Easy No-Knead Slow Cooker Olive Bread Recipe: Rustic, Flavorful, and Effortless

Imagine the warm aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, without the usual fuss of kneading or complex baking techniques. This incredible No-Knead Slow Cooker Olive Bread Recipe makes that dream a reality! It’s wonderfully easy to prepare, loaded with the irresistible flavors of salty Kalamata olives, savory Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic. The result is a delicious, rustic loaf that’s perfect for any meal or as a standalone snack. Say goodbye to the endless waiting and strenuous kneading – your slow cooker is about to become your new favorite bakery assistant!

Side view of a whole loaf of golden-brown olive bread on a wooden cutting board, with a butter knife resting beside it. The bread has a beautiful rustic crust and visible olive pieces. — This unique slow cooker bread recipe is fantastic as a side dish or a satisfying snack any time of the day!

🍞 About This Effortless Olive Bread Recipe

I understand the struggle – the thought of baking bread often conjures images of endless kneading, multiple rises, and a significant time commitment. For many, including myself, that kind of patience and energy just isn’t always available. Yet, there’s truly nothing quite like the taste and texture of fresh-baked bread served warm at your dinner table. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice that homemade goodness for a lack of time!

This recipe is a game-changer because it eliminates all the conventional hassles. When I first heard it was possible to bake delicious bread without any kneading, and even better, right in a slow cooker, I was immediately intrigued. This method isn’t just a shortcut; it’s a revelation for busy home cooks who crave artisan-style bread with minimal effort.

The basic technique for slow cooker bread is remarkably simple. It involves combining flour with quick-rising yeast and water, allowing the dough to rest, gently shaping it into a round, letting it rest again, and then placing it in your slow cooker on high. Believe it or not, this method yields consistently good bread! The magic of the slow cooker creates a moist, warm environment that helps the bread bake perfectly, often resulting in a tender interior and a wonderfully chewy crust.

What makes this particular loaf stand out are the additions: salty Kalamata olives and rich Parmesan cheese. These mix-ins transform a simple loaf into a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece. The olives provide bursts of briny flavor and a pleasant texture, while the Parmesan adds a savory, nutty depth that complements the garlic beautifully. This technique also opens up a world of possibilities for adding all sorts of mix-ins, allowing you to customize your bread to your heart’s content.

The texture of bread produced by this slow cooker method is truly unique. It tends to be a little denser than traditionally kneaded bread, but it is far from heavy or overly chewy. Instead, it boasts a satisfyingly rustic chewiness and a delightful moistness that makes it utterly enjoyable. Once you try this, you’ll find it’s way better than most store-bought options and surprisingly close to a true artisan loaf, but with a fraction of the effort.

If you’re looking to explore other simple bread recipes, you might also enjoy this Easy Homemade Rosemary Bread. It’s a delightful yeast bread infused with fresh rosemary and designed to be free-formed, meaning no special bread pans are needed – another fantastic option for easy, homemade deliciousness.

🥘 Key Ingredients for Your Olive Bread

Crafting this delicious olive bread requires only a handful of common ingredients, making it accessible for any home cook. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the unique flavor and texture of this rustic loaf. For a complete list of quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Overhead shot of all the simple ingredients laid out on a white surface: bread flour, grated Parmesan cheese, whole Kalamata olives, a packet of instant yeast, minced garlic, and a small bowl of cornmeal. — With these simple ingredients, you will love creating this delicious olive bread recipe!

