I Don’t Buy Bread Anymore! No Kneading, No Eggs, No Butter! The Easiest and Cheapest Bread Recipe

Bread is a staple food in many households, but the process of making it can seem daunting. Traditional bread recipes often require kneading, proofing, and ingredients like eggs and butter, which not everyone has on hand or prefers to use. But what if I told you that you can make fresh, delicious bread at home without all the fuss? No kneading, no eggs, no butter, and no special equipment—just simple, inexpensive ingredients and a little time.

In this article, I’ll share the easiest and cheapest bread recipe you’ll ever make. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just looking for a no-fuss bread option, this recipe is perfect for anyone who wants fresh, homemade bread with minimal effort.

Why This Bread Recipe Works

The beauty of this bread recipe lies in its simplicity. Many bread recipes call for kneading, eggs, butter, or other ingredients that can add complexity or cost. However, this recipe eliminates all of that, making it ideal for people who are looking for a quick, easy, and budget-friendly solution.

The key to this recipe is the use of self-rising flour, which eliminates the need for yeast and the rising process, and the fact that there’s no kneading involved. It’s a no-fuss, beginner-friendly approach to making bread. Plus, it’s a great option if you’re avoiding eggs or butter due to dietary preferences or restrictions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this simple, no-knead bread:

  • 2 cups self-rising flour

  • 1 cup water (room temperature)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for a slightly richer flavor)

  • 1 teaspoon salt (optional, for a bit of flavor, but self-rising flour usually contains salt)

That’s it! Just a handful of pantry staples you likely already have at home. If you don’t have self-rising flour, don’t worry—we’ll show you how to make it from scratch too.

How to Make the Easiest and Cheapest Bread: Step-by-Step

Now, let’s dive into the method. With this recipe, you’ll have fresh bread ready in about an hour with very little effort.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before you start mixing your dough, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven is crucial to help the bread bake properly and develop a nice crust.

While the oven is heating, you can prepare your bread dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, measure out 2 cups of self-rising flour. This type of flour already contains both baking powder and salt, so it eliminates the need to add those separately. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can easily make your own by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Mix the ingredients together to make sure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Now, add 1 cup of water to the dry ingredients. The water should be room temperature, not hot or cold, to ensure the flour absorbs it properly.

If you’re using olive oil, add 1 tablespoon at this stage to give your bread a slightly richer flavor and a softer crumb. You can skip the olive oil if you prefer a more basic bread or are avoiding oils.

Stir the mixture with a spoon until it forms a sticky dough. You won’t need to knead the dough at all—just mix until everything is combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not too wet. If it seems too dry, you can add a bit more water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Once the dough is ready, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. You don’t need to knead the dough, but you should shape it into a ball or a loaf. This step will help form the desired shape for your bread.

You can shape the dough into a round loaf, a long loaf, or even a small round “artisan” style loaf—whatever you prefer! It’s important to note that the dough will rise a little bit during baking, so don’t worry about making it perfect.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper. If you want a crispy crust, you can also use a cast-iron skillet or baking sheet.

Place the dough into your prepared baking dish. For a decorative touch, you can score the top of the dough with a sharp knife (make a few shallow cuts) to give it a rustic, artisan look. This is entirely optional, but it adds a nice touch to the finished loaf.

Bake the bread in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30–40 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your loaf, but you’ll know the bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom or when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

You should have a golden-brown crust with a soft, fluffy interior.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Cut it into thick slices and enjoy! This bread is perfect for sandwiches, as a side to soups, or just served with butter and jam.

Why You’ll Love This Bread Recipe

  • No Kneading: Traditional bread recipes often require extensive kneading, but not this one. This no-knead method is perfect for beginners or those who want a quick and easy solution.

  • No Yeast: Many people avoid yeast-based bread due to the time it takes to rise or because they don’t keep yeast on hand. With this recipe, there’s no need for yeast, and you don’t have to worry about waiting for the dough to rise.

  • Budget-Friendly: With just a few pantry staples (flour, water, and oil), you can make a loaf of bread for pennies on the dollar compared to store-bought bread.

  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to add in your favorite ingredients, like garlic, herbs, or cheese, for an extra boost of flavor.

  • Minimal Cleanup: With so few ingredients and steps involved, you’ll be left with very little mess to clean up after baking.

Variations and Tips for Customization

  • Herb Bread: Add some dried herbs, like rosemary or thyme, into the dough for a savory twist. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before baking.

  • Cheese Bread: Mix in shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan) into the dough for a cheesy, flavorful loaf.

  • Sweet Bread: For a sweet bread, add sugar or honey into the dough, along with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, for a subtle spiced flavor. You can even add dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for added sweetness.

  • Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free self-rising flour blend instead of regular flour, and make sure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

This easiest and cheapest bread recipe is a game-changer for anyone who wants to make fresh, homemade bread without the hassle. With no kneading, no yeast, no eggs, and no butter, this simple recipe offers delicious results that are perfect for anyone, from beginners to seasoned home bakers. In just about an hour, you’ll have warm, homemade bread that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own, as a side dish, or as the base for your favorite sandwich, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought bread again. Happy baking!