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

Time To Make Breads Time To Make Dietary

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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Dinner Party Occasion 4 Hours Or Less Rolls Biscuits

Quick Buns

These light and fluffy buns are a dream come true! Ready in just over 2 hours, this easy Canadian Mennonite recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend baking. Get ready to enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

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Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Course 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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Time To Make Preparation Low Cholesterol Healthy

60 Minute Rolls Food Processor

Whip up a batch of fluffy, yeasty dinner rolls in just 60 minutes! This recipe uses a food processor to speed up the process, perfect for busy weeknights. These golden-brown rolls are incredibly soft and delicious – the perfect complement to any meal.

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Brunch Cuisine For Large Groups Main Ingredient

Alison Holst's Hot Cross Buns

Indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of Alison Holst's legendary Hot Cross Buns! This recipe, from New Zealand's baking queen, delivers perfectly spiced, fluffy buns with a delightful, sweet glaze. Easy to follow instructions and precise measurements ensure baking success for both novice and experienced bakers. Get ready for a treat the whole family will love!

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Preparation Northeastern United States American Oven

Amish Cinnamon Buns 1994 Indiana

Indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of these classic Amish Cinnamon Buns! This recipe, passed down through generations in Indiana since 1994, yields 8-10 large or 27 small rolls, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Fluffy, cinnamon-sugar swirled dough, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting – pure comfort food bliss.

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American Coffee Cakes Preparation Course

Amish Friendship Bread 1965

Share the joy of baking with this classic Amish Friendship Bread recipe! This recipe uses a unique starter culture, passed down through generations, resulting in a delicious, subtly sweet cinnamon bread. Start your own starter or use one from a friend – either way, get ready for a fun and rewarding baking experience. This recipe includes detailed instructions for both starter maintenance and bread baking, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.

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Preparation Time To Make Course Preparation

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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Asian 4 Hours Or Less Middle Eastern Time To Make

Ataif Arab Filled Pancakes

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Ataif, delicate Arab pancakes drenched in fragrant rose-infused syrup. These sweet treats, reminiscent of both baklava and pancakes, are incredibly rich and satisfying. Perfect for dessert or a special occasion, this recipe delivers a taste of the Middle East right to your kitchen!

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Low Cholesterol Lunch Number Of Servings Easy

Auntie Anne's Pretzels Copycat

Craving that Auntie Anne's pretzel taste? This copycat recipe, passed down through generations, delivers that irresistible soft, chewy interior and perfectly salted exterior. Get ready to make a batch of these warm, doughy delights in the comfort of your own kitchen! No special equipment needed – just simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions for the ultimate homemade pretzel experience.

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Oven Yeast Dietary Course

Awesome Butter Rolls

Indulge in the irresistible flavor of our Awesome Butter Rolls! These fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth rolls are made with a secret ingredient: a small pat of butter nestled in the center of each roll before baking. The tops are brushed with melted butter for an extra-soft crust. Get ready for a taste sensation that's guaranteed to become a family favorite! (Rising times are not included in prep time.)

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Dietary Healthy Preparation Vegetarian

Awesome Homemade Crusty Bread Bread Machine

Achieve bakery-quality crusty bread in your bread machine with this incredible recipe! Last night's dinner was a revelation – this bread boasts a perfectly crisp crust, a light and airy interior, and an unforgettable flavor. It's the best bread I've ever made in my bread machine! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Equipment Bread Machine Breads Easy

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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Jewish Ashkenazi Low Cholesterol Time To Make Preparation

Bagels 101 Using A Stand Mixer

Throw the best bagel party ever with this easy, adaptable recipe! Perfect for beginners, this simplified version from Dona Z. Meilach's 'The Best Bagels Are Made at Home' uses a stand mixer for effortless dough making. Customize your bagels with endless flavor combinations – from classic everything to savory onion and aromatic Italian herb – then top with your favorite creations. Easily halved or doubled to feed a crowd. Get ready for chewy, delicious bagels in under an hour!

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Course Course Kid Friendly Time To Make

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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4 Hours Or Less Flat Shapes Low Cholesterol Jewish Sephardi

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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Vegetarian Breads Vegetarian Preparation

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 Cholesterol Weeknight Small Appliance 4 Hours Or Less

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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