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Amish White Bread

A timeless classic, this Amish White Bread is an easy recipe that creates a fluffy, sweet loaf perfect for toasting or sandwiches, evoking warmth and nostalgia.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 16 slices
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 80
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F) Can substitute with a non-dairy alternative for vegan option.
  • 2/3 cup sugar Adjust to taste; honey or maple syrup can be used as substitutes.
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast Ensure yeast is fresh.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil Coconut oil works well when melted and cooled.
  • 5 1/2 cups bread flour You may need a little more or less.
  • 2 tablespoons butter (melted) For brushing the tops before cooling.
  • a pinch powdered ginger (optional) Helps activate the yeast.

Method
 

Prepare the Yeast Mixture
  1. In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water and milk.
  2. Whisk in the active dry yeast and sprinkle in the ginger if using.
  3. Allow this mixture to set aside for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Combine Ingredients
  1. Stir in 1 cup of bread flour until smooth.
  2. Whisk in the salt and vegetable oil.
Form the Dough
  1. Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
  2. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes in a stand mixer or knead for about 10 minutes by hand until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
  1. Grease a large bowl with oil, place the ball of dough inside, and turn to coat the top.
  2. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately one hour.
Shape the Dough
  1. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
  2. Knead it lightly for three minutes, then divide it in half. Let the pieces rest for five minutes.
  3. Shape each piece into a loaf and place them into greased 9x5 inch loaf pans.
  4. Brush the tops with melted butter.
Second Rise
  1. Allow the loaves to rise for another 30 minutes, or until they have expanded about an inch above the pans.
Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the loaves for about 30 minutes.
  2. They should sound hollow when tapped and register 190°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Cool
  1. For a soft crust, brush the tops with butter immediately after removing from the oven.
  2. Cover with a clean tea towel and allow to cool in the pans for 5 minutes.
  3. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Bread Machine Option
  1. Add ingredients in the order recommended by your manufacturer, select the white bread cycle, and press start.
  2. Reset as needed for the second rise.

Notes

For sweeter loaves, increase sugar slightly. Ensure liquids are warm, not hot. Add flour gradually if dough feels sticky. Allow enough rise time for lightness. Variations can include herbs or spices.