If you’re craving the comfort of fresh, homemade bread but don’t have hours to spare, this Quick 20-Minute Homemade Bread is your new go-to recipe. With a few pantry staples and almost no kneading or waiting time, you’ll have a warm, golden loaf ready before dinner hits the table. Perfect for busy days or last-minute meals, this simple recipe proves that homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Bread
- Ready in just 20 minutes: From mixing bowl to oven to table — it’s that fast!
- Beginner-friendly: No yeast, no rise time, and no special tools needed.
- Soft and flavorful: Buttery, fluffy, and lightly sweet — perfect with any meal.
- Versatile: Great for sandwiches, soups, or simply with a pat of butter.
- Customizable: Add herbs, garlic, or cheese for your own twist.
🧂 Ingredients
(Find full measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk and melted butter (or olive oil). Stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
4. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool and Serve
Let the loaf cool for a few minutes, then slice and enjoy it warm with butter, jam, or your favorite meal.
🕒 Serving & Storage
Servings: 8 slices
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 20–25 minutes
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf (sliced or whole) for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
🌿 Variations & Tips
- Add flavor: Mix in herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a savory twist.
- Garlic butter loaf: Brush the top with garlic butter after baking for an irresistible finish.
- Whole wheat version: Swap some all-purpose flour for whole wheat, adding a little extra milk if needed.
- Crispy crust: Bake a few extra minutes and mist the top with water near the end of baking.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum for structure.
🥖 FAQs
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the dry ingredients in advance and store them in a sealed container. Just add wet ingredients when ready to bake.
What’s the best way to serve it?
It’s delicious with soups, stews, salads, or simply toasted with butter and honey.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger loaf pan or bake two smaller loaves side by side.
Why didn’t my bread rise much?
Check that your baking powder is fresh. Overmixing can also make the bread dense.
🧡 Conclusion
This Quick 20-Minute Homemade Bread delivers all the cozy satisfaction of freshly baked bread — in a fraction of the time. It’s soft, flavorful, and wonderfully easy to make, even for beginners. Whether you need a quick side for dinner or a homemade loaf for breakfast, this simple bread recipe is one you’ll want to bake again and again.
📖 Recipe Card
Quick 20-Minute Homemade Bread
Yield: 8 slices | Total Time: 20–25 minutes
This easy bread recipe comes together in minutes using just flour, milk, butter, and baking powder — no yeast required! Light, fluffy, and golden brown, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, soups, or sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease or line a loaf pan.
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk and butter; stir gently until just combined.
- Pour into loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake 15–20 minutes.
- Cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!