golden crusty artisan bread with soft fluffy interior on wooden board dusted with flour

Easy 3-Ingredient Bread

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Created on November 23rd, 2025 at 02:30 pm

Simple homemade bread for all

There’s something deeply comforting about the warmth of freshly baked bread. This easy 3-ingredient bread recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a crusty, golden loaf. With no kneading required, it invites both novice bakers and seasoned cooks to create delicious bread with minimal effort. The inviting aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes brings an almost nostalgic warmth, reminiscent of family gatherings and cozy meals. As it cools, the crust forms a beautiful golden hue, promising a delightful crunch with every bite.

This bread is more than just a side, it can be the star of your meals. Its rustic texture and homemade flavor make it a perfect pairing for soups, stews, or simply slathered with butter. It’s versatile enough to stand alone or complement your favorite dishes. Whether you enjoy it warm straight from the oven or the next day, this loaf retains its delightful character, proving that simple ingredients can yield remarkable results.

golden rustic bread loaf with crackled crust and fluffy interior on wooden cutting board

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients List

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)

Kitchen Tools

This recipe simplifies the bread-making process with a few fundamental tools. You won’t need fancy equipment; just the essentials will guide you through. A mixing bowl and a baking pot are all you need to create this comforting loaf.

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 5-6 quart Dutch oven or any oven-safe pot with a lid
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions


  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and active dry yeast. Use a wooden spoon to mix the dry ingredients until evenly blended. The coarse texture of the flour and the slight graininess of the salt will create a comforting foundation for your dough.



  2. Gradually pour in the warm water while stirring the mixture. The warmth will activate the yeast, and you’ll notice the dough beginning to form. Continue to mix until everything is combined, and a shaggy, sticky dough develops. It should be wet and somewhat elastic to the touch.



  3. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours. During this time, the dough will double in size, developing air bubbles as it ferments. This is when the aroma begins to fill the air, hinting at the delicious bread to come.



  4. After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place your Dutch oven with the lid inside to heat for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crusty exterior.



  5. Once the pot is well heated, carefully remove it from the oven using oven mitts. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf without kneading, creating a smooth top. The surface should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.



  6. Transfer the dough into the hot pot, replace the lid, and return it to the oven. Bake for 30 minutes covered, allowing it to steam and create that signature crust. The smell of the bread will begin to envelop your kitchen.



  7. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This will allow the crust to deepen to a beautiful golden brown, creating a perfect contrast to the soft interior.



  8. Once done, carefully remove the bread from the pot and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This cooling time is essential, allowing the bread to set and preventing it from becoming gummy.


Pro Tips

  • Ensure your water is warm, not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
  • For added flavor, experiment with different types of flour, like whole wheat or bread flour.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
  • This dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week; just take off a chunk when the craving strikes.
  • Serve with a drizzle of olive oil or your favorite dip for a delightful snack.

Fresh Nourishment, Made Simple

This easy 3-ingredient bread showcases the beauty of simplicity in baking. With just flour, salt, and yeast, you can create a delicious loaf that brings warmth to any table. The process rewards you with a satisfying crunch and a comforting aroma that speaks to the heart of home cooking. It’s a reminder that the best things in life can often be the easiest to achieve. This dish proves that gourmet comfort can be simple and satisfying.

Nutrition Table

NutrientAmount (per serving)
Calories150 kcal
Protein4 g
Fat0.5 g
Carbohydrates31 g
Fiber1 g
Sugar0 g
Sodium320 mg

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

golden crusty artisan bread with soft fluffy interior on wooden board dusted with flour

Easy 3-Ingredient Bread

A smiling woman in a modern kitchen, wearing a brown apron, preparing a delicious dish with fresh ingredients.Sorrel Calver
A simple, yet satisfying homemade bread that anyone can make using just three ingredients, with no kneading required.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Bread, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 1.5 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1.5 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C) Make sure it’s warm, not hot.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and active dry yeast. Use a wooden spoon to mix the dry ingredients until evenly blended.
  • Gradually pour in the warm water while stirring the mixture until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
  • Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

Baking

  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place your Dutch oven (with lid) inside to heat for about 30 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the hot pot, turn the dough onto a floured surface, and shape it into a round loaf.
  • Transfer the dough into the hot pot, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
  • Remove the bread and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For added flavor, experiment with different types of flour, and let the bread cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts. This dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Keyword 3 ingredient bread, artisan bread, easy bread, Homemade Bread, No Knead Bread

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