Slow Cooker Sourdough Bread (Easy No-Oven Recipe)
This easy Slow Cooker Bread recipe makes a soft, fluffy loaf right in your crockpot—no oven needed! Perfect for beginners, it’s made with simple ingredients and comes out golden and delicious every time.
There’s just something about the smell of fresh bread baking that makes a house feel like home. For me, that cozy scent instantly takes me back to childhood, watching my mom pull a warm loaf from the oven and waiting (impatiently!) for it to cool just enough so we could slice it. These days, with three kids running around and a to-do list a mile long, I don’t always have the time or patience to fuss with traditional bread baking. That’s why I am in love with this Slow Cooker Bread recipe.
Everybody is making their own sourdough starters and let me tell you, I have enough to take care of without worrying about feeding some stinky starter lol! That’s why this bread is perfect for me, no starter required!
It feels like a little kitchen secret: you can make soft, golden bread right in your slow cooker, no oven required! All it takes is a few pantry staples and just a little hands-on time. The rest is totally hands-off while your crockpot works its magic.
This bread is fluffy inside, slightly chewy, and perfect for just about anything. Spread it with butter and honey, slice it for sandwiches, or pair it with a big pot of soup on a chilly night. It’s simple, approachable, and guaranteed to make you feel like a bread-baking pro, even if this is your very first loaf.
If you’ve been nervous to try homemade bread, start here. This recipe is no-fail, family-friendly, and gives you that “made from scratch” feeling without taking over your whole day.
What is Slow Cooker Bread?
Slow cooker bread is exactly what it sounds like, fresh bread baked right in your crockpot instead of the oven. The dough rises and cooks low and slow, giving you a tender, soft interior with a golden crust. While it won’t get quite as crusty as artisan oven-baked bread, you’ll love how easy it is to make and how forgiving the recipe is.
Think of it as the perfect balance: all the comfort of homemade bread without the intimidating steps or long bake times. It’s rustic, simple, and perfect for everyday meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Beginner-friendly – no kneading, no special equipment, no stress.
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No oven needed – perfect for hot days or when your oven is busy with dinner.
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Soft and fluffy texture – thanks to the Greek yogurt, it stays moist and tender.
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Customizable – add your favorite mix-ins like cheese, herbs, or spices.
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Family-approved – kids love it, and it’s budget-friendly compared to store-bought.
When to Serve Slow Cooker Bread
This bread is so versatile that you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Some of my favorite times to serve it are:
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Weeknight dinners – serve warm slices alongside soups, stews, or casseroles.
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Sandwiches & lunches – slice thick for BLTs, grilled cheese, or paninis.
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Weekend breakfasts – toast and top with butter, jam, or avocado.
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Holiday meals – a cozy homemade touch without juggling oven space.
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Fun with kids – baking bread in the slow cooker is a great project to get little hands involved in the kitchen.
Ingredients
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1 cup warm water – activates the yeast for rising.
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1/3 cup sugar – feeds the yeast and balances flavor.
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1 tablespoon instant yeast – the powerhouse that makes your bread rise.
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil – keeps the loaf tender and moist.
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3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt – adds richness and a soft crumb.
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1 1/2 teaspoons salt – don’t skip; it’s key for flavor.
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3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – gives structure (bread flour also works well).
How to Make Slow Cooker Bread
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Bloom the yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until bubbly.
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Add wet ingredients: Stir in vegetable oil and Greek yogurt.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yogurt mixture and stir until dough forms.
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Form the dough: Use your hands to bring the dough together into a ball.
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Let it rise: Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes, until doubled.
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Shape the loaf: Shape into a round boule, a rectangle, or simply a rustic loaf. Score the top if you like.
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Cook in slow cooker: Line your slow cooker with parchment paper, place the dough inside, and cover. Cook on HIGH for 2 hours.
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Cool & serve: Let the loaf cool before slicing for best results.
Substitutions
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Flour: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.
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Greek yogurt: Sour cream or plain yogurt both work.
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Vegetable oil: Olive oil, canola oil, or melted butter.
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Sugar: Try honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup.
Variations
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Cheddar & Jalapeño Bread – fold in shredded cheddar and diced jalapeños.
