Skip to content
Home » The Best & Easiest Yeast Bread Recipe

The Best & Easiest Yeast Bread Recipe

    When it comes to baking bread, nothing beats the joy of making it from scratch.

    The smell of fresh, warm bread wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible.

    If you’ve ever wanted to bake your own yeast bread but weren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place.

    This guide will take you through the steps to make the best yeast bread, and we’ll make it as easy as possible!

    What is Yeast Bread?

    Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes yeast bread special.

    Yeast is a tiny fungus that helps bread rise.

    When you mix yeast with flour and water, it makes bubbles that cause the dough to expand and become light and fluffy.

    Yeast bread can be anything from a simple loaf to a fancy braided bread, and it’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a pat of butter.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    To make a great yeast bread, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

    1. Flour: This is the base of your bread & we usually use all-purpose flour, but you can also use bread flour for a chewier texture.

    2. Yeast: Active dry yeast or instant yeast works best, and it helps the bread rise.

    3. Water: Warm water helps activate the yeast.

    4. Salt: Salt adds flavor and strengthens the dough.

    5. Sugar: A little sugar helps the yeast work better and adds a touch of sweetness.

    6. Butter: Adds richness and a nice texture to the bread, however you can also use oil if you prefer.

    Steps to Make the Best Yeast Bread

    1. Prepare the Yeast

    The first step in making yeast bread is to prepare the yeast, it is a simple process.

    If you’re using active dry yeast, you need to dissolve it in warm water with a pinch of sugar.

    The water should be about 110°F (43°C). Too hot, and it will kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate.

    Stir it up and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

    If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip this step and mix it directly with the flour.

    2. Mix the Dough

    In a large bowl, combine your flour and salt.

    Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture (or just add the instant yeast if you’re using that).

    Add melted butter and a bit of sugar.

    Mix everything together until it forms a sticky dough.

    You can use a wooden spoon or your hands.

    If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s just right.

    3. Knead the Dough

    Kneading is a crucial step in bread-making.

    It helps develop the gluten in the flour, which gives the bread its structure.

    Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes.

    To knead, push the dough away from you with the heel of your hand, fold it over, and repeat.

    You should end up with a smooth, elastic dough.

    If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour on your work surface.

    4. Let the Dough Rise

    Once your dough is kneaded, it’s time to let it rise.

    Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place.

    This usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. The dough should double in size.

    If your kitchen is cool, you can place the bowl in a slightly warmed oven (turn it off before placing the dough inside) to help the rising process.

    5. Shape the Dough

    After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles.

    Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf.

    You can also shape it into rolls or any other shape you like.

    If you’re making a loaf, place it in a greased loaf pan, but If you’re making rolls, arrange them on a baking sheet.

    6. Second Rise

    Let the shaped dough rise again, covered, for about 30 minutes.

    This second rise helps the bread get even fluffier.

    If you’re making rolls, make sure they are close together so they rise into each other, forming soft, pull-apart rolls.

    7. Bake the Bread

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Bake your bread for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

    The internal temperature should be about 190°F (88°C).

    If you don’t have a kitchen thermometer, just tap the bottom of the loaf.

    8. Cool the Bread

    Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

    This helps the bread cool evenly and keeps the crust from getting soggy.

    Let it cool completely before slicing, so you get nice, even slices.

    Tips for Perfect Yeast Bread

    1. Use Fresh Yeast

    Make sure your yeast is fresh and active because expired or old yeast can lead to dense bread.

    2. Measure Accurately

    Use proper measuring cups and spoons. Too much or too little flour can affect the dough’s texture.

    3. Knead Well

    Kneading is important for developing gluten. Don’t skip this step!

    4. Be Patient

    Give your dough time to rise. Rushing the process can lead to dense bread.

    5. Check Oven Temperature

    Make sure your oven is at the right temperature. An oven thermometer can help with this.

    Troubleshooting Common Issues

    1. Dense Bread

    If your bread is dense, it might be due to under-kneading or insufficient rising time.

    Make sure you knead well and let the dough rise enough.

    2. Flat Loaf

    If your loaf doesn’t rise well, the yeast might be old or the water might have been too hot.

    Always check your yeast and water temperature.

    3. Hard Crust

    A hard crust can be caused by over-baking.

    Make sure to check the bread towards the end of baking time to avoid this.

    Enjoying Your Homemade Bread

    Once you’ve mastered this yeast bread recipe, you can enjoy it in many ways.

    Slice it for sandwiches, toast it for breakfast, or use it to make delicious bread crumbs.

    Homemade bread also makes a great gift—just wrap it up and share the love!

    Baking bread is a rewarding experience, and making yeast bread from scratch can be both fun and satisfying.

    With this guide, you’re well on your way to creating delicious, homemade bread that you can be proud of.