Name: Fast Bread Recipe: Quick, Easy, and Delicious
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489336H17M13S
Total time: PT-489336H17M13S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon (12 g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon (6 g) baking powder; ½ teaspoon (3 g) baking soda; ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt; 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature; 1 large egg, beaten; 3 tablespoons (45 ml) unsalted butter, melted; Optional: ½ cup (60 g) shredded cheese, herbs, or nuts

Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, especially when it comes together in less than an hour. While traditional bread recipes often require hours of rising and proofing, a fast bread recipe offers all the comfort and flavor of homemade bread without the long wait. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or simply craving fresh bread in a hurry, this fast bread is your answer. Its soft crumb, golden crust, and delightful aroma make it perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Best of all, you only need a few simple ingredients that you likely already have at home.

Ingredients

To make one loaf of fast bread, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (12 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon (6 g) baking powder
½ teaspoon (3 g) baking soda
½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
1 large egg, beaten
3 tablespoons (45 ml) unsalted butter, melted
Optional: ½ cup (60 g) shredded cheese, herbs, or nuts for added flavor

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your bread won’t stick and will release easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until evenly blended. This helps distribute the rising agents and salt evenly, ensuring a uniform texture in your bread.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, beaten egg, and melted butter until smooth. Make sure the butter is not too hot; otherwise, it could cook the egg. The buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang, which balances the sweetness and enhances the bread’s flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few small lumps are fine. Overmixing can develop gluten, which may make the bread dense rather than soft and tender.

Step 5: Add Optional Mix-ins

If you want to add cheese, herbs, or nuts, fold them in at this stage. This is the perfect opportunity to customize your bread to your taste. For example, shredded cheddar adds a savory depth, while rosemary or thyme creates a fragrant herbal loaf.

Step 6: Transfer to Pan

Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. This helps the bread rise uniformly and prevents uneven crusts.

Step 7: Bake

Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the bread is ready. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Cooling on a wire rack prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and helps the loaf maintain its shape. Slice after it has cooled slightly, and enjoy the fresh aroma and texture.

Conservation and Storage

Fast bread tastes best on the day it’s baked, but you can store it to enjoy later. Keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. At room temperature, it stays fresh for 2–3 days. For longer storage, place the loaf in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the oven for 5–10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked feeling.

Variations

One of the great things about fast bread is its versatility. Here are some variations you can try:

Savory Cheese and Herb: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary for a flavorful savory loaf.
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar: Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon into the dry ingredients. Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup on top before baking.
Nutty Delight: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Garlic and Parmesan: Brush the top with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before baking for a restaurant-style treat.

Experimenting with mix-ins allows you to adapt this recipe for different occasions, from breakfast to dinner parties.

Serving Suggestions

Fast bread pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Here are some ideas:

Breakfast: Spread with butter, jam, or cream cheese for a quick morning treat.
Lunch: Use slices to make sandwiches with deli meats, cheeses, or roasted vegetables.
Dinner: Serve alongside soups, stews, or salads for a hearty, comforting meal.
Snack: Toast slices and top with avocado, tomato, or smoked salmon for a simple yet satisfying snack.

Its soft crumb and slightly crisp crust make it versatile enough to complement both sweet and savory flavors.

Conclusion

Fast bread is a game-changer for anyone who loves the taste of homemade bread but doesn’t have hours to wait. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy step-by-step instructions, you can enjoy a warm, aromatic loaf in under an hour. Its soft, tender crumb, golden crust, and adaptability make it perfect for any meal, any day of the week. Whether you keep it simple or add your favorite mix-ins, this fast bread recipe proves that convenience doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Next time you crave fresh bread, reach for this quick and delicious recipe—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bake bread that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

Save

Fast Bread Recipe: Quick, Easy, and Delicious

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, especially when it comes together in less than an hour. This fast bread recipe delivers soft, golden, and flavorful bread without long rising times. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and easy to customize with herbs, cheese, or nuts.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon (12 g) granulated sugar

1 teaspoon (6 g) baking powder

½ teaspoon (3 g) baking soda

½ teaspoon (3 g) salt

1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature

1 large egg, beaten

3 tablespoons (45 ml) unsalted butter, melted

Optional: ½ cup (60 g) shredded cheese, herbs, or nuts

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, beaten egg, and melted butter until smooth. Ensure butter is not too hot to prevent cooking the egg.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.

Add Optional Mix-ins:
Fold in cheese, herbs, or nuts if desired for extra flavor.

Transfer to Pan:
Spoon batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake:
Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.

Cool:
Let cool in pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice after slightly cooled.