Active Dry Yeast

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Baking & Leavening

Active Dry Yeast Baking & Leavening

At a Glance

  • Category Baking & Leavening

The Forktionary Angle

"The Breath of Bread"

Definition

A leavening agent consisting of dormant, granular Saccharomyces cerevisiae fungi, activated by warm liquid, used to make doughs rise through fermentation.

CO2 Production Source Sugar Fermentation
Optimal Activation Temp 105-115°F (40-46°C)
Shelf Life (Unopened, Dry) 1-2 Years

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Active Dry Yeast are:

Umami (when fermented) yeasty slightly bready

Chef’s Secret

Always "proof" active dry yeast by dissolving it in warm water (105-115°F) with a pinch of sugar for 5-10 minutes. If it doesn't foam, it's dead, and your dough won't rise.

Best Substitutes

Instant Yeast

no proofing needed
Ratio 1:1

Fresh Yeast

ratio, requires proofing
Ratio 1:3

Baking Powder/Soda

variable, for quick breads only

Buying Guide

Check expiration date. Store unopened packets in a cool, dry place or refrigerator. Once opened, store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Recipes Using Active Dry Yeast

Time To Make Course Yeast Breads

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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Coffee Cakes Finger Food Served Cold Eggs

Apricot Raisin Coffee Cake

Warm up your kitchen with this delightful Apricot Raisin Coffee Cake! Perfect for a cozy winter morning or a special brunch, this recipe (developed for rsc #6, winter 2005) combines the sweetness of apricots and raisins with a tender, buttery crumb. Enjoy the comforting aroma and delicious taste – a true crowd-pleaser!

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Occasion One Dish Meal Main Ingredient Kid Friendly

Alfredo Deep Dish Pizza

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Alfredo Deep Dish Pizza! A family favorite, this recipe features a fluffy homemade crust and a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce that will leave everyone wanting more. Perfect for a cozy night in or a fun family gathering.

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Low In Something Number Of Servings Low In Something Course

Avanti's Bread

Recreate the magic of Peoria's favorite sandwich bread! This sweet and subtly delicious Avanti's-style bread is the perfect base for a classic Italian Gondola (a submarine-style sandwich with salami, ham, American cheese, lettuce, and tomato) or a delightful accompaniment to any pasta dish, from spaghetti to lasagna. Bake your own bakery-quality bread at home with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Time To Make Number Of Servings Main Ingredient Equipment

Bierocks German Hamburger And Cabbage Filled Rolls

A beloved family recipe passed down through generations! These savory Bierocks, a German-American staple, are filled with a flavorful blend of juicy hamburger and tender cabbage. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a fun family baking project. This recipe yields approximately 15-20 rolls, depending on size.

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Low Sodium Asian Course Dietary

Beirut Tahini Swirls Sukkar Bi Tahin

Indulge in the irresistible taste of Beirut with these Sukkar Bi Tahin (Sugar with Tahini) swirls! These golden-brown, flaky rounds are filled with a luscious sesame paste and sugar mixture – the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Easy to make, yet elegant enough for any occasion, these delightful treats are best served warm or at room temperature. Get ready to experience a taste of Lebanon in your kitchen!

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60 Minutes Or Less Rolls Biscuits For Large Groups Copycat

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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Number Of Servings Occasion Preparation Breads

Better Than Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

Prepare for a cinnamon roll revelation! This recipe, inspired by a popular website and perfected with my own tweaks, delivers outrageously delicious cinnamon rolls that rival (and perhaps surpass!) Cinnabon's. These rolls can be made ahead – simply shape them, refrigerate overnight, and let them rise for 45 minutes at room temperature before baking. Get ready for gooey, cinnamon-spiced perfection!

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Time To Make Time To Make 5 Ingredients Or Less German

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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60 Minutes Or Less 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Low Fat

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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Jewish Sephardi Cuisine Dietary Egg Free

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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Breads Main Ingredient Comfort Food European

Sensational Swiss Bread

Indulge in this irresistible yeast bread, bursting with the savory goodness of Swiss cheese! Adapted from a popular online recipe, this delightful loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion. Prepare it the day before for effortless enjoyment. The preparation time doesn't include the crucial rising times, ensuring a perfectly textured and flavorful result. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredible homemade bread!

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Course Breads Dietary Quick Breads

500 Margarita Bread

This legendary Margarita Bread recipe, a top-ten favorite for many, won Harold Freeman of Phoenix $150 in a newspaper contest years ago – and it should have been $500! Its irresistible blend of savory bread and tangy margarita flavor has created countless lifelong friendships among its devoted fans. Perfect for parties, gifts (mini foil pans are ideal!), or simply satisfying your cravings, this recipe is a must-try. Don't miss the amazing cheese spread – it's the perfect finishing touch! Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.

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5 Ingredients Or Less Course Healthy Oven

Baguette

Learn to bake a perfect, crispy-crusted baguette at home! This easy-to-follow recipe delivers authentic French flavor and texture, perfect for dipping in soup, alongside cheese, or making delicious sandwiches. Achieve that signature airy crumb and golden-brown crust with our step-by-step guide.

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Low In Something Taste Mood Comfort Food Picnic

Apple Swirls

Indulge in these irresistible Apple Swirls – moist, cake-like buns perfect for a summer picnic or a cozy winter treat! The sweet apples and warm cinnamon create a flavor explosion that's hard to resist. These easy-to-make swirls are sure to become a family favorite.

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Time To Make 15 Minutes Or Less Low Fat Yeast

Biga

Unlock the secrets of traditional Italian bread making with this Biga recipe! Developed in rural Italy, this method uses a portion of yesterday's sourdough starter (the 'biga') to create a slow-fermented loaf bursting with deep, complex flavors. No commercial yeast needed! The long fermentation process allows the natural yeast to develop fully, resulting in a remarkably textured and flavorful bread. Perfect for busy bakers – start it in the morning and bake it later in the day. This recipe is easily halved for smaller batches. Discover the magic of authentic Italian country bread, made simple!

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Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Yeast Preparation

40 Minute Hamburger Buns

Fluffy, homemade hamburger buns ready in just 40 minutes! Skip the long rise time with this quick and easy recipe – perfect for weeknight meals. These unbelievably delicious rolls are guaranteed to impress. Get the Taste of Home experience without the wait!

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Inexpensive Inexpensive Course European

Bara Brith Bread

Indulge in the rich, fruity depths of Bara Brith, a traditional Welsh speckled bread! This recipe, inspired by the Avon International Cookbook, delivers a moist and flavorful loaf packed with currants or raisins. The name 'Bara Brith' literally translates to 'speckled bread' in Welsh, a nod to its beautiful studded texture. Easy to follow instructions guide you through the process, from the initial rise to the perfectly golden-brown crust. Get ready to experience a taste of Wales in your kitchen!

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