Our Easiest Yeast Bread Recipes Ever (2024)

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Our Easiest Yeast Bread Recipes Ever (1)Peggy Woodward, RDNUpdated: Mar. 18, 2024

    Time to get baking! These easy yeast bread recipe ideas have minimal hands-on time and include just a few ingredients.

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    Whether you’re new to baking bread or need a loaf ASAP, turn to this list of easy yeast breads. You’ll find the recipe details for each recipe in this video in the following slides. Looking for something even faster? Check out our easy quick bread ideas, that may be even easier to make with a banneton basket.

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    Mom’s Italian Bread

    I think Mom used to bake at least four of these tender loaves at once, and they never lasted long. She served the bread with every Italian meal. I love it toasted too. —Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire

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    Are you an avid baker ready for a challenge? Check out Bakeable, the go-to place for bakers.

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    Taste of Home

    Buttery Bubble Bread

    Homemade bread can be time-consuming, difficult and tricky to make. But this fun-to-eat monkey bread, baked in a fluted tube pan, is easy and almost foolproof. If I'm serving it for breakfast, I add some cinnamon and drizzle it with icing. —Pat Stevens, Granbury, Texas

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    Do you know which type of yeast is best for your bread?

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    Quick and Easy Bread Bowls

    Impress all your friends by serving cream soups or dips with this bread bowl recipes. It's one of the most popular recipes on my blog, yammiesnoshery.com. —Rachel Heidenreich, Marshall, Michigan

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    New to baking bread? Check out our bread guide, for all the tips and tricks.

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    Basic Homemade Bread

    If you'd like to learn how to bake bread, here's a wonderful place to start. This easy white bread bakes up deliciously golden brown. There's nothing like the homemade aroma wafting through my kitchen as it bakes. —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York

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    Curious how long it takes bread to dough rise? The short answer is, “it depends.”

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    40-Minute Hamburger Buns

    Here on our ranch, I cook for three men who love burgers. These fluffy hamburger buns are just right for their big appetites. The buns are so good that I also serve them plain with a meal. —Jessie McKenney, Twodot, Montana

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    Need new bakeware? Check out our line of Test Kitchen-approved products.

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    Taste of Home

    Dutch-Oven Raisin Walnut Bread

    On a cold day there is nothing better than a warm, crusty Dutch oven raisin bread filled with walnuts. —Catherine Ward, Taste of Home, Prep Kitchen Manager

    (New to bread baking? Learn how to make yeast bread, step by step.)

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    Sour Cream Chive Bread

    This savory loaf mildly flavored with chives is delicious when served warm with a meal, soup, salad or stew. It also tastes wonderful toasted the next day for breakfast. —Deborah Plank, West Salem, Ohio

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    By the way, here’s why your bread isn’t rising. (And what to do about it!)

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    Rosemary Flatbreads

    My family loves this as a pizza crust. But with a touch of olive oil and fresh herbs it makes a lovely flatbread appetizer. —Sue Brown, West Bend, Wisconsin

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    Do you know? Youcan freeze pizza dough. Try the best way to store pizza dough for future pizza nights or last-minute cravings!

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    Easy Batter Rolls

    The first thing my guests ask when they come for dinner is if I’m serving these dinner rolls. The buns are so light, airy and delicious—and help make the meal. —Thomasina Brunner, Gloversville, New York

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    No-Knead Honey Oatmeal Bread

    We especially enjoy this tasty bread because we like using honey as a natural sweetener means healthier eating. We use the bread for both toast and sandwiches. It’s lovely during the holidays, too—or, for that matter, anytime! —Janice Dancer, Williamstown, Vermont. If you’re looking for more recipes to make this holiday season, then try this fancy Three Kings bread, Rosca de Reyes.

