Oh, let me tell you about Amish white bread! This recipe isn’t just any bread; it’s a warm, comforting hug for your taste buds! Growing up, I remember the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, almost like a warm invitation to gather around the table. This bread is a staple in American cuisine, celebrated for its simplicity and versatility. What I love about this Amish white bread recipe is how incredibly easy it is to whip up, even for a novice baker. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious, soft loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s a cherished favorite in so many homes!
Ingredients for Amish White Bread
To make the most delightful Amish white bread, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Trust me, this combination creates magic! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – This is the backbone of your bread, giving it that lovely structure.
- 1 tablespoon sugar – Just a touch of sweetness to help the yeast do its thing!
- 2 teaspoons salt – Essential for flavor. It really brings the bread to life.
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast – This is what makes your bread rise and gives it that airy texture.
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F) – Make sure it’s warm, not hot! This temperature is perfect for activating the yeast.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – This adds moisture and helps keep your bread soft.
Before you start, make sure all your ingredients are fresh. Trust me, good quality ingredients make a huge difference in the final product! Also, measuring accurately is key for great results. So, grab your measuring cups and let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Amish White Bread
Let’s get our hands a little floury and dive into the steps to create this beloved Amish white bread! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise, the aroma that fills your kitchen will be worth every minute!
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
First things first! In a bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This is super important because the warm water feeds the yeast, waking it up and getting it ready to do its magic. You’ll know it’s ready when you see bubbles forming on the surface. Wow, that’s the yeast coming to life!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, add the vegetable oil and salt. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything. The oil adds moisture, and the salt enhances flavor. Just be careful not to stir too vigorously; we want to keep that bubbly yeast happy!
Step 3: Form the Dough
Now, it’s time to gradually mix in the flour. I like to add about a cup at a time, stirring until it’s incorporated before adding more. This helps prevent a messy kitchen and ensures a smooth dough. Keep mixing until a soft dough forms; it should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Once your dough is formed, sprinkle a little flour on your countertop and turn the dough out onto it. Knead it for about 10 minutes. You want to fold and push the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. It should spring back when you poke it—this is a good sign that you’re on the right track!
Step 5: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it around to coat it lightly in oil. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Patience is key here—this rise is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Shape the Loaves
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into two loaves. I like to tuck the ends under for a nice smooth top. Place your shaped loaves into greased pans, and cover them with the towel again.
Step 7: Second Rise
Let the shaped loaves rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for creating that perfect airy texture. You’ll notice they’ll puff up beautifully!
Step 8: Baking
Finally, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the loaves have risen, pop them in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should turn a lovely golden brown. To check if they’re done, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. Then, let them cool on a wire rack before slicing. Oh, the smell is divine!
Tips for Success with Amish White Bread
Getting that perfect loaf of Amish white bread is all about a few simple tricks! Here are my top tips to ensure your bread turns out just right every time:
- Use fresh yeast: Check the expiration date on your yeast! Fresh yeast equals a great rise, which is crucial for fluffy bread.
- Temperature matters: Make sure your water is warm, not hot! Too hot can kill the yeast, and you don’t want that. Aim for around 110°F.
- Knead well: Don’t rush the kneading process. Proper kneading develops the gluten, giving your bread that delightful texture. It should feel smooth and elastic when you’re done!
- Keep dough covered: Always cover your dough while it’s rising to prevent it from drying out. A clean kitchen towel works perfectly!
- Check the loaf for doneness: Besides the hollow sound test, the crust should be a beautiful golden brown. If you want, you can even use a thermometer; it should register around 190°F in the center.
- Let it cool: Resist the temptation to slice into the bread right away! Letting it cool on a wire rack helps maintain its texture and flavor.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add herbs or spices to the dough for a unique twist. Garlic powder, dried rosemary, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate your bread!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delicious Amish white bread you’ve ever tasted! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information for Amish White Bread
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for a slice of this delightful Amish white bread. Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying with each bite:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This bread is not only delicious but also a great source of energy! Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying on its own. So go ahead, indulge a little—you deserve it!
FAQ About Amish White Bread
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf, but keep in mind that it might change the texture a bit. I recommend using a mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for the best results. This way, you’ll still get that lovely rise while adding more fiber and nutrients. Just remember, whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you may need to add a touch more warm water to get the right dough consistency!
How do I store Amish white bread?
Storing your freshly baked Amish white bread is super easy! Just place it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it soft and fresh. It’s best enjoyed within a few days, but if you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry! You can keep it at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to prolong its life, I recommend slicing the bread and storing it in the fridge, but be aware it may dry out a bit. Just toast it for a nice warm-up!
Can I freeze Amish white bread?
Yes, you can definitely freeze Amish white bread! It’s a great way to save some for later. To freeze, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. If you want that fresh-baked taste, pop it in the oven for a few minutes to warm it up. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: This recipe uses just a handful of everyday ingredients and is easy enough for anyone to master, even if you’re new to baking!
- Versatility: Whether you’re making sandwiches, toasting with a smear of butter, or enjoying it fresh out of the oven, this bread fits any occasion.
- Delicious taste: The warm, comforting flavor of homemade Amish white bread is simply unbeatable—trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
- Great for sharing: This recipe yields two lovely loaves, perfect for sharing with family and friends or keeping one for yourself and gifting the other!
- Freezer-friendly: You can easily freeze leftover loaves for quick access to that fresh-baked goodness anytime you want!
- Customizable: Feel free to add herbs, spices, or even seeds to make it uniquely yours. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked up some delicious Amish white bread, let’s talk about how to enjoy it! This bread is so versatile, and I’m here to give you some tasty ideas to elevate your meals!
- Classic Sandwiches: Use it for your favorite sandwiches! Whether it’s a turkey club, a classic BLT, or a simple peanut butter and jelly, this bread holds up beautifully and adds a comforting touch.
- French Toast: Slice it thick and dip it in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon for a heavenly French toast brunch. Top with maple syrup and fresh berries for a real treat!
- Garlic Bread: Slice the bread, slather it with butter and minced garlic, then toast it in the oven for a crunchy, flavorful side that pairs perfectly with pasta dishes.
- Toast with Toppings: Toast slices and top with your favorite spreads like avocado, cream cheese, or even a smear of almond butter and sliced bananas. Yum!
- Soup Companion: Serve warm slices alongside a bowl of hearty soup or chili. The soft, fluffy bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop!
- Homemade Croutons: If you have any leftover bread, cube it up, toss it with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and bake until golden for crunchy croutons. They’re perfect for salads!
With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy your Amish white bread in countless delicious ways. Happy eating!
Imprimer
Amish White Bread: 7 Steps to Heavenly Homemade Bliss
- Temps Total: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Rendement: 2 loaves 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and classic recipe for Amish white bread.
Ingrédients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add oil and salt to the mixture.
- Gradually mix in flour until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into loaves.
- Place loaves in greased pans and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Store bread in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for later use.
- Great for sandwiches or toast.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Bread
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 2g
- Graisses Saturées: 0g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 1g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 22g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: amish white bread, homemade bread, simple bread recipe
