6 Ingredients Quick Homemade Bread: The Easy Method to Make It Crunchy and Tasty!

Some days call for the kind of kitchen magic that doesn’t involve hours of waiting, fifteen fancy ingredients, or a degree in artisanal baking. Enter this 6-Ingredient Homemade Bread, a quick, hearty creation with a crisp outer layer, a tender center, and the kind of charm that makes it the life of the table whether it’s a family dinner, weekend brunch, or a sneaky midnight snack. With just flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, and sunflower oil, you’re well on your way to pulling warm, golden bread from the oven in under an hour and a half.

This bread makes the perfect appetizer with some dips, a delicious side to mop up sauces, or even a simple main dish if you pair it with cheese, tomatoes, olives, or cold cuts. It’s low-effort, high-reward, and, spoiler alert, there’s no complicated dough drama.

What’s the Story Behind This Bread?

The beauty of this bread lies in its simplicity, it's the modern nod to ancient flatbreads that were made with little more than flour and water. But toss in some yeast and oil, and you’ve entered the golden age of breadmaking. This no-frills loaf echoes the practical peasant loaves found across Europe, think Italian pane casereccio or rustic French campagne bread.

This is an everyday kind of bread that’s got just enough edge to impress and enough soul to comfort.

Pro Tips for the Best Quick Bread Ever

• Use warm and not hot water. Lukewarm water helps wake the yeast up gently, anything too hot can send it straight to yeast heaven.
• Let it rise in a warm place. Think cozy, next to a window, on a warm countertop, or near the oven. Yeast likes to chill where it’s warm.
• That quick swipe of water before baking helps with the crisp crust.
• Flour sprinkle is more than aesthetic. That light dusting prevents sticking and adds just the right rustic texture.

Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead?

Absolutely, just keep in mind that whole wheat flour absorbs more water. You might need to add a few extra tablespoons of water to get the same dough texture. The flavor will be nuttier, and the crumb will be a bit denser.

Can I Add Herbs or Spices to The Dough?

Yes, this dough is like a blank canvas. Add rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes to jazz things up. Just don’t go too heavy, start with 1–2 teaspoons.

How Long Does This Bread Stay Fresh?

It’s best enjoyed within the first two days. Store it in a paper bag or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to maintain the texture. Avoid plastic unless you want the crust to soften.

Can I Use Olive Oil Instead of Sunflower Oil?

Olive oil will give the bread a slightly fruitier flavor. Just be sure it’s light or regular olive oil, not extra virgin, so it doesn’t overpower the bread.

Why is My Dough Too Sticky?

Sticky dough is usually a good sign, it means your bread will be moist inside. But if it’s unmanageable, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.

What’s The Best Way to Serve This Bread?

Serve this bread warm with a little spread, alongside soup, dipped in olive oil, or sliced into appetizer-sized pieces with cheese. It’s also a great option for school lunch boxes or as a snack with jam.

How to Make 6-Ingredient Homemade Bread

Step 1

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Give it a good stir so everything is evenly distributed. Pour in the water and sunflower oil. Stir until the dough starts to come together, it should be a bit sticky.

In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Give it a good stir so everything is evenly distributed. Pour in the water and sunflower oil. Stir until the dough starts to come together, it should be a bit sticky.

Step 2

Step 2

On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until your dough doubles.

On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until your dough doubles.

Step 3

Step 3

Knead the dough briefly again, then shape it into a round and place it in a cake pan. Let it rise for another 15–20 minutes.

Knead the dough briefly again, then shape it into a round and place it in a cake pan. Let it rise for another 15–20 minutes.

Step 4

Step 4

Brush the top with water and sprinkle with flour. Then, use a sharp knife to make shallow slashes.

Brush the top with water and sprinkle with flour. Then, use a sharp knife to make shallow slashes.

Step 5

Step 5

Pop it in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F for 60 minutes. Let the bread cool for a while before slicing.

Pop it in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F for 60 minutes. Let the bread cool for a while before slicing.