Amish Sourdough French Bread
Enjoy the delightful taste and texture of this Amish Sourdough French Bread, made effortlessly using your homemade Amish Bread starter. After numerous attempts, this recipe has been perfected to yield a light yet substantial loaf that's perfect for a variety of uses. Whether you're crafting a gourmet PB&J, whipping up a chicken salad sandwich, savoring a warm slice with butter, or transforming it into decadent French toast, this bread will elevate your meals. With a hint of sweetness from the starter and a beautifully crusty exterior, it's a true crowd-pleaser. This recipe produces a hearty 2 lb loaf that's ideal for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
hot tap water
1 cup (Used directly from tap, heated to a comfortable temperature.)
Amish starter
1 cup (Ensure the starter is active and bubbly before use.)
oil
1 tablespoon (Use your choice of oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil).)
salt
2 teaspoons (Regular table salt or sea salt.)
bread flour
4 cups (Measure by spooning into a cup and leveling off.)
active dry yeast
2 teaspoons (Use a full packet if preferred (typically around 2 and 1/4 teaspoons).)
Instructions
1
Begin by measuring your ingredients accurately: hot tap water, Amish starter, oil, salt, bread flour, and yeast.
2
Next, add the ingredients into the bread maker in the order recommended by your machine's manufacturer. For most machines, the liquids should be placed in first, followed by dry ingredients. Ensure that the salt and yeast do not come into direct contact before mixing.
3
Select the French Bread setting on your bread machine. For best results, choose the light crust option to achieve a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
4
Once the baking cycle is complete, remove the bread from the machine and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition Information
1.5g
Fat
32g
Carbs
4g
Protein
1.2g
Fiber
0.4g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amish Sourdough French Bread?
Amish Sourdough French Bread is a light yet substantial loaf made using a homemade Amish Bread starter and a bread machine for a perfect, crusty finish.
Can I make this recipe without a bread machine?
While this specific recipe is optimized for a bread machine, the ingredients can be adapted for traditional hand-kneaded baking if you are familiar with those techniques.
What setting should I use on my bread machine?
You should select the French Bread setting on your machine and choose the light crust option for the best results.
How much Amish starter is required?
This recipe requires 1 cup of active and bubbly Amish sourdough starter.
What kind of oil is best for this bread?
You can use your choice of vegetable, canola, or olive oil.
How many calories are in a serving of this bread?
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories.
Is bread flour necessary or can I use all-purpose?
Bread flour is recommended as its higher protein content provides the structure needed for a 2 lb loaf.
How much yeast should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast, but you can use a full packet which is about 2.25 teaspoons.
What is the size of the finished loaf?
This recipe yields a hearty 2 lb loaf of bread.
How do I measure the bread flour correctly?
Measure the flour by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off with a flat edge to avoid packing it down.
What temperature should the water be?
Use hot tap water at a temperature that is comfortable to the touch.
Can I use sea salt instead of table salt?
Yes, you can use either regular table salt or sea salt for this recipe.
Why should I choose the light crust option?
The light crust option helps achieve the perfect balance of texture and flavor without making the exterior too hard.
In what order should I add ingredients to the bread machine?
Add liquids first, followed by dry ingredients, ensuring that the salt and yeast do not touch before the mixing cycle begins.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains about 4 grams of protein.
Is this bread sweet?
The Amish starter provides a hint of sweetness to the loaf, making it versatile for many uses.
What are some serving suggestions for this bread?
It is excellent for PB&J sandwiches, chicken salad, or transformed into decadent French toast.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is approximately 1.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much fiber does this bread have?
Each serving provides about 1.2 grams of dietary fiber.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 32 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I use olive oil for this recipe?
Yes, olive oil is a perfectly acceptable choice for the fat component of this bread.
How much sugar is in the bread?
There is only 0.4 grams of sugar per serving.
What should I do after the baking cycle is complete?
Remove the bread from the machine immediately and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Why do I need to keep the salt and yeast separate?
Direct contact with salt can kill or inhibit the yeast before the machine starts mixing, which affects the rise.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: water, Amish starter, oil, salt, bread flour, and yeast.
Is the Amish starter used in this recipe active?
Yes, for the best rise, ensure your starter is active and bubbly before adding it to the machine.
Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?
Absolutely, its light yet substantial texture makes it an ideal sandwich bread.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients list, this bread does not contain cholesterol.
How should I store the leftover bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature to keep it fresh.
What is the texture of the bread?
It has a beautifully crusty exterior and a soft, airy interior.