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All About Yeast Breads

These breads all have something in common—the leavening agent is yeast. Yeast is a microorganism that is activated with "food" (sugar and flour), "water" (liquid ingredients) and warmth. As the yeast grows and multiplies, it creates gas bubbles that cause bread dough to rise. Yeast breads can be divided into two main categories:

Keeping Yeast Breads Fresh and Flavorful

Breads can become moldy or stale soon after baking. Proper storage is essential in preserving their freshness and flavor.

Cool breads completely before storing.

Store bread in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Or, wrap it in foil or plastic wrap. Bread should be stored at room temperature no longer than five days.

Refrigerate bread to slow the growth of mold. Refrigeration is necessary, especially for moist breads or during hot, humid weather. However, refrigeration won't preserve freshness and can cause bread to dry out. To store bread for a longer period of time, freeze it.

To freeze rolls:
  • Bake and cool completely.
  • Place the rolls on foil-wrapped cardboard and seal in a large plastic freezer bag. Label and date the bag.
  • Freeze for up to 1 month.

Use stale bread for croutons or crumbs.

Using Bread Flour

Bread flour is made from the finest hard spring wheat available, and contains more protein strength than all-purpose flour. It's higher protein content gives the dough more structure and allows it to have more elasticity, resulting in loaves with better texture and higher volume.

Bread flour performs well in all yeast bread baking.

Bread flour can be directly substituted in any traditional bread recipe calling for all-purpose flour. When substituting bread flour for all-purpose flour, knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes, let it rest 15 minutes before shaping, and allow for a slightly longer rise time.

Store bread flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Bread flour should be used within 18 to 24 months of purchase.

Secrets for Baking with Yeast
Secrets for Yeast Breads
Secrets for Batter Breads
Secrets for Kneaded Breads
Keeping Yeast Breads Fresh and Flavorful
Additional Yeast Bread Tips