Forget Stocking Up On Bread – Aussie Mums Are Now Making It In Their Slow Cooker

Shopping hours have been reduced, and essential supplies are difficult to find. But if you worry about running out of bread, Australia has you covered. And we’re not talking about buying a fancy breadmaker that does all the work for you.

Instead, a bread loaf that can be made simply in a slow cooker (or crockpot) has gained viral attention in the last week. The recipe is most commonly credited to Diannelle Luttrell, from Tasmania, Australia. However, her recipe was published on a March 17^th Facebook post. The same recipe actually appeared on a page called “Slow Cooker Recipe & Tips” on March 10^th, with no attributed author. While Luttrell’s post has gained more traction—46 thousand likes compared to 14 thousand, and over 475 thousand shares to 71 thousand, they are the same delicious recipe, styled as “Literally the Best Bread Ever.” Here is the recipe in question: (1, 2, 3)

Ingredients

1/2 cup warm water

2 cups of warm milk
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 tbsp melted unsalted butter

3 tablespoons of active dry yeast
6 cups of whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons of salt

1 teaspoon of baking powder
Large mixing bowl
Slow cooker

Mixer
Parchment or wax paper

Notes:

If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can add more sugar without ruining the recipe. Sweeter bread will more closely approximate store-bought bread, so if you aren’t used to making your own bread, take that into consideration. The maximum amount of sugar for this recipe will be about three tablespoons.

If you are running low on whole wheat flour, you can use half all-purpose flour (three cups of each). This will also make kneading the dough easier, which will prevent your bread from becoming heavy and dense.
If you want to stop moisture from forming and dripping on the bread, you can use a tea towel on top.

Directions

In a large bowl, mix the water, sugar, and yeast.

Leave bowl aside. *Note: the maximum amount of time it should be left alone is five minutes, otherwise it could spill over. The mixture should have froth on top.)
Heat milk and butter in microwave.
Stir the butter and milk into your large bowl filled with water, sugar, and yeast.

Blend the flour, salt, and baking powder into the bowl using a standing mixer if you have one.
When most of the flour has blended in, start kneading into dough. *Note: This process should take about 10-15 minutes. Make sure it is kneaded properly or it will be dense!
Form your dough into a ball shape.

Using your parchment or wax paper, cover the inside of your slow cooker.
Cook on high for two to two-and-a-half hours. *Note: After the two-hour mark, check bread approximately every eight minutes. The top should have some give but pop back into position. The sides and bottom should be brown.
If you want a crisp top to your bread, once it is thoroughly cooked in the slow cooker, you can pop it in the oven on the broil or grill setting for less than five minutes.