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    Focaccia Barese

    This focaccia recipe has been in my mom’s family for several generations. It’s one of my most requested dishes. In fact, some hosts tell me I can’t attend their parties unless I bring this with me! —Dora Travaglio, Mount Prospect, Illinois

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    Taste of Home

    Overnight Rolls

    I’m pleased to share the recipe for these light and tender rolls, which I’ve made for 25 years. I once served them to a woman who’d been in the restaurant business for half a century. She said they were the best rolls she’d ever tasted.

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    Taste of Home

    Sourdough French Bread

    Since receiving the recipe for the Sourdough Starter, I've made this French bread countless times. In fact, one year I donated 2 dozen loaves for a benefit dinner! These loaves rival any found in stores and can be made with relative ease. — Delila George, Junction City, Oregon

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    Taste of Home

    One-Dish No-Knead Bread

    Here’s a very easy way to have homemade bread for dinner tonight. Don’t worry if you’re new to baking. Anyone who can stir can make this no knead bread a success! —Heather Chambers, Largo, Florida

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    Italian Flatbreads

    Pairs wedges of this chewy flatbread with a tomato-based soup and start dunking! —Cynthia M. Bent, Newark, DE

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    Garlic Parmesan Bread

    This hearty aromatic bread has just a hint of honey and garlic. It's one of my favorite breads. It goes with anything from bologna sandwiches to spaghetti. —Jami Blunt, Hardy, Arkansas

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    Icebox Butterhorns

    These beautiful golden rolls just melt in your mouth! People will be impressed when these appear on your table. —Judy Clark, Elkhart, Indiana

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    English Muffin Bread Loaf

    Many years ago, a good friend gave me her mother's recipe for this delightful bread, and I've made it ever since. Toast it up for breakfast and don't forget to slather on your favorite jam. —Jane Zielinski, Rotterdam Junction, New York

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    Easy Potato Rolls

    After I discovered this recipe, it became a mainstay for me. I make the dough ahead of time when company is coming, and I try to keep some in the refrigerator to bake for our ranch hands. Leftover mashed potatoes are almost sure to go into these rolls. —Jeanette McKinney, Belleview, Missouri

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    Flavorful Herb Bread

    This bread is one of my favorites. It has a wonderful texture and slices beautifully, and the flavor of the herbs really comes through. (Psst—If you don’t have a bread machine on hand, learn how to make bread without one!) —Gerri Hamilton, Kingsville, Ontario

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    Taste of Home

    Sally Lunn Batter Bread

    The tantalizing aroma of this golden loaf baking always draws people into my mother's kitchen. With its circular shape, it's a pretty bread, too. I've never seen it last more than 2 hours once it's out of the oven! — Jeanne Voss, Anaheim Hills, California

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    Milk-and-Honey White Bread

    My dad has been a wheat farmer all his life and my state is the wheat capital, so this recipe represents my region and my family well. This bread never lasts too long at our house. —Kathy McCreary, Goddard, Kansas

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    Taste of Home

    Potluck Pan Rolls

    The appealing homemade yeast-bread flavor of these golden rolls is unbeatable. Soft and light, they're great alongside any entree. Folks are disappointed if I don't bring them to potluck dinners. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico

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    Country White Bread

    Anytime is the right time for a comforting slice of homemade bread. These loaves are especially nice since the crust stays so tender. This white bread recipe is my husband Nick's favorite. He makes most of the bread at our house. —Joanne Shew Chuk, St. Benedict, Saskatchewan

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    Don’t miss our list of easy bread machine recipes!

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    Muenster Bread

    Many years ago my sister and I won blue ribbons in 4-H with this bread. The recipe makes a beautiful golden loaf with cheese peeking out of every slice. —Melanie Mero, Ida, Michigan

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    Crusty French Loaf

    A delicate texture makes this French bread absolutely wonderful. I sometimes use this French bread recipe to make breadsticks, which I brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. —Deanna Naivar, Temple, Texas

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    Taste of Home

    Honey Whole Wheat Rolls

    Most of the farmers in our area grow wheat, so this recipe definitely represents my region. I bake these rolls often, especially when I'm making soup or stew. —Celecia Stoup, Hobart, Oklahoma

