What to Make with Yeast: 20 Delicious Yeast Recipes
Craving a delicious meal that’s both comforting and fun to make? Discover these 21 mouthwatering yeast recipes that are full of flavor and perfect for any occasion!
Whether you’re in the mood for fresh, homemade bread, soft rolls, or unique baked treats, these yeast-based recipes are simple yet impressive.
With fresh ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and the magic of yeast to transform your dishes, these recipes will elevate your baking without any stress.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and explore the warm, satisfying world of yeast recipes that are sure to become your new favorite go-to!
20 Yeast Recipes
1. Classic Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, pillowy, and gooey cinnamon rolls are a breakfast favorite. This recipe uses active dry yeast, warm milk, and sugar to activate the dough, giving it a light and fluffy texture.
After baking, the rolls are topped with a sweet cream cheese icing that melts into every swirl. The combination of warm cinnamon and buttery dough makes these rolls irresistible.
They’re perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch gathering with family and friends.
Recipe: Easy Cinnamon Rolls
2. Homemade Pizza Dough
A simple and versatile pizza dough recipe made with active dry yeast. It’s kneaded to a smooth, elastic consistency and left to rise before being rolled out into a pizza base.
This dough has a slightly crispy crust and chewy interior when baked. You can top it with any combination of cheeses, sauces, and toppings you like. It’s the perfect foundation for a homemade pizza night with your favorite flavors.
Recipe: Homemade Pizza Dough
3. Soft Pretzels
Soft pretzels are a fun and easy yeast recipe that results in a golden, slightly crispy exterior and a chewy interior.
After kneading and letting the dough rise, the pretzels are briefly boiled in baking soda water, which gives them that distinct texture. Salt is sprinkled on top, though you can get creative with toppings like cheese or cinnamon sugar.
These are great for snacking or as an appetizer at parties. Serve them with mustard or cheese sauce for the ultimate treat.
Recipe: Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels
4. Garlic Knots
Garlic knots are the perfect side dish to accompany pasta or pizza. The dough is made with yeast, olive oil, and garlic powder, and after rising, it’s shaped into small knots and baked.
Once out of the oven, the knots are brushed with a buttery garlic mixture and sprinkled with Parmesan. The garlic infuses the dough, making each bite flavorful and irresistible.
These knots are a hit at any dinner gathering, offering a comforting and delicious bite.
Recipe: Homemade Garlic Knots
5. Focaccia Bread
Focaccia is an Italian flatbread that’s soft and fluffy, with a crisp, golden crust. The dough is flavored with olive oil, salt, and herbs, making it aromatic and savory.
You can add toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or garlic to customize it to your liking. Once baked, the bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside meals. It’s easy to make and is sure to impress guests when served at dinner parties.
Recipe: The Best, Easiest Focaccia Bread
6. Croissants
Croissants are delicate, buttery pastries that require patience and technique. The dough is made with yeast and layers of butter, which are folded and rolled multiple times to create a flakey, laminated texture.
Once baked, the croissants are golden and puffed with a slight crunch on the outside and a soft, airy interior. These are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. While they take time to prepare, the results are well worth the effort.
Recipe: Croissants Recipe
7. Challah Bread
Challah is a traditional Jewish braided bread made with eggs, honey, and yeast, giving it a soft and slightly sweet flavor.
The dough is enriched, making it perfect for toast or sandwiches. After rising, the dough is braided into a beautiful shape and baked until golden.
It has a rich, tender crumb, perfect for pairing with butter or jam. This bread is a favorite for special occasions like holidays or family gatherings.
Recipe: Challah Bread
8. Dinner Rolls
These fluffy, buttery dinner rolls are a staple at any dinner table. The yeast dough is mixed, left to rise, and then shaped into small rolls before being baked to a golden finish.
They’re soft, light, and have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside your favorite meats, soups, or salads. They’re a great way to round out a meal, adding a comforting, homemade touch.
Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls
9. Brioche
Brioche is a rich, buttery bread that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. The dough is made with yeast, butter, eggs, and a little sugar, creating a soft, sweet loaf with a tender crumb.
Brioche can be enjoyed on its own or toasted with jam, butter, or cream cheese. It’s versatile and can even be used to make French toast or savory sandwiches. Its luxurious texture makes it a crowd-pleaser at any meal.
Recipe: Brioche Bread
10. St. Louis-Style Pizza Dough
This pizza dough is unique because it’s made with a bit of cracker meal, giving it a crispy, crunchier texture.
It’s a no-rise dough, making it perfect for those short on time but craving homemade pizza. Once the dough is rolled out and topped with cheese, sauce, and any other toppings, it bakes quickly into a thin, crunchy crust.
