- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan (about 8×4 inches) or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, vegetable oil or melted butter, and honey or sugar (if using).
- Mix Batter:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. If adding any optional ingredients like cheese, herbs, or nuts, fold them into the batter gently.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips:
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors by adding ingredients like cinnamon and raisins, grated lemon zest, or chopped nuts.
- Quick and Easy: This bread is perfect for when you want homemade bread without the time commitment of traditional yeast breads.
- Storage: Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.
This quick bread recipe allows you to enjoy freshly baked bread in a short amount of time, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you want a warm, homemade treat without the wait.