No-Oven Stovetop Bread

### Directions

#### Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the **all-purpose flour**, **baking powder**, **salt**, and **sugar** (if using). Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure they’re evenly mixed. The **baking powder** will act as the leavening agent, giving the bread its rise without the need for yeast.

#### Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine the **milk** and **melted butter**. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a spoon or spatula until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser bread. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

#### Step 3: Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, turn the dough out and gently knead it a few times until it forms a smooth ball. Pat the dough into a round or oval shape, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This will be the size of your bread loaf, so you can adjust the thickness based on your preference.

#### Step 4: Heat Your Pan
Next, heat a **large skillet or non-stick frying pan** over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of **olive oil** (about 1 teaspoon) and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan. This will prevent the bread from sticking while it cooks.

#### Step 5: Cook the Bread
Once the pan is hot, carefully place the shaped dough into the skillet. Cover the skillet with a **tight-fitting lid**. This is important as it helps trap the heat and steam, which creates the bread’s soft texture.

Cook the bread for about **10-12 minutes** on one side, or until it’s golden brown and has started to puff up. Then, flip the bread over and cover again. Cook for an additional **8-10 minutes** on the other side until the bread is fully cooked through. If you want a crispier crust, you can cook it for a few extra minutes on each side, but be sure to check the inside by inserting a toothpick or knife to make sure it comes out clean.

#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the bread is cooked through and both sides are golden brown, remove it from the pan and allow it to cool slightly. Slice it into wedges or pieces and serve warm with your favorite spread, butter, or dip. You can also enjoy it as a side with soups, salads, or stews.

### Why You’ll Love No-Oven Stovetop Bread

1. **Quick and Easy**: One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how fast and simple it is. Unlike traditional bread recipes that require kneading, rising, and hours of oven baking, stovetop bread can be ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those times when you crave fresh bread but don’t have the time or patience for a full baking session.

2. **No Need for an Oven**: If you don’t have an oven, or if it’s a hot day and you want to avoid turning it on, stovetop bread is the perfect solution. You can make delicious, homemade bread using just a stovetop and a skillet, which makes this recipe ideal for small apartments, dorm rooms, or kitchens without an oven.

3. **Soft, Fluffy Texture**: The use of **baking powder** rather than yeast results in a soft, fluffy bread with a texture similar to that of a quick bread or biscuit. The bread will be slightly dense but still light and airy on the inside, with a slightly crispy crust on the outside.

4. **Customizable**: Just like traditional bread recipes, you can easily customize this stovetop bread to suit your taste. Add herbs like **rosemary** or **thyme**, cheese, or even a handful of dried fruit or nuts for extra flavor. You can also brush the bread with **garlic butter** or sprinkle with sesame seeds before cooking for an added touch.

5. **Minimal Ingredients**: Unlike many traditional bread recipes, this stovetop version doesn’t require any special ingredients like **yeast**, **warm water**, or **rising time**. With just **flour, baking powder, milk**, and a few other pantry staples, you can make fresh bread with ease.

6. **Perfect for Beginners**: If you’ve never baked bread before, this is a great starting point. It’s virtually foolproof, and the results are always satisfying. There’s no need to worry about yeast rising or dough proving—this is a stress-free recipe that even novice bakers can master.

### Tips for the Best No-Oven Stovetop Bread

– **Don’t overwork the dough**: Over-kneading the dough can result in dense bread, so only knead it until it comes together and forms a smooth ball. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky to the touch.

– **Cook on low heat**: It’s important to cook the bread over **medium-low heat**. Cooking it on too high of a heat could burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Be patient, and let the heat work its magic for a perfectly cooked loaf.

– **Use a heavy-bottomed pan**: For the best results, use a **heavy-bottomed skillet** or **non-stick pan**. This will ensure even heat distribution and prevent the bread from sticking or burning.

– **Experiment with flavorings**: You can easily add a variety of ingredients to enhance the flavor of your bread. Consider adding **cheese**, **garlic**, or **herbs** to the dough before cooking to create a more savory loaf, or try sweet additions like **cinnamon** or **raisins** for a treat.

– **Check for doneness**: Since every stovetop is different, it’s important to check the bread’s doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. If it’s sticky, give it a few more minutes.

### Conclusion

**No-Oven Stovetop Bread** is a game-changer for anyone who loves fresh, homemade bread but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly versatile, making it a must-try recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With just a few simple ingredients and a stovetop, you can create a delicious loaf of bread that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving it with soup, using it to make sandwiches, or enjoying it with butter and jam, stovetop bread is a delightful addition to your recipe collection. Try it today, and you’ll never look at store-bought bread the same way again!