The flavor is tangy and light, complementing any topping combination. It’s a perfect recipe for a quick and delicious pizza night.
Recipe: St. Louis-Style Pizza
11. Sweet Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
These sweet rolls are soft and fluffy, filled with sugar and butter, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. The dough is made with yeast and has a touch of vanilla to enhance the flavor.
After baking, the rolls are glazed with a sweet, tangy frosting that balances the richness of the dough. These rolls are perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. They’re easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing
12. Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread has a distinct tangy flavor thanks to the natural fermentation process of wild yeast and bacteria.
The dough is mixed with a sourdough starter, which requires some preparation but yields a wonderfully complex taste. It’s slow-risen and has a dense, chewy texture with a crispy crust.
This bread is perfect for sandwiches, or simply served with butter. It’s a rewarding recipe that takes time, but the flavor is unmatched.
Recipe: Sourdough Bread
13. Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Cinnamon swirl bread is a comforting sweet bread filled with a rich, spiced cinnamon sugar filling. The dough is made with yeast and has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon filling.
After rising and shaping, the bread is baked into a soft, aromatic loaf with the cinnamon swirls throughout. It’s perfect for breakfast, toasted with butter, or as an afternoon snack with coffee.
This homemade bread is sure to fill your home with delightful smells.
Recipe: Cinnamon Swirl Bread
14. Bagels
Homemade bagels are chewy, slightly crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. The dough is boiled before being baked, which gives them their signature texture.
You can top them with your favorite seeds like sesame or poppy, or simply enjoy them plain. The bagels are perfect for making sandwiches or enjoying with cream cheese, lox, or butter. Once you taste a fresh, homemade bagel, you may never go back to store-bought again.
Recipe: Homemade Bagels
15. Doughnuts
These fluffy, soft yeast doughnuts are fried to perfection and coated in sugar. The dough rises and softens beautifully, creating a light texture that pairs perfectly with a sugar glaze.
Once fried, they can be dipped in chocolate, filled with jam, or sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. These doughnuts make for an indulgent treat during breakfast or a special occasion. The process of frying gives them a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, airy inside.
Recipe: Homemade Glazed Doughnuts
16. Pita Bread
Pita bread is a soft, pocket-style bread that’s perfect for stuffing with falafel, gyros, or any filling of your choice. The dough is quick to prepare with yeast and rises quickly, and once it’s rolled out, it puffs up beautifully when baked.
The result is a chewy, airy bread with a pocket that makes it easy to fill with your favorite ingredients. Fresh pita is far superior to store-bought, and it’s a fun bread to make from scratch. Serve it alongside hummus or use it as a wrap for your next meal.
Recipe: Easy Homemade Pita Bread
17. Ciabatta Bread
Ciabatta is a rustic Italian bread with a crisp, golden crust and a light, airy crumb. The dough is made with a combination of yeast and a biga (starter dough), which helps develop its unique texture and flavor.
After rising, the dough is shaped into an oblong loaf and baked to perfection. It’s perfect for making sandwiches, especially when paired with hearty fillings like Italian cold cuts or grilled vegetables.
The slightly tangy flavor and airy crumb make ciabatta a beloved bread for many.
Recipe: Homemade Ciabatta Bread
18. Naan Bread
Naan is a soft, pillowy flatbread popular in Indian cuisine. It’s made with yeast and yogurt, which gives it its characteristic softness and slight tang.
The dough is typically cooked in a tandoor oven, but a hot skillet works just as well at home. Naan is perfect for scooping up curries, dips, or even just with a little butter and garlic. The soft texture and delicious flavor make it a favorite side dish with any Indian meal.
Recipe: Easy Homemade Naan
19. Monkey Bread
Monkey bread is a fun and gooey dessert bread made of dough balls rolled in cinnamon sugar. The dough is made with yeast, which helps it rise into a fluffy, tender treat.
Once the dough is rolled, it’s layered into a pan, covered in a brown sugar syrup, and baked until golden. The result is a pull-apart bread that’s both sweet and comforting.
It’s perfect for a breakfast treat, brunch, or an indulgent snack with family or friends.
Recipe: Easy Monkey Bread
20. Kolaczki (Polish Fruit Pastries)
Kolaczki are sweet, fruity pastries made from yeast dough, often filled with fruit preserves or cream cheese. The dough is tender and slightly sweet, while the filling adds a burst of flavor.
These pastries are typically folded into small squares or triangles and baked until golden. They’re a traditional Polish treat, perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings.
The combination of the soft, yeasted dough and fruity filling makes for a delicious pastry everyone will love.
Recipe: Kołaczki
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