This quick and easy homemade bread requires no yeast, kneading, or rising time. With simple pantry ingredients, you can have a soft, tender loaf with a lightly golden crust in about 20 minutes.
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
- Dried herbs
- Garlic powder
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped jalapeños
- Cinnamon and sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a small loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. You can also use a round baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk and vegetable oil.
Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the ingredients are just combined. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky.
Do not overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
4. Transfer to the Pan
Spoon the dough into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
5. Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Brush with Butter
Immediately after removing the bread from the oven, brush the top with melted butter.
7. Cool and Slice
Let the bread rest in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
Serve warm or allow it to cool completely before slicing.
Flavor Variations
Garlic and Herb
Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of thyme to the dry ingredients.
Cheddar Jalapeño
Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeños.
Sweet Cinnamon Bread
Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a little extra sugar for a lightly sweet version.
Parmesan Crust
Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top before baking.
Herb and Cheese
Add your favorite dried herbs and ½ cup shredded cheese to the batter.
Serving Ideas
This bread is delicious served with:
- Butter and jam
- Peanut butter and honey
- Cheese
- Soup or stew
- Eggs and breakfast dishes
- Sandwich fillings
- Cinnamon sugar
Storage
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Refrigerator: Refrigerate for up to 7 days. Toast before serving to restore its texture.
Freezer: Slice the cooled bread and freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Separate slices with parchment paper for easy removal.
How to Reheat
For a soft slice, microwave it for 10–15 seconds wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel.
For a crispier texture, place slices in a toaster or heat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dense bread | Overmixing | Mix only until the ingredients are combined |
| Little rise | Old baking powder | Use fresh baking powder |
| Pale crust | Oven not fully preheated | Preheat the oven completely before baking |
| Hard crust | Bread was not brushed with butter | Brush the hot loaf with melted butter |
| Bland flavor | Not enough salt | Measure the salt accurately |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread without oil?
Yes. Replace the oil with an equal amount of melted butter. Plain yogurt can also be used, although it will slightly change the texture.
Can I use almond or oat milk?
Yes. Unsweetened almond or oat milk can replace regular milk.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may be slightly different from traditional wheat bread.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Double all the ingredients and bake the dough in two loaf pans. Check for doneness before removing from the oven.
Can I make rolls instead of a loaf?
Yes. Divide the dough into small portions and place them on a greased baking tray. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until golden.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container or freeze individual slices for later.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: About 25 minutes
Yield: 1 small loaf
Oven Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Difficulty: Easy
Soft, quick, and completely yeast-free, this homemade bread is perfect when you want fresh bread without the long wait.