Keep a quick bread recipe on hand for times when you run out of bread but don't have time to run to the store. This bread is versatile; you can add sweet and savory ingredients to get the results you desire.
Quick Baking Powder Bread
The basic bread is easy to make and uses ingredients you find in your pantry. It's quick because you don't need to wait for it to rise; instead of yeast, the recipe relies on baking powder. Additionally, it's an egg-free recipe so feel free to try it if you or someone you love suffers from egg allergies. Due to the lack of eggs and yeast, this bread will not rise as high or be as light as what you may be used to purchasing from the supermarket. It has a dense, rustic flavor and look, perfect for dipping into soups and stews.
Yield: 1 small loaf of bread (9x5 size)
Recipe by Holly Swanson
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour
- 1½ cups 2% milk, separated
- 6 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon shortening, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 Fahrenheit.
- Use a whisk to mix the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder thoroughly.
- Add 1/2 cup of milk and the melted shortening, stirring to combine.
- Slowly add the last cup of milk and stir to combine.
- Use clean, washed hands to work the rest of the flour into the mixture. The dough should be thoroughly combined.
- Shape into a small loaf and place in a greased 9x5 bread pan.
- Bake for about 60 to 65 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow it to cool and then store in an airtight container for five to seven days.
Savory Variations
Punch up the flavor by trying these savory combinations:
- Stir in 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped jalapenos for a spicy kick.
- Add a tablespoon of Italian spice blend and 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese for your next pizza night.
- Stir 1 tablespoon rosemary, 1 teaspoon thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon sage into the dough with 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes.
- Mix in 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Add 1/4 cup cooked crumbled sausage, 2 tablespoons cooked bacon pieces, and 1/2 cup Colby Jack cheese.
- Finely chop 1/4 cup gourmet mushrooms and 1/4 cup onions. Sautee in butter and then mix into the bread with 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
Sweet Variations
Satisfy your sweet tooth with the following options:
- Add a 1/2 cup of raisins and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to the dough. Brush melted butter on top and liberally sprinkle sugar across it.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped dried apricots, 1/4 cup of chopped dried pineapple, and 1 tablespoon of orange extract for a tropical twist.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla to the bread. Toss about 1/2 cup each of fresh blueberries and raspberries in a little flour to coat them, then carefully fold into the dough just before pouring into the pan.
- Top the bread with your favorite gourmet muffin's streusel topping.
Bread Baking for Beginners
Kneading isn't required for this quick bread, making it a great recipe for beginners. Once you have made the original bread recipe a couple times, try adding ingredients to switch up the flavor.
