Quick 20-Minute Homemade Bread Recipe
Introduction
This quick 20-minute homemade bread is perfect when you want fresh, warm bread without the long wait. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a soft loaf that’s golden on the outside and tender inside.
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: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: Add flour, salt, and olive oil; 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 preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 5: Brush the dough with olive oil or butter, then bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 6: Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use melted butter instead of olive oil when brushing the loaf before baking.
- Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic twist.
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
- Make rolls instead of a loaf by dividing the dough into equal portions before baking.
Storage
Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm slices in a toaster or oven for a few minutes. This bread is best eaten fresh as it doesn’t have preservatives to keep it soft for long.
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 active dry yeast first by dissolving it in warm water with sugar and letting it sit until bubbly before mixing with the dry ingredients.
What if my dough is too sticky or dry?
If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add warm water slowly until the dough is soft and slightly tacky but manageable.
PrintQuick 20-Minute Homemade Bread Recipe
This Quick 20-Minute Homemade Bread recipe is perfect for when you need fresh, warm bread in a flash. Combining simple pantry staples with a brief rise and fast baking, it delivers a soft, golden loaf with a slightly crisp crust. Ideal for sandwiches, toast, or alongside your favorite meal, this bread is a delicious and effortless homemade treat.
- 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 the yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a mixing bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make the dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil (or melted butter) to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the loaf: Form the dough into a loaf shape with your hands. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Rest while preheating: Let the shaped dough rest for 5 minutes to allow a brief rise, simultaneously preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
- Brush and bake: Lightly brush the top of the dough with olive oil or melted butter to help develop a golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. This helps the texture set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Use warm water around 110°F to properly activate the yeast; water that is too hot can kill the yeast.
- You can substitute olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- For best results, use instant yeast which doesn’t require prior proofing; if using active dry yeast, adjustments may be needed.
- This bread is best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Brush with additional butter after baking for extra softness and flavor.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Keywords: quick bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, 20-minute bread, fast bread, yeast bread, simple bread
