Crock Pot Bread

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat, or a gluten-free blend)
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweet bread)
• 1 tablespoon dried herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) for savory bread
• ½ cup chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips for sweet bread

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. If making sweet bread, add sugar here.
2. Add the warm water and mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. For a no-knead option, simply mix and let the dough rest longer during proofing.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
5. Prepare your crock pot by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
6. Shape the risen dough as desired and transfer it carefully into the crock pot.
7. Set the crock pot to 'high' and cook for 2 to 3 hours. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped or reaches an internal temperature of 200°F.
8. For a crusty top, place the finished loaf under a preheated broiler for 3 to 5 minutes.