Yields: 1 loaf
Prep time: 15 minutes + rising time
Cook time: 2-3 hours
Ingredients:
- 3 cups (375g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (105-115°F/40-46°C)
Equipment:
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Large mixing bowl
- Parchment paper
- Optional: Cooking spray for the slow cooker
Instructions:
1. Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let stand for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy (this indicates the yeast is alive and active).
2. Make the dough:
- In the large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and stir using a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula until a rough dough forms. It’s okay if it’s shaggy at this point.
3. Initial rise:
- Lightly grease the mixing bowl or coat with cooking spray.
- Place the dough in the greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Prepare the slow cooker:
- Cut a piece of parchment paper that fits the bottom and slightly up the sides of your slow cooker. This prevents the bread from sticking.
- Lightly grease the parchment paper or the slow cooker with cooking spray (optional).
5. Shape the dough:
- Gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles.
- On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a round loaf. Don’t over-knead, you just want to form a basic shape.
6. Cook the bread:
- Place the loaf into the prepared slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Check at the 2-hour mark. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and it sounds hollow when tapped.
- If the bread isn’t quite done, let it cook for another 15-30 minutes.
7. Cool and enjoy:
- Carefully lift the loaf out of the slow cooker using the parchment paper. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Important Tips:
- Water temperature matters: Using water that’s too hot will kill the yeast, and water that’s too cold won’t activate it properly.
- Room temperature helps the rise: Find a draft-free, warm spot in your kitchen to help the dough rise.
- Every slow cooker is different: Check the bread at the 2-hour mark as cooking times can vary.
- Get creative: Experiment by adding herbs, seeds, or a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking.
