Description
Amish White Bread is a classic, soft, and fluffy homemade bread known for its crusty exterior and tender, pillowy interior. Rooted in Amish Pennsylvania tradition, this simple, cost-effective recipe uses staple ingredients to create a heartwarming loaf perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a comforting side dish. With minimal hands-on time and about three hours total, it’s an ideal project for both beginner and experienced bakers seeking a taste of rustic homemade goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of the flour and the salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the frothy yeast mixture and vegetable oil into the dry ingredients. Stir gently to combine into a sticky dough.
- Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining flour while kneading. Once the dough starts to hold together, transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and soft.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough, turn it onto a floured surface, and shape into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf again and let it rise for 30-45 minutes until the dough rises slightly above the rim of the pan.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use warm water (around 110°F/45°C); water that is too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold water will not activate it.
- Kneading is essential to develop gluten, which gives the bread its chewy texture.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For long-term storage, slice and freeze the bread in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
- To refresh frozen bread, thaw at room temperature or toast directly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Amish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 56g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Amish White Bread, homemade bread, soft bread, fluffy bread, easy bread recipe, yeast bread, classic bread, simple bread, baking bread
