Comforting Yeast Bread Recipes

By Southern Living
Photo: Brian Woodcock

Soft, pillowy, and served hot are the only imperatives of good Southern yeast bread recipes.

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Make Your Own Bread

Photo: Hector Sanchez

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
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Sally Lunn

Photo: Hector Sanchez

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

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Potato Rolls

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Potato Rolls

These dinner rolls are also terrific for sandwiches.

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Sorghum-Oat Bread

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Sorghum-Oat Bread

Be sure the oat mixture has cooled before mixing with the yeast.

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Icebox Dinner Rolls

Photo: Iain Bagwell

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

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Pam's Country Crust Bread

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

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.

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Hurry-Up Homemade Crescent Rolls

Photo: Beau Gustafson

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.

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Jordan Rolls

Photo: Jennifer Davick

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!"

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Citrus Pull-Apart Bread

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Citrus Pull-Apart Bread 

This makes two gorgeous loaves for breakfast, tea, or coffee. Keep one, and share the other.

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Grape Focaccia

Photo: Brian Woodcock

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.

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