Description
This 20-Minute Bread is the perfect solution for anyone craving fresh, homemade bread in a hurry. With minimal ingredients and no kneading or rising time, you can enjoy warm, fluffy bread in just 20 minutes. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy days when you need a fast side dish or snack. You can customize it with different add-ins like herbs, cheese, or garlic to elevate its flavor. Whether you’re pairing it with soup, enjoying it for breakfast, or simply snacking, this bread is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3/4 cup milk (any kind, such as whole, skim, or plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (adds a slight sweetness)
- 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter (both work wonderfully)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (measure carefully for best results)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (for leavening)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance the flavors)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (for a savory twist)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for added sweetness)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to bake the bread.
Step 2: Grease the Pan
- Grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper. A 9×9-inch square pan or any round baking pan will work well for this recipe.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
- Pour in the milk, sugar, and olive oil (or melted butter). Stir gently until everything comes together into a thick dough. If you’re adding optional ingredients like herbs, cheese, or garlic powder, fold them in at this point.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
- Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula or your hands to fill the pan. It doesn’t need to be perfect; just aim for an even layer.
Step 6: Bake
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean when the bread is done.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The bread is best enjoyed warm!
Notes
- Measuring the Flour: For the best results, use the spoon-and-level method to measure the flour. This prevents the bread from becoming too dense or dry.
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir the dough until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense loaf.
- Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with your add-ins. You can incorporate fresh herbs, cheese, garlic, or even a sweet touch like cinnamon or dried fruit.
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Baking (Oven)
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8th of the loaf)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg