Created on November 15th, 2025 at 04:04 pm
Simple, crusty bread ready in no time
Making homemade bread often feels like a time-consuming venture requiring patience and precision. But this 20-minute homemade bread recipe proves that great flavor and texture can indeed be achieved quickly. With a crispy crust and a soft, warm center, each loaf radiates a comforting aroma that invites everyone to gather around the kitchen. This is bread that can not only fill your home with warmth but also provide a perfect companion for soups, salads, or simply enjoyed on its own with a pat of butter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe comes together effortlessly, yielding a loaf that strikes the perfect balance between crusty and chewy. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the bread to shine, highlighting its woodsy, yeasty aroma. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to whip up fresh bread without elaborate proofing times. The dough mixes quite fast, requiring minimal kneading, letting you reclaim your precious time while still indulging in the experience of baking.
Serve it warm straight from the oven, or keep it wrapped for the next day — it’s remarkable how the flavors intensify overnight, making it an excellent choice for sandwiches or toasting.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf
Ingredients List
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup water (warm)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for flavor)
Kitchen Tools
This recipe requires just a few tools, making it stress-free and accessible for all home cooks. You won’t need any fancy equipment to achieve golden, crusty bread.
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. This allows the base of the bread to get an extra nice crunch.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk them together until well combined, forming a dry mix that looks light and airy.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and olive oil, if using. Stir until the mixture forms a sticky dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about 1 minute, just until it comes together in a smooth ball. Avoid over-kneading.
- Shape the dough ball into a round loaf, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a preheated pizza stone.
- Use a sharp knife to make several shallow slashes on the top of the dough. This not only adds a decorative touch but also allows steam to escape during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that the bread is ready.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before slicing. This will help maintain its texture.
Pro Tips
- Use warm, but not hot, water for the dough to activate the baking powder without killing it.
- If you want a deeper flavor, try adding herbs or garlic powder to the dry mix.
- Ensure your oven temperature is accurate for the best crust. Consider using an oven thermometer if you’re unsure.
- For a softer crust, cover the bread after baking with a clean kitchen towel for a few minutes.
- This bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving as a side to your favorite dishes.
Simple Comfort, Made Accessible
This 20-minute homemade bread recipe strips away the complexities of traditional baking, providing an accessible way to enjoy fresh bread. With its crisp crust and tender interior, it embodies the essence of home-baked comfort. Whether served warm right out of the oven or enjoyed the next day, this bread truly highlights how rewarding the process of cooking can be. It reassures us that, even with minimal effort, we can bring the joy of homemade bread into our lives.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
20-Minute Homemade Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup water (warm) Use warm, but not hot, water.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for flavor) Optional for added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk them together until well combined.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and olive oil, if using. Stir until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about 1 minute.
- Shape the dough ball into a round loaf, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a preheated pizza stone.
- Use a sharp knife to make several shallow slashes on the top of the dough.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
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