You can bake bread in a crock pot?! You betchya.
Little did I know (until this month’s Recipe Redux theme was announced), that crock pot of yours can make all sorts of things - no-casserole style. So toss those cans of “cream of whatever” and get to experimenting with healthier ways to use your c-pot. Try making your own yogurt, cooking up some overnight oatmeal for the morning or baking your favorite bread. Cooking Light has 150 great ideas and recipes to use your crock pot in creatively healthier ways.
Olive Oil Herb Bread
The olive oil in this bread makes it moist, chewy and delicious. It’s even better dipped in a little herb infused olive oil. To make it a little healthier, try using 1/2 the amount of flour as whole wheat.
3.5 cups bread flour
1 pack dry yeast
1.25 cups warm water
1/4 cup fresh rosemary, basil and oregano, chopped
3 TBS good Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
- Add sugar and yeast to warm and let sit about 10 minutes to activate; you should see bubbles forming on the top. If not, your yeast may not be active - start over with fresh yeast.
- In another bowl, combine flour, salt, 1/2 the herbs, and olive oil and mix thoroughly. Add the dry mix to the wet, little by little, constantly stirring and incorporating until a ball of dough forms. Use your hands to work it into a uniform dough ball and cover to let rise for 1 hour.
- Roll and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 1-2 minutes, and then let sit again for 30 minutes.
- Line your cooker with parchment and place the dough inside. Lightly brush the dough ball with olive oil and top with remaining herbs and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Cook on high for 2 hours. If you find excessive condensation forming on the lid, put a paper towel between the pot and lid to catch the liquid before it falls on the bread.
*When done, the top of the bread may look undone. I threw my bread under the broiler for a couple minutes to get it brown and crispy.
Check out some more No-Casserole Crock Pot Recipes from the creative dietitians of The Recipe Redux!
I’ve never thought to make bread in my slow cooker. That’s kind of awesome - thanks so much for sharing!
Elana @ The Inventive Vegetarian recently posted…Recipe ReDux: Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
Oooo…I’m so glad you tried making bread! I’ve been wanting to make it in the slow cooker, but have been a bit frightened of the results. You give me confidence. I will try yours with rosemary since my rosemary bush is still going strong!
Serena recently posted…Moroccan Slow Cooker Meatballs - The Recipe ReDux
Never thought to use my crockpot for breadmaking. I haven’t been a big user of crockpots, but after this month’s Recipe Redux, I’ll have to use it more often. it’s more versatile than I realized.