How to Make Four-Ingredient Homemade Bread
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast. Slowly pour in warm water and stir until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. There’s no need to knead—just mix until everything is incorporated.
Step 2: Let Time Do the Work
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours. During this long rest, the yeast ferments slowly, developing flavor and creating air pockets.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Once risen and bubbly, lightly flour your work surface. Gently turn out the dough and fold it over itself a few times to form a rough ball. Handle it gently to keep the air inside.
Step 4: Preheat the Pot
Place a heavy, oven-safe pot with a lid (such as a Dutch oven) into the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). A hot pot is crucial for a good rise.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Carefully place the dough into the hot pot, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. The trapped steam helps the bread expand and stay tender inside.
Step 6: Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the lid and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the crust turns deep golden brown.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Transfer the bread to a rack and let it cool completely. This allows the interior to set and improves texture.
How to Enjoy It
This bread is incredibly versatile:
Serve warm with butter or olive oil
Use it for sandwiches or toast
Pair it with soups and stews
Enjoy it plain—it’s that good
The crust stays crisp while the inside remains soft and chewy.
Final Thoughts
Four-ingredient homemade bread is proof that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. With patience and a few basic pantry staples, you can create a loaf that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of fresh bread. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever bought bread from the store
