Have you ever craved fresh, warm bread but didn’t have hours to spend kneading and waiting for dough to rise? Well, I’ve got you covered! This Bread in 20 Minutes recipe is a game-changer. In just about 20 minutes, you can have homemade, soft, fluffy bread on your table—no waiting, no fuss, just pure deliciousness. It’s perfect for when you’re short on time but want something that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at store-bought bread the same way again. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite add-ins like herbs, cheese, or even a little garlic butter drizzle. So, let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love Bread in 20 Minutes
Quick and Easy
Who doesn’t love a quick recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor? This bread comes together in just a few minutes of prep, and in no time, you’re enjoying fresh bread with minimal effort.
Soft and Fluffy
Despite being a no-rise recipe, the texture is soft, light, and airy. It’s the perfect bread to enjoy warm with a pat of butter or to accompany your favorite meal.
No Yeast, No Waiting
Forget about waiting for dough to rise or worrying about yeast. This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together quickly and without the usual wait.
Customizable
You can get creative with this recipe! Add herbs, cheese, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist. This is your bread, your way.
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Ingredients in Bread in 20 Minutes
Simple ingredients are all you need to whip up this soft, warm bread. Let’s go over the basics:
For the Bread:
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of this bread, giving it that fluffy, soft texture.
- Baking Powder: This is the secret to creating a fluffy rise without any yeast.
- Salt: A pinch of salt brings balance and flavor to the dough.
- Sugar: Just a little bit of sugar helps activate the baking powder and adds sweetness.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough, making it super soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Milk: The liquid that brings everything together, creating the perfect dough consistency.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to enjoy fresh bread in no time? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature helps the bread cook quickly and get that beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir them together until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Next, pour in the milk and stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be slightly sticky but not too wet.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it forms a smooth ball. Don’t overwork it—remember, this is a quick bread!
Step 5: Bake
Shape the dough into a round or square loaf and place it on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm with butter, jam, or alongside your favorite dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 150
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrate: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 4%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 20mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 60mg
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Bread in 20 Minutes
As a Snack
Warm bread straight out of the oven is irresistible on its own. Serve it with a little butter or a drizzle of honey for a quick and satisfying snack.
With Soup or Stew
Pair this bread with your favorite soups or stews. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up all those delicious flavors.
With Breakfast
Top a warm slice with a dollop of jam or fresh fruit for a simple yet delicious breakfast.
As a Side for Dinner
Serve alongside your main dish for a comforting, homemade touch. Whether it’s pasta, roasted vegetables, or grilled meat, this bread complements nearly any meal.
Additional Tips
Use Cold Butter
Using cold butter helps create a flaky texture, so make sure it’s chilled before you cut it into the flour.
Don’t Overwork the Dough
Since this is a quick bread, you don’t want to overmix or knead the dough too much. Gently bring it together, and you’ll get the best results.
Add Mix-ins
Feel free to customize your bread by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, cheese, or even garlic powder for extra flavor.
Keep It Simple
For a basic bread, stick with the ingredients listed, but remember, this recipe is super versatile, so play around with your favorite add-ins.
Store Leftovers
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It’s best served fresh, but you can always toast slices for a warm snack the next day.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A1: Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will give the bread a denser texture, but it will still be delicious. You may need to add a little more liquid to the dough.
Q2: Can I use plant-based milk instead of regular milk?
A2: Absolutely! You can use any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened for the best results.
Q3: Do I need to use baking powder?
A3: Yes, the baking powder is essential for making this bread rise. Without it, the bread won’t have the same fluffy texture.
Q4: Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
A4: Yes! This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to add herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Q5: Can I make this bread in advance?
A5: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Just toast slices for a warm treat!
Q6: Can I freeze this bread?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the bread for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Q7: What if I don’t have a pastry cutter for the butter?
A7: No worries! You can use your fingers to work the butter into the flour, or even use two forks to break the butter into small pieces.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if you’re making a larger batch.
Q9: Can I make this bread sweeter?
A9: Yes, if you want a slightly sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar or even add a touch of cinnamon.
Q10: What should I serve this bread with?
A10: It’s perfect with butter, jam, soup, or as a side dish to any of your favorite meals.
Conclusion
This Bread in 20 Minutes recipe is the answer to all your bread cravings when you’re short on time. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. With a soft, fluffy texture and a golden-brown crust, it’s the kind of bread you’ll want to make again and again. So, why wait for yeast to rise when you can have fresh bread in no time? Go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the simple joy of homemade bread!
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Bread in 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings) 1x
Description
This incredibly easy and quick bread recipe is perfect when you’re craving fresh homemade bread but don’t have the time for long rising times. Ready in just 20 minutes, this soft, warm bread is ideal for sandwiches, dipping in soups, or enjoying with butter. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe brings homemade bread to your kitchen in no time!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking. -
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined. -
Add Wet Ingredients:
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the milk, melted butter, and water. Stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. -
Shape the Dough:
Transfer the dough to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If you prefer a rustic look, you can shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet. -
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. -
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter or your favorite spread.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the milk with buttermilk or add a tablespoon of honey for sweetness.
- If you don’t have a loaf pan, this bread can also be shaped into a round loaf and baked on a baking sheet.
- Make sure to not overmix the dough; this will help the bread stay soft and fluffy.
- You can add herbs like rosemary or garlic powder for extra flavor in the dough.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Quick Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg