How do you proof bread in a slow cooker?

3) Proof Bread with a Slow Cooker Fill your slow cooker halfway with water and set to the low setting (which will heat the water to about 200ºF). Put the lid on upside down, lay a dishtowel on top, then set your bowl of dough on top. The radiant heat from the hot water will help the bread rise.

Can you rise dough in crock pot?

Then, place your dough inside the slow cooker and cover it with a clean, damp towel. Close the lid and let the magic happen. Check on your dough occasionally to make sure it's rising at the right pace . If it's going too fast or slow, adjust the temperature or turn off the slow cooker as needed.

Can you cook bread without it rising?

Once the dough is shaped into a loaf, its ready for baking. There's no need for further rising . You can shape the dough into a nice tight ball and put it right into the preheated Dutch oven. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10 more minutes.

What happens if you let bread proof too long?

“If the dough has risen too long, it's going to feel fragile and might even collapse as you poke it ,” says Maggie. If this is the case, there's a chance you can save your dough by giving it a quick re-shape. Learn more about this fix in our blog on saving overproofed dough.

Can I still use my dough if it's not rising?

If you're dough didn't rise, the yeast is probably dead . This could be because the yeast was old, it wasn't refrigerated, or because the water you bloomed it in was too hot (ideally the water should be warm, about 100F). You can still bake the dough but don't expect the same flavor.

How to proof bread without a proofer?

Carefully fill an oven-safe dish with several cups of boiling water, then place the water-filled dish on the bottom rack of your oven . Bread dough rises well in a moist and warm environment, between 70–80°F, so be sure to keep the oven off unless you plan to use a specialized proofing setting.

Can I put dough in fridge to slow rise?

When you put your dough in the fridge it slows the yeast activity down . It takes ten times longer for dough to rise in the fridge than it does at room temperature. This means you can put your dough in the fridge overnight or whilst you are at work and come back to it when you are ready.

How do you slow proof bread?

Cover the boules in the baskets with towels and place them in the fridge , where they will undergo their final fermentation, or final proof. During this time, the loaves should nearly double in size. Proofing our loaves in the fridge (also called retarding) will slow down their final rise, giving our loaves more flavor.

How do you proof bread quickly?

A Bowl of Steaming Water is the Key to Quickly Proofing Bread. In the winter, when your house and kitchen are at a crisp temperature and you need a warm spot for your dough to rise, create a makeshift “proof box” by placing a bowl of steaming water inside your oven alongside your bowl of dough.

What happens if you cook under proofed bread?

The crumb structure of an under proofed loaf will be tight and gummy . Because it was not given enough time to develop and trap CO2 gasses, the crumb structure will be very dense, with uneven air bubbles.

How do you proof bread without a proofer?

Carefully fill an oven-safe dish with several cups of boiling water, then place the water-filled dish on the bottom rack of your oven . Bread dough rises well in a moist and warm environment, between 70–80°F, so be sure to keep the oven off unless you plan to use a specialized proofing setting.

No-Rise Slow Cooker Basil Pesto Bread | Crock Pot Recipe (2024)

Diethood » Recipes » Side Dishes » Slow Cooker Bread

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By: KaterinaPosted: Nov 21, 2017Updated: Mar 13, 2024

4.93 from 40 votes

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Get ready for an easy Slow Cooker Bread with Basil Pesto that’s all about taste without the hassle! Mix your ingredients, place them in the slow cooker, and you’ve got yourself a soft, crusty, delicious bread packed with that awesome basil pesto flavor.

No-Rise Slow Cooker Basil Pesto Bread | Crock Pot Recipe (2)

Imagine baking bread without the hassle of kneading endlessly or waiting for it to rise. This Slow Cooker Bread brings that imagination to life! It’s a simple bread-making experience where your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Infused with the aromatic flair of basil pesto, this bread is soft, savory, and perfect for any meal. Just mix, set, and let your slow cooker transform the ingredients into a beautifully textured, flavorful loaf. Trust me, it’s a game-changer! No complicated steps, no waiting for the dough to rise. It’s a quick, straightforward recipe that delivers delicious, homemade bread.

Why We Love This Slow Cooker Bread Recipe

Easy to Prep: Say goodbye to complicated bread recipes; no rising time is needed, and minimal effort is required.
So Much Flavor: The basil pesto infusion turns this bread into a delicious masterpiece that’s hard to resist.
Versatile: It’s a soft and crusty bread that pairs nicely with various dishes.
Slow Cooker Magic: Enjoy the simplicity and consistency of using a slow cooker – set it and forget it!

No-Rise Slow Cooker Basil Pesto Bread | Crock Pot Recipe (3)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get those taste buds ready because here comes the lineup of ingredients to get this delicious bread with basil pesto on the table!

Active Dry Yeast: Gives the bread its soft, airy texture.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and aids in the browning of the bread.
Lukewarm Water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
All-Purpose Flour
Olive Oil: Adds moisture and flavor.
Basil Pesto: Infuses the bread with a rich, savory taste.
Salt: Enhances flavor.
Dried Parsley and Kosher Salt: For topping, adds an extra layer of flavor and presentation.