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    Whole Wheat Bread

    I'm 12 years old and make this bread with my mother, who got the recipe from her mother. I usually prepare the dough, and my mom bakes it. —Freida Stutman, Fillmore, New York

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    English Batter Buns

    Since receiving this easy-to-prepare recipe from a dear friend, I've made these rolls often for the holidays. —Geraldine West, Ogden, Utah

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    Taste of Home

    Caraway Seed Rye Bread

    My parents were immigrants from Czechoslovakia and my mother would pull out this rye bread recipe when guests came over for dinner. Every time I bake it, I get nostalgic for those days. —Millie Feather, Baroda, Michigan

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    Taste of Home

    Dutch Oven Bread

    Crackling homemade Dutch oven bread makes an average day extraordinary. Enjoy this beautiful crusty bread recipe as is, or stir in a few favorites like cheese, garlic, herbs and dried fruits. —Catherine Ward, Taste of Home Prep Kitchen Manager

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    Taste of Home

    Oatmeal Rolls

    Most people tell me what they like best about these rolls is they're so moist. I like them because they're simple to make, freeze well and because I grew up on oatmeal and still love it! —Jeanette Fuehring, Concordia, Missouri

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    Potato Pan Rolls

    My family loves these rolls and requests them often. They don't take long to make because you use quick-rise yeast. —Connie Storckman, Evanston, Wyoming

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    Homemade English Muffin Bread

    Most of my cooking and baking is from scratch, and I think it's worth the time and effort. Everyone enjoys homemade goodies like this delicious bread. —Elsie Trippett, Jackson, Michigan

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    Taste of Home

    No-Knead Casserole Bread

    You'll love this cheddar bread made in a casserole dish. It is one of the easiest yeast breads to make. And since it calls for rapid-rise yeast, you don't have to wait long to enjoy it! —Peggy Key, Grant, Alabama

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    Extra Quick Yeast Rolls

    Making homemade rolls usually takes a lot of ingredients and time, but this recipe makes it so simple. The rolls come together quickly and freeze well too.—Eleanor Paine, Junction City, Oregon

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    Country Crust Sourdough Bread

    For many years, I've been making 45 loaves of this bread for an annual Christmas bazaar, where we feed bread and soup to over 300 folks. — Beverley Whaley, Camano Island, Washington

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    Grandma's Yeast Rolls

    My grandmother use to make these rolls for family get-togethers and holidays. The applesauce adds so much flavor. —Nancy Spoth, Festus, Missouri

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    Best Ever Breadsticks

    Present these delicious breadsticks alongside an Italian favorite like lasagna or spaghetti. They're an attractive and edible addition to the table setting! —Carol Wolfer, Lebanon, Oregon

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    Originally Published: February 18, 2021

    Our Easiest Yeast Bread Recipes Ever (41)

    Peggy Woodward, RDN

    Peggy is a Senior Food Editor for Taste of Home. In addition to curating recipes, she writes articles, develops recipes and is our in-house nutrition expert. She studied dietetics at the University of Illinois and completed post-graduate studies at the Medical University of South Carolina to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. Peggy has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. She’s a mom, a foodie and enjoys being active in her rural Wisconsin community.

    Our Easiest Yeast Bread Recipes Ever (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the easiest yeast to use for bread? ›

    The Very Best: Instant Yeast

    Instant yeast is the only yeast I ever use in my baking. Always have and always will. The yeast of choice in most restaurant kitchens and commercial bakeries, it's easy and convenient.

    What are the three basic ingredients of yeast breads? ›

    There are only four yeast bread ingredients you really need: flour, yeast, water, and salt. All the other ingredients in a recipe are there to add flavor, nutrition, color, and to change the characteristics of the crumb.

    How did they make bread in the old days without yeast? ›

    The most common source of leavening in antiquity was to retain a piece of dough (with sugar and water in) from the previous day to utilize as a form of sourdough starter. Pliny the Elder reported that the Gauls and Iberians used the foam skimmed from beer to produce "a lighter kind of bread than other peoples".

