This easy, no-fuss homemade bread recipe creates a soft, fluffy loaf using a slow cooker in just two hours. Perfect for when you want fresh bread without turning on the oven, this recipe is great for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires no oven, making it perfect for hot days or limited kitchen setups.
- Ready in just 2 hours, much faster than traditional bread recipes.
- Produces a soft, fluffy loaf with a beautiful golden crust.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Versatile recipe with customization options for added flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Parchment paper (to line the slow cooker)
Directions
Prepare the Yeast Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
Mix the Dough
- Add the salt and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough forms a ball.
Knead the Dough
- On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Line the bottom of your slow cooker with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Shape and Cook
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker with a clean kitchen towel (to catch condensation), then place the lid on top.
- Cook on high for 2 hours, or until the bread is fully cooked and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Optional Broiling
- For a crustier top, transfer the cooked bread to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve
- Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Herbed Bread: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for a savory twist.
- Cheesy Loaf: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella cheese for a cheesy bread.
- Garlic Bread: Add 1-2 minced garlic cloves or a teaspoon of garlic powder to the dough.
- Whole Wheat Option: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser, heartier loaf.
- Sweet Option: Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar into the dough for a lightly sweetened loaf.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For room-temperature bread, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly. For frozen bread, thaw at room temperature before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, substitute an equal amount of instant yeast and skip the step of proofing it in water.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. The texture may vary slightly.
3. Do I need a special type of slow cooker?
Any standard slow cooker works as long as it fits the loaf. Larger slow cookers may cook faster.
4. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the larger loaf. Cooking time may increase slightly.
5. Why use a kitchen towel under the lid?
The towel catches condensation, preventing it from dripping onto the bread and making it soggy.
6. Can I skip the broiling step?
Yes, but broiling creates a golden, crusty top. Without it, the bread will have a softer crust.
7. What if my bread isn’t fully cooked after 2 hours?
Continue cooking in the slow cooker in 15-minute increments until done. Slow cookers vary in heat output.
8. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour will result in a slightly chewier texture.
9. How do I know if the bread is fully cooked?
Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. Alternatively, check for an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
10. Can I add toppings to the bread?
Yes, sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or oats on top of the dough before cooking for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This 2-Hour Slow Cooker Bread is a game-changer for homemade bread lovers. With minimal effort and no need for an oven, you can enjoy a soft, fluffy loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, soups, or simply slathered with butter. Try this recipe today and savor the joy of fresh-baked bread made right in your slow cooker!
Print
2-Hour Slow Cooker Bread
Make fresh, soft, and fluffy homemade bread effortlessly with this 2-Hour Slow Cooker Bread recipe. Perfect for beginners, it requires no oven and uses simple ingredients to deliver a golden, crusty loaf right from your slow cooker. Great for hot days, small kitchens, or when you crave fresh bread fast!
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Parchment paper (to line the slow cooker)
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- Combine warm water and sugar in a large bowl. Stir until dissolved.
- Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough:
- Add salt and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until the dough forms a ball.
- Knead the Dough:
- Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Line the slow cooker with parchment paper.
- Shape and Cook:
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in the slow cooker.
- Cover with a kitchen towel under the lid and cook on high for 2 hours.
- Optional Broiling:
- For a crusty top, broil the cooked bread in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For whole wheat bread, replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Add herbs, cheese, or garlic to customize the flavor.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, check the bread at 1.5 hours to prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Bread
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
