Amish White Bread

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Amish White Bread

Description:

Amish White Bread is a classic, homemade bread known for its soft, fluffy texture and simple ingredients. This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoyed with butter as a side dish. With a rise time of about 1.5 hours and just a few ingredients, this bread is perfect for beginners and anyone who wants to bake homemade bread without too much fuss.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)

  • 2 tablespoons white sugar

  • 1 packet (7 grams) active dry yeast

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. Activate the Yeast:

    • In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve.

    • Sprinkle active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.

  2. Prepare the Dough:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.

    • Add the activated yeast mixture and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients.

    • Stir the mixture until it forms a dough, then knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 4-5 minutes.

  3. First Rise:

    • Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl.

    • Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.

    • Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

  4. Shape and Second Rise:

    • After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.

    • Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

    • Cover the pan with a cloth and allow it to rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dough is just above the edge of the pan.

  5. Preheat the Oven:

    • While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

  6. Bake:

    • Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown, and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

  7. Cool:

    • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes:

  • Rising Time: The first rise should take about 1 to 1.5 hours, but the second rise will take around 30-45 minutes. The dough must rise fully to achieve the soft, fluffy texture.

  • Flour: For the best results, use all-purpose flour, which is perfect for soft bread. If you want a heartier loaf, consider using half whole wheat flour.

  • Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the bread soft. You can also substitute it with olive oil or butter for a different flavor.

Tips:

  • For a Soft Crust: Brush the top of the loaf with butter immediately after it comes out of the oven.

  • For a Crusty Bread: If you want a crispier crust, mist the bread with water or place a shallow pan of water in the oven while baking.

  • Storage: This bread can stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in a bread box or sealed plastic bag. For longer storage, slice and freeze it.

  • Flavor Additions: Add herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Sandwiches: Perfect for ham, turkey, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

  • Toast: Great with butter, jam, or avocado.

  • Soup Side: Serve as a side with soups like chicken noodle or tomato soup.

Servings:

  • This recipe makes 1 loaf of bread, which can be sliced into 12 slices depending on your desired thickness.

Nutritional Info (Approximate per slice, based on 12 slices):

  • Calories: 90-110 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 18-20 g

  • Protein: 2-3 g

  • Fat: 1-2 g

  • Fiber: 1 g

  • Sodium: 150 mg

Benefits:

  • Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, Amish White Bread is easy for beginners.

  • Versatile: It pairs well with just about anything—soups, stews, spreads, or even as a sandwich base.

  • No Need for Bread Machine: This recipe is hands-on and doesn’t require fancy tools like bread machines, making it convenient for any kitchen.

Q&A:

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe? A: Yes! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more hearty bread, though the texture might be a little denser.

Q: Can I make this recipe without sugar? A: Yes, you can reduce or eliminate the sugar if you prefer. The yeast needs some sugar to activate, so the sugar in this recipe can also be substituted with honey or maple syrup.

Q: How can I make this bread softer? A: Brushing the top with butter after baking or adding a little more oil during the mixing stage can help keep the bread softer for longer.

Q: How long can I store this bread? A: Amish White Bread typically stays fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature. To keep it longer, slice and freeze it.

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