Who knew you could make fresh, homemade bread in a crockpot? This artisan-style bread is crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and requires zero kneading—just mix, let it rise, and let the slow cooker do the work. Perfect for sandwiches, soups, or just slathering with butter. If you’ve never baked bread before, this is the easiest way to start!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Parchment paper
- 4-6 quart crockpot
- Clean kitchen towel
Pro Tips
✅ Use instant yeast – No need to activate it, just mix it in!
✅ Let it rise in a warm spot – A sunny windowsill or near the oven works great.
✅ Parchment paper is key – It keeps the bread from sticking and makes it easier to lift out.
✅ For extra crunch, crisp it up in the oven – 5 minutes at 450°F does the trick!
✅ Experiment with flavors – Add garlic, rosemary, or cheese for a fun twist!
Substitutions & Variations
- Whole wheat flour – Swap up to half for a nuttier taste.
- Herb & garlic bread – Mix in 1 tsp dried rosemary and ½ tsp garlic powder.
- Cheesy bread – Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar before shaping the dough.
Instructions
1. Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast. Stir in warm water until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Let It Rise
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for 2-3 hours until doubled in size.
3. Shape & Transfer to Crockpot
Place a piece of parchment paper in the crockpot. Gently scrape the dough onto the parchment, keeping it in a round shape.
4. Cook the Bread
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high for 2–2.5 hours until the bread is firm and golden.
5. Crisp It Up (Optional)
For an extra crispy crust, place the loaf on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F for 5 minutes.
6. Let the Bread Cool & Enjoy
Lift the bread out of the crockpot using the parchment paper and place it on a wire cooling rack. Let it cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store at room temperature in a paper bag or bread box for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing better than homemade bread, and this crockpot method makes it easier than ever! Whether you’re a first-time bread baker or just love a no-fuss recipe, this one’s for you. Try it out and let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear if you added any fun twists! 🥖💛
