This quick homemade bread is soft, fluffy, and incredibly easy to make. With simple pantry ingredients and no long rising time, it’s perfect when you need fresh bread on the table fast, whether for breakfast, dinner, or a quick snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
No complicated techniques or special equipment needed
Soft and tender texture with a lightly golden crust
Made with simple, affordable ingredients
Perfect for beginners and busy days
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup warm water
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Add the warm milk and warm water to the bowl. Stir with a spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until smooth.
Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and place it in the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 slices
Prep time: 5 minutes
Bake time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
Garlic bread: Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder to the dry ingredients for a savory flavor.
Herb bread: Mix in 1 teaspoon dried herbs such as oregano or thyme.
Slightly sweet bread: Increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons for a sweeter taste.
Milk-only version: Replace the warm water with additional warm milk for a richer crumb.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at low heat for a few minutes or briefly in a dry pan until soft and warm.
FAQs
Can I make this bread without milk?
Yes, you can replace the milk with the same amount of warm water, but the bread will be slightly less rich.
Why is my bread dense?
Overmixing or adding too much flour can make the bread dense. Mix just until combined.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture will be a bit denser.
Do I need yeast for this recipe?
No, this recipe uses baking powder, so no yeast or rising time is required.
Can I cook this bread on the stovetop?
This recipe is designed for the oven, but it can be adapted to a covered pan on very low heat.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The top should be lightly golden, and the bread should sound hollow when tapped.
Can I add seeds or toppings?
Yes, you can sprinkle sesame seeds or other seeds on top before baking.
Is this bread freezer-friendly?
Yes, let it cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan.
What should I serve with this bread?
It pairs well with soups, stews, salads, or enjoyed on its own with butter or jam.
Conclusion
This 20-minute homemade bread proves that fresh, delicious bread doesn’t have to take hours. Simple, fast, and satisfying, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll want to make again and again whenever you crave warm bread straight from the oven.
This 20-minute homemade bread is soft, fluffy, and quick to make with no yeast or rising time required. It’s perfect for busy days when you want fresh bread fast using simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup warm water
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease or line a baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add warm milk and warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 2–3 minutes until smooth.
Shape into a round or oval loaf and place in the prepared pan.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
