Homestyle Heaven Easy Amish White Bread
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Homestyle Heaven: Easy Amish White Bread
Ever wonder if you could actually bake bread that rivals those perfect loaves from your grandma's kitchen? Honestly, you can! This Amish white bread recipe is your ticket to homemade bread glory, with its soft texture, slight sweetness, and pure comfort.
What's the Deal with Amish White Bread?
This isn't just any bread, mind you. Pennsylvania Dutch bread , or Amish white bread , is steeped in tradition, bringing a touch of simple, wholesome goodness to every slice.
It is an easy bread recipe .
This recipe is a total breeze, perfect for beginners and experienced bakers. Think of it as a baking hug. The prep is only 20 minutes, then a couple hours for rising, and finally, 30- 35 minutes to bake.
You'll get one beautiful loaf, perfect for about 12-16 slices.
Why You'll Love This Loaf
The main benefit? It's utterly delicious and satisfying. Plus, there's something therapeutic about kneading dough. This soft bread recipe is ideal for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter.
It's a classic, perfect for a chilly Sunday morning with the fam, or as a thoughtful gift for a friend.
It's also the best bread for sandwiches .
Okay, let's get these sorted, shall we? It's time to bake up a good SEO strategy! What makes this recipe special? It's that perfect balance of simplicity and flavor, a real taste of home.
Getting Ready
Right, let's talk ingredients. You'll need the basics:
- 1 cup warm milk (105- 115° F / 40- 46° C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup melted shortening (or butter)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra
And for brushing (totally optional, but recommended):
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Honestly, nothing too fancy! You'll also need a big bowl, a 9x5 inch loaf pan, and a clean tea towel. Now, let's get baking!
Ingredients & Equipment
Okay, let's get these ingredients sorted, shall we? Making amish white bread is easier than you think. We'll keep it simple.
The goal is a loaf so soft, you won't believe it's homemade. The search terms "Easy bread recipe," "Homemade white bread," and "Soft bread recipe" should lead you right here.
Honestly, there's nothing like the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven.
Main Ingredients for Amish White Bread Bliss
- Warm milk: 1 cup (240ml) . Make sure it's 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) . Too hot kills the yeast. Been there, done that!
- Active dry yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) .
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup (50g) .
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g) .
- Shortening, melted (or softened butter): ¼ cup (57g) . Quality butter really shines here.
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups (360g) , plus more for dusting.
- Melted butter (optional): 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
Seasoning Notes - The Secret Sauce
The Amish don't fuss much with fancy spices. But here's what makes it special.
A touch of sweetness from the sugar enhances the dough. This is not a "Sweet white bread", but is definitely on the sweet side.
The hint of salt balances everything out. Trust me, don't skip it. You can swap out the sugar for honey but that might influence the bread's texture.
Equipment Needed - No Fancy Gadgets Required
- Large mixing bowl (or stand mixer with dough hook).
- Measuring cups and spoons. Essential!
- 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Clean kitchen towel.
- Wire rack.
You don't need a ton of stuff. A big bowl will do. If you have a stand mixer, great, if not, your hands work just fine.
A wooden spoon and some elbow grease are your best friends. It's about the experience, isn't it? I recall trying to make bread in my student days, using a saucepan as a mixing bowl!
Homestyle Heaven: Easy Amish White Bread
This amish white bread recipe brings Pennsylvania Dutch simplicity to your kitchen. It's known for its soft texture and subtle sweetness.
This loaf is perfect for sandwiches or enjoying warm with butter. It's a classic for a reason!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place
Essential mise en place is vital. It makes things so much easier, trust me. Before you even think about touching the flour, get everything prepped! Measure out 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (105- 115° F / 40- 46° C) , 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast, ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar , 1 teaspoon (6g) salt, ¼ cup (57g) melted shortening , and 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour .
Time saving organization tips? You know I got you covered! Get all your ingredients set out before you start. Think of it like lining up your ducks in a row.
It saves a ton of time.
Remember: Always double check the temperature of the milk. Too hot and you'll kill the yeast. Honestly, I’ve done that before, and it's the worst!
step-by-step: Getting Down to Business
- Activate the Yeast: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let stand for 5- 10 minutes until foamy. Okay, let's get these sorted, shall we? It's time to bake up a good SEO strategy!
- Combine: Add melted shortening and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 5- 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Proof: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1. 5 hours , or until doubled.
