Making fresh bread at home doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task. With this quick and easy bread recipe, you can have soft, fluffy, and delicious bread in just 20 minutes. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a side dish, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort while delivering exceptional results. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this fast bread recipe will become your go-to choice whenever you crave fresh homemade bread.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
- ¾ cup warm milk or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk them together to ensure even distribution.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour warm milk (or water) and olive oil (or melted butter) into the dry ingredients. Stir well using a spoon or spatula until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead for about 2-3 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and slightly elastic. Avoid over-kneading to keep the bread soft.
- Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a round or oval shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet. You can also divide it into smaller rolls if preferred.
- Score the Top: Use a sharp knife to make a few shallow cuts on the surface of the dough. This helps the bread expand while baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.
Tips for the Best Quick Bread:
- For extra flavor, add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
- Use warm milk instead of water for a richer taste.
- Brushing the top with butter after baking adds a soft, golden crust.
- If you want a crispy crust, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.