There’s something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, bringing an overwhelming sense of warmth and nostalgia. Amish White Bread is a simple yet rewarding recipe that takes about 3 hours from start to finish, resulting in soft, fluffy loaves that are perfect for sandwiches or toast. The secret to its success lies in the careful combination of ingredients, ensuring a delightful rise and exquisite texture.
This recipe is perfect for those looking to create homemade bread for family gatherings or cozy dinners. You can make it any time, but consider preparing a batch ahead of time to enjoy throughout the week. It also stores well, making it a great option for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Enjoy a tender, fluffy texture that’s ideal for any meal.
- Create a delicious bread in about 3 hours from start to finish.
- Experience the joy of handmade bread without complex techniques.
- Use easily accessible ingredients for a fresh, homemade taste.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients for your Amish White Bread recipe:
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)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (coconut oil works really well here; melt it first and let it cool to 100F! OR use melted butter)
- 5-1/2 cups bread flour (you may need a little more or a little less)
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Note: For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy milk alternative.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Coconut oil can replace vegetable oil.
- Use honey instead of sugar.
- Substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour.
- Use non-dairy butter for a dairy-free option.
How to Make It
Follow these steps to create your delicious Amish White Bread.
Activate
Mix the water, powdered ginger, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Combine
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Stir until well combined.
Add Flour
Gradually add in the bread flour, mixing until the dough forms a ball. You may need to add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
Knead
Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Shape
Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place them in greased bread pans.
Second Rise
Cover the loaves again with a cloth and let them rise another 30-45 minutes until nearly doubled.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool
Remove the bread from the oven and brush the tops with melted butter. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Yes, bread freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave each slice for about 10 seconds.
Tips for Best Results
- Use water and milk at the correct temperatures for optimal yeast activation.
- Knead until the dough is elastic for a better end product.
- Allow adequate rising time for a fluffy texture.
- Brush with melted butter for a richer flavor and softer crust.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slices with homemade jam for breakfast.
- Use for hearty sandwiches at lunchtime.
- Enjoy alongside soups or stews for a comforting dinner.
