Homemade Bread with Just 4 Ingredients – Simple, Soft, and Foolproof
There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. For many people, baking bread sounds complicated, time-consuming, or intimidating. The truth is, homemade bread can be incredibly simple. In fact, you only need four basic ingredients—no fancy equipment, no preservatives, and no advanced baking skills.
This recipe proves that real bread doesn’t have to be complicated. With flour, water, yeast, and salt, you can create a soft, flavorful loaf that rivals bakery bread and tastes far better than anything store-bought.
Why Make Bread at Home?
Store-bought bread often contains additives, dough conditioners, sugars, and preservatives to extend shelf life. Homemade bread gives you full control over what goes into your food. It’s healthier, fresher, and surprisingly affordable.
Beyond nutrition, bread baking is satisfying. Kneading dough can be relaxing, and watching a simple mixture transform into a golden loaf feels like a small everyday miracle.
The 4 Ingredients Explained
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All-Purpose Flour
Flour is the foundation of bread. All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe, giving you a soft interior and a lightly crisp crust. You don’t need bread flour to get great results. -
Warm Water
Water activates the yeast and hydrates the flour. The water should be warm—not hot—about the temperature of a warm bath. Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast. -
Yeast
Yeast is what makes the bread rise. Active dry yeast or instant yeast both work well. Yeast feeds on the natural sugars in the flour, producing carbon dioxide that creates air pockets in the dough. -
Salt
Salt enhances flavor and strengthens the dough structure. Without salt, bread tastes flat and bland.
Ingredients List
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3½ cups all-purpose flour
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1½ cups warm water
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2 teaspoons yeast
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1½ teaspoons salt
That’s it. No oil, no sugar, no milk, no eggs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, pour the warm water and sprinkle the yeast over it. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work.
2. Add Flour and Salt
Add the flour and salt to the bowl. Mix with a spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms. The dough will look slightly sticky—that’s normal.
3. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes. Push the dough away with the heel of your hand, fold it back over itself, and repeat. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and soft.
4. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly floured bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Dough
Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf or round ball. Place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly floured.
6. Second Rise
Cover again and let it rise for 30–45 minutes. This second rise gives the bread a lighter texture.
7. Bake
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool Before Slicing
Let the bread cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting. This allows the interior to set properly.
What Makes This Bread So Good?
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Crispy crust with a soft interior
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Pure wheat flavor without additives
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Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or dipping
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Beginner-friendly and nearly fail-proof
Because the recipe is so simple, the natural flavor of the flour really shines.
Tips for Perfect Results
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If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise inside an oven that’s turned off but slightly warm.
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If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time—don’t overdo it.
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For a crunchier crust, place a small oven-safe dish of water in the oven while baking.
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Store bread wrapped in a cloth or paper bag for up to two days, or freeze slices for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This 4-ingredient homemade bread recipe proves that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. With just flour, water, yeast, and salt, you can bake a wholesome loaf that’s fresher, healthier, and more satisfying than anything from the store.
Once you make this bread, you may never go back to buying it again. Simple ingredients, honest flavor, and the joy of baking—this is bread the way it was meant to be. 🍞
