Whether you are a proficient baker or new to the game, at some point you want to try new recipes that use yeast. Some links in this article are affiliate link that earn me a commission if you purchase through them.
I love to bake with yeast, but I know so many who are afraid of it. That doesn’t mean you should be!
As long as you follow a few simple rules, recipes that use yeast can be easier than you think. Better yet, it’s always so much cheaper than buying at the store.
When I first starting making recipes that use yeast, my bread was often denser than I wanted it to be. I finally learned to use less flour, and it makes all the difference in the world.
Let your dough be slightly tackier and wetter than you are comfortable with. Your instinct will always be to add more four to make it easier to work with, but resist!
You can learn more about yeast in the article I wrote after visiting the Fleishmann’s Yeast headquarters.
I found the best yeast recipes that sounded absolutely amazing – and tested a bunch of them, too.
This list includes everything from breakfast sweet rolls to traditional sandwich bread to snacks and beyond. There are even gluten free options, vegan options, and more.
So go ahead, try something new.
And then tell me your favorites. Me? I’m off to go remake my asiago cheese bagels. My kids are begging!
Easy Yeast Recipes
Whether it's your first time baking with yeast or you're a pro, you'll love this variety of recipes that will keep you and your family happy and baking!
Traditional Bread Loaves
Of course you have to start with traditional bread loaves. Whether it's a bread for a sandwich, a crusty baguette, or a boule, there's something about bread fresh from the oven that makes everyone happy.
Homemade French Baguette
There is nothing better than bread fresh from the oven. This easy baguette recipe creates the perfect loaf every time. Whether this is your first time playing with yeast or you're a seasoned baker, you'll fall in love with bread all over again after making this.
Classic White Sandwich Bread
This classic white sandwich bread is super easy to make and is the perfect white bread for taking you back to your childhood. It's fluffy and delicious and makes the best sandwiches and toast.
Homemade Brioche Bread
Brioche bread is enriched and soft, buttery with a tender crumb, and absolutely delicious. This homemade recipe is an easy weekend project.
Soft Whole Wheat Bread
This foolproof recipe gives you a really good soft wheat bread with the ingredients you have at home. This is a soft wholemeal bread with a light crumb.
Oatmeal Honey Bread
If you’re looking for homemade bread with a lot of body, and a touch of sweetness, then this Oatmeal Honey Bread with Sunflower Seeds is just the ticket.
Easy Einkorn Sandwich Bread
This no-knead einkorn bread cannot be any easier. Mix the ingredients, let it rise, then bake until golden brown – all within two hours. Perfect for sandwiches or toast, this simple recipe will be a family favorite made over and over again.
Spelt Bread
This is a bread that you can mix in less than 5 minutes, place in the cold oven and bake for one hour. There's no kneading and no rising involved.
Turmeric Bread
This vibrantly yellow Turmeric Bread is easy to make and tastes delicious. The turmeric not only adds the stunning color, but adds a subtle earthy taste.
Roasted Garlic Asiago Swirl Bread
Flavorful roasted garlic and sharp Asiago cheese are swirled into this incredibly soft and tender garlic asiago swirl bread. This would be perfect as a side or with a bowl of soup.
Bread Machine White Loaf
This white bread machine recipe is made with unbleached all-purpose flour. You’ll love this bread recipe that’s perfect sandwiches or toast.
Dairy Free Homemade Bread
This Dairy Free Bread is an absolutely delicious recipe. This is the perfect choice whether you are dairy free, or if like me you are just often trying to conserve your milk for the kids' breakfast.
Brioche Bread
This brioche bread is ultra soft, rich, and buttery. Not only delicious to eat, but easy to make too. Perfect for sandwiches, French toast and just to eat on its own.
Whole Wheat Fig & Walnut Bread
Switch up your bread game with this fig and walnut whole wheat bread. Slice it up for the ultimate sandwich, or enjoy on its own. With no kneading required, you can whip this fresh bread up in no time.
Carrot and Chive Bread
This homemade carrot and chive bread is hearty, rustic and speckled throughout with orange and green from the carrots and chives. This country yeast bread smells amazing and will instantly make you think of warm summer days spent in the vegetable garden.
Easy No-Fail Wholemeal Bread
This no-fail wholemeal bread recipe uses just a few ingredients you can easily tweak and is perfect for beginner bakers. Best whole grain bread recipe that is ideal for sandwiches and packed with nutrients.
