Amish White Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious bread recipe, you’ve landed in the right place! This Amish White Bread Recipe has been a favorite in my home for years. It’s soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches or toasting with a little butter. Whether it’s a busy weeknight family dinner or a gathering with friends, this bread is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to prepare. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find joy in creating your own homemade bread. Plus, it freezes beautifully! You can whip up a couple of loaves and always have one on hand for those moments when you need something warm and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll be able to bake like a pro in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves soft white bread! It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with some jam.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake extra loaves and freeze them for later. Pull out a loaf anytime you want fresh-baked goodness.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of milk and sugar gives this bread a lovely sweetness that pairs well with savory dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients can be half the fun of baking! For this Amish White Bread Recipe, you’ll need simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen.

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 if preferred)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (coconut oil works great here; just melt it first and let it cool to 100F! Or use melted butter)
• 5-1/2 cups bread flour (you may need slightly more or less depending on humidity)

For Brushing the Loaves

• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Variations

One of the best parts about baking is how flexible recipes can be! Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste.

• Add herbs: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
• Sweeten it up: Toss in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a delightful flavor that’s perfect for breakfast.
• Make it whole grain: Substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
• Add seeds: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking for an extra crunch!

How to Make Amish White Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients together. This makes the process smoother and helps ensure nothing gets forgotten. Warm your water and milk until they reach about 110°F — not too hot, just warm enough to activate the yeast.

Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the warm water, milk, sugar, and ginger if you’re using it. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it’s frothy. This step is crucial as it activates your yeast, ensuring your bread rises beautifully!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the bread flour and salt. Once your yeast mixture is ready, slowly add this flour mixture into your wet ingredients while mixing gently. This will form a dough that begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 4: Knead Your Dough

Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8–10 minutes. Kneading develops gluten which gives the bread its structure and chewiness. You want a smooth dough that’s elastic but not sticky.

Step 5: First Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it’s doubled in size—about an hour. This rising time is essential as it allows air bubbles to form, making your bread light and fluffy.

Step 6: Shape Your Loaves

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Shape each piece into loaves by flattening them out slightly then rolling them tightly from one end to another.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place each shaped loaf into greased loaf pans. Cover them again with your towel or wrap them lightly in plastic wrap. Let them rise again until doubled—this usually takes about 30-45 minutes.

Step 8: Bake Your Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F while waiting for your loaves to finish rising. Once ready, brush melted butter over each loaf before placing them into the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy!

Remove your beautiful loaves from the oven and let them cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. Allow them to cool completely before slicing—if you can wait that long! Enjoy fresh slices of this Amish White Bread with any meal or as an everyday snack.

Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Amish White Bread Recipe

Baking bread at home can feel intimidating, but with a few helpful tips, you’ll be on your way to creating the perfect loaf of Amish white bread!

• Use warm liquids: Ensuring your water and milk are at 110F helps activate the yeast effectively. This step is crucial for achieving that lovely rise and soft texture.
• Don’t skip the kneading: Kneading the dough develops gluten, which gives the bread its structure. Aim for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic—this makes all the difference!
• Let it rise in a warm place: Yeast loves warmth! Find a cozy spot in your kitchen for the dough to rise. A warm environment will help it double in size more quickly.
• Check your flour measurement: Bread flour can vary in moisture content, so add it gradually until you achieve a soft but not sticky dough. This ensures the perfect texture without being too dense.
• Cool before slicing: Allow your bread to cool completely before slicing. This helps maintain its shape and prevents it from becoming gummy inside.

How to Serve Amish White Bread Recipe

This delightful Amish white bread is not just a loaf; it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity! Whether you’re serving it as part of a meal or enjoying it toasted for breakfast, there are many ways to present this delicious bread.

Garnishes

• Butter spread: A simple layer of softened butter adds richness and enhances the flavor beautifully.
• Herbed oil: Drizzle a little herb-infused olive oil over slices for an extra burst of flavor—perfect for dipping or spreading!
• Cinnamon sugar: Mix cinnamon with sugar and sprinkle over buttered toast for a sweet breakfast treat or dessert option.

Side Dishes

• Homemade soup: Pair your bread with a comforting bowl of vegetable or lentil soup. The bread is perfect for soaking up all those delicious flavors!
• Fresh salad: A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the soft texture of the bread.
• Roasted vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal veggies bring out their natural sweetness, making them an ideal complement to your homemade white bread.
• Grilled cheese sandwich: Why not make an indulgent grilled cheese? Layer some gooey cheese between two slices of this soft bread and grill until golden brown—pure comfort food!

Now that you’re armed with tips and serving ideas, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and get baking! Enjoy every moment of creating this timeless dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Amish white bread recipe is perfect for meal prep, ensuring you always have delicious, homemade bread on hand. With its soft texture and lovely flavor, it’s ideal for sandwiches or toast any time you crave it.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bread at room temperature in a plastic bag or airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Use the bread within 3-5 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

• Slice the bread before freezing so you can easily take out only what you need.
• Wrap the slices or whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating

• For individual slices, pop them in a toaster until heated through.
• For a whole loaf, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions regarding the Amish White Bread Recipe that might help you as you bake!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour in this Amish White Bread Recipe?

While it’s possible to substitute whole wheat flour, it may alter the texture and density of your bread. If attempting this substitution, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for better results.

How long does it take to rise when making Amish White Bread?

Typically, the dough should rise for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size. Make sure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising results!

Is this Amish White Bread Recipe suitable for sandwich making?

Absolutely! This recipe yields soft, fluffy loaves that are perfect for sandwiches. You’ll find that they hold up well with your favorite fillings while still being easy to bite into.

Can I reduce the sugar in the Amish White Bread Recipe?

Yes! You can adjust the sugar to suit your taste preference. Reducing it slightly will not significantly impact the overall success of your bread.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Amish white bread recipe brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen just as it does to mine! There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking your own bread—it fills your home with delightful aromas and creates delicious memories. I encourage you to try this recipe; I’m sure you’ll love every slice! Happy baking!