Looking to make homemade bread? First and foremost: Good for you! Baking bread at home is one of the most satisfying kitchen projects. The smell of it baking, the first slice topped with good butter—it doesn’t get much better! Before you start stirring up your dough, though, testing yeast is an important step not to skip.
Why Do You Test Yeast?
Yeast is a microorganism that, when activated with liquid and fed by sugars, creates air bubbles that gives bread its rise and texture. Yeast needs to be tested to ensure it’s still alive and ready to behave in the recipe as intended.
Yeast that’s active and ready to go will make a great loaf of bread. Yeast that’s past its prime will leave you with dense bread that you probably will not want to eat.
How to Test Yeast
The easiest way to test yeast—sometimes called proofing yeast—is to add the envelope of yeast to a half cup of warm water with a teaspoon of sugar and give it a stir. The liquid will activate the yeast and the sugar feeds it. If you don’t want to use sugar, a little honey or agave syrup will also work.
You know your yeast is good and ready for baking when it bubbles and froths after standing for five to ten minutes.
Test Kitchen tip: Make sure the water you’re using is no hotter than 115ºF. Any warmer and you’ll kill the yeast and it won’t be of any use to you.
How to Store Yeast
Yeast that’s stored properly will last longer—meaning you won’t have to run out to the store for a single packet of yeast. Keep yeast in a cool, dry and dark place. Use by the best-by date if possible, though you can always test yeast that’s a little past this date.
If you buy your yeast in larger quantities (like the jars you see at supermarkets), you can store them in the fridge or freezer to extend the shelf life.
Try These Yeast Bread Recipes
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40-Minute Hamburger Buns
Here on our ranch, I cook for three men who love burgers. These fluffy hamburger buns are just right for their big appetites. I also serve this homemade burger buns recipe plain with a meal. —Jessie McKenney, Twodot, Montana
Oat Dinner Rolls
These soft rolls are out of this world. The addition of oat makes them a little heartier than other dinner rolls. —Patricia Rutherford, Winchester, Illinois
Sour Cream Chive Bread
This savory loaf mildly flavored with chives is delicious when served warm with a meal, soup, salad or stew. It also tastes wonderful toasted the next day for breakfast. —Deborah Plank, West Salem, Ohio
Best Dinner Rolls
These are the best dinner rolls around. If you can't decide which enticing topping to use, just make them all.—Christina Pittman, Parkville, Missouri
Easy Onion Crescent Rolls
Here's a deliciously easy way to dress up a tube of crescent roll dough. These golden bites are one of our favorite recipes—and they're a nice addition to any buffet. We like them so much, I usually triple the recipe. —Barbara Nowakowski, North Tonawanda, New York
Garlic Bubble Loaf
I tweaked my friend's family recipe for pull-apart rolls, and here's the result. This homemade garlic bread loaf is a must for your next pasta night, when everyone will have fun pulling off each rich and buttery piece. —Lynn Nichols, Bartlett, Nebraska
Grandma's Rosemary Dinner Rolls
My grandma (I called her Baba) made these in her coal oven. How she regulated the temperature is beyond me! She always made extra rolls for the neighbors to bake in their own ovens. At lunchtime, my mom and aunts delivered the formed rolls. —Charlotte Hendershot, Hudson, Pennsylvania
Onion French Bread Loaves
Since I love variety in my cooking, I tried adding dried minced onion to my usual recipe in attempts to copy a bread I had tasted, creating these two tasty loaves. Using the bread machine on the dough setting is a great timesaver. —Ruth Fueller, Barmstedt, Germany
Best-Ever Crescent Rolls
My daughter and I have cranked out dozens of homemade crescent rolls. It’s a real team effort. I cut the dough into pie-shaped wedges; she rolls. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin
Wholesome Wheat Bread
My sister and I were in 4-H, and Mom was our breads project leader for years. Because of that early training, fresh homemade bread like this is a staple in my own kitchen. -Karen Wingate, Coldwater, Kansas
Dilly Rolls
These versatile rolls are so welcome served warm alongside any dinner. I always make a big batch since my family enjoys them after they're cool, too, stuffed with a filling like egg salad or ham salad. —Mary Bickel, Terre Haute, Indiana
Arizona Cornbread
Unlike other cornbreads, this one uses yeast. With oil and sour cream, this moist, tender loaf has a bit of zip to it from the peppers. —Margaret Pache, Mesa, Arizona
Whole Wheat Potato Rolls
My cousin’s classic-with-a-twist recipe is truly delish. Extra rolls freeze well. — Devon Vickers, Goddard, Kansas
Swiss Cheese Bread
