Name: Easy 20-Minute Homemade Bread Dough: Quick, Soft, and Delicious
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489334H43M34S
Total time: PT-489334H43M34S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting; 2 teaspoons (10 g) instant yeast; 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt; 1 tablespoon (12 g) sugar; 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (110°F / 43°C); 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, plus extra for greasing; ½ cup (60 g) shredded cheese; 1 teaspoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano); 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for a sweeter dough

Few things compare to the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. But traditional bread recipes often require hours of rising, kneading, and waiting, which can be discouraging when you crave fresh bread quickly. That’s where this Easy 20-Minute Homemade Bread Dough comes to the rescue. In just twenty minutes, you can mix up a soft, elastic dough that’s ready to shape and bake. This versatile dough is perfect for dinner rolls, quick loaves, flatbreads, and more. Even if you’re a beginner, this recipe makes homemade bread simple, approachable, and satisfying. With minimal ingredients and step-by-step guidance, you’ll have fresh, tender bread on your table faster than ever.

Ingredients

To make one batch of this 20-minute dough, gather the following ingredients:

3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
2 teaspoons (10 g) instant yeast
1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
1 tablespoon (12 g) sugar
1 cup (240 ml) warm water (110°F / 43°C)
2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, plus extra for greasing

Optional additions for flavor variations:

½ cup (60 g) shredded cheese
1 teaspoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for a sweeter dough

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients and Workspace

Start by measuring all your ingredients accurately. Ensure the water is warm, around 110°F (43°C), to activate the yeast properly. Lightly grease a large mixing bowl and your hands with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Whisk them together for about 30 seconds to evenly distribute the yeast and salt. This step ensures the dough will rise evenly and develop a balanced flavor.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and olive oil. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir until the mixture begins to come together. The dough should form a slightly sticky ball. If you added optional honey or cheese, mix them in at this stage.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Lightly flour your countertop and transfer the dough onto it. Knead for about 5–7 minutes using the heel of your hand, pressing and folding the dough. Add small amounts of flour as needed to prevent sticking, but be careful not to add too much, or the dough may become dense. The dough should feel smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

Step 5: Quick Rest

Even though this is a fast dough, allowing a brief 5-minute rest helps relax the gluten, making shaping easier. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel while it rests.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Shape your dough according to your intended use. For rolls, divide into small balls; for a loaf, form an elongated shape; for flatbreads, gently roll into discs. Grease a baking sheet or loaf pan lightly with olive oil and place the shaped dough on it.

Step 7: Second Quick Rise (Optional)

If you want slightly airier bread, cover the shaped dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. This step is optional but can improve texture without significantly increasing overall preparation time.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake small rolls for 12–15 minutes, a loaf for 20–25 minutes, or flatbreads for 8–10 minutes. The bread is done when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This prevents the interior from becoming gummy and ensures the perfect texture.

Tips for Perfecting the Dough

Temperature Matters: Warm water activates yeast efficiently; avoid hot water that can kill the yeast.
Use Instant Yeast: This eliminates the need for proofing and reduces preparation time.
Kneading: Knead just enough to develop elasticity; over-kneading can make bread tough.
Add Flavor Wisely: Mix-ins like herbs, garlic, or cheese enhance taste without compromising texture.
Check Dough Consistency: Dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet; adjust with small amounts of flour or water.

Variations

This 20-minute dough is versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes:

Garlic and Herb Rolls: Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme.
Cheese-Stuffed Rolls: Insert small cubes of cheese into each roll before baking.
Sweet Cinnamon Rolls: Roll the dough with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and bake.
Flatbread Option: Roll dough thinly and cook on a hot skillet for quick flatbreads.
Mini Pizza Bases: Shape dough into small discs, add toppings, and bake for instant pizzas.

Conservation and Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the oven.
For rolls or flatbreads, wrap individually in foil before freezing to preserve freshness.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to restore softness and aroma.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade bread dough can be used in countless ways:

Breakfast: Serve with butter, jam, honey, or cream cheese.
Lunch: Make sandwiches, sliders, or wraps using small rolls.
Dinner: Pair with soups, stews, or roasted dishes for a comforting meal.
Snacks: Top flatbreads with avocado, hummus, or a drizzle of olive oil and herbs.
Entertaining: Use dough to make small stuffed bread bites for parties or gatherings.

Conclusion

With this Easy 20-Minute Homemade Bread Dough, you no longer need to spend hours waiting for bread to rise. This recipe delivers soft, elastic dough that’s versatile, quick, and perfect for a wide range of baked goods. From dinner rolls to flatbreads and mini pizzas, this dough adapts to your needs and taste preferences. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips provided, you can create delicious homemade bread in no time, impressing family and friends with minimal effort. Fast, flavorful, and fun to make, this 20-minute dough proves that homemade bread can be simple, convenient, and incredibly satisfying.

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Easy 20-Minute Homemade Bread Dough: Quick, Soft, and Delicious

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 22–35 minutes
Yield: 6–8 rolls or 1 small loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This easy 20-minute homemade bread dough delivers soft, elastic, and versatile dough perfect for dinner rolls, quick loaves, flatbreads, and mini pizzas. Ready in just twenty minutes, it’s ideal for busy cooks or beginners craving fresh homemade bread without the long wait.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

2 teaspoons (10 g) instant yeast

1 teaspoon (6 g) salt

1 tablespoon (12 g) sugar

1 cup (240 ml) warm water (110°F / 43°C)

2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, plus extra for greasing

Optional additions for flavor:

½ cup (60 g) shredded cheese

1 teaspoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano)

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for a sweeter dough

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients and Workspace:
Measure all ingredients accurately. Ensure the water is warm (~110°F / 43°C) to activate the yeast. Lightly grease a mixing bowl and hands with olive oil.

Mix Dry Ingredients:
Combine flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Whisk 30 seconds to evenly distribute.

Add Wet Ingredients:
Create a well in the dry ingredients, pour in warm water and olive oil. Stir until the mixture forms a slightly sticky ball. Add optional honey, cheese, or herbs now.

Knead the Dough:
Transfer to a floured surface. Knead 5–7 minutes using the heel of your hand, pressing and folding. Dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Add small amounts of flour if necessary.

Quick Rest:
Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and rest for 5 minutes to relax gluten.

Shape the Dough:
Shape as desired: rolls, loaf, flatbreads, or mini pizzas. Grease baking sheet or loaf pan lightly.

Optional Quick Rise:
Cover shaped dough and let rest 10 minutes for slightly airier bread.

Bake:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake small rolls 12–15 minutes, loaf 20–25 minutes, flatbreads 8–10 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding.

Cool and Enjoy:
Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes before slicing.