Most home bakers don’t give a second thought to whipping up a pan of fudgy brownies or a batch of classic cookies. But there’s one bake that often gives even seasoned bakers some pause: a homemade bread recipe.Maybe it’s the yeast (it can be tricky!) or all the kneading and waiting that puts some off this bake. But don’t shy away from making bread! Once you master bread-making basics, it’s such a joy to bake—and who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked bread?What is yeast bread?Simply put, yeasted breads use yeast. Pretty straightforward, right? When activated with warm water and a little sugar, yeast (a small organism) grows and expels carbon dioxide. This gas gives bread its light, fluffy consistency and the air holes you see when you slice open a loaf.Yeast bread, unlike quick bread, also requires some kneading to help the dough come together and develop gluten. Gluten gives bread the right texture and helps it hold its shape. Even if you make gluten-free bread recipes, you’ll fi...
