30 minute bread rolls for when you need bread NOW and don’t have time to wait. Perfect for quick lunches or easy dinner rolls.
They’re delicious, super fast and easy to make.

If I see a recipe that looks too good to be true I always have to give it a go.
If you're looking for easy bread recipes, surely you can't go past one that supposedly only takes 30 minutes (this one really does!).
I will admit, it’s not the perfect bread recipe (I've definitely baked better) but when you need bread quickly and eat it nice and fresh it’s delicious (especially with melted butter).
It's perfect if you decide at 5pm (hello busy weeknights) that you want homemade dinner rolls with your slow cooker lasagne (just me?).
Plus it’s bread.
In 30 minutes.
I still can’t quite believe it and I’ve made it multiple times now.
Why make this recipe
- It's ready in just 30 minutes!
- It's super easy even if you're not an experienced bread baker.
- It's delicious fresh from the oven.
If you’ve got a little bit of extra time, you might also like to try my easy Turkish Bread.

Ingredients
To make half hour bread you will need just a few basic ingredients:
- Bread flour (also called bakers flour) - you could use all purpose flour if that's all you have but for best results, use bread flour
- Water - slightly warmer than room temperature
- Instant yeast (aka regular yeast)
- Salt - I recommend celtic sea salt but any sea salt will do
Equipment
Technically you can just make this with a large bowl and your hands or a wooden spoon - definitely no bread machine required.
That's what I did the first time.
If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, it will make it even easier though. I would next time.

Tips
- Make sure the water is at the right temperature (approximately 110F) to activate the yeast or the bread won’t rise.
- Cornmeal (or polenta) on the bottom is not essential but I think it makes the bread look more authentic. Sprinkle it on the parchment paper before you put the dough balls on.
- You can bake these whatever shape or size you like just make sure they are all evenly-sized so they take the same time to cook.
- Apparently the ice in the bottom of the oven is the secret to fluffy bread rolls so don’t forget.
- DO NOT open the oven until the bread has been in there at least 15 minutes
- I like this bread best as a toasted sandwich – it’s kind of like a panini and delicious with cheese.
Storage
They won't be nearly as good the next day but if you have leftovers, I would pop in an airtight container or plastic wrap and freeze.
FAQs
Technically yes in this recipe you can use baking powder instead of yeast if you don't have any.
However, generally yeast is better in bread. Yeast is a living organism and creates the rise in bread through fermentation.
Yes you sure can. Mini loaf pans would work best. Make sure they are well greased. Olive oil is our favourite for greasing a tin for bread.
This would make wonderful easy dinner rolls for a party.
You sure can. Just shape the dough into balls instead of the shape in the pictures.
I can imagine warm rolls from the oven spread with butter.
Mmmm. Enjoy!
What about you?
Do you make bread?
Do you believe me that you can make bread in 30 minutes?
Recipe
Recipe

30 minute bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups very warm water 110F
- 1 packet yeast 1 tbsp
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 3-4 cups AP flour I used bakers flour
- 1 tablespoon polenta for dusting the oven tray
- 3-4 cups of icecubes
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 190C(425F) fan-forced.
- In a large mixing bowl (or bowl of your stand mixer), whisk together the water, yeast and sugar then set it aside in a warm place for 10 minutes.
- After the 10 minutes, add the flour about 1 cup at a time until the dough comes together. You might not need all the flour.
- Turn the bread dough out onto a floured surface and knead it until it becomes elastic and forms a smooth ball.
- Divide the dough into pieces and shape it however you like.
- Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and a sprinkle of polenta.
- You can rest the bread for 20 minutes if you have time otherwise it's baking time. Slash the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife.
- Quickly put the tray in the oven then throw the ice cubes into the bottom and shut the door. DO NOT open the oven for at least 15 minutes. Bake the loaves for 15-18 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
- Transfer the baked bread to a wire rack until it's cool enough to eat.
Karlie says
When do you add the salt?
Claire says
Hi Karlie. Add the salt with the flour.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
You can make this in 30 minutes?? Wowza!
I have a water sprayer thingo in my oven and it really does make a lovely crust. I'll try the ice in the bottom too. :)
Claire says
Sure can. Oh wow I haven't heard of a water sprayer oven. That would be great!
Hotly Spiced says
I would not have thought it possible to bake bread in such a short amount of time. I do think the polenta on the bottom is a nice touch. It does look like it turns out really well xx
Claire says
Make it look fancy doesn't it?! x
Nic@diningwithastud says
I've never heard the ice trick before :) def going to need to try that on my next bread!
Claire says
It makes a bit of a mess on the bottom of the oven but seems to make for nice crusty bread.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
I've made 60 minute bread but not 30 minute! :o My friend just taught me a quick bread recipe too but I don't think it is quite in the 30 minute category :P