Quick 20-Minute Homemade Bread Recipe

Introduction

This quick 20-minute homemade bread is perfect for when you want fresh, warm bread without the wait. With simple ingredients and an easy method, you can enjoy a soft, flavorful loaf 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

1. Step 1: Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Step 2: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Stir everything together until a soft dough forms.
3. Step 3: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Let the dough rest for 5 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Step 5: Brush the top of the loaf with additional olive oil or melted butter. Bake for 15 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
6. Step 6: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle the top with sesame or poppy seeds before baking.
• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a heartier texture.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the loaf with foil halfway through baking.
• Adding a teaspoon of herbs like rosemary or thyme can enhance the aroma.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep it fresh longer, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Reheat slices in a toaster or warm them in the oven before serving.

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’ll need to proof active dry yeast in the warm water with sugar for about 10 minutes until bubbly before mixing it with the dry ingredients.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can lightly grease the baking sheet with oil or butter to prevent the bread from sticking.

Quick 20-Minute Homemade Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 138 reviews

This Quick 20-Minute Homemade Bread recipe delivers a fresh, golden loaf with minimal ingredients and time. Perfect for busy days, this easy bread uses instant yeast and is baked quickly to produce a soft interior with a crispy crust. Enjoy this delightful bread warm with butter or your favorite spread.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 (plus extra for brushing)

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: Combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
2. Mix Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil into the yeast mixture. Stir thoroughly until a soft dough forms that comes together but remains slightly sticky.
3. Shape Loaf: Form the dough into a loaf shape with your hands and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking during baking.
4. Rest and Preheat Oven: Let the formed dough rest for 5 minutes while you preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This brief rest period helps relax the gluten for better texture.
5. Brush and Bake: Lightly brush the top of the dough with olive oil or melted butter to enhance browning and flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, use melted butter instead of olive oil for the dough and brushing.
• Ensure the water temperature is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• If you want a softer crust, brush the loaf with butter immediately after baking while still warm.
• This bread is best consumed the same day for optimal freshness but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Keywords: quick bread, homemade bread, 20-minute bread, easy bread recipe, no knead bread, quick yeast bread