Have you ever craved fresh, warm bread but didn’t want to heat up the oven? No-Oven Stovetop Bread is the perfect solution for baking bread on a hot summer day, or if you just want to avoid turning on your oven. This stovetop bread is soft, fluffy, and incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have homemade bread ready in no time, using a stovetop skillet instead of a conventional oven. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients for No-Oven Stovetop Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¾ cup water (you can substitute with milk for a richer flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
- Optional: 1 tbsp herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano) for added flavor
- Optional: 1 tbsp garlic powder or grated cheese for extra flavor
Instructions for No-Oven Stovetop Bread
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. If you’re adding herbs or garlic powder for extra flavor, mix them into the dry ingredients as well.
- Add the wet ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and pour in the water (or milk) and olive oil (or melted butter). Mix the ingredients together until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is smooth but not too dry.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Don’t over-knead; just work it enough to bring it together.
- Shape the dough: Roll the dough into a ball or shape it into a round loaf. If you want a flatter, more rustic look, shape it into a disc.
- Heat the pan: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast-iron) on the stovetop and heat it over medium heat. Add a little bit of oil or butter to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Cook the bread: Place the dough in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid to trap heat inside. Cook the bread on low to medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is golden brown on both sides and cooked through. If you don’t flip the bread, it will have a thicker crust on one side, which can be delicious too!
- Check for doneness: To ensure your bread is cooked through, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If it’s a little wet, cover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically.
- Serve: Once the bread is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve with butter, jam, or any topping of your choice!
Cooking Notes
- Skillet choice: A heavy-bottomed, well-seasoned cast-iron skillet works best, as it provides even heat distribution. However, any non-stick skillet or frying pan will work.
- Flour options: You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or even gluten-free flour blends. If using whole wheat flour, the bread may be a bit denser, so you might need to adjust the liquid slightly.
- Flavor variations: This basic recipe is a great base for adding different flavors like shredded cheese, spices, or even sun-dried tomatoes. Just stir in your extras into the dough before kneading.
Variations of No-Oven Stovetop Bread
- Herbed Stovetop Bread: Add 1 tbsp of your favorite dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the dry ingredients for a savory touch.
- Cheesy Garlic Stovetop Bread: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese and 1 tsp of garlic powder for a cheesy, garlicky loaf.
- Sweet Stovetop Bread: Add a tablespoon of cinnamon and sugar, or even raisins or dried cranberries, to the dough for a sweet treat. You can also drizzle it with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after cooking.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions of No-Oven Stovetop Bread
If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, here are some simple swaps to make this recipe fit your dietary preferences:
For the flour:
- Use almond flour or coconut flour as a substitute for regular flour. However, note that almond flour tends to be more crumbly, so you may need to increase the amount of binding agents (like an extra egg or more water).
- You can also use a store-bought low-carb flour blend to keep the bread soft and light.
For the sugar:
- Use a keto-friendly sweetener like Stevia, Erythritol, or Monk Fruit sweetener to keep the bread low-carb but still slightly sweet.
For the liquid:
- Use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk, or keep using water to reduce the carb count further.
These simple swaps will help you create a delicious, low-carb version of stovetop bread that is perfect for those on keto or low-carb diets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this bread gluten-free? Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that gluten-free bread may need more liquid, so adjust the amount of water or milk accordingly.
2. Can I bake this bread in the oven? If you prefer baking the bread in the oven, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. How do I store the bread? Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it in a skillet.
4. Can I make this bread ahead of time? You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just allow the dough to come to room temperature before cooking it on the stovetop.
5. How do I know when the bread is cooked through? Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is fully cooked. If not, cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes
This No-Oven Stovetop Bread is the perfect solution for those who want fresh, homemade bread without the need for an oven. Whether you’re making it on a hot summer day or you simply don’t want to heat up your kitchen, this easy recipe delivers delicious results every time. Customize it with different flavors, or make a keto or low-carb version to suit your dietary preferences. No matter how you make it, this bread is sure to become a family favorite!
