15 Active Dry Yeast Recipes for Delicious Homemade Breads

15 Active Dry Yeast Recipes for Delicious Homemade Breads

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 13 minutes

Active dry yeast is a key ingredient in many baked goods you may love, such as bread and rolls. Using active dry yeast, you can create delicious recipes that will elevate your baking skills and impress your friends and family. This ingredient is easy to work with and plays an essential role in making your dough rise and achieve that perfect texture.

A bowl of flour, a packet of active dry yeast, and a measuring cup of warm water on a kitchen counter

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced baker, exploring recipes with active dry yeast can open the door to a world of flavorful possibilities. You’re sure to find a variety of recipes that suit your taste and style, helping you enjoy the rewarding process of baking.

1) Classic White Bread

Making classic white bread is a fun and satisfying experience. You will enjoy the aroma of fresh bread filling your kitchen as it bakes. This recipe uses active dry yeast, which helps the bread rise beautifully.

To start, gather your ingredients. You need active dry yeast, warm water, sugar, salt, all-purpose flour, and butter.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted

Cooking Instructions

  1. Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, mix sugar, salt, and flour together.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth.
  5. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
  6. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased pan.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes until golden brown.

2) Rustic Whole Wheat Bread

Making rustic whole wheat bread is a rewarding experience. The use of active dry yeast gives the bread a great rise and texture.

Start by mixing whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour for a hearty flavor. Add warm water around 110°F (45°C) to help activate the yeast.

Include salt and a little olive oil for richness. Let the dough rise, allowing it to develop flavor. A longer rise time enhances the taste.

Once risen, shape the dough and place it in a baking vessel. Bake until golden brown, creating a crispy crust and soft inside.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. Combine flours and salt in a bowl.
  2. In another bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
  3. Mix the yeast mixture into the flour.
  4. Add olive oil and mix until combined.
  5. Let the dough rise for 12 hours.
  6. Shape the dough and place it in a baking dish.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes.

3) Soft Dinner Rolls

Soft dinner rolls are a delicious addition to any meal. They are fluffy and warm with a lovely buttery flavor. You can easily make them at home using active dry yeast.

To start, you will need to gather your ingredients. The rolls require milk, yeast, flour, sugar, butter, and salt.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3 1/2 cups (420 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Warm the milk until it’s lukewarm (about 100°F or 38°C).
  2. Mix the yeast and warm milk in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
  3. Combine the remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
  4. Add the yeast mixture and knead until smooth.
  5. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  6. Shape the dough into rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
  7. Let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes.
  8. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

4) Chewy Bagels

Making chewy bagels at home is fun and rewarding. You’ll love the texture and taste of freshly baked bagels. To get started, make sure you have active dry yeast ready.

Start by dissolving the yeast in warm water. This helps activate it, giving your bagels that perfect rise. You’ll also need bread flour for the right chewiness.

Don’t forget to boil the bagels before baking. This step is crucial for that shiny crust. Bake them at 425°F (220°C) for a golden finish.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
  • 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • Water for boiling
  • Optional toppings (like sesame seeds or everything seasoning)

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then add the yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes.
  4. Let it rise for 1 hour, covered.
  5. Shape your bagels and let them rest for 10 minutes.
  6. Boil each bagel in water for 1-2 minutes, then place them on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.

5) Homemade Pizza Dough

Making homemade pizza dough is simple and fun. You only need a few ingredients to get started. This dough is perfect for holding all your favorite toppings.

For this recipe, you’ll need all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, warm water, sugar, salt, and olive oil. The yeast helps the dough rise and become fluffy.

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix warm water and sugar, then add the yeast.
  2. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  3. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
  4. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
  5. Mix until a dough forms.
  6. Knead for about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

6) Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat you can easily make at home using active dry yeast. They are perfect for breakfast or a snack with a warm, sweet aroma that fills your kitchen.

To start, you’ll need to proof the yeast by combining it with warm water and a bit of sugar. This helps activate it.

Next, mix in milk, flour, butter, and sugar to form a dough. Knead it until it’s smooth and elastic. Let it rise until doubled in size.

Once the dough has risen, roll it out and spread cinnamon, sugar, and butter on top. Roll it up tightly and slice into individual rolls.

