The primary ingredient in bread making is flour, which provides the necessary structure and texture to the bread. Typically, wheat flour is used due to its gluten content, which gives bread its elasticity and allows it to rise when combined with yeast. Water is also essential, as it hydrates the flour and activates the yeast, enabling fermentation and the development of flavor. Other ingredients like salt, sugar, and fats may enhance the taste and texture, but flour remains the foundation of the bread-making process, critical for producing various types of bread.