Testing yeast is key to making great bread at home. Learn how to proof yeast so you can get started on your bread baking project.
Why Testing Yeast Is So Important for Good Bread Baking
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.
Can You Use Expired Yeast?
You can use expired yeast provided that some of it is still active. Yeast that’s past it’s prime will take longer to grow and raise the dough, so only use it with breads that are made without eggs are a lot of sugar (those bread recipes need a pretty powerful proof that weak yeast can’t provide).
Be sure to test your expired yeast. If it bubbles, feel free to use it (learn how to use yeast!). If it doesn’t create a lot of froth, it’s best to skip it and make a good quick bread instead.
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 RollsThese 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 BreadThis 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 
Dinner RollsOnce you learn how to make soft, pillowy dinner rolls, you'll be looking for any excuse to bake a batch.
Easy Onion Crescent RollsHere'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 LoafI 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 RollsMy 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. My mom and aunts would deliver the formed rolls at lunchtime. —Charlotte Hendershot, Hudson, Pennsylvania
Onion French Bread LoavesSince 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 RollsMy daughter and I have cranked out dozens of these homemade crescent rolls. It’s a real team effort. I cut the dough into pie-shaped wedges; she rolls them up. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin
Wholesome Wheat BreadMy 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 RollsThese 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 CornbreadUnlike 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 RollsMy cousin gave me this recipe for classic potato rolls. If you have leftovers or want to make some ahead, go ahead and freeze them—they’ll be just as tasty. —Devon Vickers, Goddard, Kansas 
Swiss Cheese BreadThis 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 RollsI 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
Potato Pan RollsMy 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 FocacciaMy 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 RollsParmesan cheese, garlic and oregano make these rolls hard to resist. My family gets hungry when they smell them baking and can't wait for them to be done. —Patricia FitzGerald, Candor, New York
Amish Potato BreadA tasty mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour and a small amount of mashed potatoes combine to give this golden bread its wonderful texture. The loaf is very moist and stays that way for days. —Sue Violette, Neillsville, Wisconsin 
Homemade BreadsticksSoft and tender homemade breadsticks are the all-star side. They’re ideal for dunking in sauce, serving with cheese or plating alongside a pasta dinner or savory salad.
Flaky Butterhorn RollsThe recipe for these dinner rolls, slightly sweet and so very flaky, was my mother’s. They are simple to prepare because kneading skills are not required and the dough is easy to handle. My grandchildren have renamed them "Grandma’s croissants"! —Bernice Smith, Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota
Honey-Squash Dinner RollsPuffy 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 RollsPeople 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 BreadMeet 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 TwistsA blend of herbs and a special shape dress up ordinary frozen bread dough in this unbelievably easy recipe. —Deb Stapert, Comstock Park, Michigan
Cornmeal Parker House RollsMy 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 LoavesSwirls 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 FlatbreadsMy 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 RollsThanks to the cheesy dough, these rich cheddar rolls have a gorgeous golden color and fabulous flavor. —Esther Current, Kitchener, Ontario 
Oatmeal Dinner RollsThese 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
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 RollsWith their cheery yellow color and delicious aroma, these appealing buns will brighten your buffet table. Plus, I've found this recipe is a wonderful way to use up squash from the garden. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Country White BreadAnytime 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 
Buttermilk RollsThese buttermilk rolls are squishy, buttery and irresistible, especially when pulled straight from the oven.
Whole Wheat French BreadThe 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 RollsA 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 ButterhornsMom 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 RollsI 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 BraidsWhen I started making this bread, my husband and our six children liked it so much that I was baking every day! I was thrilled when the judges at our county fair gave these braids both a blue ribbon and a best of show award! —Nancy Montgomery, Hartville, Ohio 
Overnight RollsI'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 RollsThese 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 BreadEveryone 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 RollsThe 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 ButterhornsThese beautiful golden rolls just melt in your mouth! People will be impressed when these appear on your table. —Judy Clark, Elkhart, Indiana 
Buttery Bubble BreadHomemade 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 RollsMost 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 BreadI'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 RollsAfter 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 BreadThis bread is one of my favorites. It has a wonderful texture and slices beautifully, and the flavor of the herbs really comes through. (Psst—If you don't have a bread machine on hand, learn how to make bread without one!) —Gerri Hamilton, Kingsville, Ontario 
Parmesan Garlic BreadsticksThese 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. —Gaylene Anderson, Sandy, Utah
Garlic Herb Bubble LoafI 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 BunsSince receiving this easy-to-prepare recipe from a dear friend, I've made these rolls often for the holidays. —Geraldine West, Ogden, Utah 
Crusty BreadThis easy crusty bread recipe proves that you absolutely can make a bakery-quality loaf at home—no kneading required. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, try variations with cheddar, herbs and more.
Perfect Dinner RollsThese 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 LoafThis 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 BreadOnce you make this easy French bread recipe, you'll never go back to store-bought loaves. Here are our best tips on how to bake it.
Mother's RollsThese 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 BreadHearty breads are very much a part of our Midwest heritage. This bread has a unique flavor and is a family favorite.
Chive Pinwheel RollsThese 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 RollsThese 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 BreadRye and caraway give this bread wonderful flavor, while the surprise ingredient of baking cocoa adds to the rich, dark color. I sometimes stir in a cup each of raisins and walnuts. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
Skillet RollsBaking these rolls in a skillet makes them soft and tender. My family requests them for holiday dinners and other special occasions. I most enjoy them split and spread with butter and black raspberry jelly.
Herbed Accordion Dinner RollsTo dress up everyday dinner rolls, brush herbed butter over the dough, then form accordion rolls. The aroma from the oven is incredible! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Focaccia BareseThis focaccia has been in my mom's family for several generations. It is one of my most-requested recipes whenever I am invited to a party—I am not allowed to attend unless I bring it! —Dora Travaglio, Mount Prospect, Illinois
Tender Garlic Cheese BreadsticksGarlic breadsticks complement so many dishes. These tender ones pair well with Italian dishes, salads and soups. —Ann Volner, Maryville, Missouri
Tender Whole Wheat RollsEven 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 BreadWith 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 or for grilled cheese sandwiches — or enjoy it as is. —Cindy Ryan, St. Johns, Michigan
Sage & Gruyere Sourdough BreadA 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 RollsMost 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
