Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread is a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen. This soft, fluffy bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with butter. Its easy preparation makes it suitable for both novice and experienced bakers alike. With its rich flavor and wonderful texture, Amish White Bread can elevate meals for various occasions—from family gatherings to cozy breakfasts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for beginners.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sugar and yeast creates a sweet aroma that fills your home while baking.
- Versatile Use: Enjoy this bread as toast in the morning or use it for sandwiches; it’s great for any meal.
- Perfectly Soft Texture: The dough rises beautifully, resulting in a light and airy loaf that’s hard to resist.
- Great for Sharing: Bake a few loaves to share with friends or family—everyone will appreciate this homemade goodness!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Amish White Bread, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Loaf pans (9×5-inch)
- Damp cloth
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Loaf pans: The right size ensures even baking, helping your bread maintain its shape.
- Damp cloth: Covering the dough helps retain moisture during rising, promoting a fluffy texture.
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 the warm water.
- Stir in the yeast. Allow it to rise until it forms a creamy foam.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Mix in the salt and vegetable oil into the yeast mixture.
- Gradually mix in the bread flour, one cup at a time.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
Step 3: First Rise
- Transfer the kneaded dough into a well-oiled bowl.
- Twist the batter to coat it with oil.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
Step 4: Shape the Loaves
- After rising, beat down the dough gently.
- Knead for a few minutes before dividing it in half.
- Shape each portion into loaves and place them in two oiled loaf pans.
Step 5: Second Rise
- Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes or until it has grown an inch past the molds.
Step 6: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees F).
- Bake the loaves for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Enjoy your homemade Amish White Bread! Its delightful taste and texture are sure to impress anyone who tries it.
How to Serve Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re having it warm from the oven or toasted, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
With Butter and Jam
- Spread a layer of butter: Freshly baked Amish White Bread pairs perfectly with creamy butter for a rich flavor.
- Add your favorite jam: Top with strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry jam for a sweet twist that complements the bread’s texture.
As Sandwiches
- Classic ham and cheese: Build a satisfying sandwich with thick slices of ham and your choice of cheese for a delicious lunch.
- Vegetable delight: Layer fresh vegetables like cucumbers, lettuce, and tomatoes for a refreshing vegetarian option.
Toasted for Breakfast
- Cinnamon toast: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on buttered slices before toasting for a sweet breakfast treat.
- Avocado toast: Mash ripe avocado on toasted slices, seasoned with salt and pepper, for a nutritious start to the day.
Accompanying Soups
- Serve with tomato soup: The soft texture of Amish White Bread complements the acidity of tomato soup beautifully.
- Pair with chicken noodle soup: This hearty pairing makes for a comforting meal during cold days.
How to Perfect Amish White Bread
To achieve the perfect loaf of Amish White Bread, follow these simple tips. They will ensure your bread turns out fluffy and delicious every time.
- Use warm water: Ensure the water temperature is around 110 degrees F. This activates the yeast effectively.
- Knead thoroughly: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic for a better rise during baking.
- Let it rise adequately: Allow the dough to double in size in a warm place; this is crucial for developing flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the oil: Adding vegetable oil keeps the bread moist and enhances its shelf life.
- Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature for uniform cooking.
- Cool completely before slicing: Let the bread cool fully on a wire rack to avoid gummy slices.
Best Side Dishes for Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread complements various side dishes beautifully. Here are some great options to serve alongside your homemade bread.
- Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing adds crunch and color to your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until golden provide a flavorful contrast to the soft bread.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair well as they soak up juices from main dishes beautifully.
- Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans balances well with the savory notes of Amish White Bread.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that brightens up any plate featuring this bread.
- Stuffed Peppers: These colorful peppers filled with rice and spices offer a hearty complement to slices of bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Amish White Bread can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using water that is too hot: If the water temperature exceeds 110 degrees F, it can kill the yeast. Always check with a thermometer.
- Not letting the dough rise enough: Skipping the rising time can lead to dense bread. Ensure the dough has doubled in size for optimal texture.
- Over-kneading the dough: Kneading too long can make the bread tough. Aim for a smooth texture without excessive kneading.
- Neglecting to measure ingredients accurately: Baking is precise; incorrect measurements can ruin your bread. Use measuring cups and spoons for best results.
- Using old yeast: Expired yeast won’t activate properly, leading to flat bread. Always check the expiration date before using.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Amish White Bread in an airtight container.
- It will last about 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Amish White Bread
- Wrap slices or loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Frozen bread can last up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating Amish White Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap bread in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a plate with a damp paper towel, and heat for 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Toast slices in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Amish White Bread.
What is Amish White Bread?
Amish White Bread is a soft, fluffy loaf made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and yeast. It’s perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
You can substitute part of the bread flour with whole wheat flour, but it may affect the texture. Start with half and see how you like it.
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. This indicates it’s fully baked inside.
Can I make Amish White Bread in a bread machine?
Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe for a bread machine by following your machine’s instructions for adding ingredients.
How can I customize my Amish White Bread?
Feel free to add herbs, spices, or even cheese for different flavors. You can also incorporate seeds or nuts for added texture.
Final Thoughts
Amish White Bread is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or customized with your favorite ingredients, this recipe promises warmth and comfort. Give it a try today!
Amish White Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Amish White Bread is a delightful homemade treat that fills your home with warmth and comfort. This soft, fluffy bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter. Made with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, even novice bakers can create this delicious loaf. Its rich flavor and airy texture make it an ideal choice for cozy breakfasts or family gatherings, ensuring every meal feels special. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you’ll have a warm loaf that’s sure to impress everyone at your 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 stir in the yeast. Allow it to foam.
- Add salt and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the bread flour one cup at a time until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, then place it in an oiled bowl covered with a damp cloth to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.
- Punch down the dough, divide it in half, shape into loaves, and place in oiled loaf pans. Let rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your 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 slice
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