Dinner Rolls
You can never go wrong with a classic Parker House Roll, but I have just as much love for a flavor filled roll. It's amazing how many options you can find.
Perfect Pillowy Soft Dinner Roll Knots
These dinner rolls look pretty and fancy, but they're easy to make. On top of that, they're so pillowy soft and tender. They're the perfect complement to any meal.
Gluten-free Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls
Gluten-free Dinner Rolls that taste like grandma’s holiday rolls. Enjoy these gluten-free rolls at the holidays and year-round.
Southern Yeast Rolls
These yeast rolls are just as buttery, soft, and delicious as the pans of rolls you buy at the store. Even has the nostalgic smell as they bake. Every southerner will want this recipe.
Jalapeno Cheddar Parker House Rolls
Soft and buttery, these homemade Jalapeno Cheddar Parker House Rolls are so much better than store bought ones.
New England Hot Dog Buns
New England Hot Dog Buns are a classic for a reason. The addition of milk powder makes the dough uniquely soft and delicious, and the straight sides are fantastic when toasted, all crunchy and golden brown.
Cheese and Onion Burger Buns
Learn how to make your own hamburger buns. This tutorial shares the recipe for a special homemade bun spiced with cheese and onion to give you the best hamburger experience ever.
Goat Cheese And Caramelized Onion Rolls
These dinner rolls have so much flavor between the sweet caramelized onions and the tangy goat cheese. This is a perfect complement to your dinner.
Sweet Potato Rolls - Gluten Free
Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Rolls with Maple Bacon Glaze are an incredible crowd-pleaser. Ultra fluffy with salty-sweet appeal, these rolls are sure to be a family favorite.
Filipino Bread Rolls (Pandesal)
Deliciously soft, these Filipino Bread Rolls (Pandesal) will surely become a regular in your home too. They're so easy to make, the hard part is waiting for the proofing. But trust me, it's all worth it.
30 Minute Dinner Rolls
Soft 30 Minute Dinner Rolls are easier to make than you think. Check out this speedy yeast rolls that you can make ahead and freeze.
Homemade Dinner Rolls
Try these homemade dinner rolls, a quick and easy Italian Parmesan roll recipe that is ready in one hour. These one-hour dinner rolls come out soft and fluffy.
Mexican Cheesy Rolls
Upgrade your usual dinner rolls and try these Mexican Cheesy Rolls. It’s a great way to add a little spice to your dinner roll recipe.
Artisan and Specialty Breads
A delicious artisan loaf fresh from the oven is a delight all on its own. But there are so many other amazing specialty breads to try, from naan to go with your Indian to focaccia and more.
Naan Bread
This tandoori style flatbread is soft, light and fluffy with beautiful brown blisters just like those served in Indian restaurants. Once you crack the steps to make this easy homemade naan bread, there is no looking back.
VEGAN Naan Bread
You’ll love this Easy Vegan Naan Recipe. It’s an Indian flatbread that’s soft, pillowy, and airy with the perfect chew, just like your favorite Indian Restaurant. It’s made with yeast and vegan yogurt and is also dairy free and egg free.
Amritsari Kulcha
Amritsari Kulcha is crisp as well as soft leavened bread which is stuffed with boiled and mashed potatoes and spices. This bread is similar to Naan. This the best and easy Kulcha recipe ever.
Pita Bread
Once you make this soft and chewy homemade Pita Bread that puffs like a Balloon creating beautiful pockets for your falafels, veggie fillings and hummus, you would never even look at the store-bought pita bread anymore.
Garlic Cheese Focaccia
This garlic cheese focaccia bread is light and tender. Soaked with butter, garlic, herbs and cheese, it’s perfect for sopping up extra marinara sauce or the tail ends of the soup in your bowl.
Olive Rosemary Focaccia Bread
Enjoy this easy olive rosemary focaccia bread recipe. Learn how to make focaccia bread step by step in a cast iron skillet. It has a crisp, golden crust with the most tender interior.
Whole Wheat Focaccia
This Whole Wheat No Knead Focaccia with Rosemary and Sea Salt is so easy to make. It tastes wonderful- slightly nutty from the whole wheat flour, which pairs well with the earthy rosemary, coarse sea salt, and the olive oil that gets soaked up in every delicious bite while baking.
Easy Dutch Oven No Knead Bread
This easy Dutch oven no knead bread recipe is made with only 4 ingredients and takes 5 minutes of prep time. If you want to make delicious homemade bread that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy bakery but actually takes very little effort, this Dutch oven bread recipe is for you.
