There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. This fresh yeast bread recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a loaf that's soft, fluffy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you're making sandwiches or simply enjoying it with a pat of butter, this bread is sure to become a household favorite.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up a packet of active dry yeast if you don't already have it on hand. This is essential for the bread to rise properly. Additionally, make sure you have all-purpose flour and sugar, which are crucial for the dough's texture and flavor.

Ingredients For Fresh Yeast Bread Recipe
All-purpose flour: This is the main structure of the bread, providing the necessary gluten for elasticity and chewiness.
Active dry yeast: This leavening agent helps the dough rise, creating a light and airy texture.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar feeds the yeast, aiding in the fermentation process and adding a touch of sweetness.
Salt: This enhances the flavor of the bread and helps control the yeast's activity.
Warm water: The warm water activates the yeast and helps to bring the dough together.
Technique Tip for Baking This Bread
When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself and give it a quarter turn. This helps develop the gluten structure, making the bread light and airy. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little flour on your work surface, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the bread dense.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can result in a chewier texture and better gluten development.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, but may make the bread denser.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients and doesn't need to be activated in water first.
active dry yeast - Substitute with fresh yeast: Fresh yeast can be used by tripling the amount of active dry yeast called for in the recipe.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a slight floral note and helps with browning, but you may need to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a unique flavor and sweetness, but adjust the liquid content accordingly.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger crystals, so you may need to use a bit more to achieve the same level of saltiness.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can add a different mineral complexity to the bread, but use it in the same quantity.
warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk can make the bread richer and softer, but it may also affect the rise slightly.
warm water - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and tenderizes the bread, but you may need to adjust the leavening agents.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Bread
How to Store or Freeze Your Bread
- Allow the bread to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
- Store the bread in a bread box or a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain the crust's texture.
- For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in a resealable plastic bag to keep it fresh.
- To freeze, slice the bread before wrapping. This allows you to take out only the slices you need.
- Wrap each slice or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the package with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- Store the wrapped bread in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, remove the bread from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
- For a quick thaw, place the slices in a toaster or the whole loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
- Enjoy your freshly thawed bread with your favorite soups, salads, or desserts.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it on the middle rack and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and soft.
For a quick method, slice the bread and place the slices on a baking sheet. Cover them with a damp paper towel and microwave on medium power for 10-20 seconds. This will help retain moisture and keep the bread soft.
If you have a toaster oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread slices directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat for 5-10 minutes until the bread is warm and slightly crispy.
For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the bread slices in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until the bread is warm and has a slight crust.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the bread in a damp kitchen towel and place it in a steamer basket. Steam for about 5 minutes until the bread is warm and soft.
Essential Tools for Baking This Bread
Mixing bowl: A large container used to combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the precise amount of flour and water needed for the recipe.
Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring the sugar and salt accurately.
Wooden spoon: Useful for mixing the ingredients together until a dough forms.
Clean surface: Needed for kneading the dough to achieve a smooth and elastic texture.
Greased bowl: Used to place the dough in for rising, preventing it from sticking.
Kitchen towel: To cover the bowl while the dough rises, maintaining a warm environment.
Oven: Preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking the bread.
Baking sheet: Where the shaped loaves are placed for baking.
Oven mitts: To safely handle the hot baking sheet when removing it from the oven.
Cooling rack: Allows the bread to cool evenly after baking.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Bread
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to save time during the mixing process.
Use a stand mixer: If you have a stand mixer, use it to knead the dough instead of doing it by hand. This will save you effort and time.
Warm environment for rising: Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area to speed up the rising process.
Double the recipe: Make a double batch and freeze one loaf for later. This way, you only have to go through the process once but get twice the bread.

Fresh Yeast Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 packet Active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1.5 cups Warm water
Instructions
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- 2. Add warm water and mix until a dough forms.
- 3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- 5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 6. Punch down the dough and shape into loaves. Place on a baking sheet.
- 7. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutritional Value
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