There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your home. Last night, I finally tried my hand at making bread without a bread machine, and the results were incredible! This recipe is simple, uses everyday ingredients, and yields a loaf so delicious, it might just become a weekly staple. Plus, it’s made in a slow cooker, so no need for extra counter space or fancy appliances. Here’s the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to make this amazing bread at home.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm water (not hot, just warm to the touch)
- 2 cups warm milk (microwaved for about 1-2 minutes)
- 2 tablespoons melted UNSALTED butter (or adjust salt if using salted butter)
- 1-3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste; more sugar for sweeter bread)
- 3 tablespoons active dry yeast (on the conservative side)
- 6 cups whole wheat flour (or a 50:50 mix of 3 cups whole wheat flour and 3 cups all-purpose flour)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine the 1/2 cup warm water, 1-3 tablespoons of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes. The mixture should become frothy on top. Be careful not to let it sit longer, or it may overflow (trust me, it gets messy!).
Step 2: Warm the Milk and Butter
- While the yeast is activating, warm the 2 cups of milk and 2 tablespoons of melted butter in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. The mixture should be warm but not hot.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- Add the warm milk and butter mixture to the frothy yeast mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
- Using a standing mixer with a dough hook attachment (or by hand), slowly add the 6 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix until the dough comes together.
- If using a mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5 minutes once most of the flour is incorporated. Then, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand for another 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you’re new to kneading, using a 50:50 ratio of whole wheat and all-purpose flour will make the dough easier to work with and prevent a dense loaf.
Step 5: Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Line your slow cooker with baking paper (parchment paper) to prevent sticking. Shape the dough into a round ball and place it in the slow cooker.
Step 6: Let the Dough Rise
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and let the dough rise as the slow cooker heats up. The warm environment will help the dough double in size. This usually takes about 30-45 minutes.
Step 7: Cook the Bread
- Once the dough has risen, cook it on High power for 2 to 2.5 hours. Start checking the bread after 2 hours by gently pressing the top. It should feel spongy but spring back, and there should be no moisture on the surface. The bottom and sides should be a nice golden brown.
- If you prefer a crustier top, transfer the loaf (without the baking paper) to the oven and broil/grill for less than 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
- Remove the bread from the slow cooker and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the loaf set and makes it easier to cut.
Tips and Notes
- Unsalted Butter: If you use salted butter, adjust the amount of added salt in the recipe.
- Sweetness: Add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter bread, similar to store-bought varieties.
- Flour Ratio: For a lighter loaf, use a 50:50 ratio of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. This is especially helpful if you’re not confident in your kneading skills.
- Cooking Time: Bread can take up to 2.5 hours to cook fully, so be patient and check regularly toward the end.
- Condensation: To avoid condensation dripping onto the loaf, place a tea towel under the slow cooker lid. I haven’t tried this myself, but it’s a handy tip I’ve heard works well.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy your homemade bread as toast for breakfast, slathered with butter or your favorite jam.
- Use it for sandwiches—it’s sturdy enough to hold all your favorite fillings.
- Serve it alongside soups or stews for a comforting meal.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to make bread without investing in a bread machine. The slow cooker method is foolproof and creates a beautifully moist loaf with a golden crust. Plus, the flexibility in flour and sugar ratios allows you to customize the bread to your taste.
Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! It’s a game-changer for homemade bread lovers. Happy baking! 🍞