Slow Cooker Cheese and Bacon Bread

Slow Cooker Cheese and Bacon Bread: 7 Savory Surprises

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Introduction

Slow Cooker Cheese and Bacon Bread is a weekend game-changer for anyone craving warm, home-baked goodness with zero fuss. This recipe starts with a simple dough—just 3 cups self-rising flour and 2 cups creamy Greek yogurt—kneed together for a minute and pressed into a slow cooker lined with baking paper. Then, you load the top with crispy bacon pieces and shredded cheese, tuck a tea towel under the lid to absorb steam, and let it cook on low for 2½ hours. Finally, a one-minute flash under the grill turns the crust golden and irresistible.

I first tried this method at a backyard brunch when plans changed at the last minute. With only a slow cooker and a handful of pantry staples, I whisked together the dough while chatting with friends. By the time our coffee mugs were empty, the house smelled like an artisan bakery. The bacon crackled perfectly, and the cheese bubbled into every crevice. Best of all? Cleanup was a breeze—no hot oven or extra pans to scrub.

Unlike traditional no-yeast breads that require proofing, this recipe demands almost no advance prep. It rivals your favorite farmhouse loaf but skips the long waits. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this Slow Cooker Cheese and Bacon Bread delivers hearty satisfaction with minimal effort. Let’s dive into why you’ll love it—and how to make it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Prep: Mix and knead the dough in under five minutes—no elaborate proofing or yeast needed.
  • Hands-Off Cooking: Let the slow cooker do the work while you relax or tackle other tasks.
  • Flavor Explosion: Tangy Greek yogurt, crispy bacon, and melty cheese create irresistible layers of taste.
  • Perfect Texture: Low-and-slow cooking yields a tender, moist crumb that’s tender inside with a golden crust.
  • Versatile Serving: Enjoy slices for breakfast toast, sandwich bread, or alongside soups and salads.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients
    • 3 cups (375 g) self-rising flour, plus extra for dusting
  • Wet Ingredients
    • 2 cups (480 g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • Toppings
    • 6 slices bacon (about 4 oz/115 g), cooked until crisp and chopped
    • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
  • Equipment
    • 6–8 quart slow cooker (crock-pot)
    • Baking paper (parchment) cut to fit the base
    • Kitchen tea towel

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
    • Line the base and sides of a 6–8 quart slow cooker with a single piece of baking paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang for easy removal.
  2. Mix the Dough
    • In a large bowl, combine 3 cups self-rising flour with 2 cups Greek yogurt.
    • Using a spatula or your hands, stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead Briefly
    • Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour.
    • Turn the dough out and knead for about 1 minute—just enough to bring it together. Do not over-knead.
  4. Shape and Place
    • Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf that fits comfortably in your slow cooker.
    • Transfer the loaf to the prepared slow cooker, pressing gently so it spreads to the edges.
  5. Add Bacon and Cheese
    • Evenly scatter chopped, crisp bacon pieces over the top of the dough.
    • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese in a single layer, covering the bacon.
  6. Prepare for Moisture Control
    • Fold a clean, dry kitchen tea towel into quarters. Place it between the slow cooker insert and the lid (it must not touch the food). This absorbs excess condensation and ensures a crisp top.
  7. Slow Cook
    • Cover and cook on LOW for 2½ hours.
    • Do not lift the lid during cooking—steam is essential for even baking.
  8. Brown Under the Grill
    • After 2½ hours, carefully lift out the loaf (use the parchment overhang).
    • Place it on a baking sheet and slide under a preheated grill (broiler) on high.
    • Grill for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden.
  9. Cool Slightly & Serve
    • Let the bread rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
    • Use a serrated knife to cut even slices, enjoying the contrast of crunchy cheese edges and soft, tangy crumb.

Serving Suggestions

  • Breakfast Delight: Toast a slice and top with a fried egg and avocado.
  • Hearty Sandwiches: Use as a base for BLTs or grilled cheese with tomato.
  • Soup Companion: Serve alongside creamy tomato soup or loaded potato soup.
  • Cheese Board: Cut into cubes for a savory snack platter with olives and charcuterie.
  • Dipping Bread: Tear into chunks and dip in herb-infused olive oil or warm marinara.

FAQs

  1. Can I use plain flour instead of self-rising?
    Yes—combine 3 cups plain flour with 1 Tbsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt to mimic self-rising flour.
  2. Will the tea towel get soggy?
    It may absorb moisture but won’t affect flavor. Replace it if it drips water into the cooker.
  3. Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version?
    Absolutely. Increase cheese to 1½ cups and add diced bell peppers or olives for flavor.
  4. How do I store leftovers?
    Wrap cooled slices in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  5. Can I freeze this bread?
    Yes—slice and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast from frozen.

Nutrition Facts (per slice, makes 12 slices)

  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Carbs: 25 g
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sodium: 370 mg

Recipe Tips

  • Even Thickness: Shape your dough to a uniform thickness so it cooks through evenly.
  • Extra Crisp: For an ultra-crunchy top, sprinkle a little extra cheese around the edges before grilling.
  • Flavor Variations: Swap cheddar for Gruyère or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
  • Yogurt Choice: Full-fat Greek yogurt yields a richer crumb; 2% works fine for lighter texture.
  • Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean of wet dough (cheese bits are fine), it’s done.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Cheese and Bacon Bread recipe proves that you don’t need a traditional oven to bake an artisan-style loaf. With minimal prep and relying on your slow cooker’s gentle heat, you’ll get a tender, tangy crumb studded with savory bacon and molten cheese in just 2½ hours.

Ready to explore more slow-cooker baking? Visit the Slow Cooker Community for creative crock-pot bread ideas, and check out King Arthur Baking’s guide to no-yeast quick breads for extra inspiration. Happy baking!

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