friendship bread starter recipe

The Best friendship bread starter recipe

I’ve been making this friendship bread starter recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a regular Tuesday night. I love how easy it is to make, and the best part is that you can use it to make a variety of sweet and savory breads.

My kids have grown up eating this bread, and they still request it whenever they come home from college. The recipe has been passed down through generations, and I’m excited to share it with you today. The story behind this recipe is fascinating.

It’s said to have originated in the 1960s, when women would share their bread starters with each other as a way of building friendships and community. The idea was that each woman would receive a small amount of starter from someone else, and then pass it on to someone else in need. Over time, the recipe has evolved, but the core idea remains the same: sharing love and nourishment through food.

One of the things I love about this recipe is the way it makes our house smell like freshly baked bread all day long. It’s a sensory experience that transports me back to my childhood, when my mother used to make homemade bread for us every week. The smell of yeast and flour is comforting and familiar, and it always makes me feel happy.

Making this friendship bread starter recipe is actually quite easy. You just need to mix together flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and water, then let it sit for several hours until it becomes frothy and bubbly. From there, you can use it to make all sorts of delicious breads – from classic dinner rolls to more adventurous options like cinnamon raisin or garlic knots.

My family loves this recipe because it’s so versatile. We can use it to make quick breakfast sandwiches or as a side dish for our favorite meals. And because the starter can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, we can enjoy fresh-baked bread all week long without having to start from scratch every time.

Friendship Bread Starter

4.6 from 1280 votes

A sweet, yeast-based starter used to make Amish friendship bread. This starter is fed over several days and shared with friends, along with instructions for continuing the cycle.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time10 mins (plus 10 days fermentation)
Servings: 1 starter (about 4 cups)Cuisine: InternationalCalories: N/A

🥘Ingredients

Day 1 Starter

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 cup whole milk

Days 2-5 Feeding (do not feed)

No ingredients needed

Days 6-10 Feeding (do not feed)

No ingredients needed

Day 10 Final Feeding & Sharing

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 cup whole milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1On day 1, combine 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk in a large glass or plastic jar.
2Stir well with a wooden or plastic spoon until no lumps remain.
3Cover loosely with a lid or clean cloth and leave at room temperature.
4On days 2 through 5, stir the starter once each day with a clean spoon.
5Do not add any new ingredients.
6The mixture will begin to bubble and smell yeasty, which is a sign of healthy fermentation.
7On days 6 through 9, stir the starter once each day.
8You may notice the starter becoming more active with larger bubbles and a stronger sour aroma.
9If the liquid separates on top, stir it back in.
10On day 10, add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk to the starter.
11Stir thoroughly until smooth.
12The starter should be bubbly and doubled in volume.
13Transfer 1 cup of the starter to each of 3 separate containers to give away, and keep 1 cup for yourself to bake with or continue the cycle.

🔧Equipment

1 gallon glass or plastic jar with lid
Wooden or plastic spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Clean cloth or paper towel

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: N/A kcal🧈Total Fat: N/A💛Saturated Fat: N/A❤️Cholesterol: N/A🧂Sodium: N/A🌾Total Carbs: N/A🥦Dietary Fiber: N/A🍬Sugars: N/A🥩Protein: N/A

📝Notes

Use only wooden or plastic utensils, as metal can react with the fermenting starter. The starter must be fed on day 10 before sharing. If you do not plan to bake immediately, you can refrigerate the starter for up to 1 week, then feed it again before using.

Watch Video Of How Friendship Bread Starter Works

This friendship bread starter recipe has been a staple in our household for years. It’s so easy to make and always yields delicious results.

My family loves how versatile this recipe is – we can use it to make everything from classic dinner rolls to more adventurous options like cinnamon raisin or garlic knots. And because the starter can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, we can enjoy fresh-baked bread all week long without having to start from scratch every time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Friendship Bread Starter

Q: What is friendship bread starter?

A: Friendship bread starter is a mixture of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and water that is used as the base for making homemade bread.

Q: How do I store my friendship bread starter?

A: You can store your friendship bread starter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Q: Can I freeze my friendship bread starter?

A: Yes, you can freeze your friendship bread starter for up to three months. Simply place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to use it again.

Q: How often do I need to feed my friendship bread starter?

A: You’ll need to feed your friendship bread starter once a day by adding more flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and water to the mixture. This will keep the yeast alive and active.

Q: Can I use my friendship bread starter immediately after mixing?

A: No, you’ll need to let your friendship bread starter sit at room temperature for several hours until it becomes frothy and bubbly before using it.

Q: Can I use any type of flour for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use any type of flour you like – all-purpose flour works great – but keep in mind that different types of flour may affect the texture of your final product.

Similar Posts