Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread is a classic delight that brings the warmth of homemade goodness to your kitchen. This soft, fluffy bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter. Its simplicity and rich flavor make it a favorite for family dinners or holiday gatherings. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have fresh bread that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The straightforward steps ensure anyone can bake this bread with little effort.
- Delicious Flavor: Its slightly sweet taste complements any meal and makes it perfect for breakfast or snacks.
- Versatile Uses: Enjoy it as sandwich bread, toast, or even for French toast; the possibilities are endless!
- Perfectly Soft Texture: The bread’s fluffy interior makes each slice irresistible and delightful.
- Homemade Aroma: Baking this bread fills your home with an amazing smell that no store-bought loaf can replicate.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on making Amish White Bread, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Dough scraper
- Loaf pans (9×5-inch)
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows enough space for the dough to rise without spilling over.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
- Dough scraper: This tool helps in kneading and shaping your dough effectively without sticking.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- ⅔ cup white sugar
- 2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 6 cups bread flour
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ 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 yeast gently. Let it sit until it forms a creamy foam, which indicates that the yeast is activated.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Once the yeast mixture is ready:
1. Mix in the salt and oil.
2. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s smooth.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
After kneading:
1. Transfer the dough to a well-oiled bowl.
2. Twist the dough to coat it in oil.
3. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
Once risen:
1. Punch down the dough gently.
2. Knead briefly and divide it into two equal parts.
3. Shape each part into loaves and place them in two well-oiled loaf pans.
4. Allow them to rise for another 30 minutes or until they are an inch above the molds.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees F). Bake both loaves for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top and they sound hollow when tapped. Enjoy your freshly baked Amish White Bread!
How to Serve Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread is a versatile delight that can complement various meals. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted, this bread offers many serving options that enhance its flavor and texture.
With Butter and Jam
- Spread a generous pat of butter on warm slices, followed by your favorite jam for a sweet treat.
As Sandwiches
- Use slices of Amish White Bread to create hearty sandwiches filled with deli meats, cheese, and fresh veggies.
For French Toast
- Dip thick slices in an egg mixture and cook on a skillet for delicious French toast topped with syrup or fruit.
With Soup
- Serve warm slices alongside a bowl of hearty soup for a comforting meal.
Toasted with Garlic
- Brush slices with garlic butter and toast until golden for a tasty garlic bread option.
As Croutons
- Cube stale bread, season, and bake until crispy to create homemade croutons for salads or soups.
How to Perfect Amish White Bread
Perfecting Amish White Bread takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results every time you bake.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your yeast is active by checking the expiration date; fresh ingredients lead to better rising.
- Knead properly: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, which ensures a good texture in the finished loaf.
- Control water temperature: Warm water should be around 110 degrees F (45 degrees C) for optimal yeast activation.
- Let it rise: Allow the dough sufficient time to rise; patience is key to achieving that fluffy texture.
- Preheat your oven: Make sure your oven is preheated before baking; this helps the bread rise properly while cooking.
- Cool before slicing: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.
Best Side Dishes for Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread pairs well with various side dishes that can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Vegetable Soup – A warm bowl of vegetable soup complements the bread perfectly.
- Chili – Hearty chili provides robust flavors that pair well with soft slices of bread.
- Salad – A fresh garden salad adds crunch and nutrition alongside this soft bread.
- Roasted Chicken – Juicy roasted chicken makes a filling meal when served with Amish White Bread.
- Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese creates a comforting combination with buttery slices of bread.
- Steamed Broccoli – Simple steamed broccoli offers a healthy contrast to the richness of the bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Amish White Bread can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
- Using cold water: Cold water will not activate the yeast properly. Always use warm water around 110 degrees F for best results.
- Not allowing enough rise time: If you rush the rising process, your bread won’t have the right texture. Let it double in size as directed.
- Over-kneading or under-kneading: Kneading too much can make the bread tough, while too little won’t develop gluten. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough.
- Skipping the oil: Oil adds moisture and flavor. Skipping it may result in dry bread, so ensure you include it in your recipe.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven accurately to 350 degrees F.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing Amish White Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Amish White Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees F and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat sliced pieces for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Amish White Bread that might help you.
How do I make Amish White Bread softer?
To achieve softer bread, ensure you add enough oil and don’t over-knead the dough.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but using whole wheat flour will change the texture and density of your Amish White Bread. You may need to adjust the water accordingly.
What can I add to my Amish White Bread?
You can customize your bread by adding herbs, cheese, or even nuts for extra flavor and texture.
How long does Amish White Bread last?
When stored correctly, this bread lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months if frozen.
Final Thoughts
Amish White Bread is not just simple; it’s also versatile and comforting. You can enjoy it plain or customize it with various ingredients. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s perfect for sandwiches or as an accompaniment to meals!
Amish White Bread
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings (24 slices) 1x
Description
Amish White Bread is a beloved staple that brings the essence of homemade baking right into your kitchen. This soft and fluffy bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter. Its subtle sweetness and rich flavor make it a go-to choice for family meals and special occasions. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create delicious loaves that impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup white sugar
- 2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 6 cups bread flour
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and gently stir in the yeast. Allow it to sit until creamy foam forms.
- Mix in salt and oil, then gradually add flour one cup at a time, kneading until smooth.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Punch down, divide into two loaves, shape them, and place them in oiled loaf pans. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
