Amish White Bread

Experience the timeless taste of homemade bread with this Amish White Bread recipe. Known for its soft, fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor, this classic bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. Follow this straightforward recipe to create a loaf of bread that rivals anything from a bakery.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups warm water (about 110-120°F)
• ⅔ Cup white sugar
• 1½ Tablespoons yeast
• 1½ Teaspoons salt
• ¼ Cup vegetable oil
• 6 Cups flour

Directions:

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and white sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it dissolve for 5-15 minutes, until frothy.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the salt, vegetable oil, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix together until well combined.
3. Add Remaining Flour: Gradually incorporate the remaining flour into the mixture. Switch to a dough hook attachment and mix until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, flipping it to coat both sides with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp, warm towel. Set it in a draft-free area and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
6. Punch Down and Shape: Once risen, remove the cover and punch the dough down. Divide it in half and flatten each portion into a rectangle. Roll each rectangle into a loaf shape, pinching the ends together. Place each loaf into a greased 9×5-inch bread pan.
7. Second Rise: Cover the pans and let the dough rise again until doubled in size, about 30-50 minutes.
8. Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
9. Finish and Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and brush the tops with butter. Let the loaves rest for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Serving and Storage Tips:

1. Serving Tips:
   • Fresh from the Oven: Serve your Amish White Bread warm, straight from the oven with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or your favorite jam for a comforting treat.
   • Sandwiches and Toast: This bread is perfect for sandwiches, grilled cheese, or simply toasted with a bit of butter. It pairs wonderfully with soups and stews.
2. Storage Tips:
   • Room Temperature: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
   • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature or warm it in the oven.
   • Slicing for Convenience: Slice the bread before freezing so you can easily take out just the amount you need. Reheat slices in the toaster or oven to restore its fresh-baked texture.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade Amish White Bread fresh and delicious for days to come!

Variations:

1. Whole Wheat Amish Bread: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier and more hearty loaf. You may need to adjust the water content slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
2. Herb Infused Bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, to the dough for a fragrant and flavorful bread. You can also add a few tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs.
3. Cheese Bread: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan, into the dough for a cheesy twist. You can also top the loaf with extra cheese before baking.
4. Garlic Bread: Incorporate 2-3 cloves of minced garlic into the dough for a savory garlic-flavored bread. You can also brush the top of the loaf with garlic butter before baking.
5. Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1 cup of raisins to the dough for a sweet and spiced bread. You can also sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
6. Seeded Bread: Top the loaf with a mixture of seeds like sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds before baking. You can also mix some seeds into the dough for added texture and flavor.
7. Sweet Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to the dough for a sweet version of Amish bread. You can also drizzle the finished loaf with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
8. Spiced Bread: Mix in 1 teaspoon of spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to the dough for a warm, spiced bread. This variation is perfect for fall and winter.
9. Onion Bread: Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped onions into the dough for a savory, onion-flavored loaf. You can sauté the onions first for a milder flavor.
10. Milk Bread: Replace 1/2 cup of the water with milk for a richer, softer texture. You can also add a bit of honey or sugar to enhance the sweetness.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a bread machine for this recipe? Yes, you can use a bread machine. Add the ingredients in the order specified by your machine’s manufacturer, usually starting with liquids, then dry ingredients, and finally yeast. Follow the machine’s instructions for the baking cycle.
2. What should I do if my dough is too sticky? If your dough is too sticky, gradually add a small amount of flour, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is smooth and manageable. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the bread dry.
3. How do I know when the bread is fully baked? The bread is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).
4. Can I make this bread using whole wheat flour? Yes, you can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If using whole wheat flour, you might need to adjust the water slightly as whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
5. How can I make the bread rise better? Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by testing it with warm water and sugar before adding it to the dough. Also, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for optimal results.
6. Can I freeze Amish White Bread? Yes, you can freeze Amish White Bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.
7. Why is my bread dense? Dense bread can result from under-kneading, over-kneading, or using too much flour. Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, and measure the flour correctly. Also, ensure the dough has enough time to rise.
8. How do I make sure my bread has a soft crust? To achieve a soft crust, you can brush the top of the loaf with melted butter right after baking. Additionally, covering the bread with a cloth while it cools can help keep the crust soft.
9. Can I add ingredients like herbs or cheese to this bread? Yes, you can add herbs, cheese, or other ingredients to customize the flavor. Incorporate them into the dough before the final rise, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
10. What should I do if my bread didn’t rise properly? If your bread didn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or an incorrect rising environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and proofed correctly, and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. If the dough doesn’t rise, you might need to start over with new yeast.