Amish White Bread

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead for about 8–10 minutes. To knead:

1. Push the dough away from you with the heel of your hand.
2. Fold it back over itself.
3. Rotate slightly and repeat.

The dough should become smooth, elastic, and soft. If it’s too sticky, add a little flour—just a tablespoon at a time.

Step 4: First Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with oil. Place the dough inside and turn it once so the top is lightly coated.

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

To check if it’s ready, gently press your finger into the dough—if the indentation stays, it’s done rising.

Step 5: Shape the Loaves

Punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles.

Turn it out onto a clean surface and divide it into two equal portions.

Shape each portion into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it tightly from one end to the other. Pinch the seam closed and tuck the ends under.

Place each loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the pans with a towel and let the dough rise again for about 30–45 minutes, or until the dough rises about 1 inch above the rim of the pans.

This second rise ensures a light, airy texture.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the loaves for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. If you tap the top of the bread, it should sound hollow.

For an extra soft crust, brush the tops with melted butter immediately after removing from the oven.

Step 8: Cool Properly

Remove the bread from the pans and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Cutting too early can make the bread gummy inside, so patience pays off here.

Tips for Perfect Amish White Bread

• Use fresh yeast for best results.
• Don’t over-flour the dough—it should remain soft.
• Allow full rising time for the fluffiest texture.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze sliced bread for up to 3 months.

Ways to Enjoy It

• Toasted with butter and jam
• Classic grilled cheese sandwiches
• French toast
• Peanut butter and honey
• Homemade croutons

Final Thoughts

Amish White Bread is a timeless recipe that proves simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. The gentle sweetness, tender crumb, and comforting aroma make it a staple worth mastering.

Once you bake it yourself, store-bought bread just won’t taste the same.