This bread will receive rave reviews, whether you serve it as an appetizer or with a meal. For real convenience, you can make it ahead of time and freeze it! —Karla Boice, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Icebox Rolls
I remember my mom making these rolls almost every Saturday so they'd be ready to bake on Sunday for company or someone just dropping by. Although they take a little time to prepare, they're really not all that difficult to make. And there's nothing in the stores that can compare to them! —Jean Fox, Welch, Minnesota
Golden Crescents
My family loves these rolls so much they request them for every Sunday dinner. Pulling their share of these slightly sweet, tender rolls from out of the basket, my grandchildren look at me and say, "Grandma, you are the world's best cook." -Bertha Johnson, Indianapolis, Indiana
Potato Pan Rolls
My family loves these rolls and requests them often. They don't take long to make because you use quick-rise yeast. —Connie Storckman, Evanston, Wyoming
Vegetable & Cheese Focaccia
My family eats this flavorful bread as fast as I can make it. Sometimes I add different herbs, red onion or crumbled bacon. It's one of my best recipes! —Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland
Italian Pinwheel Rolls
An enticing combination of Parmesan cheese, oregano and garlic makes these buttery rolls impossible to resist. The aroma that wafts through the house while they are baking is incredible. —Patricia FitzGerald, Candor, New York
Amish Potato Bread
Sue Violette, of Neillsville, Wisconsin says, “A tasty mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, plus a small amount of mashed potatoes, give this golden bread its wonderful texture. The loaf is very moist and stays that way even days after making it.” —Sue Violette, Neillsville, Wisconsin
Best Ever Breadsticks
Present these delicious breadsticks alongside an Italian favorite like lasagna or spaghetti. They're an attractive and edible addition to the table setting! —Carol Wolfer, Lebanon, Oregon
Flaky Butterhorn Rolls
This dinner roll, slightly sweet and so very flaky, was my mother’s recipe. It’s simple to prepare because you don’t need to have any kneading skills, and the dough is easy to handle. My grandchildren have renamed them Grandma’s Croissants! —Bernice Smith, Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota
Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls
These puffy dinner rolls take on rich color when you add squash to the dough. Any squash variety works. I've even used cooked carrots. —Marcia Whitney, Gainesville, Florida
Yogurt Yeast Rolls
People tend to snap up these fluffy, golden rolls, in a hurry whenever I take them to a potluck. It's a nice contribution since rolls are easy to transport, and one batch goes a long way. — Carol Forcum, Marion, Illinois
Rosemary Orange Bread
Meet the Cook: Of all the herbs, rosemary is my favorite. This bread goes great with a roast, chicken or pasta with red sauce. It's especially festive to serve at holiday time. My husband and I have three young children - ages 6, 3 and 1. -Deidre Fallavollita, Vienna, Virginia
Herbed Bread Twists
A blend of herbs and a special shape dress up ordinary frozen bread dough in my unbelievably easy recipe. —Deb Stapert, Comstock Park, Michigan
Cornmeal Parker House Rolls
My mom deserves the credit for making this recipe a family tradition. These sweet tender rolls have been on every holiday table at her house for as long as I can remember. —Lisa D. Brenner, Harrisburg, Nebraska
Cheddar Loaves
Swirls of cheddar cheese give these loaves an exquisite flavor. Try a slice or two for sandwiches, toasted for breakfast or served on the side with a Caesar salad —Agnes Ward Stratford, Ontario
Rosemary Flatbreads
My family loves this as a pizza crust. But with a touch of olive oil and fresh herbs it makes a lovely flatbread appetizer. —Sue Brown, West Bend, Wisconsin
Cheddar Pan Rolls
Thanks to the cheesy dough, these rich cheddar rolls have a gorgeous golden color and fabulous flavor. —Esther Current, Kitchener, Ontario
Onion & Garlic Rolls
I wanted something different from garlic toast, so I made a dough with garlic and onions. The next thing I knew, I’d created an amazing dinner roll. —Brenda Caughell, Durham, North Carolina
Oatmeal Dinner Rolls
These fluffy rolls go perfectly with any meal. They have a delicious homemade flavor that's irresistible. I like them because they're not hard to make and they bake up nice and high. —Patricia Staudt, Marble Rock, Iowa
Asiago Dinner Rolls
I first tasted these rolls when my boyfriend made them from a family recipe that called for Parmesan. I substituted Asiago for the Parmesan with equally good results. —Bethany Shaw, Mokena, Illinois
Sesame French Bread
Homemade French bread isn’t at all difficult to make, and it’s perfect alongside Italian foods. If you’re not serving a large group, freeze one loaf to enjoy later. —Peggy Van Arsdale, Trenton, New Jersey
