Fresh, warm bread on the table in under 30 minutes? Yes, please! This quick bread recipe is perfect for those times when you need something fast, comforting, and homemade—with no yeast or long rise times involved.
🕒 Quick Recipe Snapshot
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
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Total Time: 20–25 minutes
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Yield: 1 small loaf (serves 4–6)
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Dietary Info: Vegetarian, No Yeast
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
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3/4 cup warm water (plus a bit more if needed)
👩🍳 Instructions
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Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. -
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. -
Add Wet Ingredients:
Pour in the olive oil or melted butter and the warm water. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together. Add a splash more water if the dough is too dry. -
Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead briefly—just a minute or two—until it’s smooth. Shape into a round loaf or flatten slightly for a faster bake. -
Bake:
Place the dough on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the center is fully cooked. -
Cool & Serve:
Let it cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.
💡 Notes
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Make it Extra Savory: Add a handful of chopped herbs or shredded cheese to the dough for a flavor boost.
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Butter or Oil? Butter gives a richer taste, but olive oil brings a slightly nutty flavor and is dairy-free.
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Texture Tip: Don’t overwork the dough—it’s meant to be rustic and quick, so mix just until combined.
🧾 Ingredient Insights & Substitutions
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All-Purpose Flour: You can sub with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf—just add an extra tablespoon of water.
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Baking Powder: This is your leavening hero here—no need for yeast or proofing time!
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Warm Water: Helps activate the baking powder for a better rise.
Substitutions:
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No olive oil? Use any neutral oil or melted coconut oil.
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Gluten-free? Try a 1:1 GF flour blend with added moisture.
🍽️ Variations & Serving Suggestions
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Cheesy Garlic Bread: Mix 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and 1 minced garlic clove into the dough.
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Sweet Version: Add 1 tbsp sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy breakfast bread.
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Serving Ideas: Perfect with soup, salad, or as a base for avocado toast.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Storage: Keep leftovers in a sealed bag at room temp for up to 2 days.
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Freezing: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm in the oven before serving.
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Reheat Tip: Pop slices in the toaster or warm whole in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use self-rising flour instead?
A: Yes—just skip the baking powder and salt.
Q: Can I add herbs or spices?
A: Absolutely. Rosemary, thyme, or even Italian seasoning make a great addition.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but split into two loaves so it bakes evenly.
📝 Kristy’s Note
This is the bread I make when dinner’s almost ready and I realize I forgot the rolls! It’s no-frills, pantry-friendly, and always satisfies. My kids love it with jam, I love it with hummus—and we all love how fast it comes together!
Let’s Bake Together!
Have you tried this Quick 20-Minute Bread? Snap a pic and tag me @KristyCooks on social! I’d love to see your creations and hear how you made it your own. 💬👇