How to Substitute Instant for Dry Yeast

Your bread recipe calls for active dry yeast, but all you have on hand is instant yeast. While you may first think that you have to put off baking for the day, this is not the case. With a few differences, you can easily substitute the instant yeast for the active dry yeast in any bread recipe. The only real difference between instant and active is that the instant can be used dry and does not have to be "proofed," or tested to be sure it is active.

Things You'll Need

• Bread recipe
• Bread ingredients as per recipe
• Instant yeast
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk

Instructions

1. Measure an amount of instant yeast equal to the amount of dry yeast called for in the recipe. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 Tbsp. of dry yeast, you would measure 1 Tbsp. of instant yeast.

2. Mix the instant yeast with the dry ingredients in the recipe. Use a whisk or a sifter to ensure that the yeast is fully incorporated into the dry ingredients.

3. Add the wet ingredients and finish the bread-making process. Shape into loaves.

4. Allow the bread to rise only once. Unlike with dry yeast, instant yeast will only raise the bread a single time.

5. Bake the bread as specified in the recipe instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• One package of instant or dry yeast equals 2 1/4 tsp.

• A cake of dry yeast is approximately 1 Tbsp. of instant or active dry yeast.

References

• The Cook's Thesaurus: Yeast
• Alabama Cooperative Extension: Ingredient Substitution and Equivalent Chart