Pin it
Let me share my absolute favorite bread recipe - this amazing Amish White Bread! I've been making this soft, slightly sweet bread for years, and it never fails to impress. Whether you're new to bread baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is pure magic. My family can smell it baking from anywhere in the house, and they come running every time!
Why You'll Fall in Love
You know those pillowy-soft dinner rolls you get at restaurants? This bread has that same heavenly texture! It's just sweet enough to make amazing French toast, but not so sweet that you can't use it for sandwiches. My kids actually prefer this to store-bought bread now it's that good!
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
- Flour: I use bread flour for the fluffiest results, but don't worry if you only have all-purpose!
- Yeast: Active dry yeast is my go-to it's so reliable.
- Warm Water: Think baby-bath temperature that's perfect for the yeast.
- Sugar: Feeds our yeast and adds that lovely sweetness.
- Salt: Don't skip this it makes all the flavors pop!
- Oil: I love using coconut oil, but vegetable oil works great too.
- Pro Tip: A bit of vital wheat gluten makes all-purpose flour work like bread flour!
Let's Bake Together!
- Wake Up the Yeast
- This is like making the yeast's morning coffee it should get nice and foamy!
- Mix and Knead
- Get ready for an arm workout! The dough should feel like your earlobe when it's ready.
- First Rise
- Time for a nap! Let that dough double in size it's amazing to watch.
- Shape with Love
- Gently punch down the dough and shape into loaves this is my zen moment.
- Second Rise
- Almost there! Let those loaves puff up beautifully.
- Baking Magic
- The best part watching them turn golden brown and filling the house with that incredible aroma!
Making It Your Own
I love how versatile this dough is! Sometimes I make dinner rolls that rival any restaurant's. My weekend favorite? Turning it into cinnamon rolls my family goes crazy for them! You can even shape it into hamburger buns talk about homemade burger night!
Keeping It Fresh
Let me share my storage secrets! Once the bread is completely cool (if you can wait that long!), wrap it up tight. Want to freeze it? Slice it first that way you can grab just what you need. I always keep a loaf in the freezer for emergencies!
Pin it
My Best Tips
After countless loaves, here's what I've learned: properly kneaded dough feels just like your earlobe soft and stretchy. Bread flour really does make a difference, but don't let that stop you from baking! And if you want less sweetness, just cut back on the sugar it's totally customizable.
Troubleshooting Together
Having trouble? Let me help! If your bread's too dense, check your water temperature too hot kills the yeast, too cold won't wake it up. Flat loaves usually mean rushed rising time. And remember, the dough should be slightly sticky don't go overboard with the flour!
Kitchen Essentials
While you can make this bread by hand, my stand mixer is my best friend for this recipe. Two good loaf pans are worth their weight in gold. And that instant-read thermometer? It takes the guesswork out of knowing when your bread is done perfectly!
Perfect for Any Meal
This bread truly does it all! It makes the best sandwich bread you've ever had, transforms into heavenly French toast, and don't even get me started on grilled cheese! It's become such a staple in our house, I can't imagine our kitchen without it.
Rolling Out the Love
Want to make dinner rolls? I've got you! Just divide the dough into little balls I usually get about 24 from one batch. Let them rise until puffy, then brush with melted butter right after baking. They disappear faster than I can make them!
Sweet Cinnamon Magic
My family's favorite weekend treat? Turning this dough into cinnamon rolls! Just roll it out, spread with butter and cinnamon sugar, then roll up and slice. The hardest part is waiting for them to rise! A quick cream cheese frosting on top and it's pure heaven.
Pin it
Fun Mix-Ins
Sometimes we get creative! Adding raisins or cranberries makes it perfect for breakfast. My kids love when I sneak in some chocolate chips. And a swirl of Nutella? Game changer! Don't be afraid to experiment that's how all the best recipes happen.
Loving Those Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), this bread makes amazing French toast. Cut it thick, let it soak up that egg mixture, and fry until golden. Or cube it up for bread pudding talk about comfort food!
Flour Power
While bread flour gives you that perfect, fluffy texture, don't let not having it stop you! All-purpose flour works just fine. My secret? Adding a bit of vital wheat gluten gives you that same professional bakery texture.
Freezer Friend
This bread freezes beautifully! I always slice before freezing it makes it so easy to grab just what you need. A little parchment paper between slices prevents sticking. You can even toast it straight from frozen!
The Perfect Finish
Want that beautiful shiny top? Brush with beaten egg before baking. For soft, tender crusts, brush with melted butter right as it comes out of the oven. Both ways are delicious it just depends on what you're going for!
Burger Night!
These make the best hamburger buns! I divide the dough into 8-10 pieces, shape them into rounds, and let them rise until puffy. They bake up perfectly golden and soft just right for holding your favorite burger!
Pin it
Sweet or Not?
Sometimes I cut back on the sugar for a more versatile loaf. Half the sugar gives you a bread that's perfect for everything from sandwiches to garlic bread. It's all about making it work for your family's taste!
A Family Tradition
This bread has become such a part of our family traditions. From weekend breakfast toast to holiday dinner rolls, it's always there. There's something so special about passing down the love of homemade bread to the next generation. I hope this recipe becomes a tradition in your kitchen too!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best way to store this bread?
- Keep wrapped in plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled loaves well-wrapped.
- → Can I reduce the sugar?
- Yes, you can cut the sugar in half. The texture will change slightly but the bread will still be good. The sugar helps create its signature soft texture.
- → Why add ginger to the dough?
- Ground ginger is a natural yeast activator that helps the dough rise better. It's optional but can improve the bread's texture.
- → What makes the crust soft?
- Buttering the tops and covering with a clean tea towel right after baking helps create a soft crust. Let cool for 5 minutes in pans before removing.
- → Can I make this by hand without a mixer?
- Yes, you can knead by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The recipe includes instructions for both machine and hand methods.