Leavening Agent | Vegan Vegetarian Low Calorie

Active Dry Yeast

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Allergen-Free
active dry yeast

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Saccharomycetaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture

The Forktionary Angle

"The Breath of Bread"

Definition

A dehydrated form of live single-celled fungi used as a leavening agent in baking to produce carbon dioxide, making dough rise.

Sensory Profile

TasteUmami,Slightly Bitter (when raw)
TextureGranular (dry),Viscous (activated)
AromaYeasty,Fermented,Earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

CO2 Production Source

Sugar Fermentation

Optimal Activation Temp

105-115°F (40-46°C)

Shelf Life (Unopened, Dry)

1-2 Years

Nutrition Facts

Per 7g (2.25 tsp)
Calories300 kcal
Total Fat5 g
Saturated Fat1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein40 g
Total Carbohydrate30 g
Dietary Fiber20 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium50 mg
Iron2 mg
Potassium1000 mg

Chef’s Secret

"Proof" active dry yeast in warm liquid with a pinch of sugar to ensure it's alive and active before adding to other ingredients.

Substitutions

Best Match

Instant Yeast

1:1

No proofing required, can be mixed directly with dry ingredients, slightly faster rise.

Fresh Yeast (Cake Yeast)

3:1 (fresh to active dry)

Requires proofing, shorter shelf life, provides a slightly different flavor profile.

Baking Powder + Baking Soda

Varies by recipe

Chemical leavening, provides a quick rise without yeast flavor or fermentation; not ideal for yeasted breads.

Sourdough Starter

Varies by recipe

Requires careful management, provides distinct tangy flavor and chewy texture for bread.

Buying Guide

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer once opened to extend shelf life.

Flavor Pairings

Flour Sugar Water Milk Oil Salt (essential for bread making).

Recipes Using Active Dry Yeast

Oven Oven 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Land Of Nod Cinnamon Buns

Indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of these easy-to-make Land of Nod Cinnamon Buns! Perfect for special occasions like Christmas or Easter morning, or a delightful surprise for overnight guests. This recipe, adapted from the acclaimed 'Best of Bridge' series, is guaranteed to impress. Prepare the dough the night before for a stress-free, delicious breakfast ready in minutes. Get ready for melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon swirls of pure bliss!

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Rolls Biscuits 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make Rolls Biscuits

90 Minute Batter Rolls

These incredibly soft and fluffy batter rolls are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave warm, yeasty goodness! Adapted from a classic Crisco recipe, these rolls are surprisingly easy to make and deliver amazing results. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these melt-in-your-mouth rolls.

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Number Of Servings Taste Mood Number Of Servings Kid Friendly

Almost Famous Breadsticks Olive Garden Copycat

Craving Olive Garden's famous breadsticks? This copycat recipe delivers the closest taste and texture, recreating that irresistible, warm, garlicky goodness! Using a simple dough and a few key seasonings, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to make restaurant-quality breadsticks at home. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Breads 4 Hours Or Less For Large Groups Course

Amazing Cinnamon Buns Rolls

Prepare for a flavor explosion! This tried-and-true recipe delivers outrageously delicious cinnamon rolls – moist, HUGE, and better than anything you'll find in a bakery! Get ready for the most incredible cinnamon rolls of your life. Soft, fluffy dough swirled with a decadent cinnamon-sugar filling, then baked to golden perfection. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Breads Course Preparation Flat Shapes

An Italian's Classic Pizza Dough

This isn't just any pizza dough recipe—it's the culmination of decades of culinary experimentation! Developed and perfected over years, this recipe consistently earns rave reviews. Achieve pizzeria-quality results at home with this foolproof method. A hot pizza stone is ideal, but a very hot oven is essential for that perfect crispy crust.

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Seasonal Preparation Bread Machine Fall

Apple Cider Spiced Raisin Bread

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this irresistible Apple Cider Spiced Raisin Bread! Fragrant apple cider, warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and plump, juicy raisins create a loaf that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. This recipe is easily adaptable to various bread machines – simply follow your machine's instructions for optimal results.

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Inexpensive Low Fat Course Healthy

Artisan Italian Bread

Elevate your baking game with this adaptable Artisan Italian Bread recipe! Perfect for both novice and experienced bread makers, this recipe yields three delicious loaves – two with a light, airy crumb ideal for sandwiches and pasta dishes (KitchenAid-assisted), and one with a hearty, dense texture perfect for dipping in soups and stews (handmade). Inspired by Amy Scherber, but simplified for your convenience. This recipe requires a 24-hour rise, so plan ahead for maximum flavor and texture. Get ready to experience the joy of handcrafted bread, just like Buddha intended (almost!).

