Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- Warm the Water: Heat water until it’s warm but not hot to the touch (around 110°F-115°F).
- Add Sugar and Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active and ready to go.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- Add Oil and Salt: Once the yeast is bubbly, add the vegetable oil and salt to the bowl.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once the dough starts coming together, you can transfer it to a lightly floured surface to knead, or continue mixing if you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Knead for 8-10 Minutes: Knead until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. This kneading process helps develop the gluten, giving the bread its soft, tender crumb.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Punch Down and Shape: After the first rise, punch down the dough to remove air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it lightly and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it reaches about 1 inch above the edge of the pan.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat the Oven: While the bread is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30-35 Minutes: Place the loaf in the oven and bake until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing. This helps prevent the bread from becoming too moist inside.
Tips for Perfect Amish White Bread
- Check the Water Temperature: Yeast is sensitive to temperature; water that’s too hot can kill it, while water that’s too cold may slow the rise.
- Don’t Over-Flour: Adding too much flour can make the bread dense. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Allow Proper Cooling: Letting the bread cool before slicing keeps it from becoming gummy and preserves the soft texture.
How to Enjoy Amish White Bread
Amish White Bread is incredibly versatile:
- Toast and Butter: With its mild sweetness, this bread is perfect toasted with a little butter.
- Sandwiches: Make it the base for your favorite deli sandwich, PB&J, or grilled cheese.
- French Toast: Its soft texture makes it perfect for absorbing egg batter, yielding deliciously fluffy French toast.
Storage and Freezing
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, slice the bread and place parchment paper between slices. Wrap in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just pop a slice in the toaster when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Conclusion
Amish White Bread brings a little bit of homemade comfort to any meal. With its soft texture and light sweetness, it’s versatile enough for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Best of all, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require any special ingredients. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the satisfaction of baking a wholesome, delicious loaf right at home!
