There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread drifting through your kitchen. It warms the air, invites people in, and makes a house feel like home. But if you’ve ever been intimidated by the idea of baking bread from scratch—you’re not alone.
The good news? You can do this.
And this simple, tried-and-true beginner recipe is here to prove it.
Why This Recipe Works (Even If You’ve Never Baked Before)
At Katie Brown Home Workshop, we believe that cooking should feel joyful, not complicated. This bread recipe checks all the beginner-friendly boxes:
✔️ Minimal ingredients
✔️ No kneading required
✔️ No special equipment needed
✔️ Flexible rise time
✔️ Golden, crusty outside—soft and airy inside
All you need is a bowl, a spoon, and a little patience.
Ingredients
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3 cups all-purpose flour (plus a bit for dusting)
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1 ½ teaspoons salt
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½ teaspoon instant yeast
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1 ½ cups warm water (not hot!)
That’s it. Four ingredients, one perfect loaf.
Instructions
Step 1: Mix and Rest
In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and yeast. Pour in the warm water and stir until a sticky dough forms (it won’t be pretty yet—don’t worry!).
Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest on your counter for 12 to 18 hours. (Yes, overnight magic. The dough will rise and bubble while you sleep or go about your day.)
Step 2: Shape It Gently
Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out. Fold it over a few times—no kneading, just shaping—and form it into a rough ball.
Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper, cover with a towel, and let it rise again for about 1 to 2 hours.
Step 3: Bake Like a Pro
Preheat your oven to 450°F. While it heats, place a Dutch oven or heavy pot (with lid) inside to warm up.
When ready, carefully lift the dough (parchment and all) into the hot pot. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the lid and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown.
Let it cool for 15–20 minutes before slicing. This part is hard. But trust us—it’s worth the wait.
Serving Ideas from the Workshop Kitchen
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Slather with butter and a sprinkle of flaky salt
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Dip into olive oil with cracked pepper
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Serve with hearty soup or stew
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Slice for toast with jam, honey, or cream cheese
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Use for rustic sandwiches or open-faced brunch bites
Tips for First-Timers
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Flour matters: Start with all-purpose, but feel free to try bread flour later for extra chew.
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Don’t rush the rise: The long fermentation gives the bread its flavor and texture.
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Hydration is key: The dough should feel sticky and loose. That’s a good thing!
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Use what you have: No Dutch oven? Use a heavy lidded pot or even a casserole dish with foil.
Because Homemade Shouldn’t Be Hard
This isn’t just a bread recipe—it’s a small victory. A moment to slow down, get your hands into something real, and enjoy the satisfaction of making something from scratch. It’s the kind of simple pleasure that makes your home feel lived-in and loved.
So light a candle, put on some music, and enjoy your very first loaf of homemade bread.
You’ve got this. And we’re right here with you—cheering you on from the Workshop kitchen.