After placing the rolls in a baking dish, let them rise again. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ cup warm water
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 ½ cups flour
  • ¼ cup cinnamon
  • ½ cup brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

  1. Proof the yeast with warm water and sugar.
  2. Mix in warm milk and melted butter.
  3. Gradually add flour and sugar to form dough.
  4. Knead the dough until smooth.
  5. Let it rise until doubled in size.
  6. Roll out, then spread with butter, cinnamon, and sugar.
  7. Roll tightly and slice into rolls.
  8. Place in a baking dish and let rise again.
  9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

7) Crispy Artisan Bread

Crispy artisan bread is a delightful addition to any meal. It has a crunchy crust and a soft, chewy inside. This bread is simple to make, even for beginners.

You will use active dry yeast for this recipe. This yeast helps the bread rise and gives it a nice texture.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, and salt.
  2. Slowly add the warm water and stir until combined.
  3. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rise for 12 to 18 hours.
  4. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
  5. Once the dough has risen, shape it gently and place it on parchment paper.
  6. Carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on, then another 15 minutes uncovered.

8) Fluffy Brioche

Fluffy brioche is a delightful bread that’s perfect for breakfast or snacks. Its soft texture makes it a favorite for many. You can enjoy it plain, with butter, or as a base for delicious French toast.

To make brioche, you need active dry yeast, which helps the bread rise. The dough is rich, made with eggs and butter, giving it a tender crumb.

When you bake, the brioche should be golden brown on the outside. Let it cool before slicing. This bread is best fresh but can be stored for a few days.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, lukewarm
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine lukewarm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour and salt.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and eggs. Mix until blended.
  4. Add butter and knead until dough is smooth.
  5. Place in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Shape the dough into a loaf or buns and place in greased pans.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

9) Savory Focaccia

A baker sprinkles active dry yeast onto a mound of flour, preparing to mix ingredients for savory focaccia

Savory focaccia is a delicious bread that you can easily make at home. It’s perfect as a side dish or for sandwiches. This recipe uses active dry yeast to achieve its fluffy texture.

You’ll start by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until it becomes frothy. Then mix in flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead the dough until smooth.

After that, let the dough rise until it doubles in size. Once it’s ready, shape it into a flatbread. You can top it with herbs, olives, or cheese for extra flavor.

Bake it in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) until golden brown. Enjoy your fresh focaccia!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Toppings: herbs, olives, cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix warm water and sugar.
  2. Sprinkle yeast and let sit until frothy.
  3. Add flour, salt, and olive oil.
  4. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
  5. Let it rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  6. Shape the dough into a flatbread.
  7. Add desired toppings.
  8. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes.

10) Garlic Knots

A kitchen counter with ingredients for garlic knots - flour, yeast, garlic, and olive oil - arranged in a neat row

Garlic knots are a delicious and fun way to enjoy bread. They are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. You can make them easily using active dry yeast.

To start, mix your warm water and yeast, and let it sit for a few minutes until foamy. Then, combine flour, salt, and olive oil to form a dough. Knead it until smooth.

Once the dough rises, shape it into small knots. Bake them until golden brown at 375°F (190°C).

For a tasty garlic spread, mix melted butter with garlic and parsley. Brush this mixture over the warm knots when they come out of the oven.

Ingredients

  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Melted butter for brushing
  • Chopped parsley

Cooking Instructions

  1. Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it bubble for 5 minutes.
  2. Mix flour, olive oil, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
  5. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
  6. Shape the dough into knots.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
  8. Brush with garlic butter and serve warm.

11) Pretzels

A bowl of pretzel dough rising next to a packet of active dry yeast

Making pretzels at home is fun and rewarding. They have a soft, chewy texture and a golden-brown color. Using active dry yeast helps them rise beautifully.

You’ll need to prepare a dough with ingredients like flour, warm water, salt, and sugar. Once mixed, let the dough rise until it doubles in size.

After that, shape your pretzels by rolling the dough into ropes. Twist and form them into the classic pretzel shape.

