Four Ingredient Artisan Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of pulling a bakery-style loaf from your own oven, the Four Ingredient Artisan Bread is your golden ticket. This is the kind of bread that instantly fills your kitchen with that unmistakable, warm aroma – the kind that promises a crisp, crackly crust and an airy, chewy crumb. With just a handful of humble ingredients, you can master a rustic bread that feels truly special, perfect for dipping in olive oil or slathering with butter straight from the oven. Once you see how easy and satisfying it is, you’ll want to bake this Four Ingredient Artisan Bread again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

It might be hard to believe, but every ingredient in this recipe pulls its weight and then some. These essentials create real bakery magic, giving your Four Ingredient Artisan Bread its flavor, rise, and that irresistible artisan look.

• Bread Flour: Delivers the structure and that signature chewy interior, so don’t skimp on quality for best results.
• Instant Yeast: Provides the lift without any complicated proofs, making the dough rise and bubble beautifully.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor and lends savory depths without overpowering the delicates of the crumb.
• Warm Water: Brings the dough together and activates the yeast – temperature is key for getting a good rise.

How to Make Four Ingredient Artisan Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, and kosher salt. Give everything a quick whisk to blend the dry ingredients evenly. Next, pour in the warm water. Use a sturdy spoon or a silicone spatula to stir the ingredients together until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. You’re aiming for a dough that holds together but isn’t overworked – a simple mix is all you need at this stage. This no-knead approach is part of what makes Four Ingredient Artisan Bread so approachable.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and set it aside in a warm, draft-free spot. Let the dough rise for 8 to 18 hours; overnight on the counter works perfectly. Don’t rush this – the magic happens as the yeast slowly ferments, adding layers of flavor and creating those glorious air bubbles that define artisan loaves.

Step 3: Shape and Rest

When your dough has doubled in size and is dotted with bubbles, gently turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, shape it into a round loaf by folding the edges towards the center, then flip it seam-side down. Allow it to rest, covered by a towel, for about 30 to 45 minutes. This final rest helps the Four Ingredient Artisan Bread develop a nice dome and that rustic finish.

Step 4: Preheat and Bake

While the loaf rests, place a Dutch oven (or heavy lidded pot) in your oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes. Carefully transfer the risen dough onto a sheet of parchment paper, then lift it into the hot Dutch oven. Replace the lid and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and crisp. The result is pure comfort: a Four Ingredient Artisan Bread you can’t wait to tear into.

How to Serve Four Ingredient Artisan Bread

Garnishes

Once your bread has cooled just enough to handle, consider a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a brush of melted butter on the top for extra allure. A scattering of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add both color and a fragrant finish.

Side Dishes

This bread is a scene-stealer alongside hearty soups, fresh salads, or your favorite pasta dish. Its robust crust and chewy center make it ideal for soaking up broths or pairing with flavorful cheeses and charcuterie.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, serve thick slices on a rustic wooden board, or tear the loaf into big, golden hunks for family-style eating. You can also cube the bread, toast it, and use it as a base for bruschetta or croutons, making your Four Ingredient Artisan Bread the star of any meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Four Ingredient Artisan Bread at its best by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper, then placing it in a bread box. This helps maintain the crust while keeping the inside from getting too doughy. If you need to store it for more than a couple of days, the fridge isn’t ideal, as it can dry out the bread.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the loaf (so you can grab individual pieces later) and layer parchment between slices. Pop them in a freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months. When a craving hits, your homemade Four Ingredient Artisan Bread is ready to go.

Reheating

To restore that just-baked magic, reheat a thawed slice or whole loaf in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. The crust crisps up, and the crumb becomes wonderfully soft again – just like the day you made it!

FAQs

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

Yes, in a pinch you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture of your Four Ingredient Artisan Bread may be a bit less chewy and open. Bread flour’s higher protein helps create those signature holes and a heartier bite.

Do I need a Dutch oven to bake this bread?

While a Dutch oven gives the best results for a crisp, blistered crust, you can try using a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid, or even bake directly on a preheated baking stone with an upside-down metal bowl covering the dough to trap steam.

What’s the best way to tell if the bread is done baking?

The loaf should be deeply golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should read about 200°F (93°C) when it’s perfectly baked through.

How do I add flavors or mix-ins?

Once you’re comfortable with the base recipe, try stirring in chopped olives, roasted garlic, dried herbs, or even a handful of shredded cheese before the first rise. It’s a simple way to put your own twist on the classic Four Ingredient Artisan Bread.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! You can easily double or even triple the ingredients. Just make sure you have a big enough bowl for the dough to rise, and consider dividing the dough into two loaves for even baking.

Final Thoughts

Baking homemade bread has never felt so doable or rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting to dabble, the Four Ingredient Artisan Bread brings bakery magic right to your table with minimum fuss and maximum satisfaction. Give it a try – you’ll be amazed at how much joy (and deliciousness) comes from the simplest of ingredients!

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