The Easiest and Cheapest Bread Recipe – Just 4 Ingredients!

Bylina

Think making homemade bread is hard or expensive? Think again! This is hands-down the easiest and cheapest bread recipe you’ll ever make. No kneading, no mixer, no eggs, no dairy — just simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and perfect for toast, sandwiches, or slathered with butter fresh out of the oven.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Only 4 basic ingredients
  • No kneading, no special equipment
  • Costs pennies per loaf
  • Crispy crust + soft, fluffy center
  • Beginner-friendly

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (not hot!)

That’s it! Optional: a little oil or butter to brush on top after baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, stir together flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms. No need to knead — just mix it until everything is combined. The dough will be sticky, and that’s okay!

Step 2: Let It Rise
Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 2–3 hours (or up to 8 hours if you want more flavor). The dough should double in size and look bubbly.

Step 3: Shape and Rest
Lightly flour a surface and turn out the dough. Shape it into a round loaf (or drop it right into a greased loaf pan). Let it rest uncovered for 30–40 minutes while your oven preheats.

Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can brush the top with a little butter for extra flavor and softness.

Tips & Variations

  • Add-ins: Mix in herbs, garlic powder, shredded cheese, or seeds.
  • Crispier crust? Bake in a Dutch oven with the lid on for the first 20 minutes.
  • Whole wheat? Swap 1 cup of all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a heartier version.

Why It’s So Budget-Friendly

Each loaf costs under $1 to make. Here’s how it breaks down:

  • Flour: ~$0.30
  • Yeast: ~$0.10
  • Salt: <$0.05
  • Water: basically free!

That’s way cheaper (and tastier!) than store-bought bread.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re on a budget, just starting out in the kitchen, or simply love the smell of fresh bread baking, this recipe is for you. It’s foolproof, customizable, and deeply satisfying — especially when you pull that golden loaf out of the oven.

This isn’t just cheap bread — it’s good bread. And once you try it, you may never go back to store-bought again.