Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, effortlessly created with minimal fuss! Our Easy Slow Cooker Olive Parmesan Bread is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that will elevate your meals and impress your guests. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this Italian delight combines the rich flavors of Parmesan cheese and savory olives, all while being cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Perfect for sandwiches, as a side dish, or simply enjoyed warm with a drizzle of olive oil, this bread is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Ready to discover how to create this mouthwatering loaf? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pitted olives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast. Mix the dry ingredients together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, warm 1 cup of water until it is comfortably warm to the touch (around 110°F or 43°C). Avoid overheating, as this can kill the yeast.
- Gradually pour the warm water into the dry ingredients while stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a rough dough begins to form.
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the dough and continue mixing until the oil is fully incorporated and the dough starts to come together.
- Fold in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of chopped pitted olives. Ensure the cheese and olives are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Once mixed, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for about 30 minutes. This allows the dough to rise slightly.
- After the dough has rested, lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the dough into the slow cooker, shaping it into a round loaf if desired. Smooth the top with a spatula or your hands.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Cook for approximately 2 hours, or until the bread has risen and is golden brown on top.
- After 2 hours, carefully check the bread for doneness. It should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If it's not quite done, cover and continue to cook for an additional 15-30 minutes.
- Once fully cooked, carefully remove the bread from the slow cooker using a spatula or tongs. Allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your Easy Slow Cooker Olive Parmesan Bread!
Tips
- Choose the Right Olives: For a burst of flavor, opt for flavorful olives like Kalamata or green olives. You can even mix different varieties for a unique taste.
- Don’t Overheat the Water: Make sure your water is warm but not hot. If it's too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing your bread from rising properly.
- Let the Dough Rise: Allowing the dough to rest for 30 minutes is crucial for developing flavor and texture. Make sure it’s in a warm place to help it rise effectively.
- Grease the Slow Cooker: A light coating of olive oil in the slow cooker will help prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bread once it’s done.
- Check for Doneness: Tap the bottom of the bread; it should sound hollow when fully cooked. If it’s not quite there, give it an extra 15-30 minutes, checking periodically.
- Cooling is Key: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps set the texture and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Serve with Style: This bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dips, spreads, or simply a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a delicious appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
