Description

Discover the easiest way to bake homemade bread without an oven using your crockpot. This Crockpot Bread recipe produces a soft, fluffy loaf with a slight crust that’s perfect for sandwiches, soups, or simply slathered with butter. Ideal for beginners or anyone wanting fresh bread with minimal effort, this recipe uses simple ingredients and a slow cooking method to deliver a delicious, hands-off baking experience.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread:

3 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) Active Dry Yeast
1 teaspoon Salt
1 tablespoon Sugar
1 1/2 cups Warm Water (around 110°F or 43°C)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil

Optional Toppings / Mix-ins:

Herbs (like rosemary or thyme)
Seeds (like sunflower or sesame)
Cheese (like shredded cheddar or parmesan)

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Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir gently until a dough begins to form. If too sticky, add a bit more flour; if too dry, add more warm water, one tablespoon at a time.
Lightly Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Avoid adding too much flour to keep the dough soft.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then shape it into a loaf size that fits comfortably inside your crockpot.
Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease the crockpot insert with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the shaped dough inside the crockpot and cover with the lid.
Cook the Bread: Set the slow cooker to high and cook the bread for 2 to 3 hours. Begin checking for doneness at 2 hours. The bread is ready when the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the crust browns too fast, loosely cover the top with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the bread from the crockpot and place it on a wire rack. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, cheese, or your favorite spreads.

Notes

Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model; always check for doneness by tapping the bottom of the bread to listen for a hollow sound.
You can customize this bread by adding herbs, seeds, or cheese during mixing for extra flavor and texture.
To achieve a crustier loaf, leave the crockpot lid slightly ajar during cooking; for a softer crust, keep the lid fully closed.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the remaining cook time.