Ingredients
- 2 cups all‑purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¾ cup milk (dairy or plant‑based)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for garlic bread)
- Fresh chopped herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep
Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly distributed. If you want garlic bread, whisk in the garlic powder here. - Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Create a small well in the dry ingredients and pour in the milk and vegetable oil. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently stir until a slightly sticky dough forms, being careful not to overmix. - Light Kneading
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for about 1 minute, folding and pressing until the dough comes together smoothly. It should remain slightly tacky. - Shape the Loaf
Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf about 1½–2 inches thick. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. - Score for Style & Steam Release
Use a sharp knife to make 3–4 shallow cuts across the top of the loaf. These slashes allow the bread to expand and develop a rustic appearance. - Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the loaf to the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the crust is golden and the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. - Cool & Garnish
Remove from oven and let the loaf cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired, then slice and serve warm.