Frequently asked questions about baking a basic loaf at home with minimal ingredients and equipment.
Basic bread needs flour, water, salt, and yeast (or time, if you prefer sourdough). Packaged yeast is one reliable option, but long fermentation with a sourdough starter can also leaven a simple loaf.
A common beginner mistake is adding flour until the dough feels easy to knead. Often that makes the loaf dense. A slightly sticky dough, handled with a bench scraper or wet hands, can rise into an open, airy crumb.
You do not need fancy equipment. A heavy pot with a lid can mimic a bakery oven by trapping steam for a crackly crust.