6 Delicious Recipes for Active Dry Yeast

6 Delicious Recipes for Active Dry Yeast

Whether you've been baking for years or are just starting your baking journey, selecting the right ingredients for your baked goods is crucial, especially when it comes to yeast. There are several different types of yeast to choose from, and while they may be similar, they are not interchangeable. The moisture content is the primary difference between fresh, instant and active dry yeast. Active dry yeast, the most common yeast used when making baked goods, plays an essential role in helping dough-based recipes like bread and pizza dough rise to perfection. When used, the active dry yeast must be dissolved in liquid before combining with other ingredients. Though it does require an extra step, it's also the most versatile and flexible of all yeast varieties. Continue reading to learn more about active dry yeast and the recipes it's used in.

What Is Active Dry Yeast?

Before baking with any ingredient, it's necessary to understand where it comes from. Active dry yeast is a partially dehydrated, granular yeast and the most common variety of yeast that you'll see on grocery store shelves. It is typically sold in packets or small jars and lends a light, airy texture and subtle nutty flavor to whatever it's combined with. First created during World War II, the US Army used active dry yeast to make bread without keeping fresh yeast on hand. Partially dehydrating the yeast extends the shelf life and allows it to work similarly to fresh yeast. To use active dry yeast, the dormant yeast cells must be rehydrated and dissolved in a warm liquid before combining with other ingredients. Many bakers also choose to add a form of sugar like honey to the warm water to feed the yeast. When hydrated and fed correctly, a thin layer of fizzy bubbles will form at the top of the liquid, indicating that it is still alive. If this layer does not foam, the yeast you're using has likely expired. Most brands of active dry yeast will keep at room temperature for six months before spoiling.

Can Active Dry Yeast Be Substituted for Instant Yeast?

If you're baking a recipe that calls for active dry yeast and can only find Instant yeast, you can substitute it at a 1-to-1 ratio. Still, you'll want to make sure you watch the rising time of the dough, as instant yeast will likely rise much faster. Conversely, if a recipe calls for instant yeast and you only have active dry yeast on hand, adjust the recipe to allow for more rising time and add a proofing step before combining the yeast with the other ingredients. Fresh baked homemade buns with sesame

How to Store Active Dry Yeast

The environment where you store yeast plays a significant role in its shelf life. Taking measures to store packets and hats properly will ensure that the yeast remains fresh and ready to use. To store active dry yeast, keep it in a dark, cool and dry location. If you've opened up the packet or jar, we suggest placing it in the refrigerator or freezer to keep it fresher for longer.

How to Use Active Dry Yeast When Baking

When using active dry yeast to create delicious baked goods, you'll want to proof it for freshness first. Combining the yeast with liquid and sugar will help ensure that the dough rises properly. Additionally, this process provides flavor and creates carbon dioxide bubbles to stretch and expand the dough. Though yeast thrives in warm temperatures, it's crucial to ensure that the liquid added is warm, not hot. Any liquid above 135F can damage active yeast. If the fluid is too hot to touch, it's too hot for the yeast. Yeast can also be combined with a cooler liquid. However, it will require more time to expand the dough adequately. Though it is slower, several bakers prefer this method as more flavor is produced.

How to Rise Dough Properly

To ensure that your dough rises as intended, cover it and place it in a warm place for as long as the recipe suggests. Allowing your dough to sit for the correct amount of time is a necessary part of the rising process as it enables the yeast to ferment the sugar into carbon dioxide and alcohol. The kitchen counter, an oven, or even the back of a pantry are all excellent places to rest the dough as it rises.

6 Delicious Recipes for Active Dry Yeast

Ready to begin baking with active dry yeast? Try out one of these recipes for active dry yeast today!

Gluten Free Vegan Yeast Waffles

Gluten Free & Vegan Yeast Waffles Searching for a delicious breakfast recipe that uses active dry yeast? You've found it. Waffles are a loved dish worldwide. However, individuals with celiac disease can't enjoy many of the waffle recipes on menus. To make a tasty breakfast that accommodates several dietary restrictions, we created this Gluten Free Vegan Yeast Waffle Recipe. Featuring Active Dry Yeast, our Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour and Organic Golden Flaxseed Meal, these waffles are the perfect fluffy breakfast plate to wake up the family. Sweet and delicious, the flaxseed used to create these waffles provides a subtle crisp that pairs perfectly with all of your favorite toppings.

Easy Yeast Rolls with Butter and Thyme

The perfect side dish to accompany an already delicious dinner, these Easy Yeast Rolls with Butter and Thyme are loaded with flavor. They are perfectly sized and baked in muffin tins before being slathered with butter and fresh thyme. Active Dry Yeast, Organic Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour and butter create a light and fluffy texture that everyone will enjoy. When it comes to home cooked meals, nothing beats freshly baked bread, and this recipe is easy to make and undeniably delicious.

Pear and Bacon Quinoa Pizza

Nothing says comfort food like a pizza fresh from the oven, especially when loaded with fun and unique flavors. The next time you're craving a mouthwatering dinner recipe, make this Pear and Bacon Quinoa Pizza. Filled with good-for-you ingredients like Organic Quinoa Flour and thinly sliced pears, it allows you to bake a healthier version of your favorite dish. The naturally sweet flavors of the pear are balanced by salty and savory Canadian bacon to create an indulgent pizza that's high in fiber and soy-free.

Honey Whole Wheat Bread

If you're searching for ways to cut down on the number of meals you purchase weekly, we recommend starting by packing lunch at home. Though packing a homemade lunch every day may sound time-consuming, it's a much healthier and budget-friendly alternative to fast food. Sandwiches are undeniably one of the most popular lunch options, and while store-bought white bread may receive a bad rap, homemade sandwich bread is a healthier and more flavorful option. We recommend making this Honey Whole Wheat Bread for a homemade bread that pairs well with all types of sandwich fillings. Made with a combination of honey, Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour and Whole Wheat Flour, it's a loaf that the entire family can enjoy.

Cheddar English Dinner Rolls

Though cooking with yeast can be intimidating, it doesn't have to be. If you're new to yeast-based recipes, start by making something simple like these Cheddar English Dinner Rolls. By simply following the step-by-step instructions in the recipe, you're guaranteed success every time. A side dish that pairs well with all types of main courses, it can also be served as an appetizer helping to soothe the stomach of hungry guests. Though leftovers aren't common, if you have one or two rolls left at the end of the night, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.

Cardamom Beignets

Cardamom Beignets Warm, fragrant and incredibly delicious, these Cardamom Beignets taste perfect when paired with Cafe au Lait or a strong cup of tea. The ideal addition to your weekly brunch, they're made with Artisan Bread Flour and Active Dry Yeast to create a light and fluffy pastry that you'll want to make time and time again. Make a batch of their beignets the next time you have friends over for brunch, or keep a batch on hand to reach for on busy mornings. The next time you're searching for ways to use the active dry yeast in your pantry, choose from one of the six delicious active dry yeast recipes above. From fluffy desserts to savory side dishes, there's bound to be a dish on this list that everyone will enjoy. From the Bob's Red Mill Family to yours, happy baking! Do you love cooking with active dry yeast? We'd love to hear more about the wonderful recipes that you create. Let us know how you bake with this ingredient in the comments below.
Bob's Red Mill
May 07 2022

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