Slow Cooker Bread

You’re about to become the baker you always dreamed of with this Slow Cooker Bread. With a perfectly fluffy inside and a beautifully crispy outside, making homemade bread has never been easier!

I think we can all agree that homemade bread is always better than store bought bread. Are you with me? This homemade slow cooker bread only has 6 ingredients (one being optional) and it’s very likely you’ll already have them in your pantry! I mean who would have thought that this gorgeous loaf could be prepared in the same appliance designed to slowly cook meats, vegetables, and soups! It’s quite exciting if you ask me!

Out of all the breads I’ve made, this slow cooker version may very well be my favorite. And I’m telling you, when you realize how easy it is, you’re going to want to make it again and again! The best part is that this white bread recipe now becomes the base for any other variation of bread you may want to make in the future! Because trust me – you will.

Cooking temperatures will vary from slow cooker to slow cooker, but typically they reach a high of 200 degrees. Coincidentally, this is also the ideal internal temperature for baking most breads! Essentially, you just want to let your bread hang out in the slow cooker until it cooks all the way through – undercooked means gummy, not so tasty interiors.

There is also no need to let the dough rise before it’s put into the slow cooker because it’s going to both, bake and rise – you got it, at the SAME time! Think about it, the slow cooker really does have the ideal environment for dough to rise and bake at the same time. It’s genius.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Bread In A Slow Cooker?

After some trial and error – oh yes, plenty of that around here – average cooking time is about 2 hours. The first time you bake, it may be wise to check after an hour, and then every half hour, and then a little more frequently until it gets close to finishing.

You’ll know the bread is done when the bottom is slightly brown and the top no longer feels spongy. If you’re able, you can also check the internal temperature, which should read between 190 – 200 degrees.

Ingredients

• Water – We need lukewarm water to assist with the texture of our dough.
• Sugar – White, granulated sugar.
• Active dry yeast – This is our leavening agent that will help our bread rise. Instant yeast can be used as well.
• Salt – Not only does salt give a boost to the flavor of our bread but it will also helps add strength to the dough.
• Flour – Today I used all-purpose white flour – you’re welcome to try using other options of flour, but based on this recipe it may jeopardize the integrity of your bread.
• Cheese – I’m using some grated parmesan cheese for some extra flavor – this is optional! I’ve made it both ways and I can honestly say, not much difference.

How To Make Bread In A Slow Cooker

1. Preheat: Turn the slow cooker on high and allow it to preheat. Line the slow cooker with parchment paper; close the lid.
2. In the mixer: Add the water, yeast, and sugar and let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes until the yeast activates – you’ll notice it starting to rise in the mixer bowl. Next, add the salt, flour, and parmesan cheese and mix with the dough hook until well incorporated. You will know it’s ready when the sides of your bowl are clean.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the ball of dough to a lightly floured surface and knead only a few times until it is smooth. Finally, form the dough into a ball and place it into the preheated slow cooker; close the lid.
4. Bake: Bake on high for 2 hours, checking occasionally.
5. Brown the bread: Preheat your oven to 450 F degrees. Once finished in the slow cooker, place the bread with parchment paper onto a baking sheet and place in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes to brown the top!

Some Tips

• Prepare for some trial and error: You may not nail this recipe the first time you attempt it and that’s okay! Making bread can be a labor of love so maybe consider your first loaf or two as experiments! For example the first time I tried this, I placed the bread under the broiler to brown it, and it just didn’t come looking great. I found that 15 minutes at 450 F degrees is the perfect way to brown it.
• Line the slow cooker with parchment: This is going to make life so much easier when it comes time to remove the bread from the slow cooker onto a baking sheet. You want to handle the loaf as little as possible. Plus no cleanup!
• Minimally handle the bread: Handling the bread before it’s fully cooked can cause dimples and crush the crust – so keep it to a minimum if you can!
• Brown it in the oven: Ultimately, slow cooker breads don’t brown well or develop a crust the same way as oven-baked loaves, so you’re going to want to use the oven to get that aesthetically pleasing bread!  . You can also brush a bit of butter on it to help it brown up!

Storing Leftover Bread

Homemade bread is not going to last as long as store bought bread! It’s going to be best to store it at room temperature in a cool dry place and in an airtight plastic bag, to last 2 -3 days. Unfortunately placing it in the fridge will not extend the life as the bread will become stale. Also keep in mind, that heat and humidity will cause the bread to mold.

If you want to freeze your slow cooker bread, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and it will last up to 3 weeks.

More Great Bread Recipes To Try:

• Old Fashioned Lemon Bread
• Cranberry Quick Bread
• Zucchini Bread
• No Knead Bread
• The Best Pumpkin Bread
• Skillet Irish Soda Bread
• Naan Bread
• Banana Nut Bread