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Are you like me, sometimes in a hurry but with an insane craving for homemade bread? Well, this express bread is a brilliant find. In 30 minutes, you have a delicious bread, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, without bothering me with kneading. Believe me, it’s magic.
Honestly, I expected something too simplistic, a meh result… and yet, it amazes! No need for special flour or a bread machine, just simple ingredients and a bit of patience. The secret is mostly to properly respect the quick rising times.
The nice thing too, is that even if you’re forgetful (like me), you have some leeway. No need to shape perfect balls, it sorts itself out in the oven. I admit I often forget to preheat my oven in time, so the crust is never as perfect as the second time.
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Oh, and if you have kids at home, it’s perfect: they love helping mix the dough (well, finishing all the flour on the floor, that’s their personal touch). In short, an easy, quick, no-hassle homemade bread, that’s what I’m sharing today!
Express homemade bread: simple ingredients for an amazing result
- 250 g of flour (I often take T55 flour, but you can try whole grain)
- 1 packet of baking powder (don’t take yeast here, it won’t work the same)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (just for taste, but a bit of olive oil can be nice too)
- 180 ml of lukewarm water (careful, not too hot or the yeast will burn!)
- Optional: seeds or herbs (personally, I love sunflower seeds or a little rosemary in the dough)
Essential utensils for your express bread
- A mixing bowl (a real basin helps mixing without making a mess)
- A wooden spoon (to mix gently, by hand)
- A baking sheet or a loaf pan (changes the shape and the baking)
- A clean cloth (to cover the dough during rising, don’t forget!)
How to prepare your express bread in 30 minutes without kneading
Ok, we start with the bowl: pour the flour, salt and baking powder. I mix quickly with the wooden spoon (a bit like finger gymnastics, but it’s fun). Then, slowly, I add the lukewarm water. Not all at once, so as not to turn the dough into mush.
The dough is sticky, that’s normal. I don’t knead it, I leave it well hydrated, it helps keep the crumb airy. Well, I admit sometimes I overdose on water, the result is more liquid, and the bread becomes a bit dense… you have to stay vigilant.
Then, cover with the cloth, leave it alone, time to let it rise, about 15 minutes. That’s the moment to preheat the oven – at 220°C, it heats up fast, but that’s what will give you the crust that cracks under the tooth. Meanwhile, I wash my hands (because dough = flour everywhere).
Once risen, the dough goes directly onto the sheet or into the pan. I make a few shallow cuts with a knife (it adds character, even if I’m no pro). We bake, watch for 12 to 15 minutes, and voilà, bread is ready. It’s fast and impressive when you put the hot loaf on the table.
Tips for success with your homemade bread
- Watch out for the baking powder: yeast requires more time, here we want it fast
- No need to knead: just mix enough to get a homogeneous dough
- Always keep an eye on the baking: it can change quickly depending on your oven
- Vary flours and flavors to customize your bread
Why this express bread will change your evenings
There are evenings when I have zero inspiration, even zero energy, but a homemade loaf is always a little victory. This express bread has saved me more than once: it’s ready quickly, simple, and above all good. No need to run after several hours of rising when you’re hungry.
I remember the first time, I even had friends taste it, they couldn’t believe it was so quick and without kneading. And there I go, taking photos, giving them the recipe. Well, now I’m under pressure every time, they want me to make it again!
So yes, it’s not an old-fashioned bread, but sometimes it’s the ideal compromise. I’d say it’s perfect to help out, for an impromptu meal, or even when you want a bit of comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serving suggestions and accompaniments
- With good fresh cheese or salted butter
- Spread with homemade jam for morning gourmets
- To make express bruschettas
- With a soup or salad for a light dinner
Can I use baker’s yeast instead of baking powder?
Baker’s yeast requires a longer rising time, so it is not suitable for this express recipe that aims for speed without kneading.
The bread is a bit dry, what can I do?
Try not to heat the water too much or add a little more water to the dough, this helps keep the crumb moister.
Can seeds or herbs be added to the dough?
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Yes, it is even recommended to vary the flavors. I love, for example, adding sunflower seeds or a bit of fresh rosemary.
How to know if the bread is cooked?
The bread is ready when the crust is golden and when tapping the bottom, you hear a hollow sound.
