Introduction
Experience the simple yet comforting taste of homemade Amish White Bread with our easy-to-follow recipe. This classic bread is known for its soft texture, slightly sweet flavor, and beautiful golden crust. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven with butter or used to make sandwiches and toast, this Amish White Bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 6 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water-sugar mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough:
- Once the yeast is activated, add the salt and vegetable oil to the bowl and mix well.
- Gradually add 5 cups of all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Loaves:
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a loaf.
- Place the shaped loaves into greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
5. Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pans with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it reaches the tops of the pans.
6. Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
- Once the dough has risen, bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter for a soft, glossy finish.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the Amish White Bread to cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the bread and serve it warm with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.
Conclusion
With our Amish White Bread recipe, you can enjoy the comforting taste of freshly baked bread right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to bread-making, this simple yet delicious recipe is sure to impress with its soft texture and wonderful flavor. Bake up a batch today and savor the wholesome goodness of homemade Amish White Bread!