Crusty 4-Ingredient Artisan Bread

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rest Time: 1½–2 hours
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 1 round loaf

This simple bread uses only four ingredients to create a loaf with a crisp outside and soft inside, perfect for everyday meals.

🧺 Ingredients

4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
1½ cups (370 ml) warm water (about 100°F / 38°C)
2 tablespoons (10 g) dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Dough

Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, dry yeast, and salt. Stir gently to blend.

Add Water
Pour in the warm water.
Stir with a spoon or spatula until all the flour is moistened and a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Rest the Dough
Cover the bowl with a cloth or plastic wrap.
Place it in a warm, comfortable spot for 1½ to 2 hours, until the dough has grown in size and the surface looks airy and bubbly.

2️⃣ Prepare the Baking Pot

About 30 minutes before baking, place a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid (such as a Dutch oven) inside your oven.

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Warming the pot helps create a nicely textured crust.

3️⃣ Shape the Loaf

Lightly dust your work surface and hands with flour.

Carefully transfer the dough onto the surface.

Fold the edges gently toward the center a few times to form a loose round shape.
Try to keep the air inside the dough for a light interior.

Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper.

With a small knife, make a shallow line or “X” on top so the bread can expand evenly while baking.

4️⃣ Bake the Bread

Carefully take the warm pot out of the oven.

Lift the dough using the parchment paper and place it into the pot.

Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the lid and continue baking for 10–15 minutes, until the bread turns a rich golden color.

5️⃣ Cool the Bread

Remove the bread from the pot and place it on a rack or plate.

Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
This helps the inside finish setting and improves texture.

💡 Helpful Tip (No Dutch Oven)

If you do not have a heavy pot, bake the bread on a regular baking tray.
Place a shallow dish of water on the oven rack below the bread to create gentle steam, which helps form a crisp outer layer.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

Enjoy with butter or olive oil
Serve with soup or salad
Use for sandwiches or toast