I remember the first time I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s 3-ingredient bread recipe. I was looking for something simple to bake with my kids, and the idea of making bread with just three ingredients blew my mind. No yeast, no kneading, just a straightforward process that promised a soft, warm loaf in under an hour. I thought, “Is it really possible”? But when we pulled it out of the oven, golden and crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, I couldn’t believe how delicious it turned out. That simple loaf became a staple in our kitchen.
Jamie Oliver’s approach to food has always been about making cooking accessible and enjoyable. His 3-ingredient bread recipe epitomizes that philosophy. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, this recipe invites everyone to experience the joy of homemade bread with minimal fuss.
Jamie Oliver’s 3-ingredient Bread Recipe
Jamie’s recipe is pure magic in simplicity. The bread is dense, yet soft. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just eating as it is with a little butter. What’s brilliant about this recipe is the balance of ingredients. No fancy equipment required-just your hands and a few pantry staples.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Self-raising flour: This is the base for the bread, and it’s what helps the loaf rise without yeast. The baking powder in self-raising flour gives the bread a lightness you wouldn’t expect from something so simple.
- Greek yogurt: It adds richness and moisture to the bread, giving it that soft, pillowy texture. Plus, the tangy flavor of yogurt balances out the bread’s sweetness.
- Salt: Just a pinch, but it makes a world of difference. Salt enhances the flavors and makes the bread more savory.
When I first made this bread, I was amazed at how it came together with such ease. No waiting for dough to rise, no complicated techniques-just mix, shape, bake, and you’re done.
Ingredients Needed
- Self-raising flour (500g)
- Greek yogurt (300g)
- Salt (1 tsp)
That’s it! Three ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. I love how minimal the list is-especially when you consider how satisfying and comforting the result is.
Quick Notes
- If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can easily make your own by adding baking powder to plain flour. A quick ratio is 1 tsp of baking powder per 100g of plain flour.
- Greek yogurt is the ideal choice for this recipe, but plain yogurt will work too. Just make sure it’s a thicker variety for the best results.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s 3-ingredient Bread
Making Jamie’s bread is honestly one of the easiest things I’ve ever done in the kitchen. Here’s the breakdown:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add the self-raising flour and salt. Give it a quick stir to combine.
- Add the yogurt: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the Greek yogurt. Using your hands or a spoon, combine the ingredients until they form a dough. You might need to add a little more flour or yogurt to get the right consistency-it should be soft but not sticky.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a round or oval shape, about 2-3 inches thick. Don’t overwork the dough; just shape it gently.
- Bake: Place the shaped dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The top should be golden and slightly crusty.
- Cool: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. The texture should be soft, airy, and perfect for all kinds of toppings.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Now, let’s break down why these three simple ingredients work so well together. It’s a beautiful combination of chemistry and simplicity:
- Self-raising flour: This is flour that’s already been mixed with a leavening agent (usually baking powder). The baking powder releases carbon dioxide gas when mixed with liquid, causing the dough to rise. No yeast is needed! The flour gives the bread its structure and the leavening agent gives it its lift.
- Greek yogurt: Yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, is rich in fats and proteins. These help keep the bread moist and tender. The acidity in the yogurt reacts with the baking powder, helping the bread rise even more. It also adds a slight tang, which balances out the flavors.
- Salt: While salt is often considered a ’flavor enhancer’ in recipes, it also strengthens the gluten in the dough. This results in a firmer, more structured loaf. A pinch of salt is just enough to elevate the flavors without overpowering the other ingredients.
I was pretty amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together to form a perfect loaf. It’s like the bread is greater than the sum of its parts.
Expert Tips
If you’re going to make this bread, here are some little tricks I’ve learned that make it even better:
- Use a cold bowl for mixing: This might sound odd, but a cold bowl helps keep the dough from becoming too sticky. Plus, it helps keep the dough from warming up too fast, which could affect the rise.
- Don’t overwork the dough: The key to a soft, tender loaf is handling the dough as gently as possible. Overworking it will make it dense and heavy. Keep it simple.
- Check for doneness: If you’re unsure whether the bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready. If not, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
- For a softer crust: Brush the top of the loaf with a little melted butter when it comes out of the oven. This gives the bread an irresistible shine and softness.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s original recipe is fantastic, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few variations I’ve tried that were total hits:
- Add herbs or cheese: If you like savory bread, try stirring in some grated cheese (cheddar works great) or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. This makes the bread more flavorful and hearty.
- Sweet version: For a sweeter take, mix in some honey or sugar with the yogurt, and maybe even a sprinkle of cinnamon. It makes a great base for cinnamon toast.
- Add seeds or nuts: For extra texture and flavor, add a handful of seeds (like sunflower or sesame) or chopped nuts to the dough. This gives the bread a nice crunch.
Final Words
This 3-ingredient bread has become a staple in our home. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly versatile. You can make it any time you’re craving fresh, warm bread without the fuss. Whether you keep it simple or jazz it up with herbs or cheese, the result is always the same: a delicious, homemade loaf that’s perfect for any occasion.
FAQs
What Are The Three Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Bread Recipe?
The three ingredients are flour, water, and salt.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s 3-ingredient Bread?
It takes about 1 hour from start to finish, including baking time.
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead Of White Flour For This Recipe?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour but the texture may be denser.