When you’re short on time but still want to serve a delicious homemade bread with your weeknight meal, quick bread recipes are the perfect solution. These recipes are easy to make and require minimal time and effort, making them ideal for busy weeknights. Here are five quick bread recipes that you can whip up in no time:
1. Banana Bread:
One of the most popular quick bread recipes, banana bread is a great way to use up ripe bananas. To make banana bread, mash 3 ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 1/2 cups of flour. Mix until well combined, then pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Lemon Poppy Seed Bread:
This tangy and refreshing bread is perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or snack. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of melted butter, 3/4 cup of sugar, the zest of 1 lemon, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds. Mix until just combined, then pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cheddar and Herb Beer Bread:
This savory bread is quick and easy to make, thanks to the use of beer as a leavening agent. In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, and 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley). Slowly pour in 1 bottle of beer, stirring until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a greased loaf pan and bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
4. Pumpkin Bread:
This cozy and comforting bread is perfect for fall and winter evenings. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of cloves. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 eggs. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Herb and Cheese Quick Bread:
This versatile bread is perfect for serving alongside soups and salads. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 cup of grated cheese (such as cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyere), and 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (such as basil, oregano, or thyme). In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
These quick bread recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you want to serve a homemade bread without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal ingredients and simple instructions, you can whip up a delicious loaf in no time. Give these recipes a try and enjoy warm, fresh bread with your weeknight meal.
