20-Minute Homemade Bread
20-Minute Homemade Bread
Introduction
Homemade bread is a delightful treat that fills your home with a warm and comforting aroma. There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh bread, and making it at home can be easier and quicker than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and about 20 minutes, you can create a soft, crusty loaf that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter.
Why Make This Recipe
This 20-Minute Homemade Bread is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. It requires no yeast, which means no waiting time for rising, and it uses basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Moreover, this recipe is quick, making it an ideal choice for when you want fresh bread without the hassle. Besides, it’s enjoyable to bake your own bread and share it with family and friends.
How to Make 20-Minute Homemade Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour in the warm water and olive oil.
- Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 1 minute until it becomes smooth.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use a sharp knife to make a few slashes on the top of the loaf for decoration and to help it rise.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
How to Serve 20-Minute Homemade Bread
This bread is incredibly versatile! You can serve it warm with butter, use it as a base for sandwiches, or enjoy it with soups and salads. Pair it with your favorite spreads like jam or hummus for a tasty snack.
How to Store 20-Minute Homemade Bread
To keep your bread fresh, store it at room temperature in a bread box or an airtight container. It’s best eaten within a couple of days. If you have leftovers, consider slicing the bread and freezing it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can toast frozen slices directly from the freezer.
Tips to Make 20-Minute Homemade Bread
- Make sure your water is warm but not hot; hot water can kill the baking powder.
- Kneading for just a minute is enough for this recipe; don’t overwork the dough.
- Feel free to add herbs or spices to the dough for added flavor.
Variation
You can easily customize this bread by adding ingredients like shredded cheese, minced garlic, or even chopped olives for a savory twist. For a sweet version, consider adding raisins or cinnamon.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. You might need to adjust the amount of water slightly.
2. What if I don’t have olive oil?
You can substitute olive oil with any other cooking oil, like vegetable oil or canola oil.
3. Can I make this bread in advance?
This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours; just let it come to room temperature before baking.
With this simple recipe, you’ll be able to bake fresh bread in no time. Enjoy the experience and the delicious taste of your homemade bread!
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20-Minute Homemade Bread
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy homemade bread recipe that doesn’t require yeast, yielding a soft and crusty loaf perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour in the warm water and olive oil.
- Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 1 minute until it becomes smooth.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use a sharp knife to make a few slashes on the top of the loaf for decoration and to help it rise.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
Store bread at room temperature in a bread box or an airtight container. For longer storage, slice and freeze in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
