4-Ingredient Homemade Bread
Only 4 ingredients! This simple homemade bread is soft inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and requires no fancy equipment. If you’re new to bread baking, this is a great recipe to start with.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups (370 ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons (10 g) dry yeast
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions
1. Activate the Yeast
Pour the warm water into a large mixing bowl.
Add the dry yeast and stir gently.
Let it stand for 5–10 minutes until the surface becomes slightly foamy.
Tip: The water should feel warm, not hot. Very hot water can damage the yeast.
2. Add the Flour and Salt
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture.
Stir with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
The dough will be somewhat sticky and soft—that’s normal.
3. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface.
Knead for approximately 8–10 minutes, until the dough becomes smoother and elastic.
If it’s extremely sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time. Avoid adding too much flour, which can make the bread dense.
4. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Leave it in a warm, draft-free place for approximately 1–1½ hours, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf
Gently press down the risen dough to release excess air.
Shape it into a round or oval loaf.
Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a lightly greased loaf pan.
Cover loosely and let it rest for another 20–30 minutes.
6. Preheat the Oven
While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
For a crispier crust, place an empty oven-safe pan on the bottom rack while the oven heats.
7. Score the Bread
Using a sharp knife or bread lame, make one or two shallow cuts across the top of the loaf.
This allows the bread to expand properly while baking.
8. Bake
Place the bread in the oven.
If desired, carefully pour a little hot water into the empty pan on the bottom rack to create steam.
Bake for approximately 25–35 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
The internal temperature should be around 190–200°F (88–93°C) when fully baked.
9. Cool Before Slicing
Remove the bread from the oven and place it on a wire rack.
Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Cutting it while it’s extremely hot can make the interior gummy.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Bread
Measure the flour accurately: Weighing it gives the most consistent results.
Don’t make the water too hot: Lukewarm water is ideal for activating yeast.
Give it enough time to rise: Rising time varies depending on room temperature.
Don’t add too much flour: A slightly sticky dough can produce a softer loaf.
Let it cool: Patience gives the crumb time to finish setting.
Easy Additions
Although the basic recipe needs only four ingredients, you can customize it with:
- Garlic powder and dried herbs
- Sesame seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Chopped rosemary
- Black pepper
- Everything-bagel seasoning
Four basic ingredients are all you need to make a warm, homemade loaf with a golden crust and soft, chewy center—simple, inexpensive, and perfect with butter or your favorite spread.