No-Rise Slow Cooker Basil Pesto Bread | Crock Pot Recipe (4)

No-Rise Slow Cooker Basil Pesto Bread | Crock Pot Recipe (5)

How To Make Bread In The Slow Cooker

This recipe starts out with one bowl plus all the ingredients inside. Once you combine all those ingredients together, you will turn out the dough onto a floured working surface and knead for 5 minutes. For those that do not want to knead and forego the slow cooker, you must try my No Knead Skillet Olive Bread and No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread.

Line a slow cooker with parchment paper.
Mix yeast, sugar, and water in a large mixing bowl; let sit to activate the yeast. Add in the flour, olive oil, basil pesto, and salt; mix to form a dough.
Turn the dough out onto a working surface and knead it for 5 minutes, then place it in the slow cooker.
Top with dried parsley and salt, cover, and cook on HIGH for 2 hours.
Pop the bread under the broiler for around 5 minutes to achieve a golden brown top.
Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.

No-Rise Slow Cooker Basil Pesto Bread | Crock Pot Recipe (6)

Recipe Tips & Variations

Broiler: Know that the bread will not brown on top inside the slow cooker. To get it all browned up nicely, you’ll have to transfer the bread to a baking sheet and broil for about 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown.
Check for Doneness: Always check the internal temperature of the bread to ensure it’s fully cooked; it should reach 200°F.
Let it Rest: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
Olive Oil Drizzle: Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top after it’s done cooking for an extra layer of flavor and a shiny finish.
Experiment with Herbs: Try adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to give the bread a unique flavor.
Cheese Addition: Mix grated cheese like parmesan or cheddar into the dough for a cheesy twist.
Pesto Variations: Swap basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto for a change in flavor profile.
Toppings: Before cooking, sprinkle the top with seeds (like sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning) for added texture and taste.
Bread Shapes: Shape the dough differently – make rolls or baguette shapes to make it fun and customized.

No-Rise Slow Cooker Basil Pesto Bread | Crock Pot Recipe (7)

Serving Suggestions

Serve the bread as an appetizer with a selection of dips – think marinara, hummus, or olive oil with balsamic vinegar and herbs. Add slices of this slow cooker bread to a cheese board with various cheeses, fruits, and nuts. This loaf is the perfect companion to a warm bowl of Tomato Soup or a hearty Minestrone. Pair it with a classic Chicken Pasta Bake or creamy Alfredo pasta with Steak. The rich flavors of the bread would complement a crisp La Scala Chopped Salad beautifully.

Proper Storage

Store this slow cooker bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it! Wrapped tightly, this flavorful bread can be frozen for up to a month.

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Slow Cooker Bread Recipe

Katerina | Diethood

This no-rise, no-fuss, delicious slow cooker bread recipe is packed with basil pesto and probably one of the most flavorful bread recipes you will ever make!

4.93 from 40 votes

Rate this Recipe!

Servings : 12 servings

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Ingredients

▢ 2¼ teaspoons (or 1 envelope) active dry yeast
▢ 1 tablespoon sugar
▢ 1½ cups lukewarm water (about 105 degrees Fahrenheit)
▢ 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
▢ ¼ cup basil pesto
▢ 1 teaspoon salt
▢ dried parsley, for topping
▢ kosher salt, for topping

Instructions

Line a 6-quart slow cooker with parchment paper and set aside.
Place yeast and sugar in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. Add water and continue to stir until combined. Add in the flour, olive oil, basil pesto, and salt; stir with a wooden spoon until well incorporated and a shaggy dough begins to form.
Turn out the dough onto a floured working surface and knead for 5 minutes until the dough is soft and smooth. IF the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, about one tablespoon at a time.
Place the ball of dough in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the top with dried parsley and salt.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or until golden on the bottom. The internal temperature of the baked bread should register at 200˚F.
Remove the bread from the slow cooker together with parchment paper and place on a baking sheet.
Place the bread under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Remove the bread from the oven and set it on a cooling rack. Let rest until completely cooled before cutting and serving.

Equipment

Notes

Broiling Step: The slow cooker won’t brown the bread. For a golden crust, transfer it to a baking sheet and broil for 4 to 5 minutes.
Check the Temperature: Ensure the bread’s internal temperature hits 200°F to confirm it’s cooked through.
Cooling Time: Let the bread cool thoroughly before cutting. The internal steam helps cook the bread from the inside, even after it’s out of the oven. Cutting it early can halt this process, creating undesirable chewy, gooey texture and structural integrity.
Measurements: It’s crucial to highlight that “3-3/4 cups” indicates 3 full cups plus an additional 3/4 cup, totaling 3.75 cups, and not 3 instances of 3/4 cups. Unfortunately, this misunderstanding has led several readers to make a bread that was gooey, undercooked, and chewy.

Nutrition

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: crock pot bread recipe, crock pot recipes, slow cooker bread recipe, slow cooker recipes

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