Self-rising flour in bread - do you need to add yeast and must it be baked right away?

Here's the breakdown of self-rising flour and its use in bread:

Self-rising flour does NOT have yeast. It's a convenience item that already contains baking powder and salt.

You still need to add yeast to make bread. Yeast is what creates the airy, fluffy texture of bread through fermentation.

Bread made with self-rising flour DOES NOT need to be baked right away. You can use self-rising flour in recipes that call for yeast, just like you would with regular flour. Here's why:

* Yeast activation: You'll still need to activate the yeast in warm water with sugar before adding it to the flour mixture.

* Dough rising: The yeast will do its job of rising the dough, regardless of whether the flour is self-rising or not.

However, there's a catch:

* Flavor and Texture: While you can technically use self-rising flour for bread, the baking powder and salt will affect the flavor and texture of the final product. It won't have the classic, slightly tangy flavor of sourdough or the chewy texture of a traditional loaf.

* Best practices: For the best results, it's generally recommended to use regular flour for yeast breads. This gives you more control over the flavor and allows you to adjust the amount of salt and baking powder as needed.

To sum it up:

* Self-rising flour can be used in yeast breads, but it's not ideal.

* You still need to add yeast to the dough.

* Bread made with self-rising flour can be made ahead and stored in the fridge before baking.

If you're looking for a delicious yeast bread, stick with regular flour and follow a traditional recipe. Enjoy baking!