Bread Flour: While you can use all-purpose flour, bread flour is highly recommended. Its higher protein content contributes to better gluten development, resulting in a chewier, more structured crumb that stands up beautifully to the mix-ins. If using all-purpose, the texture might be slightly softer.
Instant or Quick Rise Yeast: This type of yeast is fantastic for this recipe because it activates quickly and doesn’t require proofing in warm water beforehand. It saves time and ensures a reliable rise, essential for a no-knead method.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the bread with a pungent, savory aroma and flavor that pairs perfectly with olives and cheese. It adds a wonderful zing that elevates the entire loaf.
Kalamata Olives: These distinctively purple, almond-shaped olives are key to the bread’s Mediterranean character. Their rich, fruity, and slightly briny flavor, along with their firm texture, provides delightful bursts of taste in every bite. Ensure they are pitted and diced.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful umami depth and a savory, slightly salty note. It also helps keep the bread moist and can contribute to a lovely golden crust during baking.
Water: Essential for hydrating the flour and activating the yeast. The precise amount ensures the dough reaches the right sticky consistency for a no-knead method.
Cornmeal (optional): A sprinkle of cornmeal on your parchment paper prevents the dough from sticking and gives the bottom of your loaf a wonderfully rustic, slightly crisp texture. You can use extra flour if cornmeal isn’t available.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Olive Bread

Making this no-knead olive bread in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly baked, rustic loaf. Please note: This is an overview of the instructions. You’ll find the complete, detailed instructions with exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

A six-panel collage showing the process of making slow cooker olive bread: 1. Combining dry ingredients. 2. Adding water to form sticky dough. 3. Dough resting in a bowl. 4. Dough shaped on parchment paper. 5. Dough with parchment in the slow cooker with paper towels. 6. The finished golden-brown loaf. — With prep done in less than 15 minutes, you have no reason not to make this delicious olive Parmesan bread!

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the bread flour, instant yeast, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk them together to ensure the yeast and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Add Flavor Mix-ins: Sprinkle in the minced garlic and diced Kalamata olives. Gently mix these into the dry ingredients to prevent them from clumping together later. This ensures every slice of bread gets a delightful burst of flavor.
Form the Dough: Pour in the specified amount of water. Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, mix until all of the flour mixture is fully incorporated and no dry spots remain. The dough will be quite sticky and shaggy – this is exactly what you want for a no-knead bread. Do not overmix.
First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let the dough sit at room temperature for about 1 and ½ hours. During this time, the yeast will work its magic, and the dough will begin to rise and develop flavor.
Shape and Second Rise: Lightly sprinkle a large piece of parchment paper with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking. Carefully remove the sticky dough from the bowl and place it onto the prepared parchment. Gently mold it into a rustic round shape. Cover it again with plastic wrap or a damp towel and allow it to rest for another ½ hour. This second rest helps the dough relax and prepares it for baking.
Prepare Slow Cooker for Baking: While the dough is on its second rise, preheat your slow cooker on the HIGH setting. Once hot, carefully pick up the parchment paper (with the dough on it) and transfer the loaf directly into the preheated slow cooker. The parchment paper acts as a sling and helps prevent sticking. Tuck or trim any excess parchment so the lid can sit flush.
Bake in Slow Cooker: Place two layers of paper towels over the top rim of the slow cooker before putting on the lid. The paper towels will absorb condensation during cooking, preventing the bread from becoming soggy. Cook on high for 2 hours.
Optional Browning: For a deeper golden-brown crust, after 2 hours in the slow cooker, you can transfer the bread (without the parchment) to a baking sheet and bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until desired crust color is achieved.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the loaf from the slow cooker and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This allows the internal structure of the bread to set properly, resulting in a better texture. Enjoy!

If you’re truly passionate about homemade bread and enjoy exploring diverse textures and flavors, you might also like this delicious recipe for homemade manakish dough. Manakish is a delightful Middle Eastern flatbread, often topped with za’atar or cheese, and is believed to have originated in Lebanon.

👪 Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Bread

What is the best way to keep homemade bread fresh?

To keep your slow cooker olive bread fresh, allow it to cool completely before storing. Once cool, wrap the loaf loosely in a paper bag to allow for some air circulation, but make sure to cover the cut end tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Avoid refrigerating homemade bread, as the cool, dry environment of a fridge will actually accelerate staling and make the bread dry and hard much faster. A dedicated bread box or simply keeping it on the countertop in a cool, dry place is ideal for short-term storage (2-3 days).

Can you freeze olive bread?

