Name: The simplest homemade bread from 4 ingredients: Crispy, fluffy and anyone can make it
Prep time: 150 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 500 g plain or semi-coarse flour; 300 ml lukewarm water; 1 packet of dry yeast (7 g); 1 teaspoon salt

The simplest homemade bread from 4 ingredients: Crispy, fluffy and anyone can make it

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The simplest homemade bread from 4 ingredients: Crispy, fluffy and anyone can make it recept

Easy to prepare
6 portions
150 minutes

Jan, 16. 12. 2025

The smell of freshly baked bread is something that can instantly turn a house into a cozy home. This simple recipe can be handled even by someone baking for the very first time – without a bread machine and without complicated procedures. It only takes four basic ingredients, a few minutes of work, and the result will surprise you with its taste and texture. The bread has a beautifully crispy crust and a soft, gently airy crumb. It’s suitable for breakfast, as a side to soup, with spreads, or in a sandwich.

For 6 portions

Ingredients

500 g plain or semi-coarse flour
300 ml lukewarm water
1 packet of dry yeast (7 g)
1 teaspoon salt

Preparation procedure

Activating the yeast Pour lukewarm water into a large bowl and sprinkle in the dry yeast. Let rest for 5 minutes until it begins to foam lightly. This activates the yeast.
Forming the dough Add the flour and salt to the bowl. Stir with a spoon or wooden spatula until a thicker, sticky dough forms.
Kneading Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–10 minutes, until smooth, elastic and barely sticky.
Rising Shape the dough into a ball, place it back in the bowl, cover with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–2 hours, until it doubles in size.
Shaping and resting Turn the risen dough onto a work surface, gently shape into a loaf or place it into a prepared pan. Let rest for another 30 minutes. Before baking, score the top several times with a sharp knife.
Baking Place the bread in an oven preheated to 220 °C and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden. The bread is done when the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
Cooling Let cool on a wire rack. This keeps the crust nicely crispy and prevents the crumb from steaming.

Total preparation time

Preparation: 10 minutes
Rising: 1.5–2.5 hours
Baking: 25–30 minutes
Total time: approx. 2.5 hours

Tips for a better result

Add a tablespoon of oil for a softer crumb.
Place a small bowl of hot water in the oven – it will create steam and make the crust even crispier.
You can replace part of the flour with rye for a more rustic flavor.
Slice the bread only after it has completely cooled so the structure doesn’t collapse.

Conclusion

Homemade bread made with this recipe is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to bake a proper loaf without complicated preparation. With four basic ingredients and minimal experience you can create a crispy, fragrant bread that’s hard to find in stores. It’s great for everyday meals, but also as a foundation for hospitable home cooking. Try it once and you’ll come back to this recipe regularly.

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