2 Ingredient Bread Recipe: The Easiest Loaf You’ll Ever Bake!

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, crusty loaf of bread, the aroma filling your kitchen with that comforting, home-baked scent. Now, imagine achieving that with just two ingredients. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! This 2-ingredient bread recipe is a game-changer for busy bakers, novice cooks, and anyone craving a simple, satisfying bread experience. Forget kneading for hours, waiting for complicated yeast reactions, or dealing with a long list of ingredients. This recipe strips bread-making down to its bare essentials, delivering a surprisingly delicious and versatile loaf.

This recipe is perfect for when you’re short on time, ingredients, or patience. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce kids to the magic of baking. They’ll be amazed that something so simple can transform into something so delicious. So, ditch the store-bought bread and get ready to experience the pure joy of baking – the 2-ingredient way!

Why This Recipe Works

The magic behind this recipe lies in the combination of self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. Here’s a breakdown of why these two ingredients work so well together:

• Self-Rising Flour: This flour already contains baking powder and salt, which eliminates the need for these leavening agents and seasoning. The baking powder provides the lift necessary for the bread to rise, creating a light and airy texture.
• Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds moisture, protein, and a subtle tang to the bread. The acidity in the yogurt also reacts with the baking powder in the self-rising flour, further contributing to the rise and creating a tender crumb. The thickness of Greek yogurt is also crucial; it provides structure and helps bind the dough together.

The simplicity of this recipe allows the natural flavors of the flour and yogurt to shine through. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, less really is more!

Ingredients

• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat, but full-fat yields a moister result)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare your baking pan: Lightly grease a loaf pan (approximately 8.5 x 4.5 inches) or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the bread from sticking.
3. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the self-rising flour and Greek yogurt.
4. Mix the dough: Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t overmix! It’s okay if there are still some dry spots.
5. Knead the dough (optional): Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently knead it for about 1-2 minutes. This helps to bring the dough together and create a smoother texture. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can result in a tough bread. If you prefer, you can skip the kneading altogether and simply shape the dough into a loaf.
6. Shape the dough: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in the prepared loaf pan.
7. Score the top (optional): Using a sharp knife or a lame, score the top of the loaf with a few shallow slashes. This will help the bread to expand evenly during baking and prevent it from cracking.
8. Bake the bread: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.

Tips for Success

• Use the right flour: Make sure you’re using self-rising flour, not all-purpose flour. Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, which are essential for this recipe to work.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Adjust the moisture: The amount of Greek yogurt needed may vary slightly depending on the brand and consistency. If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of yogurt at a time until it comes together. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon or two of flour.
• Get creative with additions: While this recipe is delicious as is, you can easily customize it by adding other ingredients. Try adding herbs, spices, cheese, or dried fruit to the dough before baking.
• Experiment with different flours: While self-rising flour is key, you can experiment with adding a portion of whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Start by substituting 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the self-rising flour with whole wheat flour.
• Check for doneness: The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Check the bread for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If not, continue baking for a few more minutes.
• Let it cool completely: This is crucial! Slicing the bread while it’s still warm can result in a gummy texture. Be patient and let it cool completely before enjoying.

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To extend its shelf life, you can also store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, you can freeze the bread for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQ

• Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt? While you can use regular yogurt, the results won’t be as good. Greek yogurt is thicker and has a higher protein content, which helps to create a better texture. If you do use regular yogurt, you may need to add a bit more flour to compensate for the extra moisture.
• Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, you can use a gluten-free self-rising flour blend. However, the texture may be slightly different.
• Can I make this recipe without a loaf pan? Yes, you can shape the dough into a round loaf and bake it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• My bread is dense and gummy. What went wrong? This could be due to several factors, including overmixing the dough, not using enough flour, or not letting the bread cool completely before slicing.
• Can I add sugar to this recipe? While this recipe is intended to be a savory bread, you can add a tablespoon or two of sugar for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Conclusion

This 2-ingredient bread recipe is a testament to the fact that deliciousness doesn’t always require complexity. With just two simple ingredients and a few minutes of effort, you can create a warm, satisfying loaf of bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own. So, go ahead and give it a try. You might just be surprised at how easy and rewarding it is to bake your own bread – the 2-ingredient way! Enjoy!