Amish White Bread Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Discover the charm of homemade Amish White Bread with this simple and delightful recipe from Love With Recipes. Perfect for any occasion, this bread boasts a soft, fluffy texture and a subtle sweetness that makes it a favorite for families and gatherings alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F, about the temperature of a warm bath)
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 6 cups bread flour
Instructions
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Proof the Yeast: Begin by dissolving the sugar in the warm water in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface of the water. Stir gently to combine. Allow the yeast to activate and become frothy, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes. This step ensures that the yeast is alive and working properly.
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Combine Ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, mix in the salt and oil. Stir well to ensure that the salt is evenly distributed and dissolved.
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Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the bread flour to the yeast mixture, one cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. This gradual addition helps in achieving the right dough consistency and prevents lumps.
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Knead the Dough: When the dough starts to come together, transfer it onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour as needed.
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First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a well-oiled bowl, turning it around to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, which should take about 1 hour.
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Shape the Loaves: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to the floured surface and knead briefly. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them into greased bread pans.
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Second Rise: Cover the pans with a damp cloth and let the dough rise again until it has risen about 1 inch above the tops of the pans, which should take around 30 minutes.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for approximately 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy the fresh, homemade goodness of this Amish White Bread, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with a bit of butter. Share this recipe with friends and family, and savor the comforting taste of homemade bread. 🍞✨