Absolutely, this olive bread freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying fresh bread weeks later. Ensure the loaf is completely cooled to room temperature before freezing. Wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the whole loaf or slice it first for convenience. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three weeks. To thaw, simply unwrap and let it sit at room temperature, or reheat gently in a low oven for a “freshly baked” feel.

Does a breadbox keep bread fresh longer?

Yes, a breadbox can indeed help extend the freshness of homemade bread! A good breadbox provides a dark, enclosed space with just enough ventilation to prevent mold, but not so much that the bread dries out too quickly. It creates an ideal microclimate for bread storage, balancing humidity and airflow to keep the crust crisp and the interior soft for a longer period compared to just leaving it on the counter. If you frequently bake or purchase artisan loaves, a breadbox is a worthwhile investment.

💭 Top Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Olive Bread

Making bread in the slow cooker is not only incredibly easy but also offers several advantages. Here are a few top tips to ensure your olive bread turns out perfectly every time:

Free Up Your Oven: One of the biggest advantages of slow cooker bread is that it leaves your oven completely free for other dishes. This is particularly useful for holiday meals, dinner parties, or any time you’re preparing a large spread and need to maximize your cooking space. You can bake your bread while roasting a turkey or preparing a casserole.
Ensure a Golden Crust: While the slow cooker bakes the bread beautifully, it often results in a softer crust due to the moist environment. If you prefer a crispier, more golden-brown crust, consider a quick finish in a hot oven. After the 2 hours in the slow cooker, transfer the loaf to a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is to your liking.
Don’t Rush Cooling: It can be tempting to slice into a warm loaf right out of the slow cooker, but resist the urge! Cooling the bread on a wire rack allows the internal starches to set and the moisture to redistribute evenly. Slicing too early can result in a gummy texture.
Experiment with Mix-ins: While Kalamata olives, Parmesan, and garlic are a divine combination, feel free to get creative! Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano, different cheeses like feta or sharp cheddar, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Just ensure total “wet” additions (like olives) don’t drastically alter the dough’s hydration.
Check Dough Consistency: No-knead dough should be very sticky and shaggy. Don’t be alarmed if it doesn’t look like traditional smooth bread dough. The stickiness is key to its texture and development. If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time; if too wet, a tablespoon of flour.

Close-up shot of a thick slice of olive bread, spread with butter, with the blurry whole loaf in the background on a wooden cutting board with a butter knife. — You will absolutely love this savory and delicious slow cooker olive bread recipe!

💡 Delicious Serving Suggestions

Isn’t this slow cooker bread incredibly easy to make? I certainly think so! And the best part is how versatile it is. This savory olive bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, adding a rustic, flavorful touch to any meal. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

With Italian-Inspired Dishes: The Mediterranean flavors of this bread make it a perfect accompaniment to Italian cuisine. Serve it alongside this healthier twist on spaghetti, which cleverly incorporates hidden vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
Alongside Hearty Main Courses: This bread is fantastic with substantial main dishes. Pair it with Eggplant Parmesan, especially when made in the air fryer to reduce excess fat without sacrificing taste. The bread’s savory notes complement the rich, cheesy eggplant beautifully.
As a Dipper for Soups and Stews: There’s nothing quite like dipping a thick slice of rustic bread into a warm bowl of soup or a comforting stew. The chewy texture and olive flavor of this loaf make it an ideal candidate for soaking up every last drop.
With Tex-Mex Flavors: If you love Tex-Mex, you might be surprised how well this olive bread pairs with a flavorful casserole. A Doritos Casserole, layered with chips, cheese, beans, and salsa, offers a fun and family-friendly meal that this savory bread can complement unexpectedly well.
Elegant Fish Dinners: For a more sophisticated pairing, consider serving this bread with elegant fish dishes. This simple yet impressive pan-seared sablefish recipe with white wine and tomatoes would be beautifully enhanced by the rustic olive bread.
Cheese Boards and Appetizers: Slice it thinly and serve it as part of a Mediterranean-inspired cheese board with assorted cheeses, cured meats, more olives, and roasted red peppers. It also makes a wonderful appetizer, simply served with a good quality olive oil for dipping.

