12 Yeast Bread Recipes Basic

I remember the warmth of my grandmother’s kitchen like it was yesterday— the yeasty aroma wafting through the house as she kneaded dough for her simple white bread every Sunday. Those loaves, golden-crusted and soft inside, were the highlight of family gatherings, slathered with butter and jam. It was my first taste of homemade magic, teaching me that bread isn’t just food; it’s comfort and tradition wrapped in one.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen during lazy weekends, tweaking basic yeast doughs with pantry staples like herbs or seeds. With rising grocery costs and a desire for wholesome eats, mastering yeast breads feels more relevant than ever. They’re forgiving for beginners, customizable, and way healthier than store-bought versions loaded with preservatives.

Classic White Sandwich Loaf

This timeless basic yeast bread is perfect for everyday sandwiches. Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 packet active dry yeast, 1 cup warm water, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp butter (softened), 1 tsp salt.
Steps: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water; let sit 5 minutes. Mix in butter, salt, and flour to form dough. Knead 10 minutes, let rise 1 hour, shape into loaf, rise again 30 minutes, bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.
It’s beginner-friendly, yields a soft crumb ideal for toasting, and stores well for a week—great for meal prep and budget baking.

Whole Wheat Honey Bread

A nutritious twist on basics using whole grains. Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 packet yeast, 1 cup warm water, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp oil, 1 tsp salt.
Steps: Activate yeast in water with honey. Combine flours, oil, salt; knead into dough. Rise 1 hour, shape loaf, second rise 45 minutes, bake 350°F for 35 minutes.
Packed with fiber for better digestion, naturally sweetened, and hearty for toast or French toast—promotes sustained energy without refined sugars.

Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread

Sweet and spiced basic yeast bread for breakfast. Ingredients: 3.5 cups flour, 1 packet yeast, 1 cup warm milk, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup butter, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 cup raisins, 2 tbsp cinnamon-sugar mix.
Steps: Mix yeast, milk, sugar; add flour, butter, salt. Knead, rise 1 hour. Roll out, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar and raisins, roll up, rise 30 minutes, bake 350°F 30 minutes.
Comforting flavor boosts mood, raisins add iron and chewiness—versatile for French toast or snacks, easier than pastries.

Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls

Fluffy rolls infused with savory herbs. Ingredients: 4 cups flour, 1 packet yeast, 1.5 cups warm water, 2 tbsp sugar, 3 tbsp butter, 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp mixed herbs (rosemary, thyme).
Steps: Proof yeast in water-sugar. Mix in flour, butter, salt, garlic, herbs. Knead, rise 1 hour. Shape 12 rolls, rise 30 minutes, bake 375°F 20 minutes.
Antioxidant-rich herbs aid immunity, soft texture perfect for dinners—pull-apart fun for gatherings, freezer-friendly.

Simple Focaccia with Olive Oil

Dimpled, herby flatbread basics. Ingredients: 4 cups flour, 1 packet yeast, 1.5 cups warm water, 2 tsp salt, 1/4 cup olive oil, coarse salt, rosemary.
Steps: Dissolve yeast in water, add flour, salt, 2 tbsp oil. Knead lightly, rise 1-2 hours. Spread in pan, dimple, drizzle oil/herbs, rise 30 minutes, bake 425°F 20 minutes.
Heart-healthy olive oil, customizable toppings—great pizza base or side, therapeutic kneading stress-reliever.

Potato Yeast Bread

Moist, hearty loaf using mashed potatoes. Ingredients: 3 cups flour, 1 packet yeast, 1 cup mashed potato, 1 cup warm water, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp salt.
Steps: Mix yeast, water, sugar, potato. Add flour, butter, salt; knead. Rise 1 hour, shape loaf, rise 45 minutes, bake 375°F 35 minutes.
Potatoes ensure ultra-soft texture that stays fresh longer—nutrient-dense with potassium, ideal for sandwiches.

Milk Bread (Shokupan Style)

Ultra-soft Japanese-inspired basic. Ingredients: 3 cups bread flour, 1 packet yeast, 1 cup warm milk, 3 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp salt.
Steps: Proof yeast in milk-sugar. Mix flour, salt, butter; knead smooth. Rise 1 hour, shape loaf, rise 40 minutes, bake 350°F 30 minutes.
Tangy milk tenderizes for cloud-like slices—perfect for toast, high-rise satisfaction for novices.

Seeded Multigrain Loaf

Nutty, fiber-packed basic bread. Ingredients: 3 cups flour (mix white/whole wheat), 1 packet yeast, 1.25 cups warm water, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp seeds (sunflower, sesame, flax), 1 tsp salt.
Steps: Activate yeast with honey-water. Add flour, salt, seeds; knead. Rise 1 hour, loaf shape, rise 30 minutes, bake 375°F 35 minutes.
Seeds boost omega-3s for heart health—chewy texture enhances salads or soups, wholesome daily staple.

Baguette Basics

Crisp-crusted French-style loaves. Ingredients: 4 cups bread flour, 1 packet yeast, 1.5 cups water, 2 tsp salt.
Steps: Mix yeast, water, flour, salt into shaggy dough. Rest 20 minutes, knead briefly, rise 2 hours with folds. Shape 2 baguettes, rise 45 minutes, bake 450°F with steam 25 minutes.
Artisan crunch without oven steam hacks—versatile for paninis, impressive yet simple technique.

Brioche-Style Loaf (Basic)

Rich, buttery yeast bread entry-level. Ingredients: 3.5 cups flour, 1 packet yeast, 1/2 cup warm milk, 1/4 cup sugar, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup butter, 1 tsp salt.
Steps: Proof yeast in milk-sugar. Beat in eggs, flour, salt; gradually add soft butter. Knead, rise overnight in fridge, shape, rise 2 hours, bake 350°F 35 minutes.
Eggs/butter create luxurious softness—great for buns or pudding base, indulgent treat with basic skills.

Onion Dill Bread

Savory, aromatic herb loaf. Ingredients: 3 cups flour, 1 packet yeast, 1 cup warm water, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 cup minced onion, 2 tbsp dill.
Steps: Sauté onion lightly. Proof yeast, mix all. Knead, rise 1 hour, loaf pan, rise 30 minutes, bake 375°F 30-35 minutes.
Dill aids digestion, onion adds umami—pairs with soups or cheese, unique flavor elevation.

Honey Oat Bread

Sweet, chewy oats-infused basic. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 cup oats, 1 packet yeast, 1 cup warm water, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp salt.
Steps: Soak oats in boiling water 15 minutes. Add yeast, honey, flours, butter, salt; knead. Rise 1 hour, shape, rise 40 minutes, bake 350°F 35 minutes.
Oats stabilize blood sugar—rustic texture for hearty toast, naturally sweet and filling.

These 12 basic yeast bread recipes are your gateway to bakery-fresh goodness at home—start with one this weekend, experiment freely, and fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. Your taste buds (and family) will thank you!