5 Best Yeast Bread Recipes

top yeast bread recipes

If you love the smell of fresh bread wafting through your kitchen, you're in for a treat! There's nothing quite like the joy of baking your own yeast bread. Whether you're craving a classic white loaf for sandwiches or a sweet cinnamon raisin treat for breakfast, each recipe brings something special to the table. Ready to discover your new favorite? Let's plunge into the five best yeast bread recipes that'll have everyone asking for seconds!

Classic White Bread

Classic white bread is a timeless staple that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Its soft, fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor make it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter.

This recipe is straightforward, requiring just a few essential ingredients and a little bit of patience as the dough rises to perfection. With this classic white bread recipe, you can easily create a delicious homemade loaf that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Gradually add the warm water and melted butter to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, cover it again, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F, and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Extra Tips:

For the best results, make certain your water is at the right temperature; too hot may kill the yeast, while too cold may not activate it properly.

You can also improve the flavor by adding a tablespoon of milk powder or a tablespoon of honey to the dough. If you want a crustier loaf, place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.

Finally, store your bread in a cool, dry place or freeze it for longer storage, slicing it as needed for freshness.

Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread

healthy homemade sandwich bread

Whole wheat sandwich bread is a wholesome and nutritious option for your daily sandwiches or toast. This recipe results in a soft, hearty loaf that's perfect for everything from classic peanut butter and jelly to more gourmet creations. The use of whole wheat flour not only adds a nutty flavor but also boosts the fiber content, making it a healthier choice for you and your family.

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Let's get started on creating this delightful bread!

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon essential wheat gluten (optional, for a lighter texture)

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Then, stir in the olive oil and salt. Gradually add the whole wheat flour and essential wheat gluten (if using), mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, cover it again, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 350°F, then bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Extra Tips:

To guarantee your whole wheat sandwich bread comes out perfectly, make sure the water is warm but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.

Additionally, for added flavor, consider incorporating seeds such as sunflower or flaxseed into the dough. If you prefer a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter right after baking.

Finally, store the bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to a week, or slice and freeze for longer-lasting freshness.

Rustic Italian Bread

Rustic Italian Bread is a delightful addition to any meal, offering a crunchy crust and a soft, airy interior that's perfect for soaking up sauces or enjoying with olive oil. This recipe is simple yet rewarding, allowing the rich flavors of flour and yeast to shine through. With a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can create a loaf that not only looks beautiful but also tastes like it came straight from an Italian bakery.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • Extra flour for dusting

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

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Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and shape it into a round loaf.

Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife, then bake for 30-35 minutes or until it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Allow to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, consider using a high-protein bread flour instead of all-purpose flour, as this will give your loaf a chewier texture.

Additionally, for a beautifully crusty exterior, place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking to create steam. This will help achieve that signature crust found in traditional Italian bread.

Finally, patience is key; allowing the dough to rise properly will result in a lighter loaf, so don't rush the process!

Cinnamon Raisin Bread

cinnamon and raisin loaf

Cinnamon Raisin Bread is a delightful, fragrant loaf that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and the sweetness of raisins, making it perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack. The process of making this bread may take some time, but the results are well worth the effort.

With its soft, tender crumb and the irresistible aroma that fills your home while baking, this cinnamon raisin bread will quickly become a family favorite. Follow this easy recipe to create your own loaf at home!

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 ½ cups warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup raisins

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.

Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture, then pour it into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough begins to form, then knead for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic.

After kneading, incorporate the raisins into the dough, ensuring they're evenly distributed. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Once risen, punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, use fresh spices and high-quality raisins. You can also soak the raisins in warm water or rum for about 30 minutes before adding them to the dough for an added depth of flavor.

If you prefer a sweeter bread, consider adding a tablespoon or two of brown sugar to the dough. To keep the bread moist, wrap it in foil or plastic wrap once fully cooled.

This bread can be stored at room temperature for a few days or frozen for longer storage—just remember to slice it before freezing for easy access!

No-Knead Artisan Bread

No-Knead Artisan Bread is a simple yet rewarding recipe that allows you to create a crusty, flavorful loaf with minimal effort. The magic of this bread lies in the long fermentation process, which develops the dough's flavor and texture without the need for kneading. With just a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy homemade artisan bread that rivals that from your favorite bakery.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Add the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms, making sure all the flour is incorporated.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours, or until the surface is dotted with bubbles and the dough has doubled in size.

After the resting period, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and fold it over itself a couple of times to shape it into a ball. Let it rest for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven placed inside.

Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven, lift the dough using a floured cloth, and place it inside. Cover it with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the bread is golden brown. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Extra Tips:

For best results, make sure to use a kitchen scale to measure your flour, as this will guarantee accuracy and consistency in your bread.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with added ingredients such as herbs, cheese, or nuts to customize the flavor of your artisan bread.

If you find the dough too sticky, add a little more flour during the shaping process, but be cautious not to add too much.

Finally, this bread can be stored wrapped in a kitchen towel at room temperature for a couple of days or frozen for longer storage. Enjoy your baking!


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