There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread—but what if I told you that you could have it on the table in just 20 minutes? This 20-Minute Homemade Bread is soft, golden, and has that perfect slightly chewy crust. No long proofing times, no fancy equipment—just a few pantry staples and a hot oven.
Whether you’re serving it with soup, using it for sandwiches, or enjoying it warm with butter, this quick bread recipe is about to become your go-to when time is short but comfort is calling.
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Bread
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Quick and easy: Start to finish in just 20 minutes.
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No yeast required: Baking powder does all the work.
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Perfect texture: Soft inside, crisp top.
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Budget-friendly: Made with ingredients you already have.
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Versatile: Serve with meals or as a base for garlic bread, bruschetta, and more.
📝 Ingredients (6 Servings)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¾ cup warm water
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¼ cup milk (optional for softer crumb)
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2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (plus more for brushing)
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Optional: 1 teaspoon dried herbs or garlic powder for flavor
⏱ Prep & Bake Time
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Bake Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
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Yield: 6–8 slices
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add warm water, milk (if using), and olive oil. Stir until just combined. Dough should be soft but not sticky—add a little flour or water as needed.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead gently 2–3 times until smooth. Shape into a round loaf or oval.
Step 5: Bake
Place the loaf on your baking sheet. Brush the top with oil or butter. Use a sharp knife to score the top if desired. Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Step 6: Cool & Slice
Cool on a rack for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm!
🌞 Why It’s Perfect for Summer
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No long rise times: Keeps kitchen heat to a minimum.
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Great with fresh summer meals: Serve with salads, grilled meats, or dips.
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Fast enough for weeknights: Have bread ready before your main dish is done.
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Easy to take along: Perfect for picnics and potlucks.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan.
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Make it herb-y: Mix in rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning.
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Turn it sweet: Add cinnamon and raisins for a breakfast loaf.
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Use whole wheat flour: Sub up to 1 cup for a heartier version.
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Make rolls: Divide into smaller rounds and reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
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Room Temp: Wrap in foil or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze slices or whole loaf wrapped tightly for up to 1 month.
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Reheat: Warm in toaster or 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes.
This bread is best fresh—but also makes amazing toast the next day!