Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, inviting you to indulge in a warm slice slathered with butter. With our Slow Cooker Artisan Bread recipe, you can make this dream a reality without the fuss of traditional baking! This easy, no-knead recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a crusty, golden loaf that’s soft on the inside and bursting with flavor. Dive into this delightful culinary adventure and discover the joy of homemade bread!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well blended.
- Pour the warm water (approximately 110°F) into the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to mix until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. The mixture should look rough and not completely smooth.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours. This long fermentation allows the flavors to develop and the gluten to strengthen.
- After the resting period, generously dust a clean work surface with flour. Carefully turn out the risen dough onto the floured surface.
- Gently shape the dough into a round loaf by folding the edges toward the center, creating a loose ball. Be careful not to deflate the dough too much.
- Line the slow cooker with parchment paper, ensuring the paper comes up the sides for easy removal.
- Transfer the shaped dough onto the parchment paper in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until the bread is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F.
- For a crispy crust, transfer the bread to a preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove the bread from the slow cooker and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and serve warm with butter, or use for sandwiches and toast.
Tips
- Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for the flour for the best results, as measuring by volume can lead to inconsistencies in the dough.
- Warm Water is Key: Ensure your water is around 110°F to activate the yeast properly. Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold may slow down the fermentation process.
- Long Fermentation: Don’t rush the resting period! Allowing the dough to ferment for 12-18 hours is crucial for developing flavor and texture.
- Gentle Handling: When shaping the dough, handle it gently to preserve the air bubbles formed during fermentation, which contribute to the bread’s airy texture.
- Parchment Paper: Lining your slow cooker with parchment paper not only helps with easy removal but also prevents the bread from sticking.
- Check Temperature: Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the bread, ensuring it reaches 190-200°F for perfect doneness.
- Crispy Crust: For an extra crispy crust, broil the bread for a few minutes after slow cooking, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Cooling Time: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to maintain its structure and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 151kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
