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Slow Cooker Bread Recipe

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4 from 38 reviews

  • Author: Diane
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This Slow Cooker Bread recipe offers a hands-off way to enjoy freshly baked, soft, and fluffy bread with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker as the baking vessel, the bread develops a tender crumb and pleasant texture without the need for an oven. Perfect for bread lovers who want a cozy homemade loaf with simple ingredients and easy preparation.

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or preferred oil)
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Proof the yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1 cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 packet of instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast dissolves and becomes foamy, indicating it is active and ready.
  2. Knead the dough: Add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook attachment, knead on low speed until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 4 to 5 minutes. Adjust the dough consistency by adding water or flour one tablespoon at a time if necessary, aiming for a tacky but not sticky texture.
  3. Let the dough rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and leave it in a warm place for 30 minutes until it has doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the interior of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Line the slow cooker with a piece of parchment paper large enough to cover the bottom and sides, ensuring the bread will not stick.
  5. Shape and place dough in slow cooker: After the dough has risen, gently remove it onto a countertop lightly coated with oil from the bowl. Shape the dough into a smooth round ball by cupping your hands and pulling the dough inward several times. Place the dough ball into the prepared slow cooker.
  6. Cook the bread: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to HIGH. Cook the bread for 2 hours. The bread will bake in the slow cooker, creating a soft, tender loaf.
  7. Optional broiling for crust color: The bread’s top will be pale after slow cooking. For a golden-brown crust, transfer the bread to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Cool before slicing: Remove the bread from the baking sheet and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and perfect texture.

Notes

  • Ensure water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Adjust water or flour to achieve the right dough consistency – tacky and smooth, not sticky or dry.
  • Lining the slow cooker with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes removing the bread easier.
  • The optional broiling step enhances crust color but is not necessary for a delicious loaf.
  • Letting the bread cool fully is important for best texture when slicing.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://eatwithdiane.com/slow-cooker-bread-recipe/