Four Ingredient Artisan Bread Recipe

Imagine a warm, crackly crust giving way to a chewy, tender crumb—this is the magic of Four Ingredient Artisan Bread. With just a handful of pantry staples and a touch of patience, you get a loaf that rivals anything from a fancy bakery, right from your own oven. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity: no kneading, no complicated techniques, and absolutely no fuss, making it the perfect way to experience the soul-soothing satisfaction of homemade bread, even on a busy weeknight.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe strips bread down to its beautiful basics, where every ingredient plays a key role. Each one helps build the beloved structure, flavor, and golden color that sets Four Ingredient Artisan Bread apart from ordinary loaves.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure and that gorgeous chewy texture we all crave.
• Instant yeast: This powerhouse leavener lets the dough rise gloriously with minimal fuss and no lengthy proofing.
• Kosher salt: It may seem simple, but this ingredient deeply enhances flavor and balances the natural sweetness of wheat.
• Water: Bringing it all together, water lets gluten develop and creates that signature airy interior.

How to Make Four Ingredient Artisan Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and kosher salt. Give them a quick stir to ensure even distribution. Pour in the water. Using a wooden spoon or even just your hands, mix until you have a shaggy, slightly sticky dough. This part doesn’t need to be perfect—the dough just needs to be well combined, with no dry patches left.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and set it aside at room temperature. Now’s where the magic happens: let the dough rise undisturbed for 8 to 12 hours. By morning (or after a work day), it will be doubled in size and dotted with tiny air bubbles, signaling that it’s ready for shaping.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Lightly flour your counter and turn out the dough. With floured hands, gently shape it into a round loaf—try not to deflate those lovely bubbles. No need to knead; just coax it into shape. Set the shaped loaf on a piece of parchment paper and cover with a towel for another 30 to 45 minutes, letting it puff up a bit more.

Step 4: Preheat and Bake

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven (or heavy lidded pot) inside to heat up. When the oven is ready, carefully lift the dough—parchment and all—into the hot pot. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the crust is a deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Resist the urge to slice right away! Let your Four Ingredient Artisan Bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This helps the crumb finish setting and ensures you get slices with the perfect, slightly chewy texture.

How to Serve Four Ingredient Artisan Bread

Garnishes

Transform your fresh loaf into something even more special with simple garnishes: a swipe of salted butter, a drizzle of grassy olive oil, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Even a smear of homemade jam brings another dimension to the flavor—all showing off just how versatile Four Ingredient Artisan Bread can be.

Side Dishes

This bread is made for dunking and pairing! Serve thick slices alongside hearty soups, vibrant salads, cheese boards, or saucy pastas. Its rustic crust and yielding crumb soak up every delicious drop, making even the simplest meal feel elevated.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping centerpiece, slice the bread into thick wedges and arrange with colorful dips and spreads. Or, toast cubes for homemade croutons, pile on roasted vegetables for an open-faced tartine, or create an epic grilled cheese using Four Ingredient Artisan Bread. The possibilities are truly endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any bread left over (and that’s a big if!), wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or place it in a bread bag. Keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps the crust stay crusty and the interior remain soft, though it’s best enjoyed within the first day for peak freshness.

Freezing

Four Ingredient Artisan Bread freezes beautifully! Simply allow the loaf to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or seal in a freezer bag. It’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months—just slice before freezing for easy, grab-and-go pieces.

Reheating

Bring day-old bread back to life by popping slices into the toaster, or refresh a whole loaf in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. If reheating from frozen, wrap in foil and warm in the oven. This restores the crisp crust and soft crumb like it was just baked.

FAQs

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Bread flour gives a chewier texture and a bit more rise. Four Ingredient Artisan Bread is very forgiving, so feel free to use what you have on hand and see which texture you prefer.

Do I need a Dutch oven for this bread?

While a Dutch oven creates the ideal steamy environment for a crackly crust, you can also use any heavy, oven-safe pot with a lid. Some bakers have success with a baking sheet and an inverted bowl as well. Experiment and see what works best in your kitchen.

Can I add herbs or mix-ins?

Definitely! Stir in a handful of chopped rosemary, roasted garlic, olives, or even shredded cheese when mixing your dough. The Four Ingredient Artisan Bread base is the perfect blank canvas for your favorite additions.

Why is my bread so sticky?

This dough is meant to be sticky—it’s what gives you that airy, artisan-style crumb. If it feels impossible to handle, dust your hands and work surface with a little more flour, but try not to add too much or you’ll lose the classic texture.

How do I know when the loaf is done baking?

Your loaf should be deep golden with a firm crust and sound hollow when tapped underneath. For even more certainty, check with an instant-read thermometer: the center should register around 200°F for perfect doneness.

Final Thoughts

Baking homemade bread doesn’t have to be intimidating or time-consuming. Once you experience the irresistible aroma and flavor of Four Ingredient Artisan Bread, you’ll want to make it again and again. Start with this recipe, trust the process, and enjoy the simple pleasure of sharing a fresh loaf straight from your oven. Happy baking!

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