Amish White Bread
A simple, wholesome bread that fills the kitchen with warmth, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C) Ensure water is warm enough to activate yeast.
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 6–7 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for about 10 minutes, until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
- Once the yeast is ready, add the vegetable oil, sugar, and salt to the bowl. Stir until well combined. Gradually mix in the flour, starting with 6 cups, until a rough dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and divide it in half. Shape each half into a loaf.
Baking
- Place the shaped loaves into greased loaf pans. Cover again with the kitchen cloth and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Allow them to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or milk in place of some of the water. Store the cooled bread in an airtight container to retain its moisture.