The kitchen was already warm from the morning sun when my daughter wandered in with her blanket wrapped around her shoulders like a cape. It was one of those cozy snow days when school was canceled, and everything outside had turned into a soft white blur. We weren’t planning anything fancy—no big meals or complicated bakes. Just comfort, simplicity, and something warm in the oven.
“Can we bake something, just the two of us?” she asked, already pulling up the step stool. That question unlocked a memory from years ago, standing at my grandmother’s counter, elbows deep in flour, watching her turn pantry staples into something that smelled like home. I remember thinking it was magic.
So, I pulled out what we had: flour, baking powder, butter, milk. Nothing extraordinary. No yeast, no rising time, just basic ingredients and a little patience. She stirred while I melted the butter, and in just twenty minutes, our kitchen was filled with that unmistakable smell—warm, toasty bread, crisp on the outside, soft inside.
We didn’t wait. We tore it apart straight from the oven, spread it with jam, and sat by the window watching the snow fall. No one said much—we just shared the moment, crumbs on our laps, jam on our fingers, happiness in the small things. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.
Short Description
This 20-minute bread recipe is perfect for anyone who loves fresh bread but doesn’t have the time to wait for hours. With just a few pantry staples, you can make a soft, fluffy loaf in no time. It’s quick, easy, and customizable to your tastes.
Key Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup milk (or water)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a slight sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or herbs (optional for flavor)
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pan (9×5 inches)
- Spoon or spatula
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). While the oven is warming up, lightly grease a 9×5-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure your bread doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and optional sugar and garlic powder (or herbs). This combination of dry ingredients creates the foundation of your bread’s soft texture. Be sure to mix it well so everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Now, pour in the melted butter and milk (or water). Stir the mixture together using a spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms. Don’t worry if the dough is a little sticky—that’s perfectly normal!
Step 4: Pour the Dough into the Pan
Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan. Use your spoon or spatula to smooth the top into an even layer. The dough should spread out nicely and fill the pan.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown on top. You can test the bread by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve it warm with butter, or enjoy it on its own for a quick snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this bread is perfect for those days when you want fresh bread but don’t have the time for a lengthy recipe.
No Yeast: Forget about waiting for yeast to rise—this recipe uses baking powder, which means it’s all about speed without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile: You can easily switch up the flavor by adding herbs, garlic, or even a sprinkle of cheese. Customize it to fit your meal or mood!
Perfect for Beginners: No complicated steps, no special equipment—just basic ingredients and simple instructions that anyone can follow.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overmixing the Dough: If you overmix the dough, the bread may turn out dense instead of light and fluffy. Mix just until combined—it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
Too Much Flour: If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of extra milk or water at a time until you achieve the right consistency. It should be slightly sticky but still hold together.
Not Preheating the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. If the oven isn’t hot enough, the bread may not rise as it should.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This quick bread is perfect on its own or as a side to a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving ideas:
Serve it with Soup: Pair this bread with a creamy tomato soup or a hearty chicken noodle soup for a comforting meal.
As a Side to Roasted Meats: It’s a great accompaniment to roasted chicken, beef, or pork.
With Butter and Jam: For a quick breakfast or snack, spread butter and your favorite jam on a warm slice of bread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing: Keep leftover bread in an airtight container or plastic wrap to maintain its freshness. It will stay good for about 2-3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to revive its warmth and texture. You can also slice it and toast it for a crispy treat.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. However, the bread might be a little denser, so you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
2. Can I make this bread without milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute water for the milk if you prefer. For a richer flavor, try using a non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk.
3. Can I add cheese or herbs to this bread?
Yes! Feel free to add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, or mix in some herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the flavor.
4. Why is my bread dense?
The bread may be dense if you overmix the dough or add too much flour. Remember, mix just until combined, and don’t pack the flour too tightly into the measuring cup.
5. Can I freeze the bread?
Yes! To freeze, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in a freezer bag. It will last for about 1-2 months. To reheat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Tips & Tricks
Add a Touch of Sweetness: If you like a slight sweetness, add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to the dough.
For a Golden Finish: Brush the top of the dough with a little melted butter before baking for a golden, buttery finish.
Use a Sifter: Sifting your flour and baking powder together can help create a lighter bread, especially if you prefer a fluffier texture.
Recipe Variations
Herb-Infused Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the dry ingredients to infuse the bread with a savory flavor.
Cheddar Garlic Bread: For a cheesy twist, stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. This makes the perfect side for pasta or soups.
Cinnamon Sugar Loaf: For a sweet variation, swap the salt for cinnamon and add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the dough. After baking, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a delicious, sweet treat.
Final Thoughts
That snow day has become one of our favorite little traditions. Every time we see flakes start to fall, my daughter grins and says, “Bread day?” like it’s an official holiday. And honestly, maybe it is for us. We’ve made it a few different ways since—sometimes with herbs, sometimes with a sprinkle of cheese—but the heart of it stays the same.
It reminds me that the best recipes don’t need to be fancy or time-consuming. They just need to bring people together, even if it’s over a plate of warm bread by the window. I hope this one brings you the same kind of comfort.
Bread In 20 Minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¾ cup milk or water
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional, for a slight sweetness
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or herbs optional for flavor
Instructions
- Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). While it heats, grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray so the bread doesn’t stick.
- In a big bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and any extras like sugar, garlic powder, or herbs. Make sure everything is mixed well.
- Pour in the melted butter and milk (or water). Mix with a spoon or spatula until it turns into a soft dough. It’s okay if it’s a bit sticky.
- Scoop the dough into your greased pan. Spread it out evenly with your spoon or spatula so the top is smooth.
- Put the pan in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. The top should turn golden brown. To check if it’s done, poke the center with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
- Take the bread out and let it sit in the pan for 5 minutes. Then move it to a rack or plate. Serve warm with butter or eat it plain as a quick snack.
