Forgot to Add Yeast? How to Save Your Bread Dough
Sneak Preview: Forgot to add yeast? Don’t worry—you can fix it! With just a few simple steps, your dough will rise to the occasion.

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If your bread dough is sitting like a lump in your bread machine, don’t panic. You can still save it! Here’s how to add yeast after the dough is mixed.
Has this ever happened to you?
Real-Life Rescue:
On Christmas Eve, a family member texted me in a panic:
Her: “Help! I forgot the yeast in my cinnamon roll dough. The dough cycle just ended, and it hasn’t risen.”
Me: “No worries! I’ve done the same. Call me—I’ll walk you through it.”
The next morning, her cinnamon rolls were a hit. Here’s what I shared.
Happy Bakers Speak Up:
“You saved my hokkaido milk bread! Accidentally added very warm tangzhong roux and killed my yeast! I had already kneaded it for ages and was super sad to have to start over but your genius idea saved my milk bread!! Now my espresso won’t be lonely.. thanks so much for making my morning!!^_^–NINA
Could It Be Something Else?
Before fixing, check these common issues:
- Expired Yeast? Old yeast won’t work—buy fresh and try again.
- Killed Yeast? Hot liquid can kill yeast. Use warm—not hot—liquid.
- Cold Room? Move the dough to a warmer spot and allow extra time to rise.
How To Add Yeast to Already-Mixed Bread Dough
- MEASURE YEAST: Add the yeast (per the recipe) to a small bowl.

2. DISSOLVE YEAST: Mix with 3–4 teaspoons of warm water or milk.

3. ADD TO DOUGH: Pour the dissolved yeast into the kneaded but unproofed dough.

4. MIX WELL: Restart the bread machine on the dough cycle or use a mixer. Add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time if the dough gets sticky.
Keep mixing/kneading the dough until the yeast mixture disappears and is completely incorporated into the bread dough. It is not necessary to redo the entire kneading process.
5. LET RISE: After mixing, remove the dough, place it in a bowl, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled. Now that you have rescued your yeast bread, proceed with the recipe.

Troubleshooting: Common Bread Mistakes
Forgot Salt? The bread may taste bland but will still rise.
Forgot Sugar? Your bread will be less sweet but still edible.
Wrong Flour Amount? Adjust by adding small amounts of flour or liquid until the consistency is right.
Tip: Open the bread machine lid to check the dough’s consistency after adding the dissolved yeast or fixing any other bread problems. It should stick to the sides before pulling away cleanly. Read more about the process.
What’s Next?
- 5 Remarkable Reasons Why I Love My Bread Machine
- 6 Bread Machine Secrets You Need To Know
- How To Use a Bread Machine to Make Fabulous Bread
Questions? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com. Hope to see you again soon!
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.