Butternut Squash Rolls
With their cheery yellow color and delicious aroma, these appealing buns will brighten your buffet table. Plus, I've found this recipe is a great way to use up squash from the garden. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Country White Bread
Anytime is the right time for a comforting slice of homemade bread. These loaves are especially nice since the crust stays so tender. This white bread recipe is my husband Nick's favorite. He makes most of the bread at our house. —Joanne Shew Chuk, St. Benedict, Saskatchewan
Soft Buttermilk Dinner Rolls
Warm, buttery dinner rolls are absolutely irresistible. I save time and use a stand mixer to make my dough. —Jennifer Patterson, Shoshone, Idaho
Whole Wheat French Bread
The first time I made this recipe my husband asked it if was homemade or store-bought. When he reached for a second piece, I knew I had a winning recipe. —Roseann Loker, Colon, Michigan
Golden Honey Pan Rolls
A cousin in North Carolina gave me the recipe for these delicious honey-glazed rolls. Using my bread machine to make the dough saves me about 2 hours compared to the traditional method. The rich buttery taste of these rolls is so popular with family and friends that I usually make two batches so I have enough! —Sara Wing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Make-Ahead Butterhorns
Mom loved to make these lightly sweet, golden rolls. They're beautiful and impressive and have a homemade taste that makes them memorable. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Sour Cream Fan Rolls
I received this recipe from an email pen pal in Canada. The dough is so easy to work with, and it makes the lightest yeast rolls. I haven't used another white bread recipe since I started making this one. -Carrie Ormsby, West Jordan, Utah
Sesame Wheat Braids
When I started making this bread, my husband and our six children liked it so much I was baking every day. I was thrilled when the judges at our county fair gave these braids a blue ribbon and best of show award! —Nancy Montgomery, Hartville, Ohio
Overnight Rolls
I'm pleased to share the recipe for these light and tender rolls, which I've made for 25 years. I once served them to a woman who'd been in the restaurant business for half a century. She said they were the best rolls she'd ever tasted.
Herbed Bubble Bread
"It takes just five ingredients to dress up a package of frozen rolls to make this buttery, crusty loaf," says Anita Whorton of Powder Springs, Georgia.
Crescent Dinner Rolls
These light, golden rolls have a heavenly homemade flavor and aroma. Mom never hesitates to whip up a batch of these from-scratch rolls, since they're a delightful way to round out a meal. —Debra Falkiner, St. Charles, Missouri
Home-Style Yeast Bread
Everyone likes the tender texture and slightly sweet taste of this homemade bread. When I'm in the mood to bake, I usually double the recipe and share loaves with friends. The dough also makes lovely rolls. -Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina
Easy Batter Rolls
The first thing my guests ask when they come for dinner is if I'm serving these dinner rolls. The buns are so light, airy and delicious—and help make the meal. —Thomasina Brunner, Gloversville, New York
Icebox Butterhorns
These beautiful golden rolls just melt in your mouth! People will be impressed when these appear on your table. —Judy Clark, Elkhart, Indiana
Buttery Bubble Bread
Homemade bread can be time-consuming, difficult and tricky to make. But this fun-to-eat monkey bread, baked in a fluted tube pan, is easy and almost foolproof. If I'm serving it for breakfast, I add some cinnamon and drizzle it with icing. —Pat Stevens, Granbury, Texas
Oatmeal Rolls
Most people tell me what they like best about these rolls is they're so moist. I like them because they're simple to make, freeze well and because I grew up on oatmeal and still love it! —Jeanette Fuehring, Concordia, Missouri
Italian Snack Bread
I've served this snack bread alongside spaghetti, as an appetizer and as a main dish. Because it stays so tender, I often bake it a day before. —Joan Nowacki, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Easy Potato Rolls
After I discovered this recipe, it became a mainstay for me. I make the dough ahead of time when company is coming, and I try to keep some in the refrigerator to bake for our ranch hands. Leftover mashed potatoes are almost sure to go into these rolls. —Jeanette McKinney, Belleview, Missouri
Flavorful Herb Bread
This bread is one of my favorites. It has a wonderful texture and slices beautifully, and the flavor of the herbs really comes through. —Gerri Hamilton, Kingsville, Ontario
Parmesan Garlic Breadsticks
These tender breadsticks fill the kitchen with a tempting aroma when they are baking, and they're wonderful served warm. My family tells me I can't make them too often.
