So, you’re craving warm, fresh bread but, uh oh, no yeast in the house? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Believe it or not, you can make delicious, fluffy bread without a single speck of yeast. No complicated kneading, no hours of rising time, just simple ingredients and a bit of mixing magic.Whether you’re in a pinch or just trying to avoid yeast altogether, this no-yeast bread recipe will save the day. It’s soft, satisfying, and makes your kitchen smell like a dream.
So, what to use instead of yeast?
Great question! When there’s no yeast, baking powder or baking soda + an acid (like yogurt, vinegar, or lemon juice) can step in as the rising agent. These work a little differently from yeast but still give you that nice rise and texture.
What do you need
Here’s what you’ll need for a super simple, no-yeast bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour, if you want to go hearty)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, but adds a little flavor)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy both work)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons oil or melted butter
That’s it! Nothing fancy, and you probably already have everything in your kitchen.
How to make no-yeast bread (step by step process)
Step 1: Preheat that ovenFirst things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Also, grease a loaf pan or line it with baking paper. If you don’t have one, a cake pan or muffin tin works too!Step 2: Make your faux buttermilkIn a small bowl, mix the milk with the vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. It’ll curdle slightly—this helps activate the baking soda and makes the bread fluffy.Step 3: Mix your dry ingredientsIn a larger bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Make sure everything is well combined.Step 4: Add the wet stuffPour in your faux buttermilk and oil or melted butter. Stir everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s totally fine if it’s a little lumpy. Overmixing makes bread tough and dense.Step 5: Bake it!Scoop the batter into your greased pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.Step 6: Let it cool (if you can wait)Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. It smells amazing, and we get it—you’ll want to dive right in. But letting it rest helps the texture set properly.
Want to jazz things up?
Try adding any of these:
- Herbs and spices: rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, or even a pinch of chili flakes
- Cheese: grated cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella
- Seeds and nuts: sunflower seeds, sesame, or chopped walnuts
- Dried fruits: cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates for a sweet twist
This bread is like a blank canvas—customize it to match your mood (or what’s in your fridge).
How to store this bread
If you’ve got leftovers (though, let’s be honest, you probably won’t), wrap the bread in foil or pop it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temp, or longer in the fridge. You can also freeze slices and toast them straight from the freezer.Making bread without yeast might sound like a weird science experiment, but it’s actually super easy—and satisfying. The best part? No rising time, no waiting around, and no yeast drama. Just mix, bake, and enjoy.Whether you’re making it for breakfast toast, a soup sidekick, or just to snack on with some butter and jam, this no-yeast bread has your back.So next time you run out of yeast (or patience), whip up this quick loaf and impress yourself.
