There is nothing quite like a homemade pizza, whether you’re opting for a Brooklyn-style slice or prefer a deep dish, Chicago-inspired pie. But if you’re planning to bake a pizza for the fam-bam tonight and see pizza yeast and regular yeast on the shelves, you might scratch your head.
What’s the difference between pizza yeast and regular yeast? Do you need to use specific pizza yeast when making homemade pizzas? Pizza yeast is designed with dough relaxers to make it easier to roll and shape without the undesirable snap-back. So, yes, it’s ideal for making pizzas.
Hello, everyone! I’m Michelle, a baker with over ten years of experience. Making homemade pizzas with my two kiddos is one of my favorite things to do, and I’m here to share some vital info about pizza crust yeast and regular yeast.
Who’s ready to learn about yeast?
Contents
Pizza Yeast vs Regular Yeast
Pizza crust yeast and regular yeast share similar ingredients, and most people will use regular yeast to make their pizza dough. This makes things all the more complicated. Is there really a difference, or are companies just trying to make more money?
The fact of the matter is that pizza crust yeast is crafted with dough relaxers. Dough relaxers make it infinitely easier to roll and shape your dough without the undesirable snap-back that occurs when using regular yeast.
It is also worth mentioning that pizza crust yeast tends to rise faster than other kinds of yeast, which is good news for those planning to make pizza for dinner and don’t have too much time to wait for their picture-perfect pizza dough.
Can You Substitute Pizza Crust Yeast for Regular Yeast?
At this point, it’s clear that pizza crust yeast will make pizza-making much simpler. But what if you can’t find it at the grocery store? Better yet, what if you don’t feel like traipsing off to the store and have regular yeast on hand?
Regular yeast can be used to make pizza successfully. In fact, plenty of homemade pizza recipes call for other kinds of yeast, such as active dry yeast, to make the “best” pizzas from home.
With that in mind, don’t hesitate to use other yeasts to make your homemade pizza. While it might take a bit more elbow grease when it comes to kneading and shaping, it’s not too challenging.
Worried that the “regular” yeast will be too challenging? Consider purchasing a pizza dough mixer. This will take the guesswork and nuisance out of kneading the dough. Let the machine do the hard work, shape, top, and bake. Easy!
Can I Use Fleischmann’s Pizza Yeast for Bread?
If you end up buying a lot of pizza yeast and don’t know what to do with it, you might wonder – Can I use Fleischmann’s Pizza Yeast for bread? And the simple answer is, yes, you can, and it’s relatively straightforward.
When making a loaf of bread with pizza yeast, combine the ingredients and allow the dough to sit for a while before rolling and shaping it. This will cause it to be less relaxed, allowing for a slightly firmer texture essential for bread-making.
You might also consider using a bread loaf pan to give this relaxed dough more structure while it bakes. Or use your handy-dandy bread-making machine to make the entire task of baking bread boundlessly easier.
FAQs
Pretty interesting stuff, wouldn’t you agree? Clearly, pizza crust yeast was created for a reason, and you should use it if you have it. Check out these frequently asked questions to learn more about this complex topic.
Can I substitute pizza yeast for quick rise yeast?
They’re relatively the same, aside from the additives in pizza yeast. It’s always best to use the type of yeast recommended in your recipe. However, if you’re in a pinch and find yourself with nothing but pizza yeast on hand, you can use it in place of quick-rise yeast.
Is pizza yeast active or instant?
Pizza yeast is considered an “instant yeast” with additives to allow it to be more relaxed than other types of yeast.
Can instant yeast be used for active dry yeast?
Instant yeast and active dry yeast can be used interchangeably. However, it is essential to note that active dry yeast will require water to “awaken it” for use in your recipe.
Final Words
The main difference between pizza crust yeast and regular yeast is the addition of certain ingredients to create a relaxed, easily kneaded, and shapeable dough. If your recipe calls for pizza crust yeast, it’s best to use it, but you can still get it by using any other yeast.
Do you use pizza crust yeast for your homemade pizzas, or do you use another kind of yeast? Share in the comment section below!
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