🍞 Explore More Delicious Bread Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this slow cooker olive bread, you’re in for a treat! There’s a whole world of homemade bread waiting to be explored, from simple no-knead creations to more traditional artisan loaves. Here are a few more bread recipes that are sure to tempt your taste buds:

Olive Parmesan Pretzel Bites: Looking for a yummy, easy-to-make bite-sized snack or appetizer? These pretzel bites with olive and Parmesan are seriously good. They offer the same fantastic flavor profile as this bread but in a fun, dippable format. The hardest part of this recipe? Not eating them all yourself! They’re YUMMY and addictive!
Easy Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Bread: Loving the slow cooker bread concept? Then be sure and try this variation for Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Bread. It focuses purely on the irresistible combination of fragrant garlic and savory Parmesan cheese, creating a loaf that’s perfect for garlic bread lovers.
Homemade Artisan Bread: If you’re ready to expand your bread-making abilities beyond the slow cooker, this recipe for homemade artisan bread provides step-by-step instructions. It’s an excellent guide for beginners looking to master more traditional techniques and achieve that classic crusty loaf.
No-Knead Naan Bread: For fans of no-knead bread who want to venture into international flavors, you’ll definitely want to try this naan bread recipe. It’s incredibly easy to make delicious, pillowy naan right at home, perfect for scooping up curries or as a versatile flatbread.

📋 Recipe Card

Side view of whole loaf of olive bread on a wooden cutting board with a butter knife on the side.

Easy Slow Cooker Olive Parmesan Bread

Recipe Author:
Kristin

No kneading required! You have to try this delicious and super-easy way to prepare fresh-baked bread, packed with olives, Parmesan, and garlic!

5 from 80 votes

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Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
2 hours

Servings
8 People

Ingredients

▢ 3 cups bread flour
▢ 1 teaspoon instant yeast quick rise
▢ ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
▢ 1 tablespoon garlic minced
▢ ⅔ cup Kalamata olives diced
▢ 1 cup water
▢ cornmeal or additional flour to prevent sticking

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk thoroughly.

3 cups bread flour,
1 teaspoon instant yeast,
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Sprinkle in the minced garlic and diced Kalamata olives, mixing them gently into the dry ingredients to prevent clumping.

1 tablespoon garlic,
⅔ cup Kalamata olives
Add the water and stir with a sturdy spoon until all the flour mixture has been incorporated and a very sticky, shaggy dough forms. Do not knead.

1 cup water
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 1 and ½ hours for its first rise.
On a large piece of parchment paper, generously sprinkle flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the risen dough from the bowl onto the parchment. Gently mold it into a round loaf shape, then cover it again with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for another ½ hour for its second rise.

cornmeal
Remove the plastic wrap from the dough. Heat your slow cooker to the HIGH setting. Carefully lift the parchment paper with the dough and lower it into the hot slow cooker. Trim or tuck any excess parchment so the lid fits securely.
Place two layers of paper towels over the top rim of the slow cooker, then place the lid firmly over the towels. This absorbs condensation, preventing a soggy crust.
Cook on high for 2 hours. After 2 hours, carefully remove the lid and paper towels.
If a more pronounced brown crust is desired, transfer the bread (without parchment) to a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden. (This step is optional).
Transfer the baked loaf to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

A significant advantage of making this bread in your slow cooker is that it keeps your oven free, allowing you to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously, especially useful during holidays or large gatherings.
For optimal freshness, store this bread wrapped in a paper bag with the cut end covered tightly with plastic wrap. Avoid refrigerating the bread, as it tends to dry out faster in the fridge. For longer storage, the loaf can be securely wrapped and frozen for up to three weeks.

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Nutrition

Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

Did you enjoy this recipe?I would love to hear about it! Please leave a rating and a review to let me know, so I can continue to provide recipes that you will love!!

Update Notes: This post was originally published in June 2013, and was thoroughly updated with enhanced tips, more detailed step-by-step photos, and a revised recipe in September 2023 to provide the best possible experience for our readers.

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