Bread in 20 Minutes

Here’s a quick and easy 20-minute bread recipe with variations and tips:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter

Construction (Steps):

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the milk and olive oil (or melted butter). Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Form the dough into a rough ball and transfer it to your prepared pan. Flatten it slightly to fit the pan.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
6. Cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

Variations:

1. Cheese Bread: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend) into the dry ingredients for a cheesy twist.
2. Garlic Bread: Mix 1-2 minced garlic cloves into the dough or brush the top with garlic butter before baking.
3. Herb Bread: Stir in 1 tbsp of dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano) to the flour mixture for a flavorful herbal kick.
4. Sweet Bread: Increase the sugar to 3 tbsp, and add 1/2 tsp of cinnamon or vanilla extract for a sweeter version.
5. Whole Wheat Version: Swap half or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to make a healthier, heartier version.

Tips:

• Don’t overmix: Mixing too much can make the bread dense. Stir until just combined.
• Add-ins: You can also fold in nuts, dried fruits, or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for added texture.
• Make it vegan: Use non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and substitute olive oil for butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Store leftovers: Wrap the bread in a clean towel and store it in an airtight container for 1-2 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.

Enjoy your quick and easy homemade bread!