Honey Wheat Bushman Bread
Now you can skip the steakhouse and make this Copycat Outback Bread at home with pantry ingredients. This Honey Wheat Bushman Bread recipe makes 4 loaves, serves 24, and tastes like a dream.
Artisan Gluten Free Bread
If you’re searching for that perfect bakery loaf, look no further than this gluten-free bread. The recipe produces a beautiful artisan gluten-free bread loaf that can be baked with a crusty or soft exterior.
Four Hour French Country Bread
This Four Hour French Country Bread recipe will produce an artisan loaf with a crispy crust and a soft, moist, and, depending on how much water you add to the dough, an airy crumb.
Instant Pot Olive Oil Rosemary Bread
This is a simple no knead bread that's vegan, crusty and scrumptious. Try this basic, foolproof, recipe - anyone can make this. It comes out just perfect every time.
No Knead Bread with Cranberries and Walnuts
This rustic No-Knead Bread recipe with Cranberries and Walnuts looks like a fancy artisanal loaf from a bakery and is perfect for a brunch, breakfast or as a side along with a bowl of soup.
Homemade Pretzel Bread
This is the BEST homemade pretzel bread recipe ever. Seriously, once you make this you will never be able to eat store-bought pretzel bread again.
Kalamata Olive Rosemary Bread
Whether you mix the bread in a bread machine or by hand, this kalamata olive rosemary bread fabulous bread for any olive lover.
Whole Wheat Walnut Raisin Artisan Bread
This no-knead whole wheat bread is perfectly crusty on the outside, with a fluffy, nutty interior that’s just begging for some creamy butter. Try it with your breakfast. It's the easiest artisan bread you will ever make.
One Hour Panini Bread
This amazing and super easy panini bread recipe will make your kitchen smell like an Italian bakery. It’s crusty, irresistible, super easy to make, and ready in 1 hour flat.
Homemade Bread Bowls
Soup tastes so much better in a bread bowl. This is a fun recipe to make at home to enjoy with your favorite soup recipe.
Sourdough Bread Bowls
And of course, if you're going to think about making bread bowls, sourdough bread bowls are even better. If you have sourdough starter, this is a great way to amp up the flavor for your next soup night.
Sally Lunn Batter Bread
Sally Lunn batter bread is one of the easiest and most delicious yeast bread you’ll ever make. If you’ve been intimidated by yeast bread in the past, this is the one to try.
Breakfast Breads
You know exactly what I'm talking about here. Hello cinnamon rolls. Hello hot cross buns. In fact, hello to all sweet breads we love to enjoy in the morning hours.
Vanilla Chai Tea Infused Cinnamon Rolls
An incredibly yummy cinnamon roll perfect for breakfast or brunch. Make most of it the night before so they're ready quickly in the morning. Most is waiting time, which makes it perfect for an overnight rise while you sleep.
Hot Cross Buns
These are the softest and most fluffy hot cross buns I've ever tasted. They take a little time, but they're easy to make and well worth the effort.
Gluten-free Hot Cross Buns
Can't do gluten but still want to enjoy the tradition? Make these gluten free, dairy free hot cross buns instead.
Cherry Cinnamon Rolls
These homemade cherry cinnamon rolls are absolutely delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Use a from scratch cherry syrup or your favorite pie filling with this straightforward cinnamon roll dough to create a sweet treat everyone is sure to love.
Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing
Love Cinnamon Rolls? Well, meet their fun and fruity sister. These Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing are the perfect homemade breakfast or brunch for the entire family.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Enjoy rich, buttery rolls with gooey swirls of cinnamon sugar, slathered in vanilla cream cheese icing. If you love the kind of cinnamon rolls that are soft and buttery, and not overly sweet, this easy recipe just might become one of your favorite morning indulgences.
Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Rolls
These light and fluffy cinnamon rolls made with an easy to make no-knead brioche dough that gives these rolls an over the top texture and flavor.
Honey Buns
These honey buns are perfectly fluffy with a cinnamon sugar interior and a sticky, sweet topping. They are irresistible served warm right out of the oven.
Gluten-Free Sticky Buns
Have you ever made Gluten-Free Sticky Buns? Light and fluffy yeast rolls are covered in a decadent caramel glaze and chopped pecans. It's an EASY recipe that turns out every time.
