Homemade Bread with Just 4 Ingredients: A Simple, Delicious Recipe for Everyone

Baking homemade bread can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With just four simple ingredients, you can create a delicious loaf of bread in your own kitchen. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for making fresh, warm bread without any fancy equipment or ingredients.

The 4 Essential Ingredients:

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s take a quick look at the four key ingredients in this bread recipe:

  • Warm Water: 1 ½ cups (370 ml)
  • Dry Yeast: 2 tablespoons (10 g)
  • Flour: 4 cups (500 g)
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon

These are the basic building blocks for making a simple, classic bread dough. The warm water activates the yeast, the yeast creates the rise in the dough, the flour gives structure, and the salt enhances flavor.

Why Only 4 Ingredients?

You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to make good bread. This recipe relies on the power of basic pantry staples. The yeast will do the work of making the bread rise and develop flavor, while the flour, salt, and water come together to form a simple dough. It’s all about letting time and warmth work their magic!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Bread

Now, let’s walk through the steps to create your very own loaf of homemade bread.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

The first step in any bread recipe is activating the yeast. This process wakes up the yeast from its dormant state and gets it ready to create the rise in your dough.

  • Add warm water to a mixing bowl: Measure 1 ½ cups (370 ml) of warm water. The water should be warm to the touch, but not too hot — about 100°F (38°C). If it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast.
  • Stir in the dry yeast: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons (10 g) of dry yeast over the warm water. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast into the water.
  • Let it sit for 5–10 minutes: Allow the mixture to sit for about 5–10 minutes. During this time, you should see some bubbles or foam forming on the surface. This means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Once the yeast has activated, it’s time to add the dry ingredients to form the dough.

  • Add the flour: Measure out 4 cups (500 g) of all-purpose flour and add it to the mixing bowl. Make sure to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
  • Add the salt: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the flour. Salt enhances the flavor of the bread and also helps control the fermentation process, so don’t skip this step.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

Now that the dry ingredients are in the bowl and the yeast is activated, it’s time to bring everything together.

  • Stir the mixture: Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients together. Stir until the dough starts to come together and form a sticky ball.
  • Knead the dough: Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Begin kneading the dough by pressing it down with the heels of your hands, folding it over, and repeating the motion. Continue kneading for about 8–10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
    • If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little flour on the surface, but be careful not to add too much. Too much flour can make the bread dense.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

After kneading, the dough needs time to rise and double in size. This is where the yeast works its magic.

  • Place the dough in a bowl: Grease a large mixing bowl with a little oil or non-stick spray. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
  • Let it rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The ideal temperature for rising dough is around 75°F (24°C). If your kitchen is cool, you can place the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a warm spot in your home.
    • Pro tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the rising process by placing the dough in a warm, but not hot, oven (around 100°F/38°C) for a quicker rise.

Step 5: Punch Down the Dough

After the dough has doubled in size, it’s time to punch it down. This helps release some of the gas created by the yeast and ensures the bread’s texture is even.

  • Punch the dough down: Gently punch the dough with your fist to release the air bubbles. Then, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a minute or two.
  • Shape the dough: Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference, or place it in a greased loaf pan.

Step 6: Let the Dough Rise Again

The second rise helps to create a lighter, airier loaf. Don’t skip this step!

  • Cover the dough: Once the dough is shaped, cover it with the kitchen towel or plastic wrap again.
  • Allow it to rise: Let the dough rise again for another 30 minutes to an hour, or until it has puffed up and is slightly higher than the top of the pan.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Now it’s time to bake your homemade bread and enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!

  • Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough finishes rising. If you’re baking the bread as a free-standing loaf (not in a pan), you can place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up as well.
  • Bake the bread: Once the oven is preheated, place the dough in the oven and bake for about 30–40 minutes, depending on the size and shape of your loaf. The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
    • Pro tip: For an extra-crispy crust, place a pan of water on the lower rack of the oven to create steam while baking. This will help the bread rise better and form a nice crust.

Step 8: Let It Cool

Once the bread is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing.

  • Cool on a wire rack: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. This allows the steam to escape and helps the bread maintain its texture.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Bread

  • Use fresh yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired. Old yeast can result in a flat loaf.
  • Don’t rush the rising time: Allow the dough to rise fully during both stages. This helps create a light, fluffy texture.
  • Avoid over-baking: Keep an eye on your bread towards the end of baking. If you leave it too long, it can dry out and become hard.
  • Experiment with flavors: Once you’re comfortable with the basic recipe, feel free to experiment by adding herbs, garlic, or even cheese to the dough for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

With just four ingredients—warm water, dry yeast, flour, and salt—you can make a delicious, fresh loaf of bread at home. This recipe is simple, straightforward, and perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the taste of homemade bread without the hassle of complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Whether you're new to baking or just looking for an easy bread recipe, this one is sure to become a favorite. Grab your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade bread!