Soft, fluffy, and ready in under 30 minutes—no yeast, no rising time!
If you’re short on time but still craving a warm, comforting slice of homemade bread, this is the perfect recipe for you. Whether you’re making a quick dinner, a hearty breakfast, or just want something fresh from the oven to pair with soup or stew, this no-yeast bread is a lifesaver. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 20 minutes, you’ll have a warm loaf on the table, ready to enjoy.
🛒 Ingredients
-
2 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level it into your measuring cup to avoid compacting.
-
2 tablespoons sugar – Adds just a touch of sweetness and helps with browning.
-
1 tablespoon baking powder – Acts as the leavening agent. Make sure it’s fresh for maximum rise.
-
1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor.
-
1 cup milk – Whole milk works best for richness, but any kind will do.
-
2 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil) – Adds moisture and flavor. Use what you have on hand!
🥣 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a small loaf pan (8×4 inches) or an 8-inch round/square baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps the bread rise uniformly.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk and melted butter (or olive oil). Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until everything is just combined. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky, similar to muffin batter. Be careful not to overmix—this can make the bread dense.
💡 Tip: If you want to jazz it up, this is the perfect time to fold in extras like shredded cheese, herbs, or even cooked bacon bits!
4. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. If desired, brush a little extra melted butter on top for a golden, flavorful crust.
5. Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ovens can vary, so start checking around the 18-minute mark.
6. Cool & Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with a smear of butter, a drizzle of honey, or alongside your favorite meal.
🧀 Optional Variations
-
Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and 1 tsp garlic powder to the batter.
-
Herb Bread: Stir in 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs or chopped fresh rosemary.
-
Sweet Twist: Use 1/4 cup sugar and add cinnamon and raisins for a quick sweet loaf.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
-
Pair with soups like tomato, minestrone, or chicken noodle.
-
Toast it for breakfast and top with avocado, eggs, or jam.
-
Use it as a base for mini sandwiches or sliders.
🧊 Storage Tips
-
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
-
For longer storage, wrap and freeze slices for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster or oven.
This bread is proof that great things can come from simple ingredients and just a little time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker in a rush, this quick recipe delivers every time.