Almond Coffee Cake Ring
This Almond Coffee Cake Ring or tea ring is a slightly sweet yeast bread filled with almond paste and cream cheese and made into a wreath-shaped pastry. It’s baked until golden and then drizzled with icing. This recipe feeds a crowd and is perfect for brunch, and Christmas and Easter mornings.
Cherry Almond Coffee Cake
You need to make this Cherry Almond Coffee Cake. It's a tender, moist, golden cake with an inner swirl of cherries and almonds, topped with a vanilla glaze.
Pecan Pie Coffee Cake
Incredibly moist and delicious, you'll love this Pecan Pie Coffee Cake for breakfast, snack or dessert. It's perfect for the holidays or anytime.
Quick Method Danish Pastries
Danish Pastries from scratch? They're easier than you think if you follow this Danish Pastry recipe for quick-method laminated dough.
Cinnamon Raisin Bread
An easy and delicious homemade cinnamon raisin bread that requires no bread machine. It makes a yummy loaf that stays soft for 3-4 days after making it.
Overnight New York Style Bagels
Chewy, crusty and properly dense, New York style bagels. They rise overnight so you can have fresh bagels for breakfast or brunch. All they need is a schmear of cream cheese.
Everything Bagels
Everything bagels are fresh, perfectly chewy, golden brown and loaded with tons of seasoning. They're so much better than store-bought that you will never buy another bagel again.
Traditional Plain Bagels
If you love bagels, this is a perfect and delicious breakfast. They're chewy and toast up perfectly. Enjoy them with cream cheese or with an egg sandwich.
Buckwheat Cinnamon Raisin Bagels - GF
Gluten free and vegan, these buckwheat bagels are the BEST. They are made of healthy, nutrient-rich ingredients like buckwheat, flaxseed, and psyllium husk. They taste amazing fresh, but also freeze then toast up beautifully.
Buttermilk Yeast Waffles
Yeasted buttermilk waffles are an absolutely delicious and unique take on your favorite breakfast food. Whip up a honey-sweetened lemon ricotta topping for a real good time.
Peranakan Pancakes with Banana Sauce - GF
These yeast risen gluten free pancakes are made with rice flour. These traditional Thai Pancakes are made even more delicious with the accompanying Banana Sauce.
Easy Beignets
Enjoy easy-to-make beignets that are deep fried so the outside is golden brown and the inside is light-as-air and fluffy. Served piping hot dusted with a thick layer of powdered sugar. An irresistible French doughnut that is a New Orleans specialty.
Pan Dulce
Pan dulce is a Mexican classic. This recipe uses a no knead brioche dough to make this sweet bread.
Coconut Rolls (Pão Doce com Coco)
Brazilian coconut rolls are easy to make and topped with coconut flakes and sweetened condensed milk. They are less sweet than cinnamon rolls yet so delicious.
Dutch Apple Fritters
Dutch Apple Fritters are known under two names in the Netherlands, Appelbeignets and Appelflappen. These deep fried apples coated in batter are delicious.
Spiced Blackcurrant Jam Doughnuts
Spiced dough and vanilla blackcurrant jam come together for an indulgent treat with these delicious spiced blackcurrant donuts.
Perfect Yeast Doughnuts
These are the best yeast doughnuts you'll ever have. They are so light and fluffy, and they're always a hit.
Mini Traditional Ukrainian Doughnuts
This Pampushky (Ukrainian Doughnut) recipe is a light and airy raised doughnut without filling. These traditional Ukrainian donuts are made into modern mini (Stampede-style) doughnuts and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.
Dutch Oliebollen
Dutch Oliebollen (literally translated 'Oil Balls') are also sometimes called Dutch Donuts or Dutch Dough Balls. They’re a deep fried dough balls filled with currants, raisins and apples dusted with powdered sugar.
Whole Wheat Donut
These Tasty eggless doughnuts are healthy versions of more traditional donuts. They're made with whole wheat flour and baked.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
These delicious and unique pumpkin cinnamon rolls can be made in one day or refrigerated overnight to bake in the morning for the best breakfast ever.
Coffee Date Rye Bread
Homemade Coffee Date Rye Bread is worth taking your time over. Enjoy it fresh and thickly sliced. A dab of butter is all it needs. The combination of sweet dates, bitter coffee and sour rye makes a great simple breakfast.
Main Dish Ideas
It's amazing how creative people can be. Whether you take that breakfast cinnamon roll and turn it savory for dinner or do a copycat Uncrustable, you're sure to find a fun idea you'll love.
