Amish White Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of baking a loaf of bread that feels like it came straight from a cozy Amish kitchen, then this Amish White Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of bread that fills your home with comforting warmth, featuring a soft crumb, a lightly sweet flavor, and a golden crust with just the right hint of butter. Perfect for everything from simple sandwiches to soaking up your favorite soups, this recipe brings a piece of home-baked goodness right to your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Amish White Bread Recipe right depends on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role in creating that tender texture, rich flavor, and beautiful crust. Nothing fancy, just pure essentials that work in harmony.

• 1 cup water (110F): Warm enough to activate the yeast without killing it, this is the foundation of your dough’s rise.
• 1 pinch powdered ginger (optional): A secret little accelerator that helps wake up the yeast even faster.
• 1 cup milk (110F): Adds tenderness and a subtle creaminess that makes the crumb so soft.
• 2/3 cup sugar: Sweetness that balances the bread while feeding the yeast for a good rise—you can adjust to your liking.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast: The magic that makes the dough rise and gives bread its airy texture.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth for perfect fermentation.
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender; coconut oil adds a lovely flavor twist.
• 5 1/2 cups bread flour: The structure-builder of the loaf, providing strength and chew.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter: Brushed on top for a soft, golden crust that’s irresistible.

How to Make Amish White Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by dissolving the sugar in the warm water and milk inside a large bowl. Whisk in the yeast, and if you’re using ginger, add that too now. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy—this frothy stage tells you that the yeast is happily waking up and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Build the Dough

Stir in one cup of the flour followed by the salt and oil. Slowly add the remaining flour one cup at a time while mixing, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be soft but not sticky. You want elastic and smooth dough that will rise beautifully.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

If you’re using a mixer, knead for about 5 minutes. Prefer to go old-school? Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes by hand, adding flour as needed. This step develops the gluten, giving your bread that perfect chew and rise.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Coat the top with a little oil too, then cover with a damp cloth. Set it aside in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size — this puffed dough means you’re on the right track!

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Give the dough a gentle punch to release the air, then knead briefly and divide it in two. Rest for five minutes, shape into loaves, and place them in greased 9×5 inch loaf pans. Brush the tops with melted butter and let rise again for 30 minutes, or until they’ve risen an inch or so above the pans.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Amish White Bread Recipe at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the loaves sound hollow when tapped or reach an internal temperature of 190 degrees Fahrenheit. For a soft crust, immediately brush the tops with butter and cover with a clean kitchen towel as they cool.

How to Serve Amish White Bread Recipe

Garnishes

This bread shines on its own but can be elevated with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for breakfast. Fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking adds an inviting aroma and a bit of extra flavor punch.

Side Dishes

Amish White Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with almost any meal. Think creamy tomato soup, hearty stews, or fresh garden salads. Its soft texture soaks up sauces beautifully and adds a comforting element to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your loaves into thick slices for gourmet sandwiches or French toast drizzled with maple syrup. Toast it lightly and top with cream cheese and smoked salmon for an elegant appetizer. The simple white bread is a versatile canvas waiting for your creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Amish White Bread Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container or bread box at room temperature. It’ll stay soft and delicious for up to three days without losing its charm.

Freezing

If you want to keep your bread longer, wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. This will preserve its freshness for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to that just-baked warmth, heat slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in a 300-degree oven for 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil. Add a little butter for that fresh-from-the-oven feeling every time.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?

Whole wheat will change the texture and density quite a bit. While you can substitute some whole wheat flour, it’s best to keep most of the flour as bread flour to maintain the light, fluffy texture of this Amish White Bread Recipe.

What if I don’t have powdered ginger?

Powdered ginger isn’t essential; it just helps jumpstart the yeast activity. If you skip it, your bread will still turn out delicious, just take a few extra minutes to get that perfect foam on the yeast mixture.

Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

Absolutely! Add the ingredients in your machine’s recommended order, choose the white bread setting, and follow the machine’s cycles. You can even pause and restart the kneading cycle once to improve crumb texture, just like the traditional method.

Why should I use warm water and milk?

Yeast thrives in a warm environment between 105 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Using water and milk at around 110 degrees activates the yeast without killing it, ensuring a great rise and fluffy bread.

How do I get a soft crust instead of a crunchy one?

Brushing the hot loaves with melted butter right after baking and covering with a towel softens the crust beautifully while still leaving it golden and flavorful, just like in the Amish kitchens.

Final Thoughts

Making this Amish White Bread Recipe is like welcoming a slice of tradition right into your kitchen. The warm aroma, the pillowy texture, and the delightful flavor will quickly make it your go-to loaf for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the comforting satisfaction of homemade bread that’s truly made with love.

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