Name: bread recipe fast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 cup milk (or buttermilk); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted butter)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving homemade bread but are short on time, this bread recipe fast is your perfect kitchen companion. With just a handful of simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you’ll have a warm, golden loaf fresh from the oven in under an hour. The best part is how this recipe combines basic pantry staples to create a loaf that’s tender inside with a slightly crisp crust, making it ideal for everything from buttery toast to hearty sandwiches. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a novice baker, this bread recipe fast guarantees satisfying results without the wait.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of this bread recipe fast lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color—no fancy additives required.

2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure and body of your bread, giving it a soft crumb.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent, helping your bread rise quickly without yeast.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and promotes browning on the crust.
1 cup milk (or buttermilk): Moisturizes the dough and adds richness; buttermilk gives a lovely tang if you want a flavor twist.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted butter): Keeps the bread tender and adds a touch of buttery flavor.

How to Make bread recipe fast

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is optional but it helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. This step sets the stage for baking success, ensuring the dough will cook evenly and develop that golden crust we all love.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until thoroughly mixed. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed, so your bread rises consistently throughout. Taking a moment here sets a solid foundation for your loaf.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Make a small well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in your milk and vegetable oil (or melted butter). The milk adds moisture and tenderness, while the oil enriches the dough and prevents it from drying out. These two ingredients transform the dry flour mixture into a soft dough.

Step 4: Mix the Dough

Stir gently until the ingredients just come together. It’s important not to overmix to keep your bread soft and tender. Overworking the dough can make it tough, so stop as soon as it forms a cohesive ball—that’s the sweet spot for this bread recipe fast.

Step 5: Knead Lightly and Shape

Dust a clean surface with a little flour, then transfer your dough. Give it a gentle knead for about a minute to bring it all together. Shape it into a round loaf for a classic look and even baking. This step is quick but crucial to building just enough gluten for structure.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Place the formed loaf onto your baking sheet. If you want, score a few slits on top; this not only looks charming but helps the bread rise better and prevents cracking in unwanted spots. This small touch elevates your bread’s appearance and texture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the loaf into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. This step fills your kitchen with incredible aroma and brings your bread recipe fast to life.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Cooling prevents the loaf from becoming soggy and helps the crumb set perfectly. Resist slicing immediately—letting it rest is worth the wait.

How to Serve bread recipe fast

Garnishes

A warm loaf like this begs for simple garnishes that highlight its natural flavor. Spread a thick layer of butter and sprinkle some sea salt, or add a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also be pressed into the dough before baking for extra aroma and beauty.

Side Dishes

This bread recipe fast pairs beautifully with soups, stews, and salads. Its mild taste complements robust flavors, making it a fantastic side for hearty chili or a vibrant garden salad. It also makes a great vehicle for your favorite dips and spreads, from classic hummus to rich, creamy cheeses.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the loaf and toasting each piece to turn it into a charming base for bruschetta or open-faced sandwiches. Alternatively, hollow it out to create a bread bowl perfect for creamy soups. Using this bread recipe fast creatively can turn a simple loaf into the star of your meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover bread in a clean kitchen towel or place it in a paper bag to keep the crust crisp. Store it at room temperature for up to two days. Avoid plastic bags unless you want soft crust—this bread’s charm is in its texture!

Freezing

If you want to keep your bread longer, freeze it whole or sliced in an airtight container or freezer bag. This locks in freshness and lets you pull out portions as needed, making this bread recipe fast not only easy to make but also convenient to enjoy anytime.

Reheating

For the best experience, reheat slices in a toaster or the whole loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes. This refreshes the crust’s crunch and restores that just-baked warmth that makes every bite irresistible.

FAQs

Can I substitute the milk for a non-dairy option?

Absolutely! Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk work well in this bread recipe fast and will keep the texture soft. Just make sure to choose an unflavored variety to maintain the bread’s natural taste.

Why does the bread need baking powder instead of yeast?

Baking powder is a quick leavening agent that allows this recipe to be prepared fast without the wait time needed for yeast to ferment. That’s what makes this a bread recipe fast—no hours of rising required!

Can I add herbs or spices to this recipe?

Definitely. Mixing in rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar can personalize the loaf to your taste and occasion, while still preserving the speed of this bread recipe fast.

What’s the best way to check if the bread is done?

Tapping the bottom of the loaf is a classic test; it should sound hollow when fully baked. The crust should be a lovely golden brown and firm to the touch as well.

Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

This particular bread recipe fast is designed for oven baking and quick preparation, so it’s best made by hand and baked. Bread machines usually need yeast and longer rising times, so results may vary.

Final Thoughts

This bread recipe fast is a fantastic way to enjoy homemade bread that tastes like you spent all day baking, but in a fraction of the time. It’s simple, inviting, and endlessly adaptable. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a warm, fresh loaf that feels like a cozy hug straight from your kitchen.

bread recipe fast Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and easy homemade bread recipe that requires minimal ingredients and time, perfect for bread lovers seeking a delicious and fresh loaf without the long wait. This soft and golden-brown bread is versatile, ideal for sandwiches, toast, or serving alongside soups and salads.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar

Wet Ingredients

1 cup milk (or buttermilk)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted butter)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until everything is well combined for uniform rising and flavor.
Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the milk and vegetable oil, which will hydrate the flour and add moisture to the dough.
Form Dough: Stir the mixture gently until it forms a soft dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and prevent it from becoming tough.
Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead gently for about 1 minute to bring it together into a cohesive round loaf.
Prepare for Baking: Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, make a few slits on top to allow steam to escape and for decorative purposes.
Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it is fully cooked.
Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to prevent sogginess and maintain texture.

Notes

You can substitute milk with buttermilk for a richer flavor and softer crumb.
Use melted butter instead of vegetable oil for a buttery taste.
Do not overmix or overknead the dough to avoid dense bread.
Adding herbs like rosemary or garlic powder can enhance flavor.
Bread is best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Adjust baking time if using a convection oven or different oven types.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American