Amish White Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful homemade bread that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen, then this Amish White Bread Recipe is just what you need! There’s something incredibly satisfying about the smell of fresh bread baking. This recipe has become a staple in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone enjoys a slice of soft, fluffy goodness. It’s so versatile; whether you’re making sandwiches for lunch or serving it warm with butter at dinner, this bread always steals the show!

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to prepare. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to achieve that bakery-quality loaf. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can always have some on hand for those unexpected snack attacks or last-minute gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying homemade bread in no time!
• Family favorite: The soft texture and slightly sweet flavor make it a hit with kids and adults alike—perfect for sandwiches or toast.
• Make-ahead magic: Bake extra loaves and freeze them for later. You’ll thank yourself when you have fresh bread ready whenever you want!
• Versatile uses: Enjoy it plain, with your favorite spreads, or as the base for delicious sandwiches. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to whip up this delightful bread. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 (coconut oil works really well here—melt it first and let it cool to 100F! OR use melted butter)
• 5-1/2 cups bread flour (you may need a little more or a little less)

For the Finishing Touch

• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Variations

One of the best things about this Amish White Bread Recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add herbs: Sprinkle in dried herbs like rosemary or basil into the dough for an aromatic twist.
• Mix in whole grains: Substitute part of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and flavor.
• Sweeten it up: Add a touch of honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Include seeds: Toss in sunflower seeds or sesame seeds for an added crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Make Amish White Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, powdered ginger (if using), and sugar. Stir gently until dissolved. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it’s frothy. This step is crucial—it ensures your yeast is alive and will help your bread rise beautifully!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and vegetable oil. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it into this bowl along with salt. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Add Flour Gradually

Start adding the bread flour one cup at a time into your wet mixture. Mix until combined after each addition. The dough will start pulling together; feel free to adjust flour amounts as needed until you have a smooth but slightly sticky dough.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading develops gluten, which gives your bread its lovely texture. Don’t rush this step; it’s where all the magic happens!

Step 5: First Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about an hour. This patience pays off as your bread becomes light and airy.

Step 6: Shape Loaves

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Divide it into two equal portions and shape each piece into a loaf. Place them in greased loaf pans.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover your shaped loaves again with cloths. Let them rise another 30-45 minutes until they’ve puffed up nicely. This second rise helps create that perfect texture.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush melted butter on top of each loaf before baking them in the oven for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy

Once baked, remove from pans immediately and let them cool on wire racks. Allowing them to cool completely before slicing helps maintain their fluffy texture—unless you’re too tempted not to! Enjoy every slice warm or toasted with your favorite toppings!

Pro Tips for Making Amish White Bread Recipe

Baking bread at home can be a rewarding experience, and with just a few pro tips, you can take your Amish white bread to the next level!

• Use warm liquids: Starting with water and milk at 110F helps activate the yeast properly, ensuring your bread rises beautifully and has a light, airy texture.
• Knead thoroughly: Kneading the dough for about 10 minutes develops gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewiness. Don’t skip this step if you want that perfect loaf!
• Let it rest: Allowing the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size is crucial. This resting period enhances flavor and gives the bread its fluffy texture.
• Check for doneness: Instead of relying solely on time, tap the bottom of the loaf when it’s done baking; it should sound hollow. This little trick guarantees perfectly baked bread every time.
• Cool completely before slicing: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. This ensures that the inside sets properly, preventing gummy slices and giving you those perfect sandwich pieces.

How to Serve Amish White Bread Recipe

This delightful Amish white bread is versatile enough to shine on any table setting. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or using it as a base for delicious sandwiches, you’ll find endless ways to savor it!

Garnishes

• Butter or vegan spread: A simple spread of butter or your favorite plant-based alternative adds richness and elevates each slice.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be sprinkled on top before serving for an aromatic touch that enhances flavor.

Side Dishes

• Soups: Pairing this soft white bread with a comforting bowl of vegetable soup creates a cozy meal—perfect for chilly evenings!
• Salads: A refreshing green salad with vinaigrette complements the softness of the bread while adding crunch and nutrition.
• Roasted vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, or asparagus roasted with olive oil provide a hearty side that contrasts nicely with the fluffy texture of your homemade bread.
• Dips: Serve with hummus or bean dip as an appetizer for gatherings. The creamy dips pair beautifully with the soft slices of bread!

Enjoy your baking adventure and delight in sharing this wonderful Amish white bread with family and friends!

 

Make Ahead and Storage

This Amish white bread recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make several loaves in one go, ensuring you always have fresh bread at hand for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a bit of butter.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bread to cool completely.
• Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Slice the bread before freezing for convenience.
• Wrap individual slices or loaves in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the bags with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat a whole loaf, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and bake wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• For slices, pop them in the toaster or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour for this Amish White Bread Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute some of the bread flour with whole wheat flour. However, be aware that this may change the texture and flavor slightly, making it denser.

How can I ensure my yeast is active when making this Amish White Bread Recipe?

To check if your yeast is active, mix it with warm water (about 110°F) and a pinch of sugar. If it bubbles and froths after about 5-10 minutes, it’s good to use!

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky while kneading, gradually add small amounts of flour until it reaches a smooth consistency. Avoid adding too much at once!

How long does it take to rise?

Typically, the dough will need about 1-2 hours to rise until doubled in size. Warmer environments will speed up this process!

Final Thoughts

This Amish white bread recipe truly brings home-baked comfort into your kitchen. With its soft texture and delightful flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite! I hope you enjoy making this bread as much as I do—there’s something so satisfying about slicing into a freshly baked loaf. Happy baking!