3 Ingredient Bread (Rustic and Delicious!)

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Everyone will think you bought this 3 Ingredient Bread from the bakery because it looks and tastes exactly like you want fresh bread to taste. A crispy crust with a soft yet chewy crumb is what you get with this recipe.

The best part is that it takes less than five minutes of actual working time on your part.

Ingredients Needed

To make this delicious 3 Ingredient bread in the Dutch oven, you will need just three simple ingredients.

Flour: All-purpose flour is totally fine to use in this recipe. I usually have that on hand but you can also use actual bread flour if you prefer. In this article about different flour varieties, you’ll see that bread flour will have a stronger gluten formation than all-purpose, but they both will work. Do not use Cake flour.
Yeast: This is your leavening agent. If you don’t use the yeast, this bread won’t rise.
Salt: Salt helps add flavor to your bread. I usually don’t count salt as an ingredient but I feel salt is imperative to this recipe. Bread will just not taste the same if you omit the salt but if you do, then this is an even easier 2 ingredient bread recipe.
Water: We use very warm water (not boiling) for this recipe because the yeast likes a nice cozy warm place to bloom.

****EAZYTIP: Ingredients like water, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oil don’t count towards the ingredient list because most people have these basic, common items in the pantry.

How To Make Simple 3 Ingredient Bread

Follow these steps to create your homemade artisan bread:

1. Bloom the Yeast
2. Mix the Ingredients
3. First Rise
4. Shape the Dough
5. Second Rise
6. Preheat the Oven
7. Bake

*** EAZYTIP: Please look at the bottom of this post for a printable recipe that has all the exact amounts, and specific instructions along with helpful tips and tricks to make this recipe perfect every time.

Storage and Freezing Your Three Ingredient Bread

To store your artisan bread:

• Fridge: Keep the bread in an airtight bag or container in the fridge for up to one week.
• Freezer: Slice the bread, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, and place them in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to three months.

Serving Your Bread

Here are various ways to enjoy your homemade bread:

• Hot: Serve it fresh out of the oven with butter.
• Warm: Reheat slices in the toaster or oven for a warm and crispy texture.
• Sandwiches: Use it to create delicious sandwiches with your favorite fillings.
• Toast with Butter and Preserves: Spread butter and your favorite preserves for a delightful breakfast.
• Toasted with Runny Drippy Eggs: Pair it with eggs for a classic breakfast.
• Leftover Bread: Cut into cubes, season as you prefer and dry it out in the oven for flavorful croutons or leave the cubes unseasoned and make an easy bread pudding.

Questions You Might Have

1. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   • Yes, you can use bread flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can result in a chewier texture and better rise. It’s a good choice for a more traditional artisan bread.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   • Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it will produce a denser and heartier bread. You may want to use a blend of 1/4 whole wheat and the rest being all-purpose flour for a balanced result.
3. Why is there such a long rise time?
   This is because the dough needs the time to develop the gluten. There is no sugar in this recipe to help yeast rise faster. Plus, the slower and longer the rise time, the more flavor it develops. It’s worth the wait!
4. Can I add mix-ins such as cheddar or herbs?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins to the flour before mixing and shaping. Chopped herbs, grated cheese, or even seeds can add extra flavor and texture. This will require some kneading to incorporate all the mix-ins evenly throughout the loaf.
5. Can I use this recipe to make buns or rolls in the same way?
   • Yes, you can adapt this recipe to make smaller buns or rolls. Simply shape the dough into individual portions and adjust the baking time accordingly.
6. What can I bake this bread in if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
   • If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can use a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid or a baking stone with a steam pan beneath it. These alternatives help create a similar steamy environment for crust development.

Have You Tried This Rustic Homemade 3 Ingredient Bread Recipe?

Have you made this delicious artisan bread at home? I’d love to hear about your experience and how you enjoy using it. Leave your comments below, and don’t forget to leave a star rating on the recipe card below.

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