Garlic Herb Bubble Loaf
I adapted an old sour cream bread recipe for this deliciously different pull-apart loaf that smells heavenly while baking. It has a light crust, tender interior and lots of herb and butter flavor. We think it's wonderful with a hot bowl of potato soup. —Katie Crill, Priest River, Idaho
English Batter Buns
Since receiving this easy-to-prepare recipe from a dear friend, I've made these rolls often for the holidays. —Geraldine West, Ogden, Utah
Crusty Homemade Bread
Crackling homemade bread makes an average day extraordinary. Enjoy this beautiful crusty bread recipe as is, or stir in a few favorites like cheese, garlic, herbs and dried fruits. —Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Perfect Dinner Rolls
These rolls melt in your mouth. I loved them as a child, and I'm happy to make them for my kids because I know I am creating those same wonderful memories my mom made for me! —Gayleen Grote, Battle View, North Dakota
Butter and Herb Loaf
This is one of my family's favorite bread recipes. They love it with a warm bowl of soup during autumn.— Lillian Hatcher, Plainfield, Illinois
French Loaves
My kids love to help me make this delicious bread recipe. It's quite easy, and they enjoy the fact that they can be eating fresh bread in less than two hours! —Denise Boutin, Grand Isle, Vermont
Mother's Rolls
These golden cloverleaf dinner rolls were one of my mother's specialties. We always looked forward to them on holidays and special occasions. —Patricia Baxter, Great Bend, Kansas
Cheese Batter Bread
Hearty breads are very much a part of our Midwest heritage. This bread has a unique flavor and is a family favorite.
Chive Pinwheel Rolls
These light, pleasant-tasting rolls complement almost any entree. With the chive filling swirled through the golden bread, they're attractive enough for special occasions. —Ann Niemela, Ely, Minnesota
Blue-Ribbon Herb Rolls
These rolls have been a favorite of ours for nearly 25 years. I even baked them in an old wood stove when we lived on a farm. I developed the recipe using several techniques I learned while studying the art of bread making. The recipe won a blue ribbon at our county fair. —Mary Ann Evans, Tarpon Springs, Florida
Old-World Rye Bread
Rye and caraway lend to this bread's wonderful flavor, while the surprise ingredient of baking cocoa gives it a rich, dark color. I sometimes stir in a cup each of raisins and walnuts.
Tender Crescent Rolls
My family's holiday meal consists of different soups and breads. This is one of the favorite breads during that meal.—Bonnie Myers, Callaway, Nebraska
Skillet Rolls
Baking these rolls in a skillet makes them soft and tender. My family requests them for most holiday dinners and other special occasions. I like them best split and spread with butter and black raspberry jelly.
Herbed Accordion Dinner Rolls
To dress up everyday dinner rolls, our Test Kitchen brushes herbed butter over the dough, then forms accordion rolls. The aroma while baking is incredible!
Focaccia Barese
This focaccia has been in my mom's family for several generations. It's one of my most requested recipes. In fact, some hosts tell me I can't attend their parties unless I bring this with me! —Dora Travaglio, Mount Prospect, Illinois
Tender Garlic Cheese Breadsticks
Garlic breadsticks complement so many dishes. These tender ones pair well with Italian dishes, salads and soups. —Ann Volner, Maryville, Missouri
Tender Whole Wheat Rolls
Even though these are whole wheat rolls they have a light texture and are soft and tender. This recipe reminds me of lots of happy meals with my family.—Wilma Orlano, Carroll, Iowa
Garlic Fontina Bread
With its golden brown color and soft texture, this bread is a must at any family meal. It's a modified version of a traditional white bread recipe my brother gave me. Try it as garlic bread toast, on grilled sandwiches or enjoy as is. —Cindy Ryan, St. Johns, Michigan
Sweet Potato Pan Rolls
This tender rolls are one of my brothers favorites so I make them often. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, they are great along side a wide variety of dishes from chicken to a bowl of steaming chili.—Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland
Sage & Gruyere Sourdough Bread
A sourdough starter gives loaves extra flavor and helps the rising process. This bread, with sage and Gruyere cheese, comes out so well that I’m thrilled to share it. —Debra Kramer, Boca Raton, Florida
Honey Whole Wheat Rolls
Most of the farmers in our area grow wheat, so this recipe definitely represents my region. I bake these rolls often, especially when I'm making soup or stew. —Celecia Stoup, Hobart, Oklahoma
The post Why Testing Yeast Is So Important for Good Bread Baking appeared first on Taste of Home.
Lisa Kaminski