I still remember the first time I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic weeknight. My family was craving fresh bread with dinner, but I had absolutely no time for traditional bread-making. Furthermore, I had run out of yeast and the thought of running to the store just wasn’t appealing. That’s when I stumbled upon this magical 20-minute bread recipe that has since become a staple in my kitchen.
As a busy baker, I’ve always believed that homemade bread shouldn’t be reserved for special occasions or weekends when you have hours to spare. Instead, this quick bread brings the joy of freshly baked goodness to your table any day of the week. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply divine, and your family will think you’ve been slaving away for hours!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe has saved me countless times when I needed something impressive yet simple. Moreover, it requires no yeast, no kneading, and no rising time—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Versatile
What makes this bread truly special is its versatility. You can enjoy it alongside soups and stews for dinner. Additionally, it makes excellent toast for breakfast with a smear of butter and jam. Subsequently, you can transform it into croutons or breadcrumbs if you have leftovers. Hence, it’s the perfect blank canvas for whatever meal you’re planning.
Budget-Friendly
In today’s economy, finding ways to save money without sacrificing quality is essential. Therefore, I love that this bread uses simple pantry staples that most of us already have on hand. Consequently, you’ll save money compared to store-bought bread while still enjoying superior taste and texture. Meanwhile, you’ll avoid all those preservatives and additives found in commercial breads.
Ingredients for Quick 20-Minute Homemade Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free option)
How to Make 20-Minute Homemade Bread
I’ve made this bread dozens of times, and firstly, I’m always amazed at how simple yet rewarding the process is. Meanwhile, the lack of yeast means there’s no waiting around for the dough to rise. Nevertheless, you still get a wonderfully satisfying loaf with a tender crumb. Therefore, it’s perfect for those moments when you need bread in a hurry.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Quick Bread
- Preheat Your Oven: Initially, set your oven to 450°F (230°C). Subsequently, grease a loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Consequently, this high temperature helps create a nice crust while ensuring the inside cooks properly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined. Furthermore, make sure to break up any lumps in the flour. Meanwhile, the sugar adds a subtle sweetness that complements both sweet and savory toppings.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Next, pour in the milk and melted butter (or olive oil if preferred). Afterward, stir gently until the dough forms a cohesive mass. However, be careful not to overmix. Otherwise, your bread might become tough. The dough should be thick but not excessively sticky.
- Shape the Dough: Then, transfer the dough into your prepared loaf pan. Moreover, use a spatula to spread it evenly throughout the pan. Furthermore, you can create a slight depression down the center if you want the classic bread look.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in your preheated oven. Afterward, bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown. Additionally, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean when the bread is done. Similarly, you can tap the top—a hollow sound indicates it’s ready.
Quick and Easy
One of the best aspects of this recipe is that you can have freshly baked bread on your table in just 20 minutes. Therefore, it’s perfect for those last-minute dinner plans. Besides, there’s no complicated technique involved—simply mix and bake! Nevertheless, the results are impressive enough to make your guests think you spent hours in the kitchen.
Customizable
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can get creative! For instance, add herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory version. Alternatively, mix in some cheddar cheese and garlic for a flavorful twist. Furthermore, you can add raisins and cinnamon for a sweeter variation. Meanwhile, a sprinkle of seeds on top adds texture and nutrition.
Crowd-Pleasing
Whenever I serve this bread at gatherings, it’s gone within minutes. Indeed, there’s something universally appealing about warm, freshly baked bread. Moreover, even picky eaters tend to enjoy its mild, comforting flavor. Therefore, it’s my go-to recipe when hosting dinner parties or family meals. Additionally, it pairs wonderfully with almost any main dish you can imagine.
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Quick 20-Minute Homemade Bread
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (6-8 slices) 1x
Description
This incredibly simple 20-minute homemade bread requires no yeast, no kneading, and minimal ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want fresh bread without the wait!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and thoroughly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until completely combined and free of lumps.
- Pour the milk and melted butter (or olive oil) into the dry ingredients.
- Stir the mixture gently until a cohesive dough forms, being careful not to overmix as this can make the bread tough.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly throughout.
- Create a slight depression down the center of the dough for that classic bread loaf appearance.
- Place the pan in your preheated oven on the middle rack.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean with no wet dough attached.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Turn out onto a wire rack and allow to cool for another 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- This bread has a texture similar to a quick bread or biscuit rather than a traditional yeast bread.
- The recipe can be easily doubled for a larger loaf.
- Add herbs, cheese, seeds, or spices to customize the flavor.
- For a sweeter version, increase sugar to 4 tablespoons and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
FAQs About 20-Minute Homemade Bread
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose? Yes, definitely! However, I recommend starting with half whole wheat and half all-purpose. Otherwise, the bread might be too dense. Moreover, you might need to add a bit more milk since whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
Why didn’t my bread rise much? This is a quick bread that relies on baking powder instead of yeast. Therefore, it won’t rise as much as traditional yeast bread. Furthermore, check that your baking powder is fresh—it loses potency over time. Consequently, you might need to replace it if it’s been in your pantry for over six months.
Can I make this bread dairy-free? Absolutely! Simply substitute the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Additionally, use olive oil instead of butter. Subsequently, you’ll have a delicious dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy.
How can I store leftovers? This bread is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Alternatively, freeze slices for longer storage. Meanwhile, toasting the bread revives it beautifully if it’s a day old.