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Cinnamon Swirl Bread – layer with cinnamon sugar before shaping.
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Garlic Herb Bread – mix in garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme.
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Everything Bagel Loaf – sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before cooking.
Tips & Tricks
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Always check that your yeast is fresh, it should bubble during blooming.
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Don’t skip the rise; this step gives the bread its soft texture.
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Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
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For a golden top, pop the loaf under the oven broiler for 2–3 minutes after cooking.
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Let it cool fully before slicing to avoid gummy bread.
FAQs
Can I double this recipe?
Not in one loaf, your slow cooker won’t fit it. Instead, make two smaller loaves.
Can I make rolls with this dough?
Yes! Shape into rolls and cook for about 90 minutes on HIGH.
Can I add mix-ins?
Definitely, cheese, nuts, dried fruit, or seeds all work.
Can I bake it in the oven instead?
Yes, bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
How do I know when it’s done?
The loaf should feel firm on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may be slightly different.
Serving Ideas
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Thick slices with butter and jam for breakfast.
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As sandwich bread for deli meats, grilled cheese, or paninis.
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Toasted with garlic butter for homemade garlic bread.
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Cubed and used for croutons in salads.
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Sliced and dipped in soups, stews, or chili.
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Make it sweet, toast and top with Nutella or cinnamon sugar.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or bread bag for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: Slice the loaf, wrap in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm slices in the oven or toaster. To refresh the whole loaf, wrap in foil and bake at 300°F for 10–12 minutes.
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Make Ahead: The dough can be mixed and refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature and let rise before cooking.
Slow Cooker Sourdough Bread (Easy No-Oven Recipe)
Everyone is making sourdough these days and it is a process! Now you can make this Mock Sourdough Bread in less that 4 hours right in the slow cooker. Yeast and greek yogurt give this bread it’s sour flavor. You will be making these “sourdough” bread all the time!
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
Instructions
- In a bowl combine your warm water, sugar and yeast and let it bloom for 5-10 minutes.
- Once bloomed add your vegetable oil and greek yogurt and stir.
- To a large mixing bowl combine the salt and flour.
- Stir the yogurt mix into the flour mix.
- Use your hands to really get the dough incorporated.
- Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set aside in a warm area to rise for 45 minutes.
- Once the dough has doubled in size it is ready to cook in the slow cooker.
- Line your slow cooker with parchment paper.
- You can just roll your dough into a loaf shape and place in the slow cooker. Or you can use your hands to shape it into a rectangle and then fold each long side in and then roll it into a ball (how traditional sourdough is shaped).
- You can score the top if you like, it will not keep its design but will give it more of a sourdough look.
- Place your loaf in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours let the loaf cool and slice and serve!
Notes
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- You can use all purpose or bread flour for this.
- You can add inclusions like cheddar and jalapeno or cinnamon sugar if you like.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 264Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 407mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 2gSugar: 9gProtein: 8g
If you love homemade bread but don’t want to fuss with the oven, this Slow Cooker Sourdough Bread is the answer! It’s rustic, golden, and so easy — your crockpot does all the work. And if you’re craving even more delicious bread recipes, don’t miss these favorites:
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Pepperoni Bread – A soft loaf stuffed with gooey cheese and pepperoni, perfect for game day or snacking.
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The Ultimate Fry Bread Tacos Recipe – Fluffy fry bread topped with savory taco fixings for a fun twist on taco night.
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Garlic Bread French Dips – Warm, cheesy garlic bread sandwiches loaded with roast beef and served with au jus for dipping.
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Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls – Sweet, fluffy dinner rolls just like the ones from the restaurant, perfect with cinnamon honey butter.
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Lunch Lady Rolls – Soft, nostalgic rolls that taste just like the ones from the school cafeteria — perfect for family dinners.
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Amish Bread – A classic homemade bread that’s tender, slightly sweet, and always a crowd favorite.
Final Thoughts
Homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. With this slow cooker bread recipe, you get all the coziness of fresh-baked bread with none of the fuss. It’s warm, soft, and versatile, perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special holiday spreads.
Once you make bread this way, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought loaves. So dust off your slow cooker, gather a few simple ingredients, and enjoy the unbeatable smell and taste of homemade bread today.