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Brown Bag Picnic Low Cholesterol North American

Auntie Anne's Pretzels Copycat

Craving those warm, soft Auntie Anne's pretzels? This copycat recipe lets you recreate the magic at home! Get ready for perfectly chewy pretzel bites with that signature salty, buttery flavor. Easy to follow instructions and a short prep time mean you'll be enjoying these delicious treats in no time. #AuntieAnnes #PretzelBites #CopycatRecipe #EasyRecipe #HomemadePretzels

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Cuisine Italian Cuisine Time To Make

Avanti's Sweet Bread

Capture the magic of Avanti's Italian Restaurant in Bloomington, IL, with this irresistible sweet bread recipe! This recipe recreates the bakery's beloved bread, resulting in a soft, slightly sweet loaf perfect for dipping in olive oil or enjoying alongside your favorite pasta dish. Get ready to taste a slice of Bloomington!

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Easy Equipment Course 4 Hours Or Less

Bacon Cheese Bread Abm

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food: Bacon Cheese Bread! This irresistible recipe, inspired by ThatsMyHome.com, combines crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and fluffy bread for a flavor explosion. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying main course, especially paired with creamy potato soup. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Occasion Jewish Ashkenazi Kid Friendly Dietary

Bagels Ii

Craft authentic, chewy bagels from scratch with this easy-to-follow recipe! Learn how to achieve that iconic New York-style bagel texture and taste in your own kitchen. This recipe yields 12 delicious bagels, perfect for a weekend brunch or a satisfying snack.

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Weeknight Main Ingredient Course Low Sodium

Baked Apple Fritters

Indulge in the delightful lightness of these baked apple fritters! Perfect for a healthy treat, this recipe uses a food processor for easy preparation and delivers a deliciously fluffy texture. Inspired by a family favorite, these fritters are a guilt-free way to enjoy a classic dessert. Get ready for a taste of apple-cinnamon heaven!

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Dietary Equipment Small Appliance Preparation

Baked Sugar Doughnuts Bread Machine

Indulge in the irresistible taste of homemade baked sugar doughnuts, made easy with your bread machine! This recipe, adapted from Taste of Home magazine by Jill Shramek, delivers deliciously light and fluffy doughnuts with significantly less fat than traditional fried versions. While it requires some time, the result is well worth the effort. Prepare for a delightful treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack!

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Free Of Something Low In Something Healthy 2 Low Fat

Barbari A Persian Bread

Experience the irresistible taste of Barbari, a beloved Persian flatbread! This recipe delivers a perfectly chewy and subtly sweet bread, perfect for breakfast with feta cheese and herbs, jam, or alongside a warm cup of tea. Similar to Armenian matnakash, our Barbari recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. Inspired by a successful home-baking experience with a picky Iranian family, this recipe is your ticket to authentic Persian flavors!

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Time To Make Rolls Biscuits 4 Hours Or Less Dietary

Batter Rolls

These unbelievably fluffy batter rolls are a guaranteed showstopper! A treasured family recipe, passed down from a state fair purchase, these rolls are surprisingly simple to make yet deliver incredible flavor and texture. Prepare to impress your guests with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Dietary Course German 4 Hours Or Less

Bauernbrot German Farmer Bread

Experience the taste of Bavaria with this authentic Bauernbrot recipe! This hearty German farmer's bread, reminiscent of loaves found in Bavarian bakeries, boasts a rustic crust and chewy interior. Perfect alongside butter and cold cuts, or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter and a slice of salami and aged cheese. This recipe is a family favorite – easy to make and incredibly satisfying!

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For Large Groups Preparation Time To Make Number Of Servings

Best Cheese Bread

Indulge in the irresistible cheesy goodness of this Best Cheese Bread recipe! Based on a treasured recipe from the 2008 cookbook "Taste of Home Baking Classics," this comforting bread is perfect for any occasion. Prepare to be amazed by its melt-in-your-mouth texture and savory cheese flavor. Get ready to bake up a batch of cheesy perfection!

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Low In Something Low In Something Yeast Low Cholesterol

Caraway Dill Bread

Elevate your next pork roast or chop with this irresistible Caraway Dill Bread! Bursting with aromatic caraway seeds and fresh dill, this homemade bread is incredibly flavorful and wonderfully textured. The perfect side dish for a comforting and satisfying meal.

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