4-Ingredient Homemade Bread Recipe – Easy, Simple, and Foolproof
If you’ve ever dreamed of baking fresh bread at home but felt intimidated by complicated recipes, this 4-Ingredient Homemade Bread is going to change your mind. With just flour, yeast, salt, and warm water, you can create a crusty, fluffy, and delicious loaf right in your own kitchen. No special equipment, no fancy techniques, and no long list of ingredients—just pure, simple goodness.
This recipe is beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, and perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 4 ingredients – you probably already have everything at home.
- Beginner-friendly – no professional baking skills needed.
- Customizable – add herbs, seeds, or garlic for extra flavor.
- Cheaper & fresher than store-bought bread.
- Works every time – foolproof if you follow the steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Warm water – 1 ½ cups (370 ml): Helps activate the yeast. Make sure it’s warm, not hot.
- Dry yeast – 2 tablespoons (10 g): The magic ingredient that makes the bread rise.
- Flour – 4 cups (500 g): All-purpose flour works best, but bread flour gives even more structure.
- Salt – 1 teaspoon: Enhances the flavor and balances the dough.
That’s it! Just 4 ingredients for soft, fresh, homemade bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, add warm water and dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to make your bread rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks messy—bread dough should be a little sticky.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1–2 hours in a warm place. The dough should double in size.
Step 5: Shape the Bread
Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into a round or oval loaf, or place it in a greased loaf pan.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover again and let the dough rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Bread
- Water temperature matters: If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Aim for lukewarm.
- Flour options: You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier loaf, but mix it with white flour to keep it soft.
- Crispier crust: Place a small oven-safe dish with water inside the oven while baking. The steam creates a bakery-style crust.
- Storage: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.
Variations to Try
- Herb bread: Mix in dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Garlic bread loaf: Add minced garlic and a drizzle of olive oil before baking.
- Seeded bread: Sprinkle sesame seeds, flaxseeds, or sunflower seeds on top before baking.
- Cheese bread: Mix in shredded cheese for a savory twist.
Final Thoughts
This 4-Ingredient Homemade Bread proves that you don’t need to be a professional baker to make warm, fluffy, and delicious bread at home. It’s the ultimate beginner-friendly recipe that works every time, and the best part is—you can customize it to suit your taste.
Once you try it, you may never want to buy store-bought bread again! 🍞✨
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