Amish White Bread

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
2. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

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2. Make the Dough:

1. Add melted butter, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Stir to combine.
2. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

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3. First Rise:

• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.

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4. Shape the Loaf:

1. Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf.
2. Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
3. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

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5. Bake:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Optional: brush the top with beaten egg for a shiny crust.
• Bake 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
• Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

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💛 Ashley’s Tips:

• Use bread flour for extra chewiness, or all-purpose for a soft, tender crumb.
• This bread freezes well — slice before freezing for easy sandwiches.
• For a slight sweetness, you can add 1–2 tbsp honey to the dough.

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If you want, I can also give you a no-knead Amish White Bread recipe — soft, fluffy, and easy with almost no effort!