- Shape: Punch down the dough. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Second Proof: Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes to 1 hour . It should rise about an inch above the pan.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Bake for 30- 35 minutes , or until golden brown and the internal temperature hits 200° F ( 93° C) .
- Cool: Remove and brush with melted butter (optional). Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Baking Perfection
To tell if it's baked perfectly, tap the bottom of the loaf. It should sound hollow. One time, I didn't wait long enough and the middle was still doughy!
Don't over knead. Over kneading results in a tough loaf. Honestly, this is a common mistake.
Looking for make-ahead options? You can freeze the dough after the first proof. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before shaping and baking. Alright, let's get this show on the road!
This easy bread recipe is going to be your new go-to. It's truly homestyle heaven! The aroma of freshly baked amish white bread is simply divine.
This is the best bread for sandwiches , and honestly, is the perfect comfort food.
Recipe Notes: Secrets to Amish White Bread Success
Okay, let's get these secrets sorted, shall we? It's time to bake up a good SEO strategy! You know, making bread isn’t just about following a recipe.
It’s about understanding the nuances! This Amish white bread is no exception.
Serving Suggestions: A Slice of Heaven
Honestly, the plating for this Amish white bread is pretty straightforward. A simple breadboard will do! As for presentation, slice it thick.
Serve it warm with a generous knob of butter. For sides, think comforting. A bowl of homemade soup is amazing.
Or maybe a classic ham and cheese sandwich. A nice milky tea or a cold glass of lemonade makes it all complete.
You know, a simple pleasure! Best bread for sandwiches hands down!
Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh
Refrigeration is key if you want this homemade white bread to last. I wrap mine tightly in cling film, then pop it in a bread bag.
It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Fancy freezing it? Slice it first, then freeze the slices in a freezer bag.
That way, you can grab a piece whenever you need it. Reheating is a doddle. Just pop it in the toaster or under the grill! So that's an easy bread recipe .
Variations: A Twist on Tradition
Fancy a bit of a twist? This Pennsylvania Dutch bread can handle it. For a dairy-free version, swap the milk for almond milk.
The texture will be slightly different. But it still tastes amazing. You could also add a sprinkle of mixed herbs for a savory touch.
If it's Autumn, add some pumpkin spice! That's bread baking tips for you. This is a soft bread recipe as well.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Slice
Okay, I'm no nutritionist. But this old fashioned white bread provides energy and some fibre. Plus, it's bloomin' delicious. Each slice contains carbs for fuel.
And a little bit of protein to keep you going. It's a great simple bread recipe and sweet white bread at the same time.
So there you have it! All my top tips for making the perfect Amish white bread recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment. And remember, baking should be fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to getting that super soft texture in Amish white bread?
The key to that melt-in-your mouth softness is the shortening (or butter) and the proper proofing time. The shortening helps create a tender crumb, while allowing the dough to rise fully in a warm environment ensures a light and airy texture.
Think of it like giving your dough a spa day it needs that relaxation time to develop its full potential!
Can I make this Amish white bread recipe if I don't have a stand mixer?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes things a bit easier, kneading by hand works just as well. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
You'll get a bit of a workout, but the reward is totally worth it plus, it's a great way to relieve some stress!
My Amish white bread didn't rise properly what went wrong?
A few things could have caused this. First, make sure your yeast wasn't expired it should be foamy after mixing with warm milk and sugar. Also, the room temperature might be too cold. Try placing the dough in a slightly warmed (but turned off) oven or near a sunny window to give it a helping hand.
How should I store my homemade amish white bread to keep it fresh?
To keep your Amish white bread fresh for as long as possible, store it in an airtight container or a bread bag at room temperature. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as this can dry it out. For longer storage, you can slice the loaf and freeze it in a freezer safe bag.
It's great for toast straight from the freezer!
Can I add any variations to this recipe for Amish white bread?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. For a honey wheat version, substitute some of the sugar with honey and replace a cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat. A cinnamon swirl is also a fantastic option just roll out the dough, spread with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, then roll it up before the second proof.
Get your 'Bake Off' on!
Is Amish white bread healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
While Amish white bread is delicious and comforting, it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It primarily provides carbohydrates for energy, but it's relatively low in fiber compared to whole grain breads.
The nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, so consider using whole wheat flour or adding seeds for an extra boost of nutrients, maybe not traditionally amish but worth considering!
Homestyle Heaven Easy Amish White Bread
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150-180 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 4-6g |
| Fiber | 1g |