Easy 20-Minute Homemade Bread (No Yeast)
Fresh homemade bread doesn’t have to take hours. This 20-minute homemade bread is soft, tender, and ready in less than half an hour. Since it’s made without yeast, there’s no waiting for dough to rise—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Perfect for busy weeknights, soups, sandwiches, or breakfast, this quick bread is made with simple pantry ingredients and comes together in just a few easy steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- No yeast required
- No kneading or rising time
- Soft interior with a lightly golden crust
- Made with everyday pantry ingredients
- Easy to customize with sweet or savory flavors
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¾ cup milk (room temperature)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Optional Add-Ins
- Garlic powder
- Dried herbs
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Cinnamon and sugar
- Raisins
- Chopped jalapeños
- Everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a small loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Sugar
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk and vegetable oil.
Mix gently until a thick batter forms.
Do not overmix. Stir only until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread light and tender.
Step 4: Fill the Pan
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Finish
Brush the warm loaf with melted butter for a softer crust and extra flavor.
Allow the bread to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Flavor Variations
Garlic & Herb
Add:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon thyme
Cheddar Jalapeño
Fold in:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeños
Sweet Breakfast Bread
Add:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup raisins
Parmesan Crust
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top before baking.
Everything Bread
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This quick bread pairs well with:
- Butter and jam
- Honey
- Soup or stew
- Sandwiches
- Cheese boards
- Scrambled eggs
- Peanut butter
- Toasted with cinnamon sugar
Storage
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Refrigerator
Keeps well for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Slice before freezing and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the toaster or a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh baking powder for the best rise.
- Avoid overmixing the batter.
- Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup.
- Brush with butter immediately after baking for a softer crust.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Bread is dense | Batter was overmixed | Stir only until combined |
| Bread didn’t rise | Old baking powder | Use fresh baking powder |
| Pale crust | Oven not fully preheated | Preheat oven completely |
| Hard crust | Bread wasn’t brushed with butter | Brush with melted butter immediately after baking |
| Dry texture | Too much flour | Measure flour accurately |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread without oil?
Yes. Replace the oil with melted butter or plain yogurt for a slightly different texture.
Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes. Almond, oat, or soy milk all work well in this recipe.
Why didn’t my bread rise?
The most common reason is expired baking powder. Always use fresh baking powder and bake in a fully preheated oven.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Double all ingredients and bake in two loaf pans or one larger pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make rolls instead of a loaf?
Yes. Scoop portions onto a baking tray and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Toast slices, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 10–15 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.
Final Thoughts
This 20-Minute Homemade Bread is the perfect solution when you need fresh bread without the time and effort of traditional yeast recipes. With its soft texture, golden crust, and endless flavor variations, it’s a quick, reliable recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for any meal.
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