Amish White Bread Recipe
Amish white bread is a delightful homemade treat that rivals store-bought options. Its soft, tender texture and rich flavor make it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. This Amish White Bread Recipe is not only easy to follow but also yields loaves that freeze well, ensuring you always have fresh bread on hand. Whether it’s for family dinners, special occasions, or everyday meals, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe is perfect for beginners.
- Versatile Uses: Enjoy this bread as sandwich bread, toast it for breakfast, or savor it with soups and salads.
- Freezes Beautifully: Bake extra loaves and store them in your freezer for quick access whenever you need fresh bread.
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: The unique combination of ingredients creates a light and airy loaf that everyone will love.
- Family Favorite: With its delightful taste and texture, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your home.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having the right equipment makes all the difference when making this Amish white bread.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Dough hook (optional)
- Baking pan
- Clean kitchen towel
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl helps combine ingredients thoroughly without mess.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for consistent results in baking.
- Baking pan: A good-quality baking pan ensures even cooking and browning.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup water (110F)
- 1 pinch powdered ginger (optional – activates yeast)
- 1 cup milk (110F)
- 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 (or melted butter)
- 5-1/2 cups bread flour (you may need a little more or a little less)
For Finishing
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
How to Make Amish White Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
Start by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Allow it to sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the warm milk and vegetable oil. Once combined, add this mixture to the yeast mixture.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Using your hands or a dough hook, knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic—about 8–10 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually until it reaches the desired consistency.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1 hour.
Step 6: Shape Loaves
Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Divide it into two equal portions and shape each portion into a loaf.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place shaped loaves into greased baking pans. Cover again with a towel and let them rise until they double in size—approximately 30 minutes.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake loaves for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Brush with melted butter after removing from the oven if desired.
Enjoy your freshly baked Amish White Bread, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Amish White Bread Recipe
Amish white bread is versatile and delicious, making it a perfect companion for various meals. Whether you enjoy it plain or with toppings, there are countless ways to serve this delightful bread.
Toasted with Butter
- Spread a generous amount of butter on warm slices for a classic treat. The butter melts into the soft bread, creating a comforting snack.
Sandwiches
- Use this bread for sandwiches filled with your favorite ingredients. Its soft texture holds up well to meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
French Toast
- Transform leftover slices into French toast. Dip them in an egg mixture and cook until golden brown for a sweet breakfast option.
Garlic Bread
- Make easy garlic bread by spreading butter mixed with garlic on slices and toasting until crispy. This pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes.
Bread Pudding
- Use stale Amish white bread in a rich bread pudding recipe. Combine it with eggs, milk, and your favorite spices for a delightful dessert.
Sliders
- Create mini sliders using small rounds of this bread. Fill them with pulled pork or chicken for a fun party snack.
How to Perfect Amish White Bread Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Amish white bread recipe, consider these handy tips. They will help ensure that your bread turns out perfectly every time.
- Use warm liquids: Ensure that both the water and milk are at about 110°F. This temperature helps activate the yeast effectively.
- Knead thoroughly: Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes. This builds gluten, giving the bread its structure and chewy texture.
- Let it rise properly: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This can take about 1-2 hours depending on conditions.
- Check the oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly before baking. An accurate temperature ensures an even bake.
- Cool completely: After baking, let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. This helps maintain its moisture and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Amish White Bread Recipe
Pairing side dishes with Amish white bread can elevate any meal. Here are some delicious options that complement its flavor perfectly.
- Creamy Tomato Soup – A classic pairing that balances the softness of the bread with rich flavors.
- Chili – Hearty chili makes for a filling meal when served alongside slices of this fluffy bread.
- Green Salad – A fresh mixed green salad adds crunch and complements the soft texture of the bread.
- Roasted Vegetables – Serve roasted seasonal vegetables for a nutritious side that pairs well with sandwiches made from this bread.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides contrast to sweet sandwiches or sliders made from Amish white bread.
- Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad is always a hit during gatherings, making it an excellent side dish choice.
- Stuffed Peppers – Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa add heartiness to your meal when served alongside slices of this delicious bread.
- Deviled Eggs – These savory bites make for a perfect appetizer that pairs nicely when enjoying sandwiches made from your homemade loaf of Amish white bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Amish white bread can be straightforward, but it’s easy to make mistakes along the way. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skip the proofing step: Not allowing the yeast to activate can lead to dense bread. Always proof yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar before starting.
- Ignore temperature: Using cold ingredients can hinder yeast activity. Make sure your water and milk are at 110°F for optimal results.
- Rush the kneading process: Under-kneading can result in a crumbly texture. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
- Over-flour your dough: Adding too much flour can lead to dry bread. Start with less and only add more if needed for handling.
- Skip resting times: Not allowing the dough to rise properly can affect flavor and texture. Be patient and let it rise until doubled in size.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Amish white bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Use plastic wrap or a zip-top bag to keep it fresh.
Freezing Amish White Bread Recipe
- Wrap loaves tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with dates for easy tracking.
Reheating Amish White Bread Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, wrap bread in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes per side until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Amish white bread recipe.
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 white flour?
Yes! You can substitute some of the bread flour with whole wheat flour, but start with half and adjust as needed.
How do I know when my bread is done baking?
The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 190°F indicates it’s fully baked.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk, ensuring they are warmed appropriately.
Final Thoughts
This Amish white bread recipe is not only delightful but also incredibly versatile. Enjoy it fresh or freeze it for later use! Feel free to customize it by adding herbs, cheese, or even nuts for added flavor and texture. You won’t regret trying this comforting homemade treat!
Amish White Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 slices 1x
Description
Amish white bread is an iconic homemade delight that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Known for its soft, tender texture and slightly sweet flavor, this easy-to-make bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter. The recipe yields fluffy loaves that freeze beautifully, ensuring you always have fresh bread at hand. Whether it’s for family gatherings, special occasions, or an everyday meal, this Amish White Bread Recipe is sure to become a cherished staple in your home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 5–1/2 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for finishing)
Instructions
- Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl; let sit until frothy (5–10 minutes).
- In another bowl, mix warm milk and vegetable oil; add to the yeast mixture once combined.
- Whisk flour and salt in a separate bowl; gradually add to wet ingredients.
- Knead the dough by hand or using a dough hook until smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes).
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Punch down the risen dough; divide into two loaves and shape them.
- Place shaped loaves into greased pans; cover and let rise again until doubled (about 30 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (28g)
- Calories: 79
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 114mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: <0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
