2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
⅔ cup sugar (or ½ cup honey for a richer flavor)
1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast (2 packets)
¼ cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or melted coconut oil)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
6-6 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Bread-Making Bliss
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Create the Dough
Add oil, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Mix until smooth. Gradually add remaining flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is slightly tacky but not sticky.
Step 3: Knead to Perfection
Stand Mixer: Knead with dough hook for 5-7 minutes
By Hand: Turn onto floured surface and knead 8-10 minutes
Test: Dough should be smooth, elastic, and spring back when poked
Step 4: First Rise
Place dough in greased bowl, turn to coat, and cover with damp cloth. Let rise in warm place for 1-1 ½ hours until doubled.
Step 5: Shape & Second Rise
Punch down dough and divide in half. Shape into loaves and place in greased 9x5 inch loaf pans. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes until crowned above pans.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Bake 30-35 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C)
Immediately brush with melted butter
Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack
Pro Tips for the Perfect Loaf
WATER TEMPERATURE MATTERS: Too hot will kill yeast, too cold won't activate it. It should feel warm but not hot to the touch.
DON'T RUSH THE RISE: This is where flavor and texture develop. A slow rise creates better taste.
THE WINDOWPANE TEST: Stretch a small piece of dough - it should thin out without tearing.
STORAGE: Keep in plastic bag at room temperature up to 5 days. Freezes beautifully for 3 months.
Delicious Variations to Try
CINNAMON RAISIN: Knead in 1 cup raisins and 2 tsp cinnamon with the flour
HERB BREAD: Add 2 tbsp Italian seasoning and 1 tsp garlic powder
WHOLE WHEAT: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour
CHEESE BREAD: Fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese during last minute of kneading
Serving Suggestions
THE ULTIMATE TEST: Eat a slice warm with good butter
SANDWICH PERFECTION: Makes incredible peanut butter & jelly or turkey clubs
FRENCH TOAST MAGIC: Stale bread makes exceptional French toast
BREAD PUDDING: The perfect base for a rich, custardy dessert
Troubleshooting Common Issues
DENSE BREAD: Too much flour or over-kneaded
COARSE TEXTURE: Rose too quickly in too warm environment
DIDN'T RISE: Old yeast or water too hot/cold
PALE CRUST: Brush with egg wash before baking for golden color
There you have it—the perfect Amish White Bread that’s sure to become a family favorite! The moment you pull those golden loaves from your oven and slice into that soft, tender crumb, you’ll understand why homemade bread is one of life’s simplest yet most satisfying pleasures.
Happy baking! 🍞✨