Boil them briefly in water mixed with baking soda for that perfect crust. Bake until golden, and enjoy them warm with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

  • 2 and 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 4 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 6 cups water (for boiling)
  • 2 tbsp baking soda
  • Coarse salt (for topping)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast in warm water with sugar.
  2. Combine yeast mixture with flour and salt.
  3. Knead until smooth and let rise for 1 hour.
  4. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
  5. Divide dough, shape into pretzels.
  6. Boil in water with baking soda for 30 seconds.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
  8. Sprinkle with coarse salt before serving.

12) Sourdough Bread

A kitchen counter with a bowl of active dry yeast, flour, and a jar of sourdough starter, surrounded by measuring cups and a mixing spoon

Making sourdough bread with active dry yeast is a fun way to enjoy homemade bread. This method gives you a delicious crust and soft inside without waiting days for the dough to rise.

Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need flour, water, salt, a sourdough starter, and active dry yeast. The yeast helps speed up the process.

To begin, mix the warm water (110°F or 43°C) with the yeast and let it sit for a few minutes. In a separate bowl, combine the flours and salt. Then, add the yeast mixture and starter. Mix until smooth.

Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s elastic. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. Shape the dough and let it rise again for a bit before baking.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (110°F or 43°C)
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1½ cups sourdough starter
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix warm water and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Combine flours and salt in a bowl.
  3. Add yeast mixture and starter; mix until smooth.
  4. Knead dough for 10 minutes.
  5. Let rise until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the dough and let it rise again.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes.

13) Poppy Seed Challah

A kitchen counter with ingredients for Poppy Seed Challah: flour, sugar, salt, yeast, oil, eggs, and poppy seeds. A mixing bowl and measuring cups are also present

Poppy Seed Challah is a delicious bread that is perfect for any occasion. This traditional Jewish bread is slightly sweet and has a rich texture. It’s great for sharing during holidays or simply enjoying at home.

To make your Poppy Seed Challah, you’ll need a few key ingredients. The poppy seeds add a nice crunch and flavor that pairs well with the soft bread.

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 575 grams all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 Tbsp salt
  • 50 grams sugar
  • 60 ml olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp poppy seeds

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until bubbly.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and remaining sugar.
  3. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and olive oil to the flour mixture.
  4. Mix and knead until the dough is smooth.
  5. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled.
  6. Shape the dough and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes.

14) Buttery Croissants

Freshly baked croissants rising on a floured surface. Yeast and butter aromas fill the air

Making buttery croissants at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. You will enjoy the flaky layers and rich taste.

Start with active dry yeast as your leavening agent. Mix it with warm milk and sugar to activate it. This helps your croissants rise nicely.

You will need all-purpose flour, salt, and cold unsalted butter for the dough. Laminate the butter for those perfect layers. Roll the dough thin and fold it several times for the best results.

Once shaped, let your croissants rise until they double in size. Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. They should be golden and crisp on the outside.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups cold unsalted butter
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Activate the yeast in warm milk with sugar.
  2. Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
  3. Combine yeast mixture with flour.
  4. Knead into a dough and chill.
  5. Roll out the dough and add cold butter.
  6. Fold and roll several times to create layers.
  7. Shape the dough into croissants.
  8. Let them rise until doubled.
  9. Brush with egg wash.
  10. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

15) Traditional Baguette

A kitchen counter with ingredients for baguette dough, including flour, water, salt, sugar, and a bowl of active dry yeast

Making a traditional baguette is a rewarding experience. You will enjoy the aroma of fresh bread filling your kitchen. The crispy crust and chewy inside make it a favorite.

To start, mix active dry yeast with warm water, around 105°F (40°C). Let it sit until bubbly. Then, add flour and salt to create a dough.

Knead the dough for about ten minutes. Allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. Shape the dough into long loaves and let them rise again.

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a baking stone inside. Score the tops of the baguettes before baking. Place them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Ingredients

  • 500g (4 cups) bread flour
  • 330ml (1â…“ cups) warm water
  • 4g (1 teaspoon) active dry yeast
  • 10g (2 teaspoons) salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix yeast and warm water. Let it sit until it becomes bubbly.
  2. Add flour and salt. Then, mix to form a dough.
  3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
  4. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
  5. Shape the dough into baguettes and let it rise again.
  6. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
  7. Score the loaves and bake them for 20-25 minutes.

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