    What makes yeast bread soft and fluffy? ›

    Milk powder.

    Instant milk powder makes bread dough super soft and fluffy and also helps to give it a good rise. It also contributes to the dough staying nice and soft after baking for a little longer than a recipe that does not use milk powder.

    Is active dry yeast or instant yeast better for bread? ›

    ACTIVE DRY YEAST is best for artisan or no knead doughs that proof in the refrigerator for extended periods of time. Don't skip the “proof” step. INSTANT YEAST is best for quick rising breads.

    What yeast do professional bakers use? ›

    Instant yeast is my preferred commercial yeast, and the one many of the home bread bakers II know opt for as well.

    Which flour is best for yeast breads? ›

    For best results, base your yeast dough on wheat flour — only wheat-based flour provides the type and amount of protein yeast dough needs to support its structure. Whole wheat flour, white whole wheat flour, bread flour, or all-purpose flour are all good choices.

    What type of flour is not appropriate for making bread? ›

    Falling between all-purpose and cake flour, pastry flour is also made from soft wheat, but with a 7–9 percent protein content. It produces both the tender crumb and flaky texture that is desired in most pastries. It should not be used for baking bread because it has too little gluten.

    What ingredient kills yeast in bread? ›

    If a large amount of salt (or sugar, which is also hygroscopic) were to be combined with a small amount of yeast and left for a long time it could, in theory, eventually rob the yeast of water to the degree that the yeast cells would begin to die off.

    What did pioneers use for yeast? ›

    Instead of using a fungus (yeast) to raise their bread, early settlers used bacteria. Yeast was not readily available yet, so they created their own bacteria-based leavening agent with a base of either potato or cornmeal. When warm milk and a little sugar was added, the potato or cornmeal mixture started to ferment.

    What did the pioneers use instead of yeast? ›

    Pioneers used both corn meal and wheat flours for bread. They baked bread in cast iron bake kettles set in the coals of the open hearth. Pearlash, eggs, saleratus, an early chemical leavening preceding baking soda, and home-created yeast starters were used to leaven bread.

    How did people bake bread without yeast? ›

    With No Yeast : The Salt Bacteria can make a bread rise and give it a cheesy flavor. That's the secret ingredient in salt rising bread, which dates to the late 1700s in Appalachia, when bakers didn't have yeast on hand.

    Is it better to use oil or butter for bread? ›

    If you want delicate, soft, and tender baked goods, I recommend using oil vs. butter. Butter will result in a denser crumb and not be as moist.

    How do bakeries get their bread so soft? ›

    Commercial bread is softer due to the steam process used by bakeries, which is made to keep bread hydrated and fresh. Use cold water in a pan and put it on a rack beneath your bread to create steam.

    What does powdered milk do for bread? ›

    High-heat nonfat milk powder is processed at a higher temperature, which means it has a higher denatured protein content. High-heat milk powder also has a sweeter, slightly more caramelized flavor. The added sweetness and protein helps bread dough rise—particularly enriched dough like brioche.

    Which yeast is easier to use? ›

    Easy Bake/ Instant/ Fast Action Yeast

    This is probably the easiest and most convenient variety to use. It is a very small pellet and can be added to the flour without being dissolved or activated first. As you add water to the flour it will dissolve readily into the dough.

    What yeast is best for making bread? ›

    SAF Red is your best choice for all-around baking, from sandwich loaves to crusty no-knead bread to freeze-and-bake dinner rolls.

    What brand of yeast is best for bread? ›

    The most shelf-stable and reliable type of yeast is instant yeast, and our favorite brands are SAF Red Label and Dr. Oetker. Dry yeast is one of the miracles of modern baking—a free-flowing granular powder made from millions upon millions of dehydrated single-celled organisms.

    Is there a difference between instant yeast and bread machine yeast? ›

    Bread machine yeast, a form of instant yeast, is made through a different manufacturing process than active dry yeast. This process ensures that the yeast is 100% functional and can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients.

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