No-Knead Amish White Bread

No-Knead Amish White Bread is a simple, hands-off recipe that yields a soft, fluffy loaf with a slightly sweet flavor. The beauty of this bread is that it requires minimal effort—no kneading necessary! You just mix the ingredients, let the dough rise, and bake it.

Here’s how you can make No-Knead Amish White Bread:

No-Knead Amish White Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for a softer crumb)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
   • Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast becomes frothy. This means it’s activated and ready to use.
2. Mix the Dough:
   • Once the yeast is activated, add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together. You don’t need to knead—just make sure all the flour is incorporated.
   • Add the vegetable oil (or melted butter) and milk (if using) and mix again until the dough is well combined.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
   • Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Place it in a warm spot and let the dough rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Dough:
   • Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, and shape it into a loaf by folding the edges towards the center and rolling it up into a tight log shape.
   • Place the dough seam-side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
5. Second Rise:
   • Cover the loaf with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the loaf pan.
6. Preheat the Oven:
   • While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Bake the Bread:
   • Once the dough has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
   • For an extra golden top, you can brush the loaf with a little melted butter during the last 5 minutes of baking.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
   • Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips:

• No kneading needed: The dough is mixed and then left to rise, making this a super simple recipe. The yeast does the work!
• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
• Flavor variations: You can add a tablespoon of honey or a splash of vanilla for a touch of sweetness.

This No-Knead Amish White Bread has a wonderful texture, soft crumb, and delicious flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a bit of butter!