Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread is a delightful treat that brings the warmth of homemade baking into your kitchen. This recipe creates soft, fluffy loaves perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter. Its versatility makes it suitable for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy breakfasts. The standout feature of this Amish bread is its easy preparation and comforting flavor, ensuring that anyone can enjoy fresh bread right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, baking Amish White Bread is accessible for everyone.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side with soups and salads.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sugar and flour makes this bread incredibly tasty and satisfying.
- Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home.
- Great for Sharing: Bake a couple of loaves to share with friends and family during gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking Amish White Bread, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rolling pin
- Loaf pans (9×5-inch)
- Kitchen towel
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to mix all ingredients without spilling.
- Loaf pans: Proper loaf pans help shape the bread perfectly during baking.
- Kitchen towel: Ideal for covering dough while it rises, keeping it warm and moist.
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, then stir in the yeast.
- Allow it to rise until the yeast forms a creamy foam.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Mix in the salt and oil into the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
Step 3: First Rise
- Transfer the dough to a well-oiled bowl.
- Twist the batter to coat it in oil.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
Step 4: Shape the Loaves
- Beat down the dough gently after rising.
- Knead for a few minutes and divide it into two equal halves.
- Shape each half into loaves and place them in two well-oiled 9×5-inch loaf molds.
Step 5: Second Rise
- Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes or until it has grown an inch past the molds.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees F).
- Bake your loaves for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
With these steps, you can enjoy delicious homemade Amish White Bread that will surely impress!
How to Serve Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread is not just delicious on its own; it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your bread experience.
With Butter and Jam
- Spread a generous layer of butter on warm slices and top with your favorite jam for a classic treat.
As Toast for Breakfast
- Toast slices of Amish White Bread for breakfast, adding toppings like avocado, eggs, or cinnamon sugar.
For Sandwiches
- Use this soft bread to create hearty sandwiches with deli meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables.
With Soups and Stews
- Serve alongside a bowl of your favorite soup or stew to soak up the flavors—perfect for chilly days.
As Garlic Bread
- Slice the bread, brush with garlic butter, and toast it in the oven for a delightful side dish.
In French Toast
- Dip thick slices in an egg mixture and cook them for a sweet breakfast treat that everyone will love.
How to Perfect Amish White Bread
To ensure your Amish White Bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Warm Water: Make sure the water is at the right temperature (110°F) to activate the yeast effectively.
- Knead Well: Kneading helps develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure. Aim for smooth dough after kneading.
- Let It Rise: Allowing the dough to rise until it doubles in size is crucial for light and airy bread.
- Preheat Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to achieve an even bake.
- Store Properly: Keep baked bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness and softness.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding herbs or cheese to the dough for extra flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread complements many side dishes. Here are some favorites that pair well together.
- Creamy Tomato Soup – A classic pairing that enhances the flavors of both dishes. Serve hot with freshly toasted slices.
- Caesar Salad – The crispness of romaine lettuce and creamy dressing contrasts nicely with soft bread.
- Chili – A hearty bowl of chili pairs perfectly, allowing you to scoop up each bite with your bread.
- Roasted Vegetables – Colorful roasted veggies add nutrition and flavor, making a balanced meal when served with bread.
- Mashed Potatoes – Fluffy mashed potatoes make a comforting side that can be enjoyed with chunks of warm bread.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – For extra indulgence, enjoy grilled cheese made from this soft bread—a delicious combination!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Amish White Bread can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.
- Using cold water: Always use warm water at the right temperature (110°F) to activate the yeast properly.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar; too much or too little can affect the dough’s texture.
- Skipping the first rise: Allow your dough to rise until it doubles in size for the best flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step.
- Over-kneading the dough: Knead until smooth but avoid excessive kneading, which can make the bread tough. Aim for about 8-10 minutes.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven to ensure even baking. An incorrect temperature can lead to unevenly baked bread.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Amish White Bread in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator.
- To prevent drying, wrap the bread in plastic wrap before placing it in a container.
Freezing Amish White Bread
- Slice the bread before freezing for easier thawing. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Wrap each loaf tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag.
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 plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm slices on a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side until toasted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amish White Bread?
Amish White Bread is a soft, fluffy bread known for its simple ingredients and comforting flavor. It’s perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?
While you can substitute whole wheat flour, it may change the texture. For best results, use half whole wheat and half white flour.
How do I know when my yeast is active?
Look for creamy foam on top of your mixture after mixing yeast with water and sugar. This indicates that your yeast is active and ready to use.
Can I make Amish White Bread in a bread machine?
Yes, you can! Follow your machine’s instructions using similar ingredient proportions. Just add them to the pan as directed by your specific model.
How long does homemade Amish White Bread last?
When stored properly, it can last up to one week at room temperature or longer if refrigerated or frozen.
Final Thoughts
Amish White Bread is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with butter, its comforting taste will surely satisfy your cravings. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding herbs, cheese, or even cinnamon for a delightful twist!
Amish White Bread
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 24 servings 1x
Description
Amish White Bread is a heartwarming staple that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. This easy-to-follow recipe yields soft, fluffy loaves perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with butter. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for any meal—from cozy breakfasts to family gatherings. With straightforward ingredients and steps, anyone can create this delightful bread at home, making it a cherished addition to your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup white sugar
- 2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 6 cups bread flour
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- Begin by dissolving the sugar in warm water and stirring in the yeast. Let it sit until foamy.
- Mix in the salt and oil, then gradually add flour one cup at a time, kneading until smooth.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Gently deflate the dough and divide it into two loaves. Shape and place them into greased loaf pans.
- Allow to rise again for about 30 minutes before baking in a preheated oven at 350°F 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 (30g)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
