How to Make Simple 4-Ingredient Bread Recipe (No Fuss, No Starter)
Make this simple 4-ingredient bread recipe with no fancy equipment or sourdough starter! Perfect for beginners. Soft, delicious, and ready in no time.
Is there anything better than the smell of fresh bread wafting through your home? Making bread at home doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. If you’ve been put off by sourdough starters or complex techniques, you’re in for a treat! This simple 4-ingredient bread recipe is as simple as it gets—no starter, no fancy equipment, and no fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for those new to bread baking.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just 4 pantry staples—flour, yeast, salt, and water.
- Quick Prep: The dough comes together in just 10 minutes.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with herbs, cheese, or a touch of sweetness.
A Perfect Loaf for Your New Year’s Resolutions
If your New Year’s resolution is to bake more of your own bread, this recipe is the perfect place to start. With just 4 simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be amazed at how satisfying it is to create a fresh loaf from scratch.
Baking your own bread at home isn’t just about saving money or avoiding preservatives—it’s also a way to slow down, connect with your homemaking goals, and create something meaningful for your family. This simple recipe is a no-fail way to dip your toes into the world of homemade bread without feeling overwhelmed.
Imagine starting your year with the comforting smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. It’s a small, achievable goal that makes a big impact, and once you’ve mastered this loaf, you’ll feel confident experimenting with other recipes.
Why not make this the year you embrace homemade bread as part of your weekly rhythm? Your family—and your taste buds—will thank you!
Ingredients
To make this simple and delicious bread, you’ll need:
- Flour: All-purpose or bread flour work great.
- Instant Yeast: For fast and reliable results.
- Salt: Balances flavor.
- Warm Water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
Our Family’s Favorite Baking Essentials
When it comes to baking, the quality of your ingredients matters. For our family, we rely on Azure Standard for our favorite flour and daily baking essentials. Their high-quality, minimally processed products help us create delicious homemade bread and other baked goods.
If you’re looking for a trusted source for flour and other pantry staples, I highly recommend checking out Azure Standard. Click here to explore their selection and find the perfect ingredients for your own homemade bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour, 1 packet of yeast, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Slowly pour in 1 1/4 cups of warm water while stirring. The dough should come together into a shaggy mass.
2. Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. It should double in size.
4. Shape the Dough
After the first rise, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet for a rustic shape.
5. Second Rise
Let the dough rise again for 20-30 minutes, covered loosely. It should puff up slightly.
6. Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Success
- Water Temperature: Warm water is key. Aim for 105-110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading: If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.
- Baking: For a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Variations and Add-Ins
This recipe is a blank canvas for creativity:
- Herb Bread: Add 1 tsp of rosemary or thyme to the dry ingredients.
- Cheesy Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese before shaping.
- Sweet Bread: Mix in 2 tbsp of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Pairings for this Simple 4-Ingredient Bread Recipe
This bread is versatile enough to pair with any meal:
- Serve warm with homemade herb butter or jam.
- Use it for hearty sandwiches or toasted alongside soups and stews.
- Make French toast with leftovers for a special breakfast treat.
FAQs
1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you’ll need to activate it in warm water before mixing it into the dough.
2. How do I store this bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
You can try substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture may vary.
Why This Simple 4-Ingredient Bread Recipe is Perfect for Busy Homemakers
Homemade bread is a wonderful way to slow down and embrace the simple joys of homemaking. This 4-ingredient bread recipe is quick, forgiving, and requires minimal cleanup—ideal for busy days when you still want to treat your family to something special.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own bread, and with this recipe, it’s easier than ever. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker looking for a no-fuss option, this simple 4-ingredient bread recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Would you like more easy baking recipes? Let me know in the comments or check out my sourdough bread recipe for a more advanced option.
Simple 4-Ingredient Bread
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups of flour
- 1 packet of yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
- 1 1/4 cups of warm water
Instructions
Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour, 1 packet of yeast, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Slowly pour in 1 1/4 cups of warm water while stirring. The dough should come together into a shaggy mass.
Knead the Dough
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.
First Rise
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. It should double in size.
Shape the Dough
- After the first rise, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet for a rustic shape.
Second Rise
- Let the dough rise again for 20-30 minutes, covered loosely. It should puff up slightly.
Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool and Enjoy
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
