Best Amish White Bread

Best Amish White Bread 🍞🥖

This Amish White Bread is a soft, pillowy loaf with a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a texture so light it practically melts in your mouth. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter, this bread is a timeless classic that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll feel like a professional baker in no time!

Let’s dive into how to make this amazing Amish White Bread step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Soft & Fluffy : The perfect texture for sandwiches, toast, or snacking.
2. Simple Ingredients : Made with pantry staples like flour, yeast, sugar, and oil.
3. Versatile : Use it for sandwiches, French toast, bread pudding, or just as-is.
4. Homemade Goodness : Nothing beats the smell of fresh-baked bread filling your home.
5. Perfect for Beginners : Easy-to-follow steps make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.

Ingredients

(Makes 2 loaves)

• 2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C ) 🥛
• 2/3 cup white sugar 🍬
• 1½ tablespoons active dry yeast 🌾
• 1½ teaspoons salt 🧂
• ¼ cup vegetable oil 🫒
• 6 cups bread flour , plus extra for dusting 🥣

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water , white sugar , and active dry yeast . Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes , or until frothy.
   • Tip : If the yeast doesn’t foam, check the temperature of your water—it should be warm but not hot.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. Add the salt , vegetable oil , and 3 cups of bread flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
2. Gradually add the remaining 3 cups of bread flour , one cup at a time, stirring after each addition. The dough will start to pull away from the sides of the bowl and form a shaggy mass.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes , or until smooth and elastic.
   • Alternative : Use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5–7 minutes.
   • Tip : Add a little extra flour (1 tablespoon at a time) if the dough is too sticky, but avoid over-flouring.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

1. Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat it with oil.
2. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 hour , or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Loaves

1. Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles.
2. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions . Shape each portion into a loaf by rolling it into a rectangle, then tightly rolling it up jelly-roll style. Pinch the seams to seal.
3. Place the shaped loaves into greased 9×5-inch loaf pans .

Step 6: Let the Loaves Rise Again

1. Cover the loaf pans with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for 30–45 minutes , or until the dough rises about 1 inch above the rim of the pans .

Step 7: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Bake the loaves for 30–35 minutes , or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
   • Tip : To test for doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of a loaf—it should read 190°F (88°C) .

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the loaves from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
2. Slice and enjoy with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.

Tips for Success

1. Use Bread Flour : Bread flour has more protein than all-purpose flour, which helps create a chewier texture and better structure.
2. Don’t Skip the Second Rise : Allowing the dough to rise twice ensures a lighter, airier loaf.
3. Store Properly : Keep the bread in a plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days . Freeze slices for longer storage.
4. Make Rolls : Divide the dough into smaller portions and shape into dinner rolls for a fun twist. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes .
5. Add Flavor Variations : Stir in herbs, seeds, or cinnamon and raisins to customize the bread for savory or sweet applications.

Perfect Pairings

This Amish White Bread pairs beautifully with:

• Butter & Jam : Spread with creamy butter or your favorite fruit preserves for a simple treat.
• Soups & Stews : Serve alongside hearty soups, chowders, or stews for a comforting meal.
• Sandwiches : Use it as the base for turkey, ham, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
• French Toast : Transform leftover slices into decadent French toast for breakfast.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approx.)

(Based on 20 slices per loaf)

• Calories : ~150 kcal
• Protein : ~4g
• Carbohydrates : ~30g
• Fat : ~2g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Amish White Bread is a soft, fluffy, and versatile loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re using it for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying it fresh from the oven, this bread delivers on taste and texture. The combination of simple ingredients and easy techniques makes it accessible for bakers of all levels.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the flavors, or pair it with different toppings to make it your own. So grab your flour, knead that dough, and get ready to enjoy a loaf that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.