Slow Cooker Bread

😊 Slow cooker bread is surprisingly easy and turns out soft with a nice crust on the bottom. Here’s a simple, reliable slow cooker bread recipe—no oven required.

Slow Cooker Bread (Basic White Loaf)

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

1½ teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons instant (rapid-rise) yeast

1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

Add warm water and oil.

Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand 5–7 minutes (or mix with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.

First Rise

Lightly oil the bowl, place dough inside, cover, and let rise 60–90 minutes until doubled in size.

Prepare the Slow Cooker

Line the slow cooker with parchment paper (important to prevent burning).

Punch down the dough, shape into a round loaf, and place inside.

Second Rise

Cover with the lid and let rise in the slow cooker (OFF) for about 30 minutes.

Cook

Cook on HIGH for 2–2½ hours, until the top is dry and internal temperature reaches about 190°F (88°C).

The bottom will be golden, but the top will be pale.

Optional Browning

For a browned top, place the loaf under a broiler for 2–5 minutes.

Cool

Remove and cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Best Results

Place a clean kitchen towel under the lid to catch condensation.

Don’t open the lid during cooking—it releases heat.

For a crustier loaf, brush with melted butter before broiling.

Easy Variations

Herb Bread: Add 1–2 tsp dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning

Garlic Bread: Add 2 minced garlic cloves + garlic butter brush

Cheese Bread: Fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella

Whole Wheat: Replace 1 cup flour with whole wheat flour and add 1 extra tablespoon water