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1½ tablespoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Stir in the yeast and let it foam for 5-10 minutes.
- Mix in salt and vegetable oil, then gradually add bread flour until fully combined. Knead on a floured surface until smooth.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until double in size (about 1 hour).
- Gently beat down the dough, divide it in half, shape into loaves, and place in greased loaf pans.
- Allow to rise again for 30 minutes until dough rises above pans.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 136mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
