Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread is a delightful homemade bread that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its soft texture and subtly sweet flavor make it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. This bread is not only easy to make but also serves as a wonderful addition to family gatherings, holiday meals, or casual dinners. With its unique characteristics and versatility, Amish White Bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can succeed.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sugar and yeast creates a subtly sweet and satisfying taste that pairs well with any meal.
- Versatile Uses: Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or alongside soups and salads, this bread adapts to many occasions.
- Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bread, filling your home with a wonderful aroma.
- Freezes Well: You can easily store extra loaves in the freezer for later use without losing flavor or texture.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making Amish White Bread, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Loaf pans (9×5-inch)
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Kitchen towel
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows for easy combining of ingredients and sufficient space for the dough to rise.
- Loaf pans: Properly sized loaf pans help shape the bread while baking, ensuring even cooking and a nice crust.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- â…” cup white sugar
- 2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
- 1 آ½ teaspoons salt
- 6 cups bread flour
- آ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 آ½ 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 active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit until it forms a creamy foam on top, indicating that the yeast is activated.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Mix in the salt and vegetable oil into the yeast mixture. Gradually add in the bread flour, one cup at a time. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer the kneaded dough into a well-oiled bowl. Twist the dough around to coat it in oil. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise until its volume doubles, which takes about 1 hour.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
After the first rise, beat down the dough gently. Knead for a few minutes before dividing it in half. Shape each portion into loaves and place them into two well-oiled 9×5-inch loaf molds. Allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they have grown an inch past the rims of the molds.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees F). Once preheated, bake the loaves for approximately 30 minutes until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Enjoy your freshly baked Amish White Bread!
How to Serve Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread is a versatile and delicious loaf that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer it toasted, as a sandwich, or paired with a meal, this bread is sure to satisfy. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your homemade Amish White Bread.
Toasted with Butter
- A classic way to enjoy your bread is by toasting slices and spreading them with butter. The warm bread absorbs the melted butter for a delightful experience.
Sandwiches
- Use Amish White Bread as the base for your favorite sandwiches. Its soft texture holds fillings well, making it perfect for turkey, ham, or veggie sandwiches.
French Toast
- Transform slices of Amish White Bread into delicious French toast. Dip the slices in an egg mixture and cook them until golden brown for a sweet breakfast treat.
Bread Pudding
- Utilize leftover Amish White Bread by making a comforting bread pudding. Combine it with custard and bake until set for a delightful dessert.
Dipping in Soups
- Serve fresh slices of Amish White Bread alongside hearty soups. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up all the flavors.
With Jams or Jellies
- Spread your favorite jam or jelly on slices of Amish White Bread for a quick snack or breakfast option. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the bread’s richness.
How to Perfect Amish White Bread
Perfecting your Amish White Bread requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve the best results every time.
-
Use fresh yeast: Ensure that your active dry yeast is fresh for optimal rising. Old yeast may not activate properly, resulting in dense bread.
-
Check water temperature: Warm water should be around 110 degrees F (45 degrees C). Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold may not activate it effectively.
-
Knead thoroughly: Kneading develops gluten, which gives your bread structure. Aim for about 10 minutes of kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
-
Let rise properly: Allowing the dough to rise until it doubles in size is crucial for light and airy bread. Make sure it’s covered to prevent drying out.
Best Side Dishes for Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some great options to consider when planning your meal.
- Creamy Tomato Soup: This classic pairing adds richness that complements the soft texture of the bread.
- Garden Salad: Fresh greens tossed with a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the dense bread.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized make for a flavorful side that balances well with bread.
- Chili: A hearty bowl of chili can be perfectly sopped up with slices of Amish White Bread, adding warmth to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: These colorful peppers filled with rice and meat make an excellent main dish alongside slathered bread.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a comforting side that pairs nicely with soft slices of bread.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the soft doughiness of the bread.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Elevate your cheese game by pairing grilled cheese made from this lovely loaf with tomato soup or salad!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Amish White Bread can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to avoid.
- Incorrect water temperature – Using water that is too hot or too cold can kill the yeast. Ensure your water is warm (about 110 degrees F) for the best rise.
- Not kneading enough – Insufficient kneading will result in dense bread. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for a better texture.
- Skipping the first rise – Failing to let the dough rise properly can lead to heavy loaves. Always allow the dough to double in size for light, fluffy bread.
- Overcrowding the loaf pans – Placing too much dough in a loaf pan can prevent proper baking. Divide your dough into two well-oiled pans for even cooking.
- Ignoring baking time – Not monitoring your baking time can leave you with undercooked or overcooked bread. Check for a golden-brown crust and ensure it bounces back when lightly pressed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Amish White Bread in an airtight container.
- It stays fresh in the fridge for up to one week.
Freezing Amish White Bread
- Wrap slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
- Frozen bread maintains quality for up to three months.
Reheating Amish White Bread
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the bread for about 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil.
- Microwave – Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate; heat for 10-15 seconds on high, checking regularly.
- Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat; toast each side until warmed through and slightly crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Amish White Bread.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour for Amish White Bread?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may differ slightly. Bread flour gives a better rise due to its higher protein content.
How do I make Amish White Bread using a bread machine?
To use a bread machine, add ingredients in the order specified by your machine’s instructions. Select the basic cycle and enjoy homemade bread!
What makes Amish White Bread different from other breads?
Amish White Bread is known for its soft texture and sweet flavor. The combination of sugar and oil creates a unique taste that is comforting.
How long does it take to make Amish White Bread from start to finish?
From mixing ingredients to cooling, you should allow about 2-3 hours for preparation and baking.
Final Thoughts
Amish White Bread is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with herbs or spices, or even add cheese or nuts for added flavor. This recipe offers warmth and joy with every slice—perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying with butter. Give it a try and savor the delightful experience!
Amish White Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Amish White Bread is a warm, comforting loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. With its soft texture and subtly sweet flavor, it’s ideal for sandwiches, toasting with butter, or enjoying alongside soups and salads. This easy homemade recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want to savor freshly baked bread at home, Amish White Bread will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Its delightful aroma will fill your home, and the taste will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 6 cups bread flour
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1½ tablespoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture by dissolving sugar in warm water and stirring in the yeast. Let it sit until foamy.
- Combine salt and vegetable oil into the yeast mixture, then gradually mix in the bread flour until incorporated. Knead on a floured surface until smooth.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- After rising, punch down the dough, divide it into two portions, shape into loaves, place in greased pans, and let rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake loaves 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 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
