Crockpot Bread is a soft, flavorful homemade loaf made effortlessly in a slow cooker. With a moist, tender crumb and the option for a golden, crispy crust, this recipe is perfect for those who love fresh bread without the hassle of using an oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Oven Needed – Perfect for baking without heating up your kitchen.
- Easy & Foolproof – Requires minimal hands-on time.
- Soft & Moist – Slow cooking creates a beautifully tender texture.
- Customizable – Add herbs, seeds, or cheese for extra flavor.
- Beginner-Friendly – No special equipment needed—just a slow cooker!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh or dried herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme, oregano)
- Seeds (e.g., sesame, poppy, sunflower)
- Grated cheese
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast.
- Gradually add warm water and olive oil while mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
2. Let the Dough Rise
- Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
3. Prepare the Crockpot
- Line the bottom of your slow cooker with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lightly grease the parchment or sprinkle it with a bit of flour.
4. Shape & Add Toppings
- Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf.
- Place the loaf into the prepared crockpot.
- Sprinkle the top with herbs, seeds, or cheese, if desired.
5. Cook the Bread
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high for 2–2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature of the bread reaches 190°F (88°C). The bottom should be golden brown and the bread should feel firm to the touch.
6. Crisp the Crust (Optional)
- For a crispier crust, transfer the bread to a baking sheet and place it under the oven broiler for 2–3 minutes to brown the top. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
7. Cool & Serve
- Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2–2.5 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes – 2 hours 45 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per slice
Variations
- Garlic & Herb Bread – Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and mix fresh herbs into the dough.
- Cheesy Bread – Fold in ½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan before shaping.
- Whole Wheat Version – Replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Sweet Honey Bread – Add 2 tablespoons of honey for a lightly sweet flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Toast slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Use the same amount and skip the proofing step—just mix it directly into the flour.
How do I know when the bread is done?
Use a kitchen thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but replace only half the flour to keep the texture light and fluffy.
Why is my bread dense?
Dense bread can result from over-kneading, under-proofing, or using too much flour. Ensure proper rising time and hydration.
Do I need to preheat my crockpot?
No, just place the dough inside and start cooking immediately.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for the best results.
How can I add more flavor?
Try adding spices, nuts, or even dried fruit to the dough for a unique twist!
Can I double the recipe?
Not recommended—most crockpots can only handle one loaf at a time.
What’s the best way to get a golden crust?
Place the cooked bread under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to brown the top.
Can I use a bread machine instead?
Yes! Use the dough setting for kneading and rising, then transfer to the crockpot for baking.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Bread is the ultimate easy homemade bread, delivering a soft and fluffy loaf with minimal effort. Whether you enjoy it plain, with butter, or topped with herbs and cheese, it’s a versatile, foolproof recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Try it today and enjoy fresh, warm bread straight from your slow cooker!
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Crockpot Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes – 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Crockpot Bread is an easy, no-fuss homemade loaf made effortlessly in a slow cooker! With a soft, tender crumb and a golden crust, this simple bread recipe is perfect for beginners. Enjoy fresh, warm bread with minimal effort—no oven required!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh or dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
- Seeds (sesame, poppy, sunflower)
- Grated cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast.
- Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together.
- Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl.
- Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Crockpot:
- Line the bottom of the slow cooker with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Lightly grease the parchment or sprinkle with a bit of flour.
4. Shape and Add Toppings:
- Punch down the risen dough and shape into a round loaf.
- Place the loaf into the prepared crockpot.
- Sprinkle with herbs, seeds, or cheese (optional).
5. Cook the Bread:
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2–2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
- The bread should be firm to the touch, and the bottom should be golden brown.
6. Crisp the Crust (Optional):
- For a crustier loaf, transfer the cooked bread to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
- Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
7. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Make it Whole Wheat: Substitute 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Flavor Boost: Add garlic powder, honey, or shredded cheese to the dough.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–2.5 hours
- Category: Bread
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American