How to Proof Bread in the Instant Pot
For some years now, I’ve been struggling with bread making. I couldn’t seem to figure out what I was doing wrong.
I had one main problem; my dough refused to rise.
I checked everything; the yeast was still good and I used a damp towel. The same thing kept happening again and again. I thought I was going mad. Ultimately, I think that my house wasn’t warm enough to raise the dough. I have an open-concept house with my kitchen in the middle. I have no windows in my kitchen area for warmth.
Then, inspiration struck as I was surfing the latest bread-making videos. I watched as bread makers used their ovens on the lowest setting to raise their dough. Just high enough in temperature to proof the yeast, but not hot enough to kill it.
I set out again to try another bread. My heart sank when I realized, too late, that my oven doesn’t go lower than 275, which is too high of a temperature.
Just then, I happened to look over at my Instant Pot.
If you don’t know what an Instant Pot is, I’ll tell you. It’s a pressure cooker that typically has a bunch of different functions. Now, I’m not a kitchen gadget kind of girl. In fact, I typically steer clear of them due to the size of my kitchen (I simply have no room for the latest kitchen fad item), but my Instant Pot is proudly displayed on my counter top and used several times a week. It has functions for slow cooking (it replaced my old slow cooker), soups, a rice maker, pressure cooker, and….a yogurt setting.
Instant Pot Bread Proofing
The yogurt setting on an Instant Pot is just warm, not hot. I have the largest size Instant Pot, so my steel inset is on the larger size. However, you won’t need the largest size for bread dough.
Directions
Make your bread recipe according to directions.
When it comes time for your bread to rise, get out your instant pot.
Spray the inside of your Instant Pot with cooking spray or oil.
Put your bread dough inside and cover the top with oil (if needed).
Use a glass lid or steel lid from a different pot to cover your instant pot. Do not use the instant pot lid.
Put your instant pot on the yogurt settings for 50% of the time your dough needs to rise.
Once the timer is done, check on your bread. It should have risen!
If it needs more rise time, add more time as needed on your timer (sill on yogurt setting).
Using this method, I’ve made several kinds of breads. So far, I’ve made focaccia bread, yeast rolls, and Challah bread. If you follow me on Instagram, you have most likely seen the images of my bread making.
The best part about using the Instant Pot to proof the bread is that it significantly cuts down the rise time, which makes the overall time it takes to make bread much shorter. You’ll love this shortcut to making bread!
Until next time,
Soli Deo Gloria,
Mandy
