Description
Warm, pillowy crockpot bread emerges as a simple kitchen miracle, effortlessly filling homes with comforting aromas. Rustic and foolproof, this recipe invites you to savor homemade goodness without complex techniques or hours of labor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
Liquid and Fat Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Toppings:
- herbs (rosemary, thyme)
- seeds (sunflower, sesame)
- cheese (shredded cheddar, parmesan)
Instructions
- Assemble the foundational components by whisking flour, yeast, and salt together in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring even distribution of dry elements.
- Introduce warm liquid and olive oil gradually into the dry mixture, gently folding until a cohesive mass emerges. Utilize hands to transform the ingredients into a unified dough, incorporating additional moisture if the texture appears too dense.
- Transfer the nascent dough onto a lightly dusted surface, working it with rhythmic kneading motions for approximately five minutes. The goal is achieving a silky, pliable consistency that springs back when touched.
- Nestle the dough into a pristine container, drape with a soft cloth, and allow it to relax and expand in a cozy environment for roughly one hour until its volume doubles.
- Deflate the risen dough with a decisive press, redistributing internal gases, then mold it into a compact form matching the crockpot’s interior dimensions.
- Anoint the crockpot’s interior with a delicate olive oil coating or cooking spray, then gently position the shaped dough inside without overcrowding.
- Activate the slow cooker at high temperature, permitting the bread to transform over two to three hours. Monitor for a golden exterior and listen for a hollow percussion when tapped. If browning occurs too rapidly, shield with aluminum foil.
- Extract the bread with care, transferring to a wire rack for brief cooling. Slice and present alongside complementary accompaniments like butter or artisanal cheese.
Notes
- Use a high-quality, fresh yeast to ensure proper rising and optimal bread texture.
- Warm water activates the yeast effectively, but avoid using hot water which can kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten and create a light, airy bread structure.
- Monitor the cooking time closely to prevent over-browning or drying out the bread.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better binding.
- Experiment with herbs or cheese mixed into the dough for additional flavor variations.
- Line the crockpot with parchment paper for easier bread removal and cleanup.
- Check bread doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when fully cooked.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg