• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Restless Chipotle

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Meal Plan
    • Meal Plan Help
  • Newsletter
  • Video
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Meal Plan
    • Meal Plan Help
  • Newsletter
  • Video
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Meal Plan
    • Meal Plan Help
  • Newsletter
  • Video
×
Home » Recipes » Yeast Bread Recipes

No-Fail Amish White Bread

Published: Jul 31, 2023 Last Updated: Jul 31, 2023 by Marye 2012 words. | About 11 minutes to read this article.

2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Amish white bread is an easy, tender sandwich loaf that slices easily without crumbling. Its velvety texture and sweet flavor make it a hit with the kids. Freezes well. This easy beginner recipe has millions of saves on Pinterest and thousands of 5-star reviews from happy bakers!
Jump to Recipe
Bread collage with text overlay for Pinterest

You may have heard this called milk bread. Make this by hand or in a bread machine - both instructions are included. It freezes well, too!

Be sure to read to the end where I'll be sharing my best tips for getting yeast dough to rise!

Don't want to scroll through the page to get to the recipe? Use the table of contents to click on the section you want.

Two finished loaves of Amish white bread cooling on a table.
Jump to:
  • 🗝️ Key takeaways
  • 🧾 Ingredients
  • 📖 Variations
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 🎥 Video: How to knead bread
  • 🍞 Bread flour or all-purpose
  • 🥫 How to store leftover Amish white bread
  • 💭 Things to know
  • 🔪 Equipment
  • 🎈 Help it rise!
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • 📚 Related recipes
  • 📞 The last word
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

My husband & I can’t stop eating it...

5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
YUM. Until recently I had exactly 0 experience with baking bread. Just a few months ago I started with no-knead Dutch oven artisanal loaves, and I finally wanted to attempt sandwich bread, which seemed more challenging to me. I’m so glad I found this recipe. This bread is SO GOOD. My husband & I can’t stop eating it, and I’ll definitely be pulling this out again & again!!
Marie

🗝️ Key takeaways

  • Over 2000 5 star reviews and thousands of comments from readers like you means that you can be confident that this recipe works!
  • This is a soft sandwich loaf, similar to a commercial white bread in texture, so it's perfect for everything from breakfast toast to sandwiches.
  • Be sure to read the Help it rise section for my tips and getting a tall fluffy loaf of bread!

🧾 Ingredients

If you are looking for the homemade equivalent of Wonder Bread you'll definitely want to try this classic Amish white bread! It is somewhat sweet — and when I say somewhat I mean like those fabulous, hot dinner rolls they have at Logan's Roadhouse or Hawaiian rolls.

If you want a real treat try it with a spoonful of this apricot pineapple jam!

Labeled ingredients for Amish white bread.

You can find a list of tools and helpful information on the Essentials page.

📖 Variations

Here some of my favorite variations.

  • Dinner rolls - just make this dough all the way through shaping and then follow my cloverleaf rolls instructions.
  • Cinnamon rolls -make big fluffy cinnamon rolls with this dough and these instructions.
  • Sweet rolls
  • Hamburger buns
  • Cinnamon swirl loaf
  • Add 2 cups raisins
  • Add 2 cups chocolate chips
  • Add 2 cups chopped nuts

Since this recipe freezes so well you can make several batches to have on hand when you need them.

Amish white bread is one of the main breads on my list of homemade pantry staples because it's so easy!

🔪 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the green recipe card below.

collage of step by step images for making amish white bread
  1. Mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water.
  2. Let it get foamy.
  3. Mix in the flour and knead until it is soft and elastic - it will feel like your earlobe when you squeeze a bit between your thumb and forefinger. Weird but true.
  4. Place in an oiled bowl and cover.
  5. Let rise until doubled.
  6. Check by pushing your finger in. If the indent stays it has doubled.
  7. Punch down.
  8. Shape and place in greased loaf pan - let rise.
  9. Bake.

🎥 Video: How to knead bread

🍞 Bread flour or all-purpose

This recipe works best with bread flour but you can also use all-purpose if you like. Just be aware that the texture may be a little more dense and your loaf will not rise as high. 

If you are using all-purpose flour and you happen to have some wheat gluten around you can replace 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 tablespoon of gluten for every cup.

That will give it the rise and fluffiness you're looking for in this sweet white bread.

Linked ad for breadbaking supplies on Amazon.

🥫 How to store leftover Amish white bread

Let the finished bread cool completely then wrap in plastic wrap, use an airtight container, or use a bread bag.

Homemade bread gets stale more quickly than commercial breads so plan on eating or freezing within 2 days.

To freeze

To freeze just wrap in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

I like to slice the bread before freezing and place parchment paper between the slices so I can thaw just one or two pieces at a time.

💭 Things to know

If you've had trouble with homemade bread recipes before be sure to read these posts on troubleshooting and tips:

  • Yeast Baking Tips 1
  • Yeast Baking Tips 2
  • Troubleshooting

Expert Tip: A whole egg can be beaten with a tablespoon of water and then brushed on the top. This results in a shiny, golden-brown crust.

  • If you want something less sweet you can cut the sugar in half. It will change the texture a bit but will still be great.
  • This is one recipe I don't often use butter in. I use organic extra-virgin coconut oil because it adds just a little flavor to the bread. Light vegetable oil will work, too. Try it with coconut oil,  light vegetable oil, or melted butter and just see what you like best. Make sure whatever you use is melted and cooled to 100F before adding.
  • The dough has been kneaded enough when it feels somewhat like your earlobe when you pinch it. When you gently pull on it the dough will stretch a little instead of breaking off.

Leftover angel chicken warmed up and served over a thick slice of this homemade bread is one of my favorite quick and easy meals. Try it!

🔪 Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

I use a Bosch to make bread with. I love my Kitchenaid but it just doesn't handle heavy doughs as well as I'd like. If you plan on making bread often I'd recommend saving up for a Bosch. It lasts forever. You won't regret it.

You'll also need -

  • two 9  by 5 inch loaf pans (measured from outside edge to outside edge. 1- ½ quart)
  • instant read thermometer

What’s new? Check out my Restless Chipotle & Co. Store on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of nostalgic goodness!  Thanks so much for being a part of Restless Chipotle!

🎈 Help it rise!

There are definitely a lot of ways to get yeast dough to rise - such as keeping it in the oven with the light on, etc.

My favorite is to use a natural dough enhancer like one of these-

  • Ground ginger helps to activate the yeast and really get it going.
  • Potato water strengthens the structure of the dough allowing it to rise higher.

Click through to 5 Ingredients to Help Your Bread Rise to find more great ideas including a recipe for a natural dough enhancer.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

Is there a difference in kneading with your hands or in a mixer?

There may be a slight difference in how it rises and texture but it would be so minimal that you wouldn't notice. Kneading by hand is hard and takes longer, though.

Is the nutritional info for the whole loaf or per slice and if so how thick of a slice is that calculated for?

Per slice. And I figure 8 slices per loaf.

How much ginger or potato water is needed to activate the yeast?

I'd use a pinch of ginger. If using potato water then use that instead of plain water.

Do I have to use ginger? Does it flavor the bread?

No. You don't have to use it and it does not flavor the bread. It does help activate the yeast and that's why I use it.

If I'm pinched for time, can I let it rise in the fridge then punch down for a second rise after work?

Yep! So Spray plastic wrap with no stick spray and cover your dough bowl. Refrigerate for no more than 24 hours then proceed according to instructions. Your second rising time may take a bit longer because of the cold.

📚 Related recipes

Once you make your own bread you'll want to try your hand at different types of yeast baking! Here are some of my favorites.

  • Vienna rolls are an old-fashioned yeast roll that were served at fancy restaurants. They are delicious as sandwich rolls, finger rolls, or made into a loaf.
  • There's nothing like hot from the fryer homemade donuts!
  • Angel biscuits are a cross between a dinner roll and a biscuit. They're a southern favorite.
  • Close up of a finished loaf of pan de muerto.
    Mexican Day of the Dead Bread (Pan de Muerto)
  • A sliced loaf of olive bread on a breadboard.
    Kalamata Olive Bread
  • Slices of freshly baked muesli bread showing the dried fruit inside.
    Muesli Bread Recipe: Dried Fruit, Nuts, and Whole Grains
  • Slices of onion cheese bread on a white plate.
    Onion Cheese Yeast Bread Recipe
See more Yeast Bread Recipes →

📞 The last word

Many people have asked me if you "have" to use bread flour. The bread will rise higher and lighter if you do but you can substitute all-purpose flour.

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

Two finished loaves of Amish white bread cooling on a table.
4.67 from 2478 votes

Amish White Bread

Print Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Amish white bread is an easy, tender sandwich loaf that slices easily without crumbling. Its velvety texture and sweet flavor make it a hit with the kids. Freezes well. This easy beginner recipe has millions of saves on Pinterest and thousands of 5-star reviews from happy bakers!
Course Bread
Cuisine Amercian Heritage
Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
Servings:16 2 loaves
Calories:240
Author:Marye Audet-White
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment Needed

  • Stand mixer
  • loaf pans
  • insta-read thermometer

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water, 110F
  • 1 pinch powdered ginger, optional - activates yeast
  • 1 cup milk, 110F
  • ⅔ cup sugar, (you can use less)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil, coconut oil works really well here (melt it first and let it cool to 100F)! OR use melted butter
  • 5-½ cups bread flour, you may need a little more or a little less
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

Conventional method

  • Dissolve the sugar in the warm water and milk in a large bowl.
  • Whisk in the yeast (and ginger if using).
  • Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the yeast mixture gets foamy.
  • Stir in 1 cup of the flour.
  • Whisk in the salt and oil.
  • With the mixer running add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the bowl.
  • Knead by machine about 5 minutes.

Hand kneading

  • If you are hand kneading mix in the flour until you have a sticky dough, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic - adding flour as needed.

Rising and shaping

  • Oil a large bowl and place the ball of dough in it.
  • Oil the top of the dough and then cover with a damp cloth.
  • Allow it to rise until it has doubled in bulk. This will take about an hour.
  • Punch the dough down.
  • Knead for three minutes or so and divide in half.
  • Let rest for five minutes.
  • Shape into loaves and then place in greased 9x5-inch loaf pans.
  • Brush the tops with the melted butter.
  • Let rise for 30 minutes, or until the dough has risen an inch or so above the pans.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes, or until loaves sound hollow when tapped.

For a soft crust

  • For a soft crust butter the tops and place a clean tea towel over the baked loaves as soon as you take them out of the oven. Let them cool for about 5 minutes and then take them out of the pans to finish cooling, covering them back up with the tea towel.

Bread machine instructions

  • Add ingredients to your bread machine in the order the manufacturer recommends.
  • Select white bread cycle.
  • Press "start".
  • When the dough has risen once and second cycle of kneading begins, turn the machine off. Press "start" again to reset the machine.
  • The dough will rise a second time before it bakes.

Notes

Storage:
Store wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 2 days at room temperature. Freeze for longer storage.
Since this fluffy white bread freezes so well you can make several batches to have on hand when you need them. Give this Buttermilk Bread a try, too!
Tips
  • If you want something less sweet you can cut the sugar in half. It will change the texture a bit but will still be great.
  • This is one recipe I don't often use butter in. I use organic extra-virgin coconut oil because it adds just a little flavor to the bread. A light vegetable oil will work, too. Try it with coconut oil,  light vegetable oil, or melted butter and just see what you like best. Make sure whatever you use is melted and cooled to 100F before adding.
Help with rising
There are definitely a lot of ways to get yeast doughs to rise - such as keeping it in the oven with the light on, etc. My favorite is to use a natural dough enhancer like one of these-
  • Ground ginger helps to activate the yeast and really get it going.
  • Potato water strengthens the structure of the dough allowing it to rise higher.
  • Click through to 5 Ingredients to Help Your Bread Rise (updated for 2020) to find more great ideas including a recipe for a natural dough enhancer -
You'll find more helpful tips and variations in the body of the post.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 239mg | Potassium: 67mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 68IU | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Sign up for the emails and never miss another recipe!!

    We'll never share your email or send you spam. Pinkie swear.

    Originally published April 2014. Last updated July 31, 2023 for more helpful information.

    More Yeast Bread Recipes

    • Close up of the swirl in the tomato swirl bread.
      Swirled Tomato Bread
    • A woman's hands holding white flour above a bowl.
      26 Different Types of Flour and Uses (Updated 2023)
    • Overhead view of slices of pullman loaf bread on a cutting board.
      Pain de Mie/Pullman Loaf Recipe
    • Close up of a slice of multigrain flaxseed bread showing texture.
      Soft Multigrain Sandwich Bread

    Love it? Share it!

    664.3K shares
    • Facebook54.6K
    • Twitter

    About Marye

    With a 40 year focus on the importance of family and a passion for southern comfort food, Marye Audet-White is an expert in melding the two together effortlessly. Marye's a NY Times Bestselling author with 10 cookbooks under her belt and her recipes have been featured in Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Today, House Beautiful, Texas Living, Food & Wine, and many more.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Love it? Give it 5 stars!




    1. Sally

      August 30, 2023 at 7:39 am

      5 stars
      Thank u for great recipe, i was wondering, do i use unsalted butter in bread recipe? Thank uuuu

      Reply
      • Marye

        August 31, 2023 at 11:16 am

        Either is fine.

        Reply
    2. Francie

      August 25, 2023 at 5:15 pm

      I would like to substitute honey for the sugar. Can you recommend an amount for honey?

      Reply
      • Marye

        September 04, 2023 at 7:28 am

        If you are going to use honey I'd suggest the honey buttermilk bread https://www.restlesschipotle.com/buttermilk-bread/

        Reply
    3. Melinda

      August 25, 2023 at 2:45 pm

      5 stars
      I really love this recipe, and my family go crazy over it. I've been baking this bread for around three months, twice a week, and no matter what I do I can never get my bread to stay in a "raised state". It will rise and look perfect in the bread pans, but as soon as I pull it out of the oven, it looks deflared and sad. I've tried ginger and potato water (and new yeast) Only thing I haven't tried is vitamin c. Anyone got any suggestions?
      I'm also cooking with a gas stove and it's humid atm 🤷‍♀️

      Reply
      • Marye

        September 04, 2023 at 7:29 am

        Don't let it rise quite so much. It sounds like it's rising too much.

        Reply
    4. Mammajane

      August 25, 2023 at 11:20 am

      Made it, came out Amazing. My family loves it. Looks like something I will be making a lot!!

      Reply
    5. Sylvia

      August 23, 2023 at 11:59 am

      This is my second time making this bread— it’s fantastic! A great flavor and slices perfectly for sandwiches. My entire family loves it. Will become my weekly baking. Thank you for the clear directions. Coconut oil is the trick!

      Reply
    6. Sadie

      August 14, 2023 at 10:38 am

      5 stars
      My finished product is coming out quite dense.. any suggestions?

      Reply
      • Marye

        August 14, 2023 at 10:46 am

        Usually if bread is dense it's because it wasn't kneaded enough. What method are you using?

        Reply
    7. Katy

      August 12, 2023 at 1:23 am

      5 stars
      Perfect wonderful with fresh Amish butter!

      Reply
    8. Pam

      July 29, 2023 at 7:30 am

      I cannot wait to try this, I love the tips on extra ingredients to help with rising 🥰 just curious if you think there's a difference in kneading with your hands or in a mixer ?? I enjoy the kneading by hand but the mixer does make it easier... Your thoughts I would greatly appreciate. ..thank you ❤️

      Reply
      • Marye

        July 30, 2023 at 6:58 am

        I don't see much, if any, difference between the two. You might get a slightly higher rise with the mixer because it's easier to develop the gluten. I'd say use whatever method you like best. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Leah

      July 25, 2023 at 4:38 pm

      Is the nutritional info for the whole loaf or per slice and if so how thick of a slice is that calculated for? I love this recipe. It turned out so well and it is a major hit with my family. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

      Reply
      • Marye

        July 26, 2023 at 7:35 pm

        Per slice and I figure 8 slices per loaf.

        Reply
    10. Alice

      July 16, 2023 at 4:13 pm

      Can I use all purpose flour?

      Reply
      • Marye

        July 18, 2023 at 8:27 am

        Yes but it may not rise as well.

        Reply
    11. Alice

      July 16, 2023 at 4:03 pm

      Can install purpose flour?

      Reply
      • Marye

        July 30, 2023 at 7:02 am

        You can use all-purpose flour.

        Reply
    12. Maria Agosto

      July 15, 2023 at 12:54 pm

      Greetings from Virginia 🙌🏽
      Can you use this recipe to make challah bread?
      Thank you 🙏🏽

      Reply
      • Marye

        July 15, 2023 at 6:23 pm

        Challah is a rich dough made with eggs. You could make a braid out of this but it isn't challah.

        Reply
    13. Annette

      July 12, 2023 at 2:26 pm

      5 stars
      I just made this for the first time and I love it! I made 3/4 of the 2-loaf recipe and baked it in a 13" covered pullman pan. It rose really fast compared to other breads I've made, and it sliced great and tastes delicious! Very soft and mildly sweet. I was looking for a bread that little kids would really like, but I think adults will love this too! Thanks for the great recipe!

      Reply
      • Marye

        July 13, 2023 at 7:29 am

        So glad you like it! It's a fabulous recipe for sure.

        Reply
    14. DENISE

      July 11, 2023 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      How many loaves does this make? How many lbs in a bread maker?

      Reply
      • Marye

        July 12, 2023 at 10:38 am

        It makes 2 loaves. I don't have a bread maker so I have no idea how much it would make.

        Reply
    15. Lisa

      July 09, 2023 at 11:23 am

      5 stars
      I loooooove this recipe and so does my whole family! I have been making 2 loaves a week.. today I wanted to try freezing it and make a few more. This is my question. Do I freeze the loaves after I have made them or before I bake them as a dough to bake later? Thank you so much !
      Lisa

      Reply
      • Laurinda

        September 01, 2023 at 7:55 pm

        Hi Lisa,
        Freeze bread after it's been baked & cooled.
        Here's the trick- when you take it out of the freezer, open it's wrapping, & slide in a paper towel. It keeps the bread from getting soggy. You can leave it in there once it's thawed, or take it out

        For homemade or store bought bread

        Reply
    16. Cathi D

      June 28, 2023 at 5:55 am

      5 stars
      I use the paddle til it’s ready to knead.

      Reply
    17. Jeanetta

      June 25, 2023 at 12:56 pm

      How much ginger or potato water is needed to activate the yeast?

      Reply
      • Marye

        June 28, 2023 at 8:29 pm

        I'd use a pinch of ginger. If using potato water then use that instead of plain water.

        Reply
    18. Diba

      June 20, 2023 at 2:11 pm

      5 stars
      My daughter and I have finally gotten great success with this recipe. It’s absolutely beautiful and delicious. Everyone loves it and wants it! lol We’re now wondering if we could use this recipe with whole wheat flour? Thank you.

      Reply
    19. A.J.

      June 15, 2023 at 1:27 pm

      5 stars
      My wife and kids love this bread. Even baked several loaves for work and now everyone keeps asking me to bake more hah! One thing I have noticed is that my bread after being baked only rises to about 3-3 1/2 inches. This is with an hour rise and a 30 minute second rise all in my proofer. Looking at your photo, it seems like it has risen several inches. Did you use potato water to gain so much height?

      Thanks

      Reply
      • Marye

        June 16, 2023 at 5:22 am

        I do often use potato water - however in this particular instance I did not. It may be the flour you are using? Some have more gluten than others. You might try replacing a tablespoon of flour with 100% gluten flour per cup.

        Reply
    20. Diba

      June 01, 2023 at 1:37 pm

      I’m trying this again! It tasted amazing but didn’t rise like it should yesterday. When using a stand up mixer, do you use the mixing attachment to mix in the flour and then switch to the dough hook for the 5 minutes of kneading?

      Reply
      • Marye

        June 03, 2023 at 10:03 am

        I use the paddle until it's ready to knead. 🙂

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    Newer Comments »

    Primary Sidebar

    Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

    Hey Y'all, I'm Marye.

    NY Times bestselling author. 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Addicted to Hallmark Christmas Movies.

    More about me →

    🎃 Pumpkin Spice

    • A stack of pumpkin bars on a plate showing the layers of spice cake and pumpkin.
      Pumpkin Gooey Bars
    • A close up of a square of the bread pudding showing the texture.
      Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Bread Pudding
    • Baked pumpkin scones glazed with icing.
      Classic Pumpkin Scones
    • A serving of pumpkin cake with a bite taken out of it.
      Pumpkin Spice Cake
    • Closeup view of the whole top of the pie for the feature image.
      Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pie
    • Slice of pumpkin cheesecake covered with caramel sauce and sprinkled with pecans.
      Pumpkin Cheesecake

    Get 14 Days FREE

    Clickable image of the meal planning app.

    👑 Reader Favorites

    • Square overhead of chicken for feature image.
      Crockpot Angel Chicken
    • Close up of the sauce showing the creamy texture.
      Copycat Red Robin Campfire Sauce Recipe
    • Wooden spatula removing fried potatoes out of iron skillet.
      How to Make Crispy Fried Potatoes
    • Blue cocktail with a red and white straw.
      Sex in the Driveway: Bright Blue Cocktail
    • A sliced loaf of english muffin bread.
      English Muffin Bread Recipe
    • Two finished loaves of Amish white bread cooling on a table.
      No-Fail Amish White Bread

    🥣 Best Soups for Fall

    12 Best Fall Soup Recipes

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Marye Audet-White
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Become a Sponsor
    • Contact
    MaryeAudet Whiteandherchildren Dec

    Featured In:

    Places Restless Chipotle has been featured

    Copyright ©2006 - 2023 Restless Chipotle Media, LLC