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!
Table of Contents
🗝️ 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!
Have troubled getting your bread to rise? You'll want to read these tips for getting bread dough to rise faster - even in a cold house!
🧾 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!
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. Click on the image to see it full size.
- Mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water.
- Let it get foamy.
- 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.
- Place in an oiled bowl and cover.
- Let rise until doubled.
- Check by pushing your finger in. If the indent stays it has doubled.
- Punch down.
- Shape and place in greased loaf pan - let rise.
- Bake.
🎥 Video
Hey y'all! Don't forget to check out my latest video where I guide you through each step of this delicious recipe. It's always great to have a visual guide, right? And as always, my cooking show, Restless Chipotle Kitchen, has got your back. If you're looking for more yummy ideas, dive into our full recipe collection on YouTube. You're gonna love it!
🍞 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.
🥫 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:
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
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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
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🎈 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
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.
Per slice. And I figure 8 slices per loaf.
I'd use a pinch of ginger. If using potato water then use that instead of plain water.
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.
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.
- French Onion Garlic Bread
- Mexican Day of the Dead Bread (Pan de Muerto)
- Molasses Whole Wheat Bread
- Honey Cracked Wheat Bread
📞 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
Amish White Bread
Print Pin Recipe Save Recipe Rate RecipeIngredients
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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 -
Nutrition Facts
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.
This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.
Originally published April 2014. Last updated July 31, 2023 for more helpful information.
Gloria Terry-Gamron says
Wonderful bread recipe. Thanks to you, I finally made 2 great loaves. My husband was elated. You explain things so well. I read all your suggested blogs on the steps and watched the video before I tried the recipe and actually kneaded it by hand, instead of with my Kitchenaid, so I'd actually be able to feel the changes in the dough and did the window pane test. Wish you would do a video of the ending of hand kneading in addition to the beginning though. Maybe I just missed it. I'm 5'2" and kneaded it on the counter. Next time, will be on the table like you suggested for us short people. Set the timer for 10 minutes and what a workout. I was actually sweating by the time it was over. Kept asking my husband how much longer. The timer was on the microwave behind me. Good cardio before the carbs. Thanks, again. Going to look through your other recipes now.
judith judge says
can you use instant yeast
Marye Audet says
Yes. 🙂 Just add it with the dry ingredients.
Tammy says
Thank you for this post! It's so informative and I love the video on "how to knead".
I plan on coming back often.
Thanks again 🙂
Denise says
This bread was really good. It is a little on the sweet side but delicious. I only used 5 cups of bread flour so I am curious if other people used more. Will definitely make again.
Sally says
I used to bake homemade bread weekly from an old family recipe. My children grew up with it and loved to help kneed the dough. (can we say flour everywhere?) Precious!!
I tried this recipe today. It is absolutely fabulous!!
I’m making my homade Butter now, and I used organic coconut oil +2 tablespoons of butter with it, instead of oil.
My grandson just told me, “this is the best bread I’ve ever eaten in my life”! Now that’s a hit!!!
It’s texture is fairly dense and hardy, yet fluffy, velvety and complimentorally perfect for any dish!!!
This has become my new bread of choice!!!!
There should be additional stars to favor this exquisite recipe!!!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️?
Additionally, it makes fantastic dinner rolls as well!!
David Ervin says
Hi, I just made two loafs of this wonderful bread!!
Turned out soooooo good!! My house smells great too.
Thank you so much for this recipe. I'm been making
Bread for meny years use to do alot with sourdough.
But always looking and willing learn and make something new. Next I am going to try your honey
buttermilk bread!!
Judy Rudolph says
This bread is by far, the best homemade bread recipe ever! I gave the second loaf to my friend and she's still talking about it days later. I can't wait to make it as cinnamon bread. Thank you for such a wonderful recipe. <3
Carol Braman says
I have baked bread for over 60 years and this is my favorite new recipe! I love the versatility front 1 dough. It makes great orange rolls, cinnamon rolls, buns, bread, and more! As a senior it's nice to have a recipe that includes such options. I began baking breads and rolls as a kid with my grandmother. The smell of fresh bread is intoxicating. Love trying new recipes!
Teresa B Kelly says
I love this recipe and it turns out perfect! I am just curious in the nutritional facts what the protein amount is? Thanks again for your site!!
judith judge says
can i use instant yeast and if i do do i still disove in the water milk mix
Bnjmcleod says
Excellent bread and now our go-to recipe! It freezes very well and lasts for days in my little bread keeper (wrap the cut end in waxed paper). I make this in my bread machine (1/2 recipe, med. crust, 1.5 lb setting) and it’s perfect every time.
Deb says
I love love love this bread recipe! I wanted to try in mini loaf pans. Have you tried this? Would I have to adjust any of the ingredients?
Thank you!
Cindy Lumbra says
Absolute best homemade bread I have ever made...Thank you for such a awesome recipe.
Lesa says
Just took a loaf to my neighbor who texted me, "It is honestly the best homemade bread I have EVER had! Truth be told, I've just taken another slice. It is amazing!"
Really liked that you provided alternate instructions for kneading by mixer/hand and for converting to bread machine. (I used your kneading my mixer instructions.)
Marye Audet says
🙂 Thank you, Lesa! I am so glad that you like the recipe - but I like that you are sharing with your neighbor even more - I think that's what it's all about!
Bobie Spencer says
Love recipe ,tried others but they were bland, I have also substituted extra virgin olive oil occasionally with this recipe, works wonderfully, and I have occasionally used 1/3 cups local honey as well
Jasmine says
This is my all time favourite bread recipe! What sets it apart is the addition of the milk and possibly the use of oil instead of butter. Makes a soft fluffy bread that can be eaten by itself! My husband loved it and we paired it with a chicken salad that I made for dinner! Fantastic recipe. The only thing is I didn't wait the addition 30 mins for it to rise in the pans, didn't have the patience, but they still came out great, just not above the pans.
Deb says
Hi
This recipe is amazing! I have been baking bread for a while and have tried to find the perfect soft white bread and this is it!! I would like to bake these to give away to family and friends. Can I double the recipe to make 4 loaves? Not sure if you've tried that but I know some recipes don't turn out the same when you double them. Thank you so much for sharing this delicious recipe!
Rob says
Despite all these successful first attempts above, mine turned out a little bit doughy. I just seem to always have trouble with baking.
I did combine the two loaves in a double-loaf pan, which is all I had. In hindsight, I probably should have extended the baking time. Does that sound right? If so, how much longer you think?
Marye Audet says
Yeah, a double loaf pan will be problematic. You could use an instaread thermometer and test the centers. It should be 195F to 210F when done.
Gayla says
I'd like to make this as rolls for Thanksgiving. Can they be made the day before and refrigerated? And is so, how long? Hoping 24 hours! 🙂
Marye Audet says
I'd make them as brown and serve rolls - here's the instructions but use this recipe. https://www.restlesschipotle.com/thanksgiving-make-ahead-recipe-buttermilk-dinner-rolls/
Cook for 10 minutes, or until done but before the rolls start to brown. Remove from oven, cool. Wrap in air tight packaging. Freeze for up to three months. To serve: Bake at 425 until golden.
Karisma says
Made these beautiful loaves of bread. Light as a cloud. I did use all-purpose as bread flour just wasn't available. I regret nothing. Will make again and again. NEXT time with bread flour. Just magnificent!