Breads & Rolls Simply add the dry yeast to the flour mixture. Heat the liquid ingredients to 120°-130° (rather than 110°-115° for dissolving active dry yeast). In place of the first rise, allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes before shaping.

To substitute active dry for instant (or rapid rise) yeast: Use 25 percent more active dry. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of instant yeast, use 1 1/4 teaspoons of active dry.

Active dry yeast and instant (or rapid-rise) yeast are the two most common yeasts available to us as home bakers. The two yeasts can be used interchangeably in recipes, but active dry yeast needs to be dissolved in water before using while instant yeast can be mixed right into the dough.

Instant yeast is a dry yeast that comes in smaller granules than active dry yeast, absorbs liquid rapidly, and does not need to be rehydrated or proofed before being mixed into flour. Bread machine yeast is an instant yeast especially formulated for use in a bread machine.

Instant Yeast can be dissolved in liquids before using, if desired: Water is recommended for dissolving yeast. Dissolve 1 tsp sugar in 1/2 cup 110°F-115°F water. (warm tap water, not too hot to touch)

This shouldn’t really be necessary if the yeast isn’t close to its expiration date; and if you purchased it from a store with decent turnover. However, if you have any doubts about your yeast being good, go ahead and proof it. But dissolve active dry yeast before using it – just because? No need.

You can continue to use it as yeast, as long as you check first to make sure it’s still alive. Sprinkle the yeast into the lukewarm liquid with a small amount of the sugar (if using) and let it “bloom” for a few minutes. If it grows and you get beige plaques of floating yeast, it’s fine to use in baking.

Is It Okay to Use Expired Yeast?

1. You can make a dough with yeast that’s past its expiry date. However, your dough may not rise as well as when using a newly-purchased package of yeast (or it may not rise at all).
2. Turn old yeast into natural fertilizer for your home garden.
3. Add dead yeast to your compost bin.

Instructions

1. Place three to four tablespoons of raisins in your jar.
2. Fill the jar ¾ full with water.
3. Place jar at constant room temperature.
4. Stir at least once a day for three to four days.
5. When bubbles form on the top and you smell a wine-like fermentation you have yeast.
6. Place your new yeast in the refrigerator.

Dissolve 1 tsp sugar in 1/2 cup 110°F-115°F water. Add up to 3 packets of yeast, depending on your recipe, to the sugar solution. Stir in yeast until completely dissolved. Let mixture stand until yeast begins to foam vigorously (5 – 10 minutes).