Amish White Bread is a simple and delicious homemade bread that is soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with butter. It’s a traditional recipe that’s easy to make, and it yields a beautiful, fluffy loaf.
Here’s a classic recipe for Amish White Bread:
Amish White Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 5-6 cups all-purpose flour (you may need more or less, depending on dough consistency)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and activates.
2. Mix the Dough:
- Add the oil (or melted butter) and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add 5 cups of the flour, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition. Once the dough starts to come together, you can use your hands to knead it.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
4. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf:
- Punch the dough down gently to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. To shape the dough, fold the edges in and roll it tightly into a log that fits into your loaf pan.
6. Second Rise:
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
7. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
8. Bake the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips:
- Flour: You may need to adjust the amount of flour depending on the humidity and temperature of your kitchen. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky.
- Bread Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
- Soft Crust: If you prefer a softer crust, you can brush the top of the loaf with melted butter right after baking.
This Amish White Bread is a simple, delicious recipe that you can enjoy fresh out of the oven or as part of your everyday meals. Enjoy it with butter, jam, or make your favorite sandwich!