4 Ingredient Artisan Bread Recipe
This 4 Ingredient Artisan Bread Recipe is the easiest way to bake bakery-quality bread right at home. With a crisp golden crust and soft, airy center, this no-knead bread requires just flour, yeast, salt, and water. Perfect for beginners, it’s a simple, rustic loaf that tastes like it came straight from an artisan bakery.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Plastic wrap or clean towel
- Dutch oven (or heavy oven-safe pot with lid)
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water about 110°F / 43°C
Instructions
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and yeast. Slowly add warm water, stirring until a sticky dough forms. The dough should look rough and shaggy. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel.
- Let It Rise:
- Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours. It will double in size and become bubbly on the surface — a sign it’s ready.
- Shape the Dough:
- Lightly flour your work surface and gently shape the dough into a round loaf. Avoid overworking to keep the airy texture.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Place your Dutch oven inside and preheat to 450°F (230°C). Heating the pot helps create a crisp crust.
- Bake the Bread:
- Line the hot pot with parchment paper and carefully transfer the dough inside. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool Before Slicing:
- Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Herb Bread: Add 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary or thyme.
- Cheesy Loaf: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheese.
- Whole Wheat: Replace 1 cup of flour with whole wheat flour.
- Garlic Bread: Mix in roasted garlic cloves before baking.