We all know nothing beats the smell of freshly baked bread. It instantly makes your kitchen feel cozy and welcoming. But there are more reasons to love this 20-minute homemade bread:
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Healthier ingredients – You control what goes in: no unnecessary preservatives or additives.
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Budget-friendly – Flour, baking powder, yogurt or milk, and oil are usually cheaper than store-bought specialty breads.
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Fast comfort food – When you want something warm and satisfying now, this recipe delivers.
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Versatile – Use it alongside soup, as a snack, for sandwiches, or as a base for garlic bread.
That’s why the phrase “Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked bread! Try this 20-Minute Homemade Bread recipe for a quick and tasty treat! 🥖💖” isn’t just catchy—it’s genuinely practical.
The 20-Minute Homemade Bread: Basic Recipe
This is a quick, no-yeast bread. Think of it as a cross between a soft flatbread and a simple soda bread. It bakes quickly, has a tender crumb, and is perfect for slicing or tearing and dipping.
Ingredients (Makes 1 small loaf or 4 flatbreads)
Dry ingredients:
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2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour or plain flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
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1/2 tsp fine salt
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1–2 tsp sugar or honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
Wet ingredients:
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3/4 cup (180 ml) plain yogurt or buttermilk (you can use milk with 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice stirred in)
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2–3 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable, canola, sunflower, or light olive oil)
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1–2 tbsp water, only if needed to bring the dough together
Optional add-ins:
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1–2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil for brushing the top
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1–2 tsp dried herbs (oregano, thyme, Italian seasoning)
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1/2 cup (about 50 g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
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1–2 cloves garlic, minced, for garlic bread vibes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
If baking in the oven:
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Preheat to 425°F / 220°C.
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Lightly grease or line a small baking tray or cast-iron skillet.
If cooking on the stovetop (for flatbreads):
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Place a heavy skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat so it’s hot when the dough is ready.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl:
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Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using).
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If you’re adding dried herbs or grated cheese, stir them into the dry mixture now so they’re evenly distributed.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
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Make a well in the center of the dry mix.
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Pour in the yogurt or buttermilk and the oil.
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Gently mix with a spoon or your hands until the dough just comes together.
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If it feels too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it forms a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Important: Don’t overmix. Overworking the dough can make the bread tough instead of soft.
4. Shape the Dough
For a small loaf:
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Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
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Gently shape it into a round or oval ball, about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) thick.
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Place it on your prepared tray or skillet.
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Using a sharp knife, lightly score a cross on top to help it bake evenly.
For flatbreads:
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Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
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Roll or press each piece into a round about 1/2 inch (1–1.5 cm) thick.
5. Bake or Pan-Cook
Oven-baked version (loaf or thick disc):
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Bake at 425°F / 220°C for about 15–18 minutes, until the bread is risen, lightly golden, and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Brush with melted butter or olive oil as soon as it comes out for extra flavor and softness.
Stovetop flatbread version:
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Place one piece of dough in the hot, lightly oiled skillet.
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Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, until puffed and golden brown spots appear.
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Repeat with the remaining pieces.
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Brush with butter, garlic butter, or olive oil while warm.
And just like that: Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked bread! Try this 20-Minute Homemade Bread recipe for a quick and tasty treat! 🥖💖 You’ve got warm, fresh bread on the table in about the time it takes to clear the kitchen.
Easy Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic 20-minute bread, you can play around with flavors and textures.
Garlic & Herb Bread
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Add 1–2 tsp dried Italian herbs to the dough.
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Stir 1–2 minced garlic cloves into the wet ingredients.
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After baking, brush with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
Cheesy Bread
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Fold 1/2 cup shredded cheese into the dough (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend).
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Sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a golden, bubbly crust.
Sweet Breakfast Bread
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Increase sugar to 2–3 tbsp.
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Add a handful of raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.
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Serve with butter, jam, or honey for a quick breakfast treat.
Whole Wheat Upgrade
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Replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
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You may need a tablespoon or two more liquid, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
Practical Tips for Perfect 20-Minute Bread
To really “sleepwalk” through this recipe and still get great results, keep these practical tips in mind:
1. Measure Flour the Right Way
Too much flour = dry bread.
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If using cups, spoon the flour into the cup and level off with a knife instead of scooping straight from the bag.
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If you have a kitchen scale, use grams for more accuracy.
2. Don’t Overmix or Overknead
This is a quick bread, not a traditional kneaded yeast loaf.
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Mix until the dough just comes together.
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A slightly rough surface is fine. Overworking the dough can make it dense and chewy.
3. Use High Heat
The quick rise and nice crust depend on a hot oven or hot pan.
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Make sure your oven is fully preheated before the bread goes in.
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For flatbreads, preheat the skillet for several minutes so the first bread cooks as well as the last.
4. Serve While Warm
This bread tastes best fresh and warm:
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Plan to serve it within 30–60 minutes of baking for maximum softness and aroma.
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If you need to reheat, pop it in a warm oven for a few minutes rather than microwaving (which can make it rubbery).
5. Storing Leftovers
If you do have leftovers:
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Let the bread cool completely.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
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For longer storage, slice and freeze; reheat in the oven or toaster.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your 20-Minute Bread
Once your kitchen smells amazing and the bread is ready, here are some simple serving ideas:
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With soup or stew – Perfect with tomato soup, vegetable soup, or a hearty stew.
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As quick garlic bread – Slice, brush with garlic butter, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes.
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For sandwiches – Slice the loaf horizontally for a rustic sandwich roll.
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Breakfast toast – Toast slices and top with butter, jam, nut butter, or avocado.
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Dip platter – Serve pieces with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, hummus, or spinach dip.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever said, “I don’t have time to bake bread,” this recipe proves otherwise. Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked bread! Try this 20-Minute Homemade Bread recipe for a quick and tasty treat! 🥖💖 It’s simple, fast, and flexible enough to fit your taste and schedule.
With just a few basic ingredients and about 20 minutes, you can transform your kitchen into a cozy bakery, impress your family, or treat yourself to something warm and homemade. Next time you crave comfort food, skip the store-bought loaf and whip up this easy, speedy bread instead—you’ll be amazed at how often you come back to it.