🍞 Homemade 4-Ingredient Bread Recipe – Soft, Chewy, and Perfect Every Time! 🍞
If you’ve ever wanted to make fresh, homemade bread but felt intimidated, this easy 4-ingredient bread recipe is for you. No fancy equipment, no complicated techniques — just simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. You’ll be amazed at how satisfying it is to bake your own bread from scratch.
With only flour, salt, yeast, and water, this classic bread recipe produces a soft, chewy inside with a crispy, golden crust. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter. Best of all, you’ll know exactly what’s in your bread — no preservatives or additives!
Why You’ll Love This Bread Recipe
🍞 Only 4 Ingredients – No need for eggs, milk, or butter.
⏲️ Quick & Simple – Just mix, knead, rise, and bake.
🥖 No Fancy Equipment – You only need a bowl, your hands (or a mixer), and an oven.
🌿 Customizable – Add herbs, garlic, or seeds for extra flavor.
✨ Perfect for Beginners – Foolproof instructions for first-time bakers.
Ingredients for Homemade Bread
You only need 4 simple ingredients to make this delicious homemade bread:
• 500g strong white bread flour – Bread flour gives the loaf structure and chewiness.
• 10g salt – Enhances the flavor and helps control yeast fermentation.
• 10g fresh yeast (or 7g dried yeast) – Makes the dough rise, creating airy, fluffy bread.
• 350ml lukewarm water – Hydrates the flour and activates the yeast.
Pro Tip: If you’re using active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm water for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the flour. For instant yeast, you can mix it straight into the dry ingredients.
How to Make 4-Ingredient Bread (Step-by-Step Guide)
Even if you’ve never baked bread before, you can master this recipe. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. Mix the Ingredients:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
• If using fresh yeast, crumble it into the flour. If using dried yeast, mix it directly with the flour.
• Add lukewarm water gradually, stirring until a rough dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough:
• Transfer the dough to a clean, floured surface.
• Knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, soft, and elastic. (If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook on medium speed for 6-8 minutes.)
• If the dough feels sticky, dust it lightly with flour. If it feels dry, add a splash of water.
Pro Tip: Proper kneading activates gluten, which gives the bread structure and chewiness. You’ll know it’s ready when it forms a smooth, stretchy ball.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
1. First Rise:
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
• Leave it to rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Pro Tip: If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl in a slightly warm oven (around 90°F or 32°C) to help the dough rise faster.
2. Punch Down the Dough:
• Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air bubbles.
• Knead for 1-2 minutes to reshape it into a smooth ball.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
1. Shape the Loaf:
• Form the dough into a round ball or an oval loaf shape, depending on your preference.
• Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a greased bread tin.
2. Second Rise:
• Cover the dough again and let it rise for 30-45 minutes.
• It should puff up but not double in size.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
1. Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place an empty tray of water on the bottom rack of the oven. The steam from the water helps create a crispy crust.
2. Bake the Bread:
• Using a sharp knife, score the top of the dough with a few shallow cuts. This helps control how the bread expands as it bakes.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
3. Cool the Bread:
• Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tip: Cutting hot bread releases steam, making the inside gummy. Patience is key — let it cool for best results.
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Bread
Freshly baked bread is irresistible on its own, but you can enjoy it in so many ways:
• Breakfast: Serve with butter, jam, or honey for a cozy morning treat.
• Lunch: Make sandwiches with fresh veggies, cheese, and deli meats.
• Dinner: Serve with soup, stew, or pasta for a hearty side.
• Snacks: Toast it with garlic butter or dip it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Tips for Making the Perfect Homemade Bread
1. Measure Accurately: Weigh the flour with a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
2. Check Water Temperature: If the water is too hot, it will kill the yeast. Lukewarm (about 100°F or 38°C) is perfect.
3. Don’t Over-Knead: Kneading too long can make the dough too tough, so stop once it’s smooth and stretchy.
4. Create Steam: Adding a pan of water in the oven produces steam, which creates a crusty exterior.
5. Store Properly: Keep bread in an airtight container or bread box. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry it out.
How to Store & Freeze Homemade Bread
Storage:
• Keep bread in a paper bag or a bread box at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
Freezing:
• To freeze, let the bread cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. To defrost, let it sit at room temperature or warm it in the oven.
Pro Tip: Slice the bread before freezing so you can thaw only what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white bread flour?
Yes, but whole wheat flour absorbs more water, so add 2-3 extra tablespoons of water. The bread will be denser but just as tasty.
2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but bread flour has more protein, which creates better structure. If using all-purpose, reduce the water slightly.
3. Why didn’t my bread rise?
Check if your yeast is still active. Yeast can die if exposed to water that’s too hot. Also, make sure your kitchen is warm enough for rising.
4. Can I add flavors to the bread?
Absolutely! Add garlic powder, herbs, seeds, or cheese to the dough before kneading.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Bread Recipe
This 4-ingredient homemade bread recipe proves that baking bread from scratch doesn’t have to be difficult. No fancy equipment, no special skills — just simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have at home.
Imagine the aroma of fresh bread wafting through your kitchen. Imagine biting into that first warm, soft slice, slathered with butter. It’s an experience you’ll want to repeat again and again.
📌 Save this Recipe!
If you love homemade bread, bookmark this page or pin it on Pinterest. Share it with friends, print it, and keep it in your kitchen for easy access.
For more bread recipes, check out:
• No-Knead Artisan Bread
• Soft Homemade Dinner Rolls
• Garlic Herb Focaccia
Get baking today! This easy 4-ingredient bread recipe is beginner-friendly, foolproof, and absolutely delicious. 🍞✨