Amish White Bread Recipe

#### Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
1. **Punch down the dough**: After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release any trapped air bubbles.
2. **Shape the dough into a loaf**: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding the edges toward the center and rolling it up from one end to the other.
3. **Place in loaf pan**: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and place the shaped dough inside, seam side down.
4. **Let it rise again**: Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise for about 30–45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.

#### Step 6: Bake the Bread
1. **Preheat the oven**: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Bake the bread**: Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should read about 190°F (88°C).
3. **Optional glaze**: For a slightly glossy finish, you can brush the top of the loaf with a little melted butter after baking.

#### Step 7: Cool the Bread
1. **Cool on a wire rack**: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

### Tips for Success

– **Use the right water temperature**: Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, and water that is too cold can prevent it from activating. Make sure the water is warm, but not hot (around 110°F or 43°C).
– **Don’t rush the rise**: Allow the dough plenty of time to rise. Rushing through the rising process can result in dense bread.
– **Check the bread for doneness**: The bread is ready when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, or if you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should be about 190°F (88°C).
– **Storage**: Once the bread is completely cooled, store it in a bread box or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. For longer shelf life, you can freeze the bread, slicing it before freezing for easy use.

### Why You’ll Love This Amish White Bread Recipe

– **Simple Ingredients**: With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a beautiful loaf of bread with a light, fluffy texture.
– **Perfect for Beginners**: This recipe is beginner-friendly, as it requires minimal steps and common kitchen tools.
– **Soft and Flavorful**: The soft, tender crumb and slightly sweet flavor make this bread perfect for everything from sandwiches to toast with jam.
– **Customizable**: You can add a variety of toppings or ingredients to the dough, such as herbs, garlic, or seeds, for added flavor.

### Final Thoughts

This Amish white bread recipe is a timeless classic that produces a loaf that’s soft, tender, and wonderfully flavorful. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this simple yet delicious bread is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven with a smear of butter, or use it for your favorite sandwich. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make—and how satisfying it is to eat! Happy baking!