Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread is a classic, homemade delight that brings comfort to any meal. This bread features a soft, tender crumb and a slightly sweet flavor, making it perfect for sandwiches or toasted with butter. Its straightforward preparation makes it suitable for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re enjoying it at breakfast with jam or as a side to your favorite soup, Amish White Bread is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the bread-making process, allowing anyone to create their own delicious loaves at home.
- Perfectly Soft Texture: The combination of ingredients results in a light and fluffy bread that’s irresistible fresh from the oven.
- Versatile Use: Enjoy this bread for sandwiches, toast, or even as a base for your favorite pizza recipe!
- Family Favorite: With its mild sweetness and fluffy texture, it’s sure to become a staple in your household.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Dough kneading surface
- 9×5-inch loaf pans
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows plenty of space for mixing and rising without spilling.
- Dough kneading surface: A clean, flat surface helps achieve the perfect dough consistency through proper kneading.
- Loaf pans: These pans shape the bread while baking, ensuring even cooking and a nice presentation.
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, then let it rise until it forms a creamy foam on top, about 5–10 minutes.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Mix in the salt and vegetable oil into the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add the bread 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 dough in the bowl to coat it with oil.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in size, around 1 hour.
Step 4: Shape the Loaves
- Once risen, beat 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 them to rise for another 30 minutes or until they have grown an inch past the molds.
Step 5: Bake Your Bread
- Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees F).
- Bake the loaves for approximately 30 minutes until golden brown on top.
Enjoy your homemade Amish White Bread fresh out of the oven!
How to Serve Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you’re having it as a side or using it for a main dish, here are some tasty serving suggestions.
Toasted with Butter
- Crisp the slices in a toaster or on a skillet and spread with softened butter for a warm treat.
Sandwiches
- Make classic sandwiches using deli meats and cheeses. The soft texture of the bread complements any filling beautifully.
French Toast
- Dip slices in an egg mixture and cook them on a skillet for delicious French toast topped with syrup or fruit.
Garlic Bread
- Spread garlic butter on slices and bake until golden brown for an easy and flavorful side dish.
Bread Pudding
- Use leftover bread to create a sweet bread pudding dessert, adding raisins or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
With Soup
- Serve warm slices alongside your favorite soup to soak up all the delicious broth.
How to Perfect Amish White Bread
Perfecting your Amish White Bread takes just a few tips to ensure it turns out fluffy and delicious every time.
- Use warm water: Ensure the water is at the right temperature (110°F) to activate the yeast effectively.
- Knead thoroughly: Kneading develops gluten, giving your bread structure. Aim for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Let it rise properly: Allow the dough to double in size during the first rise for optimal fluffiness.
- Check oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly to avoid underbaking or overbaking.
- Don’t skip the second rise: Letting the shaped loaves rise again before baking gives them a light texture.
- Cool completely before slicing: This helps maintain the bread’s structure and prevents it from becoming gummy.
Best Side Dishes for Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread pairs wonderfully with numerous side dishes. Here’s a list of options that complement its flavors perfectly:
- Creamy Tomato Soup – A classic combination that enhances the flavor of both the soup and bread.
- Mixed Green Salad – Fresh greens add crunch and balance, making for a delightful meal.
- Stuffed Peppers – Flavorful stuffed peppers provide a hearty option alongside your bread.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the soft texture of the bread.
- Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad serves as a filling side that pairs well with sandwiches made from Amish White Bread.
- Chili – A warm bowl of chili is perfect for dipping slices of bread into, enhancing both dishes’ flavors.
- Baked Beans – Sweet and savory baked beans complement the subtle sweetness of Amish White Bread perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Amish White Bread can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some common errors to watch out for.
- Using cold water – Cold water can prevent the yeast from activating properly. Always use warm water around 110 degrees F to help the yeast do its job.
- Not letting the dough rise enough – Skipping the rising time can lead to dense bread. Allow the dough to double in size for the best texture.
- Over-kneading the dough – Kneading too much can make the bread tough. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough without overworking it.
- Ignoring proper measurements – Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise quantities.
- Baking at the wrong temperature – An incorrect oven temperature can affect baking time and texture. Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep moisture in.
- Amish White Bread will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Amish White Bread
- Wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Frozen Amish White Bread can last up to 3 months.
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 until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 15-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat. Toast slices for 1-2 minutes on each side until warm and slightly crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Amish White Bread that may help you along your baking journey.
What makes Amish White Bread different?
Amish White Bread is known for its soft texture and slightly sweet flavor, making it perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture. Consider mixing half white and half whole wheat for better results.
How do I know when my bread is done?
The bread should be golden brown on top, and when tapped on the bottom, it should sound hollow. A thermometer inserted should read around 190°F (88°C).
Is there an easy way to make Amish White Bread?
Yes! Using a bread machine is an excellent option if you’re looking for simple preparation with delicious results. Just add ingredients in order and let it do all the work!
Final Thoughts
Amish White Bread is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it fresh or customize it with herbs, spices, or even cheese. Give this recipe a try; you might just find your new favorite bread!
Amish White Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings (loaf of bread) 1x
Description
Amish White Bread is a delightful homemade treat that adds warmth and comfort to any meal. With its soft, tender crumb and hint of sweetness, this bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast with butter, or even as a base for your favorite dish. The recipe is straightforward enough for novice bakers while being satisfying for the experienced ones. Enjoy it fresh at breakfast with jam or alongside your favorite soup—the versatility of Amish White Bread ensures it will quickly become a family favorite.
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
- In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and stir in the yeast. Let it foam for 5–10 minutes.
- Mix in salt and vegetable oil, then gradually add bread 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 in size (about 1 hour).
- Shape into loaves and place them in greased loaf pans, allowing them to rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for approximately 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: <1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
