Who says you need hours to make fresh, homemade bread? With this recipe, you can have warm, soft bread in your hands in just 20 minutes! Perfect for those last-minute cravings or when you’re short on time but still want that comforting, homemade touch. The best part? It’s super simple, requiring just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
Why You’ll Love Bread in 20 Minutes
This bread is quick, easy, and perfect for when you want the smell of fresh bread filling your home without the wait. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
Versatile: Serve it with butter, jam, or dip it in soup. This bread goes with just about anything.
Budget-Friendly: All you need are a few staple ingredients, and you’re good to go.
Quick and Easy: It’s ready in 20 minutes—no kneading, no waiting for dough to rise!
Customizable: You can add herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves fresh bread, and this recipe is so simple that you’ll want to make it often.
Ingredients in Bread in 20 Minutes
You won’t believe how easy this is. Here’s what you need to make this super quick and tasty bread:
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread. It gives the loaf a soft, fluffy texture.
Baking Powder: This helps the bread rise quickly, no yeast required!
Salt: A pinch of salt brings out all the flavors and balances the bread’s richness.
Sugar: Just a little bit of sugar helps to create that soft texture and golden color.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor, making the bread melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Milk: Helps bind everything together and gives the bread its tender crumb.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make some bread? Here’s how to do it in just 20 minutes:
Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will give your bread that perfect golden crust.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir them together to make sure they’re evenly distributed.
Add Wet Ingredients: Cut the butter into small pieces and add it to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then, pour in the milk and stir until a dough forms.
Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it for a minute or two, just enough to bring it all together. Shape it into a round loaf.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Place the dough on the prepared sheet.
Bake to Perfection: Pop the dough into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Finishing Touches: Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together better, though I know it’s tempting to dig in right away.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice your warm, freshly baked bread and enjoy it with your favorite spread or as an accompaniment to your meal.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 180
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Bread in 20 Minutes
This quick and easy bread is perfect for a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
Pair it with your favorite soups or stews for a hearty meal.
Spread some butter, jam, or honey on a warm slice for a simple snack.
Serve it alongside a fresh salad or grilled veggies to round out your meal.
Use it to make quick sandwiches with your favorite fillings.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
If you like a crustier loaf, you can brush the top of the bread with a bit of melted butter before baking.
For a fun twist, add chopped herbs, garlic, or grated cheese to the dough before baking for extra flavor.
If you don’t have milk, you can substitute with water or buttermilk for a slightly different texture.
Don’t overwork the dough! Gently knead it for just a minute to avoid tough bread.
You can also make mini loaves or rolls instead of one large loaf—just adjust the baking time accordingly.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! You can swap in whole wheat flour, though the bread will be denser. You may need to add a little more liquid.
2. Can I make this bread without butter?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or vegetable oil if you prefer.
3. Can I add herbs or garlic to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs or garlic powder to give the bread extra flavor.
4. How long will this bread stay fresh?
This bread is best enjoyed the same day it’s baked, but you can store it in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
5. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread after it cools completely. Just wrap it in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to a month.
6. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.
7. Can I make smaller loaves or rolls?
Yes! You can shape the dough into smaller loaves or rolls, just adjust the baking time to around 10-15 minutes.
8. What’s the best way to store leftover bread?
Store any leftover bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a cloth to keep it from getting too soft.
9. Can I add cheese to the dough?
Yes! Grated cheese like cheddar or Parmesan would make a wonderful addition to the dough.
10. Can I bake this bread in a loaf pan?
Yes, you can use a loaf pan, but be sure to adjust the baking time to around 25 minutes.
Conclusion
Bread in 20 Minutes is the ultimate recipe for those times when you want fresh, warm bread but don’t have all day. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a golden, soft loaf that’s perfect for any meal. So why wait for hours when you can have this speedy homemade bread in a snap? Get baking, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Print
Bread in 20 Minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This quick and easy bread recipe allows you to make fresh, warm bread in just 20 minutes with minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for slightly sweet bread)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using).
- Add milk and olive oil (or butter) to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Shape the dough into a round or rectangular loaf and place it into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This bread is best served warm, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- You can add herbs or cheese to the dough for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have baking powder, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg