20-Minute Homemade Bread Recipe
Introduction
This quick and easy homemade bread recipe is perfect for when you want fresh bread without the wait. Ready in just 20 minutes, it makes a soft, golden loaf that pairs beautifully with any meal or can be enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- Optional: herbs, cheese, or garlic for flavor
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Step 3: Add milk and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients, stirring to form a dough.
- Step 4: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 1 minute until smooth.
- Step 5: Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 6: Optionally, score the top with a knife for decoration.
- Step 7: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Step 8: Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs, shredded cheese, or minced garlic to the dough before baking.
- If you prefer a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh but also freezes well for up to a month.
Storage
Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore freshness. You can also freeze the bread wrapped tightly for up to one month and thaw at room temperature before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the bread may be denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a lighter texture.
What can I use if I don’t have baking powder?
If you don’t have baking powder, you can make a substitute by mixing 1/2 teaspoon baking soda with 1 teaspoon cream of tartar for every tablespoon of baking powder needed.
Print20-Minute Homemade Bread Recipe
This quick and easy 20-Minute Homemade Bread recipe yields a soft, golden loaf perfect for any meal. Made with simple pantry staples and customizable with herbs, cheese, or garlic, this bread is ideal for when you want fresh bread fast without the hassle of yeast and long rising times.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 1 small loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
Optional Add-ins
- Herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) for flavor
- Grated cheese for richness
- Minced garlic for a savory kick
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet to prevent the bread from sticking during baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined to ensure uniform rising and flavor.
- Add wet ingredients and form dough: Pour the milk and vegetable oil into the dry mixture. Stir using a spoon or spatula until a dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently for about 1 minute until it feels smooth and cohesive; this helps develop texture without overworking.
- Shape the loaf: Form the dough into a round loaf shape and place it onto your prepared baking sheet. If desired, lightly score the top with a knife for a decorative finish and to control how the bread expands during baking.
- Bake the bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the bread achieves a golden brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it is fully baked inside.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing to retain its structure and ensure the best texture when served.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix in herbs, cheese, or garlic during the dough formation step.
- Do not over-knead the dough; a brief kneading of about 1 minute is sufficient.
- Ensure baking powder is fresh to guarantee proper leavening.
- Let the bread cool before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the bread soft.
Keywords: quick bread, homemade bread, no yeast bread, easy bread recipe, baking bread
