Soft, pillowy, and served hot are the only imperatives of good Southern yeast bread recipes.
Make Your Own Bread
Recipe: Potato Loaves
Although yeast bread recipes take a pinch more patience than quick breads, nothing tastes quite as comforting or makes the kitchen smell more inviting. Baking in a cold kitchen? Turn your microwave into a proof box: Heat 2 cups water in a glass measuring cup for 4 minutes. Move water to back of microwave. Set dough, covered in a bowl, in the center. Shut the door (with microwave off); let rise. Lunchtime will get a whole lot tastier when sandwiches are made with slices of perfectly soft Potato Loaves.
Cooking Video: How To Proof Yeast
Sally Lunn
Recipe: Sally Lunn
The no-knead recipe came from England but Southerners have been starry-eyed for the brioche-like loaf for decades.
Cooking Video: Sally Lunn
Sorghum-Oat Bread
Recipe: Sorghum-Oat Bread
Be sure the oat mixture has cooled before mixing with the yeast.
Icebox Dinner Rolls
Recipe: Icebox Dinner Rolls
You always need a good dinner roll recipe, and this is especially true on Thanksgiving when you know you can’t leave one single drop of gravy on your plate—it might be impolite. This recipe is traditionally Southern, so it uses shortening, which gives these biscuits their fluff, richness, and flavor. Brushed with melted butter before baking, these will emerge from your oven a gorgeous golden-brown. They will smel so delicious and look so divine they may not even make it to the table before being devoured. This coveted dinner roll recipe is one you'll want to keep in the family.
Cooking Video: Icebox Dinner Rolls
Pam's Country Crust Bread
Recipe: Pam's Country Crust Bread
This top-rated bread has a tender crumb and soft crust. Slice and spread with butter for your favorite meal.
Hurry-Up Homemade Crescent Rolls
Recipe: Hurry-Up Homemade Crescent Rolls
This from-scratch recipe is suited for any level of cook—even first timers. Tip: Brush unbaked rolls with lightly beaten egg white and sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and fennel seeds. Or, brush unbaked rolls with melted butter; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, coarsely ground pepper, and dried Italian seasoning.
Jordan Rolls
Recipe: Jordan Rolls
This is a family recipe from Christy Jordan of Christy Jordan's Southern Plate. "We love them served alongside our meals," she says. "But they are especially good when you have ham, because they make the best little sandwiches for leftovers!"
Citrus Pull-Apart Bread
Recipe: Citrus Pull-Apart Bread
This makes two gorgeous loaves for breakfast, tea, or coffee. Keep one, and share the other.
Grape Focaccia
Recipe: Grape Focaccia
Don't be intimidated by homemade bread; even a beginner can master this simple baking sheet focaccia. It's an effortlessly gorgeous dish for entertaining, and the unexpected combination of sweet and savory flavors will impress. As an appetizer, serve the warm slab of bread, sliced, on a large cutting board with a few wedges of your favorite cheese. Try muscadines or figs in place of the grapes. For leftovers, spread the focaccia with peanut butter for a fresh, sophisticated spin on PB&J.
