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 minimal ingredients and simple steps, 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 instant 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 yeast mixture. Stir 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 dough with olive oil or melted butter, then 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 a richer flavor, replace olive oil with melted butter in the dough and for brushing before baking.
• Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an herbed bread variation.
• Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.

Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat slices gently in a toaster or oven to restore freshness.

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 dissolve active dry yeast in warm water and let it proof for about 10 minutes before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Why is the bread so quick to bake?

This bread uses instant yeast and a quick rest instead of a long rise, allowing it to bake faster while still producing a soft, tender crumb.

Quick 20-Minute Homemade Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 58 reviews

This Quick 20-Minute Homemade Bread recipe makes a soft, golden loaf with minimal ingredients and effort. Using instant yeast and a short resting period, you can enjoy fresh-baked bread in under half an hour. Perfect for last-minute sandwiches or a warm accompaniment to any meal.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 1 small loaf (approx. 8 slices) 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

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a mixing bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Form 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.
3. Shape the Loaf: Shape the dough into a loaf form and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet for baking.
4. Preheat Oven and Rest Dough: Let the dough rest for 5 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This brief rest allows the dough to relax slightly before baking.
5. Brush and Bake: Lightly brush the top of the dough with olive oil or butter to get a golden crust. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and cooked through.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use warm water to activate the yeast properly; too hot or too cold water can kill or not activate the yeast.
• For a richer flavor, substitute olive oil with melted butter as preferred.
• Do not over-knead the dough to keep it soft and tender.
• If you want a crispier crust, bake the loaf a few minutes longer but monitor to avoid burning.
• This bread is best eaten fresh on the day of baking but can be stored wrapped at room temperature for 1-2 days.

Keywords: quick homemade bread, easy bread recipe, 20-minute bread, yeast bread, oven-baked bread