Amish Yeast Bread
Amish Yeast Bread is a hearty, slightly sweet bread featuring a tender crumb and rich flavor from mashed potatoes and raisins, if desired. Perfect for homemade sandwiches or enjoyed plain, it appeals to bread lovers seeking comfort and tradition with a soft, flavorful texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald the milk and remove from heat.
- Add sugar, salt, butter, and mashed potatoes to the milk and let cool.
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Mix the dissolved yeast with the cooled milk mixture.
- Add raisins (if using) and flour to the mixture.
- Stir until combined.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of skim. If you don't have unseasoned mashed potatoes, you can use plain instant mashed potatoes. For a sweeter bread, increase the sugar to 1/3 cup. Ensure your yeast is fresh for proper rising, and try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist. This bread pairs wonderfully with homemade Texas Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
This Amish Yeast Bread is delicious served warm with butter or jam. It also pairs nicely with soups and stews, making it a great accompaniment to hearty meals. Consider serving it alongside Baked Vegetables Au Gratin for a comforting dinner. For breakfast, enjoy it toasted with a drizzle of honey or as a base for French toast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Amish Yeast Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Amish Yeast Bread contains roughly 5280 calories, with 28g protein, 213g carbohydrates, and 481g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (66% of the Daily Value), potassium (59% of the Daily Value), and protein (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast in this recipe. Just be sure to dissolve it in warm water first and let it sit until bubbly before adding it to the milk mixture. This ensures that the yeast is active and will help the bread rise properly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Amish Yeast Bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Ensure the mashed potatoes are also gluten-free, and follow the recipe as usual. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and check that the warm water is about 110°F, which is ideal for yeast activation. If necessary, place the dough in a warmer spot, like a turned-off oven with the light on, to encourage rising.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).