Few things feel as comforting as the smell of bread baking in your own kitchen. The first time I made this 4-Ingredient Artisan Bread , it wasn’t planned at all. It was a cold weekend morning, my kids were home, and we wanted something simple but special. With just four basic ingredients on the counter, we decided to bake together. Flour on our hands, laughter in the air, and curiosity in every step, that loaf turned into more than bread. Since then, this recipe has become our go-to for weekends, cozy dinners, and moments when we just want something homemade and real. Simple, rustic, and full of heart, this bread proves that you don’t need much to create something truly special.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS 4-INGREDIENT ARTISAN BREAD
This 4-Ingredient Artisan Bread is perfect when you want homemade bread without stress. It’s easy enough for beginners, fun to make with kids, and uses pantry staples you probably already have. The result is a crusty, golden loaf with a soft interior that works for everyday meals or special gatherings. It’s affordable, satisfying, and tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
INGREDIENTS YOU NEED
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
That’s it. No sugar, no oil, no extras. Just the basics done right.
HOW TO MAKE 4-INGREDIENT ARTISAN BREAD
Start by mixing the warm water and yeast in a small bowl. Let it rest for a few minutes until it becomes foamy, which means the yeast is active. In a larger bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. Once risen, gently shape the dough into a round loaf and allow it to rise again briefly while the oven preheats.
Bake the bread in a hot oven until the crust turns deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool before slicing to allow the texture to set properly.
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PRO TIPS AND EASY VARIATIONS
For extra flavor, you can mix in dried herbs, minced garlic, or grated cheese before kneading. Whole wheat flour can be used for a heartier loaf, though the texture will be slightly denser. If you love a crunchy crust, baking the bread in a Dutch oven or adding steam to the oven will give you bakery-style results. This same dough can also be shaped into smaller rolls for serving.
HOW TO SERVE THIS BREAD
Serving 4-Ingredient Artisan Bread is simple and satisfying. It pairs beautifully with soups, stews, and fresh salads. I often slice it warm and serve it with olive oil or butter for an easy lunch. For family dinners, it makes the perfect side, and when toasted with garlic and herbs, it turns into a crowd-pleasing garlic bread that never lasts long on the table.
FAQs
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated after the first rise and baked the next day.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep the bread at room temperature in a sealed bag for up to three days, or freeze sliced bread for longer storage.
Can I use different flour types?
Yes, bread flour, whole wheat flour, or a mix can be used with slight texture changes.
Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. This is one of the easiest artisan bread recipes to start with.
Can I use a bread machine?
You can use a bread machine for mixing and kneading, then bake in the oven for best crust results.
4-Ingredient Artisan Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2.25 teaspoons)
- 1.5 cups warm water (about 110°F)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt until well combined.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Rising
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough gently, then shape it into a round loaf.
- Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet or in a Dutch oven; let it rise for another 30-60 minutes, covered loosely with a towel.
Baking
- 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- If using a Dutch oven, remove the lid after 30 minutes and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown. If not, simply bake on the baking sheet for 25-30 minutes.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.