Go Back
Quick 20-Minute Homemade Bread

Quick 20-Minute Homemade Bread

This recipe provides a quick and easy way to bake homemade bread in just 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight meals. It requires no rise time or complicated kneading, resulting in a surprisingly soft, fluffy bread with a delicate crust using only simple pantry staples.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
  • Sugar: 1 tablespoon
  • Instant Yeast: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Warm Water: ¾ cup, around 110°F or 43°C
  • Olive Oil or Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons, plus a little extra for brushing on top

Equipment

  • medium-sized mixing bowl
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • wire rack

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Activate the Yeast: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You're looking for a foamy, bubbly layer to form on the surface. This is how you know your yeast is alive and ready to go. If it doesn't foam, your yeast may be old or the water might have been too hot or cold.
  2. Mix the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil (or melted butter) to the bowl with the yeast mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir everything together until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don't overmix; just stir until there are no dry patches of flour left.
  3. Shape the Loaf: Scrape the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently bring it together with your hands to form a rustic, round, or slightly oblong loaf. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. A Quick Rest: Let the dough rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This gives the gluten a moment to relax and the yeast a head start. While it rests, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Just before baking, gently brush the top of the loaf with a little extra olive oil or melted butter. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown color and a soft crust. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when you tap the bottom.
  6. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. It’s best to let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing, as this allows the internal structure to set. Then, slice it up and enjoy it warm!

Notes

Tips: Check your yeast is fresh by seeing if it foams. Don't overmix the dough. Ensure the oven is fully preheated. For a softer crust, brush with melted butter; for a crisper crust, use olive oil. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky; if it's too wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time. Variations: Add herbs, cheese, or garlic powder to the dry ingredients. For a sweet version, increase sugar and add cinnamon. You can also substitute up to ½ cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.