The Two-Ingredient Bread Miracle: Simple, Quick, and Delicious
When most people think about baking bread, they imagine a long list of ingredients — flour, yeast, sugar, salt, water, maybe oil — and hours of waiting for dough to rise. But what if I told you there’s a way to make bread with only two simple ingredients, and in under 30 minutes? This easy bread uses self-rising flour and Greek yogurt to create a quick bread that’s perfect for everything from sandwiches to dipping in soups or curries.
Why Does This Work?
This 2-ingredient bread relies on the chemistry inside self-rising flour and the moisture and slight acidity in Greek yogurt.
Self-rising flour already contains baking powder (a leavening agent) and salt. The baking powder reacts with the yogurt to create bubbles that make the dough rise and become airy.
Greek yogurt adds moisture and a subtle tang, also activating the baking powder. Its thick consistency helps bind the dough without the need for yeast or water.
Because of this, the bread rises quickly during baking, no yeast or proofing required.
Ingredients in Detail
1. Self-Rising Flour
This is all-purpose flour pre-mixed with baking powder and salt. The typical ratio is 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1.5 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt per cup of self-rising flour.
If you don’t have self-rising flour, I’ll show you how to make your own at home easily below.
2. Greek Yogurt
Use plain Greek yogurt with full-fat or 2% fat content for the best texture.
Greek yogurt is thicker than regular yogurt, which helps the dough come together.
Avoid flavored yogurts with sweeteners or additives.
Optional Add-ins (To Customize)
While the basic recipe is just 2 ingredients, you can jazz it up with:
Garlic powder or herbs (rosemary, thyme) for savory bread
Grated cheese (cheddar, Parmesan) for cheesy bread
Cinnamon and sugar for sweet breakfast bread
Seeds (sesame, poppy) sprinkled on top before baking
Equipment Needed
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon or spatula
Baking sheet or cast-iron skillet
Parchment paper (optional)
Oven
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Self-Rising Flour (If Needed)
If you don’t have self-rising flour, it’s easy to make:
Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1.5 teaspoons baking powder + 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Whisk thoroughly to combine.
Use this mixture in place of store-bought self-rising flour.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, add 1 cup self-rising flour.
Add 1 cup plain Greek yogurt.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir the yogurt and flour together with a spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms.
Don’t overmix; just combine until no dry flour remains. The dough will be shaggy and sticky — that’s perfect.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Lightly flour your hands and work surface.
Turn dough onto a floured surface.
Knead gently about 5-6 times to bring dough together (don’t overwork).
Shape dough into a round loaf or flatten into a disk about 1-inch thick.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet or greased cast-iron skillet.
Optionally, slash the top with a knife for classic bread look.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
If you have a kitchen thermometer, internal temperature should be about 200°F (93°C).
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove bread from oven and cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love This 2-Ingredient Bread
Quick and Easy: No yeast, no rising time — mix, shape, bake!
Minimal Ingredients: Perfect pantry bread if you’re low on supplies.
Soft and Tangy: Thanks to the yogurt, bread has a pleasant tang and soft crumb.
Versatile: Use as sandwich bread, flatbread for dipping, or with soups.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Dough Too Sticky?
Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable but still soft.
Remember the dough is stickier than traditional bread dough.
Bread Too Dense?
Use fresh self-rising flour with active baking powder. Old flour may lose potency.
Don’t overmix or overknead — keep it light.
Bread Not Browning?
Increase oven temperature slightly or bake longer.
Use convection if available for better crust.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
Herb and Garlic 2-Ingredient Bread
Add 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs to the dough.
Brush the top with olive oil before baking.
Cheesy Yogurt Bread
Mix 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Parmesan) into dough.
Top with extra cheese before baking.
Sweet Cinnamon Bread
Add 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon to dough.
Brush top with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar.
Flatbread Style
Flatten dough very thinly and cook on a hot skillet for a quick flatbread or naan-like bread.
Serving Suggestions
Use for breakfast toast with butter and jam.
Serve alongside chili, soup, or stew for dipping.
Make sandwiches, paninis, or grilled cheese.
Serve warm with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
Cut into cubes and toast for croutons.
Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 150-180
Protein: 6g
Fat: 4g (depending on yogurt fat content)
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
History and Origins
This simple yogurt-flour bread has roots in various traditional flatbreads worldwide, where basic ingredients combine for quick bread. The convenience of using self-rising flour and yogurt popularized it as an easy home recipe, especially when yeast is unavailable or for quick prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use regular yogurt?
You can, but Greek yogurt’s thickness works best. If using regular yogurt, strain excess liquid.
Can I add yeast for fluffier bread?
Yes, but that moves away from the two-ingredient simplicity. This recipe relies on baking powder in self-rising flour.
How do I store this bread?
Store in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for 2-3 days. Reheat in oven or toaster.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, slice and freeze. Toast slices from frozen.
Pro Tips for Success
Always check the date on your baking powder or self-rising flour to ensure it’s fresh.
Use room temperature yogurt for easier mixing.
Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it helps set the crumb.
Experiment with thickness: thinner makes flatbreads; thicker makes soft loaves.
Full Printable Recipe Card
Two-Ingredient Bread with Self-Rising Flour and Greek Yogurt
Ingredients:
1 cup self-rising flour (or homemade: 1 cup all-purpose + 1.5 tsp baking powder + 1/2 tsp salt)
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, mix self-rising flour and Greek yogurt until combined. Dough will be sticky.
Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead lightly 5-6 times. Shape into a round loaf or disk (~1 inch thick).
Place on parchment-lined baking sheet or greased skillet. Slash top if desired.
Bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding.
Cool 10-15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
I hope you’re as amazed as I am by this magical two-ingredient bread! Want me to suggest dips, spreads, or ways to turn this bread into sandwiches and meals? Or maybe some recipes for making your own self-rising flour? Just say the word!
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