Easy 20-minute Homemade Bread Dough
Easy 20-minute Homemade Bread Dough is a fantastic solution for anyone craving fresh bread without the long wait. In just 20 minutes, you can prepare a versatile dough perfect for baking loaves, rolls, or even pizza crust. This quick bread dough recipe is an excellent choice for family dinners, gatherings, or simply enjoying a homemade treat. The standout feature of this recipe is its simplicity and speed, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: In just 20 minutes, you can have homemade bread ready to go.
- Versatile Uses: Shape the dough into loaves, rolls, or pizza bases to suit any meal.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples that you probably already have on hand.
- Delicious Freshness: Enjoy the taste of warm, fresh-baked bread straight from your oven.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for everyday meals or special gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. With just a few essential items, you’ll be well on your way to baking delicious bread.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean surface for kneading
- Damp towel
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to combine all ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Ensures thorough mixing of wet ingredients to activate the yeast properly.
- Damp towel: Keeps the dough moist during resting to help with its rise.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp instant yeast)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
How to Make Easy 20-minute Homemade Bread Dough
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the yeast, sugar, olive oil, and warm water.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, stir together the bread flour, whole wheat flour, and salt.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
- Knead the dough by hand for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- If needed, add more bread flour by tablespoon to reduce stickiness.
Step 5: Rest and Shape Dough
- Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- The dough is now ready to shape as desired for baking—loaf pan, rolls, or pizza crust!
Enjoy your homemade bread with this easy recipe!
How to Serve Easy 20-minute Homemade Bread Dough
Easy 20-minute homemade bread dough is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re making a simple meal or hosting a gathering, this dough adapts well to different recipes.
As Loaves
- Classic Bread Loaf: Shape the dough into a loaf and bake it in a loaf pan for a traditional bread experience.
- Herb Infused Loaf: Add dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough before baking for a fragrant twist.
For Rolls
- Dinner Rolls: Divide the dough into small balls, shape them, and bake for fluffy dinner rolls perfect for any meal.
- Garlic Butter Rolls: Brush the rolls with garlic butter right after baking for an extra flavor boost.
Pizza Crust
- Homemade Pizza: Roll out the dough into your preferred pizza shape and top with sauce, cheese, and toppings for a quick homemade pizza night.
- Flatbread: Roll the dough thinly and bake it to create delicious flatbreads that can be used for wraps or dips.
Calzones
- Stuffed Calzones: Roll out individual portions of dough, fill with your favorite ingredients, fold over, and bake for tasty calzones.
How to Perfect Easy 20-minute Homemade Bread Dough
This easy homemade bread dough can be perfected with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure great results every time.
- Use Warm Water: Ensure your water temperature is around 110°F. This activates the yeast effectively.
- Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. Proper kneading helps develop gluten for better texture.
- Monitor Stickiness: Add more bread flour gradually if the dough feels too sticky during kneading.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dough to rest for at least 10 minutes helps relax gluten, making shaping easier.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices or herbs directly into the dough for additional flavor options.
- Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking to ensure even cooking.
Best Side Dishes for Easy 20-minute Homemade Bread Dough
Homemade bread pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some delightful options to complement your fresh bread.
- Garlic Butter Pasta: A simple dish made by tossing cooked pasta in garlic butter and parsley.
- Creamy Tomato Soup: This rich soup is perfect for dipping your freshly baked bread.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil makes a healthy side that complements any bread dish.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with parmesan cheese and croutons pairs well with homemade bread.
- Bruschetta Toppings: Serve toasted slices of bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar for a fresh appetizer.
- Cheese Platter: Create a simple cheese platter with various cheeses, fruits, and nuts to enjoy alongside your bread.
- Hummus Dip: Pair slices of bread with hummus for a healthy snack option that’s both filling and delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy 20-minute Homemade Bread Dough, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final product.
- Using cold water – Always use warm water (around 110°F) to activate the yeast properly. Cold water can prevent the yeast from rising effectively.
- Skipping the resting time – Allowing the dough to rest for at least 10 minutes helps develop gluten and improves texture. Don’t rush this step!
- Not measuring flour correctly – Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method to measure your flour accurately. Too much flour can lead to dry dough.
- Over-kneading the dough – Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic. Over-kneading can make the bread tough. Aim for about 5-7 minutes of kneading.
- Ignoring dough stickiness – If your dough is too sticky, add more bread flour one tablespoon at a time. Don’t be afraid to adjust as needed!
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be kept for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy 20-minute Homemade Bread Dough
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy 20-minute Homemade Bread Dough
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F, place dough on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop – Heat on low in a skillet, covered, for about 5 minutes until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of yeast for Easy 20-minute Homemade Bread Dough?
Instant yeast is ideal as it activates quickly without needing proofing. It’s perfect for this quick recipe!
How can I customize my Easy 20-minute Homemade Bread Dough?
You can add herbs, spices, or cheese into the dough for added flavor. Try garlic powder or grated Parmesan!
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour; however, this may affect the texture slightly. Bread flour gives a better rise.
How long does it take to bake using this Easy 20-minute Homemade Bread Dough?
Baking times will vary based on what you’re making but typically ranges from 15-25 minutes depending on thickness.
Final Thoughts
Easy 20-minute Homemade Bread Dough is a simple yet versatile recipe perfect for any meal. Whether you’re making rolls, pizza crusts, or loaves of bread, you’ll love how customizable it is! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients or shapes to find your favorite version.

Easy 20-minute Homemade Bread Dough
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Easy 20-minute Homemade Bread Dough is your go-to solution for fresh, warm bread in no time. This versatile dough can be shaped into loaves, rolls, or even pizza crusts, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. With just a handful of pantry staples and a quick preparation time, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of homemade bread straight from your oven—perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your cravings!
Ingredients
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yeast, sugar, olive oil, and warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In another bowl, combine the bread flour, whole wheat flour, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until fully combined.
- Knead the dough by hand for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic; add more flour if sticky.
- Cover with a damp towel and let rest for 10 minutes before shaping as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: Varies based on baking method (approximately 15-25 minutes)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (70g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg