Bread in 20 Minutes – The Perfect Recipe for Those in a Hurry

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready for the bread to bake, so it cooks quickly and evenly.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using). Stir them together until they are evenly distributed.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then add the warm milk and olive oil. Stir everything together until the dough begins to form.
4. Form the Dough: Once the dough starts to come together, lightly flour a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
5. Shape the Loaf: After kneading, shape the dough into a loaf or divide it into smaller rolls, depending on your preference. If you want to make rolls, divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions and shape them into small rounds.
6. Bake the Bread: Place your shaped loaf or rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it up while it’s still warm and enjoy with butter, jam, or as a side for your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: This bread is ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you want fresh bread in a hurry.
2. No Yeast Required: No need to wait for dough to rise or worry about yeast not activating. Baking powder does the job quickly, resulting in a soft, slightly crumbly loaf.
3. Customizable: You can add herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough for extra flavor, or even sprinkle some seeds on top before baking for added texture.
4. Perfect for Beginners: Even if you’ve never baked bread before, this recipe is foolproof. With minimal ingredients and a simple process, you can impress yourself (and your guests) with a delicious homemade loaf.

Tips for Success:

• Warm Ingredients: Using warm milk or water helps the dough come together more easily, but make sure it’s not too hot, or it could affect the texture of the dough.
• Add-ins for Variety: Feel free to get creative with your bread by adding ingredients like shredded cheese, chopped olives, or fresh herbs. Just stir them into the dough before shaping.
• Texture: This bread is more like a quick, dense loaf than a traditional, airy yeast bread. If you’re looking for a fluffier texture, consider increasing the baking powder slightly or using a lighter flour like cake flour.

Final Thoughts

This 20-minute bread recipe is a lifesaver for anyone craving fresh, homemade bread without the long waiting times. It’s the perfect solution for busy individuals, novice bakers, or anyone looking for a fast way to enjoy the simple joy of freshly baked bread. Give it a try the next time you’re in a hurry, and you’ll have a delicious loaf ready to share in no time!