Homemade Amish White Bread (Print Version)

Soft, fluffy white bread with a hint of sweetness. Perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or serving warm with butter.

# What You Need:

→ Dough

01 - 2 cups warm water (110°F)
02 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
05 - 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
06 - 5 1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour

→ Optional Topping

07 - 1 tablespoon melted butter

# How-To:

01 - Dissolve sugar in warm water in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over water and let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy.
02 - Stir salt and oil into yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until soft dough forms that pulls away from bowl sides.
03 - Knead on lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Transfer to greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
05 - Punch down dough, divide in half, shape each into loaf. Place in two greased 9x5-inch loaf pans.
06 - Cover pans and let rise until dough extends 1 inch above rim, about 30-45 minutes.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake loaves 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
08 - Brush tops with melted butter if desired. Remove from pans and cool on wire rack before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The smell of this bread baking will draw everyone into the kitchen before it even comes out of the oven
  • It makes the most incredible sandwiches the next day, assuming there are any leftovers
02 -
  • Humidity affects how much flour you will need, so go by feel rather than exact measurements
  • Letting the bread cool completely before slicing prevents the inside from becoming gummy
03 -
  • Add one tablespoon of honey with the sugar for floral notes that pairs wonderfully with salted butter
  • Place your dough in the oven with just the light on to create the perfect warm draft free spot for rising

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