Easy Yeast Bread
Enjoy warm, homemade yeast bread with a soft crumb and golden crust, perfect for breakfasts, sandwiches, or as a side for hearty meals. Easy to customize and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour the warm water into a large mixing bowl.
- Add yeast; let stand a few minutes until it activates.
- Add about half of the flour, sugar, salt, and shortening to the bowl.
- Set mixer on medium speed and beat for 2 minutes, or until smooth.
- Add the remaining flour mixture to the bowl.
- Stir in by hand until well combined.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is warm but not hot, around 110°F, to activate the yeast effectively. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of butter or oil. You can also add herbs or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor. Make sure to sift the flour for a lighter texture in the bread.
Serving Suggestions
This easy yeast bread is perfect for sandwiches or served alongside soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with World'S Best Layer Salad for a complete meal. For breakfast, toast slices and spread with butter or jam. You can also use it to make delicious French toast or bread pudding for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Once baked, let the bread cool completely before storing. Wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container. To reheat, wrap the slices in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Yeast Bread contains roughly 1087 calories, with 5g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 101g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1894mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. You don't need to activate it in warm water; simply mix it with the dry ingredients. However, you might want to reduce the amount slightly, usually about 25% less, as instant yeast is more potent.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it might be due to inactive yeast. Check the expiration date on your yeast package. You can also try placing the dough in a warmer area or near a heat source to encourage rising. If it still doesn't rise, consider starting over with fresh yeast.
Can I add other ingredients like cheese or olives?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by folding in ingredients like shredded cheese, chopped olives, or herbs after the first rise. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can affect the dough's structure. Experiment with your favorite additions for a unique twist!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).