Quick 20-Minute Homemade Bread Recipe
Introduction
This quick 20-minute homemade bread recipe is perfect for when you want fresh, warm bread without the long wait. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a soft, golden loaf straight from your oven in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Step 2: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 4: Let the dough rest for 5 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 5: Brush the loaf with olive oil or melted butter for a golden crust. Bake for 15 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
- Step 6: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, substitute olive oil with melted butter or add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
- Brush the loaf with garlic butter after baking for an extra tasty twist.
Storage
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you will need to activate the active dry yeast in warm water before mixing with other ingredients. Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients.
Why is my bread dense instead of soft and airy?
Make sure the water temperature is warm (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly. Also, avoid adding too much flour; the dough should be soft but not sticky. Letting the dough rest helps the gluten develop, contributing to a lighter texture.
PrintQuick 20-Minute Homemade Bread Recipe
A quick and easy homemade bread recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for when you want fresh, warm bread without the long rise times. This recipe uses instant yeast for a fast fermentation, delivering a soft crust and tender crumb that pairs well with any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 0.75 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Form Dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir all ingredients together until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Loaf: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, preparing it for baking.
- Rest and Preheat: Let the shaped dough rest for 5 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), allowing the dough to relax and the oven to reach the right temperature.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil or melted butter to enhance browning, then bake it in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure water is warm (around 110°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Using instant yeast skips the long rising time, but for fluffier bread, you could let the dough rise longer if desired.
- Brush the loaf with olive oil for a crispier crust or with butter for a softer, richer crust.
- Check the bread at 15 minutes; oven temperatures may vary and affect baking time slightly.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 2 days.
Keywords: quick bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, instant yeast bread, 20-minute bread
