There’s something truly comforting about homemade bread, and this Amish White Bread recipe delivers a soft, slightly sweet loaf that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a pat of butter. Whether you’re new to bread-making or a seasoned baker, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating a delicious loaf that your whole family will love.

Why Amish White Bread?

Amish White Bread is known for its light, fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor, making it a versatile staple for your kitchen. Unlike store-bought bread, this recipe uses simple ingredients, with no preservatives or additives. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer to know exactly what’s in their food, and it tastes far better than anything you’ll find at the supermarket!

Ingredients for Amish White Bread

• 2 cups warm water (about 110-120°F)
• ⅔ cups white sugar
• 1½ tablespoons yeast
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 6 cups all-purpose flour

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top of the water and allow it to dissolve. Let it sit for 5-15 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and bubbly. This means the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Mix in Salt, Oil, and Flour: Add the salt, vegetable oil, and half of the flour (about 3 cups) into the yeast mixture. Stir together until smooth.
3. Add the Remaining Flour: Gradually add the rest of the flour, about one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl, switch to a dough hook if you’re using a stand mixer.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly, about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic but not sticky.
5. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, making sure to flip the dough so that both sides are coated with grease. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp, warm towel. Set it aside in a draft-free area and allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Shape the Loaves: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and cut the dough in half. Shape each half into a rectangle, then tightly roll it into a loaf (as you would a jelly roll). Pinch the ends together to seal the loaf and place each one into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
7. Final Rise: Cover the pans with a towel and allow the loaves to rise until they double in size, about 30-50 minutes.
8. Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the loaves have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
9. Butter and Cool: After baking, remove the loaves from the oven and brush the tops with melted butter. Allow the bread to rest in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Baking Tips for Perfect Amish White Bread

• Temperature Check: Make sure your water is between 110-120°F to properly activate the yeast. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate.
• Don’t Overflour: Add flour gradually and only until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Too much flour can make the bread dense.
• Cover the Dough Properly: Using plastic wrap or a damp towel helps retain moisture, allowing the dough to rise properly.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing. This helps the bread set properly and makes slicing easier.

Variations on Amish White Bread

• Honey White Bread: Replace the sugar with ½ cup of honey for a slightly different sweetness. Honey adds a richer flavor and gives the bread a slightly denser texture.
• Whole Wheat Amish Bread: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more wholesome version. You may need to add a little extra water to keep the dough soft.
• Herb and Garlic Amish Bread: Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of finely chopped herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or basil) and a few minced garlic cloves for a savory version of this bread. This variation pairs perfectly with soups and stews.

Keto-Friendly Amish White Bread Version

While traditional Amish White Bread is not keto-friendly due to the high carbohydrate content from flour and sugar, you can still enjoy a keto version of a similar bread. Here’s a quick adaptation:

Ingredients for Keto-Friendly Bread:

• 2 cups almond flour
• ¼ cup coconut flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup melted mozzarella cheese
• 3 eggs
• ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Stir in the melted cheese, eggs, and melted butter until well combined.
4. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and firm to the touch.
5. Allow the bread to cool before slicing.

Low-Carb Amish Bread Alternative

For a lower-carb version of this Amish White Bread, try replacing some of the flour with oat fiber or almond flour and use a low-carb sweetener like erythritol instead of sugar. Here’s an easy alternative:

Ingredients for Low-Carb Version:

• 3 cups almond flour
• 2 tablespoons oat fiber
• 1½ tablespoons yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for yeast activation)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs
• ¼ cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water with sugar and let it activate.
2. Mix almond flour, oat fiber, salt, eggs, and olive oil into the yeast mixture.
3. Pour the dough into a greased loaf pan and allow it to rise for about 30 minutes.
4. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze Amish White Bread?
Yes! After the bread cools completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it at room temperature.

2. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour will give your loaf a slightly chewier texture due to the higher protein content. It’s an excellent option if you want a heartier loaf.

3. How do I store homemade bread?
Store your bread in an airtight container or bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it, but it may become dry more quickly.

4. What makes this bread so soft and fluffy?
The combination of sugar and vegetable oil in the dough helps to keep the bread soft and moist. Kneading the dough properly and allowing it to rise adequately also contributes to the soft texture.

Make Amish White Bread a Baking Staple

This Amish White Bread recipe is not only easy but incredibly rewarding, producing two beautiful loaves of soft, slightly sweet bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to serve it with dinner, use it for sandwiches, or toast it with butter and jam, this homemade bread is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Give it a try, and soon, you’ll be baking this simple and delicious bread on a regular basis!