Simple Homemade Pizza Dough
This simple homemade pizza dough recipe is perfect for any toppings you can add. It makes enough for two delicious pizzas, enough to feed a family for Pizza Night. This simple and forgiving recipe is a great introduction to working with yeast.
Chili Herb Instant Pot Pizza Dough
In the mood for unique pizza? Start with the crust by making this flavorful Chili and Herb Instant Pot Pizza Dough recipe. Add toppings of your choice for the perfect pizza night.
Pizza Rolls
These delicious pizza rolls turn pizza night on its head. This cheesy chicken dinner is kid friendly and a great way to make homemade pizza for a crowd with less effort and time. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings for a brand new family tradition.
Peanut Butter And Jelly Pockets
This is a delicious hand held treat and a perfect alternative to the traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Make a double batch an freeze some for later.
Easy Cheesy Stuffed Bagel Dogs
An easy way to make homemade bagel dogs with an adult twist to them. Cheesy, and just a little spicy if you add the hot sauce, these are sure to be a hit. They come together quickly and taste amazing.
Deep Dish Pizza
Making deep dish pizza from scratch is super easy and fast. The crispy crust is brushed with garlic butter, the tomato sauce is simple and homemade, and between layers of gooey mozzarella cheese and ample toppings, this will be your new weeknight favorite.
Homemade Bagel Dogs
These bagel dogs are so easy to make and a fun treat, no matter your age. Cut them in half or thirds to make a fun appetizer for a party or leave them whole for a yummy weeknight dinner.
Mexican Taco Pockets
A delicious and fun alternative to taco night. These taco pockets let you add all sorts of veggies and have an amazing flavor that everyone will love - and love eating.
Dessert Breads
These are the yeast recipes that put those sweet breakfast breads to shame. Enjoy the decadent goodness of all these favorites!
Chocolate Cherry Challah
If you've never made challah at home before, this is the one to make. It has the traditional flavors of challah with the added mild sweetness of cherry and chocolate. It's surprisingly easy to make and tastes amazing.
Swedish Cardamom Bread
You are in for a treat, when you bake this authentic braided Swedish cardamom bread. It is sweet, so it can be eaten for breakfast or dessert.
Bai Tang Gao - Steamed Rice Cake
For this classic Chinese steamed white cake with a unique chewy texture, we will only need 3 ingredients: rice flour, sugar, and instant yeast.
Snacking Breads
And then there are those breads that are perfect to enjoy for a little snack. Do you go for a pretzel bite or something a little more out of the ordinary?
Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels
Delicious homemade soft pretzels taste amazing whether you dip in cheese sauce, stone ground mustard, or Nutella. Make these for a fun adult evening or use them as a kid craft to get them comfortable in the kitchen.
Pretzel Bites Recipe
These pretzel bites are so fun to make, and they taste absolutely amazing - just like Auntie Anne's. Perfect snack or appetizer or make them dinner.
Spinach and Ricotta Rolls
Made from scratch with fresh ingredients, these Spinach and Ricotta Rolls are the perfect savory baked goods to snack on all day long.
Scottish Cream Buns
Scottish Cream Buns are known across Scotland as a favorite afternoon tea treat. Bring a bit of Scotland to your home with these delicious delights.
Vatrushka with Berries
Delicious, fluffy and healthy, farmer’s cheese sweet buns look impressive and take a bit more than an hour to make. They make for a great tea-time treat, dessert as well as Thanksgiving or Christmas breakfast treat.
Puff Puff - Vegan
Puff Puff is a traditional African snack. It is sweet, fluffy golden brown and suitable for vegans, too.
Dough Ball and Baked Camembert Wreath
A tear-and-share dough ball and baked Camembert wreath is the ultimate sharing platter for parties. Topped with red pesto, this gooey cheese is crying out to be dipped into with buttery and garlicky sundried tomato dough balls.
Finnish Carrot Bread Rolls
Finnish Carrot Bread Rolls are a comforting combo of softness and sweetness, and they’re not even that complicated to prepare. Spread some marmalade, butter or soft cheese on them and you’re all set for breakfast or snack.
Mickey Mouse Soft Pretzels
These fun homemade soft pretzels look like Mickey ears - like the ones you buy in the park, but oh so much cheaper.
20+ Perfect Ways To Use Sourdough Starter Discard - Honest And Truly!
Thursday 4th of June 2020
[…] While I bake a lot, I had avoided sourdough, though I love baking bread. In fact, I recently shared over 100 of my favorite recipes that use yeast. […]