Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
- 1 cup milk (plant-based alternatives work well too)
- Optional add-ins: 1 teaspoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano), 1/4 cup grated cheese, or 2 tablespoons seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. If you’re adding dried herbs or other dry seasonings, incorporate them at this stage.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, olive oil, and honey until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop when no dry flour remains visible. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Turn the dough onto your prepared baking sheet and shape it into a round loaf about 1-1.5 inches thick. Alternatively, transfer to a loaf pan. If desired, brush the top with a little milk and sprinkle with seeds.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
Notes
- For a nutrient-dense version, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for 70% more fiber
- Add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed for omega-3 fatty acids
- Use unsweetened almond milk to reduce calories by 25%
- Incorporate 1/4 cup of chopped nuts for protein and healthy fats
- For gluten-free needs, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain structure
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container or bread bag for up to 2 days
- Refrigerate for extended freshness (up to 5 days), though this may slightly alter texture
- Freeze individual slices with parchment paper between them for up to 3 months
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 165
- Sodium: 215mg
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Keywords: quick bread recipe, 20-minute bread, no-yeast bread, easy homemade bread, fast bread recipe
