Description

Amish White Bread is the epitome of homemade comfort. With its soft texture, light crumb, and slightly sweet flavor, this bread is a versatile staple that can be used for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with a slather of butter. Known for its simplicity and ease of preparation, this recipe produces two loaves of delicious, fluffy bread that stay fresh for days. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, Amish White Bread is the perfect introduction to homemade bread baking, delivering professional-level results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 6 cups bread flour

Preparation Method

Activate the yeast
Start by dissolving the sugar in the warm water in a large mixing bowl. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step, known as proofing the yeast, ensures that your yeast is alive and active, which is essential for the bread to rise properly.

Mix the dough
After the yeast has proofed, stir in the salt and vegetable oil. Slowly begin adding the flour, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition. As the dough begins to come together, you may find it easier to switch from stirring with a spoon to using your hands. Continue adding flour until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl but is still slightly sticky to the touch.

Knead the dough
Once the dough is mixed, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. Kneading is a crucial step that helps develop the gluten in the dough, which gives the bread its soft and elastic texture. To knead, fold the dough over itself and push it down with the heels of your hands, turning it slightly after each fold. The dough should become smooth and elastic by the end of the kneading process.

Let the dough rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. The rise time can vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen, so be patient and allow the dough to fully expand.

Shape the loaves
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the excess air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide the dough into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a loaf by flattening the dough slightly and rolling it into a tight cylinder. Pinch the seams together and tuck the ends under to create a smooth, even loaf.

Second rise
Place the shaped loaves into two greased 9x5 inch loaf pans. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen about an inch above the rims of the pans. This second rise helps the bread achieve its final, fluffy texture.

Bake the bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the loaves have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can tent them with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

Cool and serve
Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This cooling period allows the bread to firm up, making it easier to slice without tearing.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:

For an extra touch of flavor and texture, brush the tops of the loaves with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. This will give the bread a soft, shiny crust and add a subtle buttery richness. Additionally, if you prefer a slightly less sweet bread, you can reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup without compromising the texture or rise of the bread.

Conclusion:

Amish White Bread is a simple, foolproof recipe that yields soft, delicious loaves perfect for any occasion. Whether you're making sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying a slice with butter, this bread offers a homemade warmth that’s hard to beat. The slightly sweet flavor and fluffy texture make it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, the recipe is easy to customize—feel free to experiment by adding herbs, seeds, or other flavorings to the dough for a unique twist. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, Amish White Bread is the perfect recipe for home bakers of all skill levels.