Why Make This Recipe

Amish White Bread is a beloved staple in many households. Its soft texture and sweet flavor make it an excellent choice for sandwiches, toast, or simply smothered in butter. This recipe is simple enough for beginners and offers a warm, homemade touch that will make your kitchen feel like a cozy haven. Not only does it fill your home with an irresistible aroma, but it also allows for complete control over the ingredients, resulting in a wholesome loaf without preservatives. Whether you are baking for your family, a gathering, or just for yourself, this bread makes every moment special.

How to Make Amish White Bread

Making Amish White Bread is easier than you might think. By following a few straightforward steps, you can create a delicious loaf from scratch. Let’s look at the ingredients you’ll need first before diving into the preparation process.

Ingredients

To prepare your Amish White Bread, gather the following ingredients:

1 cup water (110°F)
1 pinch powdered ginger (optional – activates yeast)
1 cup milk (110°F)
2/3 cup sugar (you can use less)
1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil (coconut oil works really well here—melt it first and let it cool to 100°F! OR use melted butter)
5 1/2 cups bread flour (you may need a little more or a little less)
2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Directions

Follow these steps to make your Amish White Bread:

Conventional Method

Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water and a pinch of powdered ginger. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for about 10 minutes or until it becomes frothy.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, sugar, salt, and oil. Stir in the yeast mixture once it’s ready.
Add Flour: Gradually mix in the bread flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
First Rising: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough, then turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf.
Second Rising: Place the shaped loaf into a greased bread pan. Cover with a cloth and let it rise again until it doubles, about 30-45 minutes.
Preheat Oven: As the dough rises, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Bake the Bread: Once risen, bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Brush with Butter: Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the top with melted butter for a soft crust.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Hand Kneading

Follow the same process as the conventional method. The only difference is to knead the dough by hand on a floured surface rather than using a mixer.

Rising and Shaping

Make sure to give the dough ample time to rise. The warmth in your home can affect this; the dough should be in a draft-free area.

For a Soft Crust

As mentioned, brushing the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking will help to achieve a soft crust. You can also cover the loaf with a towel while it cools to maintain moisture.

Bread Machine Instructions

If you prefer using a bread machine, here’s how to adapt:

Add Ingredients: Place water, milk, sugar, and oil into the bread pan. Sprinkle the salt on top.
Add Yeast: Next, add the yeast (do not stir).
Add Flour: Add flour on top of the yeast until the water is no longer visible.
Select Cycle: Choose the dough cycle on your bread machine and start it.
Final Steps: Continue as directed in the conventional method after the dough cycle ends (shaping, rising, and baking).

How to Serve Amish White Bread

Amish White Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. You can slice it for sandwiches, toast it with butter or jam for breakfast, or serve it alongside soups and salads for dinner. It also makes an excellent base for garlic bread or bread pudding. The options are endless! Pair it with your favorite jams, cheeses, or meats and watch everyone rave about how delicious it is.

How to Store Amish White Bread

Storing your homemade bread properly ensures it stays fresh and delicious. Here are some handy tips:

Room Temperature: Store the bread in a cool, dry place in a plastic bag or a bread box. This will keep it soft for about 3-4 days.
Refrigeration: If you live in a very humid area, you might want to refrigerate it. However, note that refrigeration can dry out bread, so wrap it well in plastic before putting it in the fridge.
Freezing: For longer storage, slice the bread and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer bag, and it will last up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or toast slices straight from the freezer when you want to serve it.

Tips to Make Amish White Bread

Measure Correctly: Use a kitchen scale for the flour for precise measurement. Too much flour can lead to a dry loaf.
Temperature Matters: Ensure that your water and milk are at the right temperatures to activate the yeast effectively.
Don’t Skip the Kneading: Whether by hand or machine, kneading is crucial for gluten development, which gives the bread its structure.
Patience with Rising: Allow the dough to rise until it doubles. If temperatures are cooler in your home, be patient, as it might take longer.
Use Quality Ingredients: Use fresh yeast and high-quality ingredients for the best results.

Variation

Feel free to get creative with your Amish White Bread! Some fun variations include:

Add Herbs: Mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
Sweeten the Deal: Add cinnamon and raisins for a delightful cinnamon-raisin bread.
Cheesy Delight: Incorporate shredded cheese into the dough for an extra cheesy flavor.
Seeds and Nuts: Add seeds like sunflower or poppy seeds, or chopped nuts for a little crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute a portion of white flour with whole wheat flour. However, the texture may be denser.

2. Why did my bread not rise?
If the yeast is expired or the water temperature is too hot or too cold, it can prevent the dough from rising. Always check yeast freshness and the liquid temperature carefully.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can double the ingredients as long as your mixing bowl is large enough to handle the extra volume. Just make sure to also extend the rising time if needed.

By following these simple steps and tips, you can create a delightful loaf of Amish White Bread that your family and friends will love. Enjoy the process of baking and the warmth it brings to your home!