As the features of an Insta-pot wasn’t already amazing enough, we found out that you can use it to make instant pot bread too! Say what?
Learn the technique to convert any bread recipe, or check out our list of 16 other amazing recipes that will make your home smell like a bona fide bakery.
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Recommended products & ingredients
- An instant pot model with the yogurt setting button* you'll need to make bread
- Various leavening agents to choose from: traditional yeast / baking soda* / baking powder*
- Parchment paper*, to prevent dough from sticking
Before we dive in, let’s get a quick crash course on the two main types of bread we’ll be covering: yeast bread & quick bread.
Difference between quick bread & yeast bread
When you make bread dough, you need something that'll get the dough to rise. The ingredient you use is what classifies it as yeast bread or quick bread.
What is yeast bread
Yeast bread uses, you guessed it, good 'ole yeast* to make that happen. The yeast reacts with warm water to ultimately create carbon dioxide, which helps make the bread dough rise.
It takes TONS of time for the yeast to do its thing, so traditionally you just had to be reaaaally patient while the bread “proofs” before you actually bake it. Fortunately, your insta-pot now drastically reduces the wait time.
What is quick bread
Quick bread is any bread that uses a leavening agent other than yeast, such as baking soda* or baking powder*.
The “quick” in “quick bread” refers to the fact that the batter doesn’t require proofing time or a whole lotta kneading. Because you can just pop the batter into the oven, it’s a lot...well, quicker.
Quick breads can be fully cooked using just an instant pot, no other equipment required.
With yeast bread, the instant pot is used to speed up the proofing process and cuts the overall recipe time by A LOT.
Some traditional yeast breads can take 24 hours or more to make from start to finish (nope, that's not a typo!), but the instant pot can cut that down to only a few hours!
How to proof bread in instant pot
Instead of waiting all day for your bread dough to proof, you can make the yeast put their pedal to the instant pot metal:
Step 1. Make the dough as normal according to your recipe. Stop where it begins instructing you to set it aside covered and in a warm place to proof.
Step 2. Put your dough on some parchment paper*.
Step 3. Insert the steamer rack into the inner pot of your insta-pot like normal.
Step 4. Secure the lid firmly.
Step 5. Change your valve setting to VENTING.
Step 6. Turn on the instant pot and press the YOGURT button with LOW HEAT.
Using this method, it will take less than 30 minutes to double the dough size. At this point, take out the dough (which should be a little sticky and bubbly-looking) and knead it a little.
If your recipe calls for you to re-rise the dough, repeat this process one more time. Otherwise, continue on with the rest of your recipe and get baking!
This is a general process for converting bread recipes for the instant pot, but if you want instructions that you can follow to a T, try these delicious instant pot bread recipes.
The process above is a general guideline for converting bread recipes for the instant pot, but if you want instructions that you can follow to a T, try these delicious instant pot bread recipes below.
Instant pot bread recipes
Whole wheat bread
Add extra oomph...well, crunch…to this artisan bread, which contains a variety of seeds and oats. (via Tidbits Marci)
Sourdough bread
Got leftover whey from instant pot yogurt? Then it’s perfect for this Dutch oven style, crusty sourdough bread. (via This Old Gal)
French bread
Contrary to the slow lifestyle pace of the Europeans, this bread is pretty quick to make, clocking in at only 90 minutes. (via Cooking with Karli)
Gluten-free bread
For you low-carb or specialty diet bread lovers, this one’s for you. It comes with walnuts! (via Corrie Cooks)
Cornbread
If y’all like your Southern cooking, then this recipe will have just the Southern charm you're looking for. (via The Foodie Eats)
Dinner rolls
Light, buttery, soft. What else more could you want from your dinner rolls? (via Imagelicious)
Hawaiian rolls
For a sweet spin, add some pineapple juice and coconut milk. No kneading required. Plus, these rolls are vegan! (via Imagelicous)
Cheese bread
Brazilian style cheese bread could very well be the best bread you'll ever have. Perfect browning on top. Chewy, cheesy bread. (via Two Sleevers)
Garlic bread
This savory, pull-apart monkey bread is warm, cheesy goodness with rosemary. (via Unicorns in the Kitchen)
Pizza dough
This dough makes the perfect amount of thin crust for you to pile on your favorite toppings. (via Instapottin with Poonam)
Zucchini bread
If you’re looking for something light and healthy, try this not-too-sweet bread that’s just right for the morning or with your afternoon tea. (via Ministry of Curry)
Pressure cooker banana bread
This recipes calls for low-carb flour, which makes for a healthier treat that you can have for breakfast or dessert. (via Stay Snatched)
Cream cheese cinnamon rolls
For a more decadent dessert-type bread, try these rolls slathered with cream cheese and cinnamon. (via Lamberts Lately)
Bread pudding
This one’s got the works, with cinnamon, raisins, and a caramel pecan sauce. Mmm... (via Pressure Cooking Today)
Conclusion
Learn how to use your instant pot to make bread, then try your hand at making these delicious instant pot bread recipes.
Use your insta-pot to proof your yeast dough in way less time, or make quick breads entirely in your insta-pot. When you see how easy it is to make bread with an instant pot, you’ll see why it’s the best thing since...sliced bread!
Patty says
My instant pot does not have a yogurt setting. Any suggestions for making bread in the IP?
munchmunchyum says
Hi Patty, I haven't had any experience making bread without the yogurt button, but I saw that someone else tried this recipe and seemed to have success. Let me know if you try it and how it goes!