Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet Amish White Bread, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter and jam. A simple homemade bread recipe for beginners!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Amish White Bread is a classic homemade bread recipe that produces soft, fluffy loaves with a hint of sweetness. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter and jam. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple and rewarding to make. The dough comes together easily, requires minimal ingredients, and fills your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread.

Ingredients

2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
2/3 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
6 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let sit for about 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
Stir in the salt and vegetable oil. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough comes together.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each into a loaf and place into greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
Cover the pans and let the dough rise for another 30-40 minutes, until it reaches the top of the pans.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Remove from pans and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 2 loaves (about 24 slices)
Calories: Approximately 170 kcal per slice

Variations

Honey Amish Bread: Replace sugar with 1/2 cup honey for a deeper flavor.
Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Herb & Garlic Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs and 1 minced garlic clove to the dough for a savory twist.
Cinnamon Swirl: Before shaping the dough into loaves, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over it and roll it up.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap vegetable oil for coconut oil or another plant-based alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week for longer freshness.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast for a crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients and skip the proofing step.

Why is my bread dense and heavy?

This could be due to insufficient kneading, not allowing enough rising time, or adding too much flour.

Can I make this recipe without sugar?

Sugar helps feed the yeast and adds flavor, but you can reduce it or use honey as a substitute.

What type of flour works best?

All-purpose flour is ideal, but you can also use bread flour for a chewier texture.

How do I know when my bread is fully baked?

Tap the bottom of the loaf—if it sounds hollow, it’s done. You can also check for an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).

Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

Yes! Follow your bread machine’s instructions, using the dough cycle to knead and rise, then bake as directed.

How do I get a softer crust?

Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.

Can I use this dough for rolls?

Absolutely! Shape the dough into small rolls, let them rise, and bake for about 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

What’s the best way to slice homemade bread?

Use a serrated knife and let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent tearing.

Can I add seeds or nuts to this recipe?

Yes! Mix in up to 1/2 cup of seeds, nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Amish White Bread recipe is an easy, foolproof way to enjoy homemade bread with minimal effort. Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted, or used for sandwiches, it’s a comforting and delicious addition to any meal. Try this recipe today and experience the joy of fresh, homemade bread straight from your oven!

Amish White Bread

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 24 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet Amish White Bread, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter and jam. A simple homemade bread recipe for beginners!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
2/3 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
6 cups all-purpose flour

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Instructions

In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Stir in salt and vegetable oil. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough comes together.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide into two equal portions. Shape each into a loaf and place into greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
Cover and let the dough rise for 30-40 minutes, until it reaches the top of the pans.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
Remove from pans and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a slightly chewier texture.
Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Brush the tops with melted butter after baking for extra softness.
Great for sandwiches, French toast, or simply with jam and butter!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes ( Rise Time: 1 hour 40 minutes)
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American