Prep Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 20–25 minutes

Yield: 1 small loaf (8 slices)

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
• ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 large egg

Optional

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs

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Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Loaf pan (8×4-inch) or baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

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Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl combine:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Sugar

Whisk well.

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Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl whisk together:

• Milk
• Oil (or melted butter)
• Egg

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Step 4: Make the Dough

Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined.

Do not overmix.

The batter should be thick and sticky.

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Step 5: Shape

Transfer dough into prepared loaf pan.

Smooth the top.

Optional: Brush with melted butter.

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Step 6: Bake

Bake for 15–20 minutes until:

• Golden brown
• Toothpick comes out clean
• Internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C)

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Step 7: Cool

Cool for 10 minutes.

Slice and serve warm.

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Nutrition (Per Slice)

Approximate values

• Calories: 170
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 330 mg

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Recipe Notes

✔ Do not overmix the batter.

✔ Fresh baking powder gives the best rise.

✔ For a softer crust, brush with melted butter immediately after baking.

✔ Store covered once completely cool.

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Variations

Cheese Bread

Add:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

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Herb Bread

Add:

• 1 tablespoon rosemary
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• 1 teaspoon thyme

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Sweet Bread

Add:

• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

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Whole Wheat

Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

Add 2–3 tablespoons extra milk if needed.

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Storage

Counter:

• 2 days in an airtight container

Refrigerator:

• Up to 5 days

Freezer:

• Up to 3 months

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

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Serving Ideas

• Butter
• Jam
• Honey
• Soup
• Chili
• Sandwiches
• Garlic bread
• Toast with avocado

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it without eggs?

Yes. Replace the egg with:

• ¼ cup plain yogurt, or
• 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water)

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Can I use self-rising flour?

Yes. Omit the baking powder and salt.

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Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes. Use ¼ cup melted butter.

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Can I use plant-based milk?

Yes. Almond, soy, oat, or other unsweetened plant-based milks work well.

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Why is my bread dense?

Common reasons include:

• Overmixing the batter
• Old baking powder
• Too much flour
• Oven not fully preheated

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Can I add mix-ins?

Yes. Good options include:

• Cheese
• Jalapeños
• Herbs
• Olives
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Cooked bacon bits
• Cinnamon and raisins

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How do I know it’s done?

The loaf should:

• Be golden brown
• Sound hollow when tapped
• Reach an internal temperature of about 200°F (93°C)

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Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Double all ingredients and bake in a larger loaf pan. Baking time may increase to 25–30 minutes.

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Allergy Information

This recipe contains:

• Wheat (gluten)
• Eggs
• Milk (dairy)

Possible substitutions:

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and vegetable oil or dairy-free butter.
• Egg-free: Use a flax egg or plain yogurt substitute.