This slow cooker bread is baked using the low, steady heat of a slow cooker rather than an oven. The results is a soft and fluffy loaf with a soft outer crust. This is a stress-free method, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, that yields consistently good results.
Slow Cooker Bread: Perfect for Soft Crust Lovers
If you think slow cookers are only for stews and soups, think again. They can also double up as a bread-baking machine, producing a tender and fluffy loaf with a soft crust. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your bread-making journey, baking bread in a slow cooker is an easy, energy-efficient, and satisfying alternative to conventional oven methods.
Slow cooker bread is baked using the low, steady heat of a slow cooker rather than an oven. Unlike traditional baking, where dry and intense heat rapidly forms a hard crust, the slow cooker’s moist environment creates beautiful loaves with a softer crust. You can bake everything from rustic white loaves to wholemeal and speciality breads.
If you prefer a crispier finish, you can simply transfer the bread to an oven for a few minutes after slow cooking (see my Top Tip below).
Top Tip: This slow cooker bread is ideal for soft crust lovers. If you prefer a golden, crispy crust, once baked, transfer the loaf from the slow cooker to the oven and bake at 240°C / 460°F for 5 to 10 minutes or under the grill for a few minutes)
Cooking bread in a slow cooker is also more forgiving, making it perfect for beginners. You only need to leave the dough to rise once. Also there is no need to be too nervous about temperature. This is truly a stress-free process yielding consistently good results.
Cooking bread in a slow cooker is also ideal when the weather is hot and you do not want to turn on the oven and heat up the entire kitchen. This method is also perfect for small kitchens or if your oven space is limited.
Other Bread Recipes To Try
How To Enjoy This Slow Cooker Bread
- Serve warm slices with butter, jam, or your favourite spread.
- Use as a base for sandwiches.
- Pair with hearty soups or stews like my Cream of Asparagus Soup
- Toast slices and top with avocado or eggs for a delicious breakfast.
In This Post
What You’ll Need: Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients
To make this slow cooker bread, you will need:
- bread flours (either white or wholemeal or a combination of both)
- fast action dry yeast
- salt
- sugar
- lukewarm water
- olive oil
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Parchment paper
- 2 mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
How To Make Bread in A Slow Cooker
Step 1: Mix the dough
In a large bowl, mix together the flours, yeast, salt, and sugar. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients, then pour in 290ml (1 1/4 cups) lukewarm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix all the ingredients together until the dough comes together. Add more water or flour as necessary.
Once the dough comes together as one ball, start kneading with by hand or with a food mixer fitted with a dough hook.
To knead by hand, tip the dough on a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. If using a food mixer, knead the dough for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Leave the dough to rise
Once the dough is smooth and silky, place it in a clean and lightly oiled bowl. Cover with cling film and place it somewhere warm. Leave it to rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. It should double in size.
Step 3: Shape the dough
Once the dough has risen, deflate it by knocking it back down with your first. Tip the dough on a floured surface and shape as a bowl.
Step 4: Cook the bread
Place on a piece of parchment paper, and slash the top of the bread. Dust with flour, then place in the slow cooker.
Close the slow cooker with its lid and cook the bread for 2 hours on high.
Step 5: Leave to cool down before slicing
When the bread is done, remove from the slow cooker and leave to cool down on a wire rack.
Storage Tips
To keep your slow cooker bread fresh:
- Allow the bread to cool completely before storing.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container or bread bag for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze for up to 3 months.
Keep in mind that homemade bread can go stale faster than store-bought varieties that often contain preservatives. This slow cooker bread is best enjoyed within a couple of days of baking.
Watch How To Make Slow Cooker Bread
I hope you enjoy this Slow Cooker Bread recipe as much as I do. If you do make it, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!
Slow Cooker Bread
Equipment
Disclaimer: the equipment list above includes affiliate links to products I use and like.
Ingredients
- 250 g strong white flour plus extra for dusting (See Note 1)
- 250 g wholemeal spelt flour
- 2 tsp fast action dry yeast (See Note 2)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 290-325 ml lukewarm water around 38°C (100°F)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the flours, yeast, salt, and sugar.250 g strong white flour, 250 g wholemeal spelt flour, 2 tsp fast action dry yeast, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar
- Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients, then pour in 290ml (1 1/4 cups) lukewarm water and 2 Tbsp of olive oil. Mix all the ingredients together until the dough comes together. Add more water or flour as necessary.290-325 ml lukewarm water, 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Once the dough comes together as one ball, start kneading with by hand or with a food mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- To knead by hand, tip the dough on a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. If using a food mixer, knead the dough for 5 minutes.
- Once the dough is smooth and silky, place it in a clean and lightly oiled bowl. Cover with cling film and place it somewhere warm. Leave it to rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. It should double in size.
- Once the dough has risen, deflate it by knocking it back down with your first. Tip the dough on a floured surface and shape as a bowl.
- Place on a piece of parchment paper, and slash the top of the bread. Dust with flour, then place in the slow cooker.
- Close the slow cooker with its lid and cook the bread for 2 hours on high.
- When the bread is done, remove from the slow cooker and leave to cool down on a wire rack.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Find this recipe online:
https://theflexitarian.co.uk/recipe-items/slow-cooker-bread/
I cannot wait to see your posts!
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