Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’re craving some freshly baked bread but don’t have access to an oven? Or maybe, you just don’t have enough time to do it? Well, me too. I always love to have freshly baked bread in the morning for breakfast, but since I moved into my own apartment, I just don’t have the time to bake. But, I discovered from my Nana that I can use my pressure cooker for making bread and dough. 

Baking bread in dough in a pressure cooker may sound odd since it’s not how we use this appliance. But, believe it or not, you can also use a pressure cooker for making bread and dough. I’ve already tried it several times. And I’m so happy with the results.

Benefits of Using a Pressure Cooker for Making Bread and Dough

A pressure cooker is ideal for making bread and dough recipes because it not only takes less time than a conventional bread maker but also provides more even baking. With its ability to control the temperature and pressure levels inside, a pressure cooker can provide superior results when it comes to baking with it.

You can easily make any dough-based recipe, from pizza dough to pastries, in a fraction of the time required in a traditional oven or bread maker. The combination of temperature and pressure creates an environment that allows your ingredients to cook quickly while still retaining their flavor and texture.

Plus, you’ll save energy costs since you won’t have to keep the oven running for hours like traditional baking methods. Using a pressure cooker for making bread and dough is really a game-changer in saving time, effort, and energy.

Tips and Tricks in Using a Pressure Cooker for Making Bread & Dough

If you also want to bake bread and make dough efficiently, try using a pressure cooker next time. However, since a pressure cooker is not really made for baking, you’ll need to consider various things to achieve a soft and fluffy texture.

So, I want to share with you some of my Nana’s best tips for making delicious and perfect bread in a pressure cooker.

Know Your Pressure Cooker

First and foremost, you should know what your pressure cooker can and can’t do. Pressure cookers cook food at a higher temperature than a regular oven because they trap steam inside the pot. So, you’ll have to follow your recipe and adjust if necessary. You should also set a timer to make sure your bread or dough is cooked just right.

Use Fresh and Good Quality Ingredients

When making bread in a pressure cooker, it is essential to use high-quality ingredients if you want to achieve the perfect result. Investing in the best flour, yeast, and other components will ensure that your end product has an unbeatable flavor and texture. The quality of your ingredients can make all the difference when trying to bake something delicious. 

Don’t Overwork the Dough

Another thing when making bread or dough in a pressure cooker is to avoid overworking the dough. Just knead it until it’s smooth and stretchy, and then let it rest and rise for the amount of time suggested. If you work the dough too much, the bread will be tough and chewy.

Adjust Cooking Time Accordingly

When baking in a pressure cooker, cooking time is also one thing to consider. You should know the best cooking time for your bread or dough to prevent

The cooking time for your bread or dough will depend on the size and thickness of your loaf. Thicker and larger loaves will require longer cooking times, while thinner and smaller ones will cook faster. Be sure to adjust accordingly to avoid over or undercooking.

Use a Trivet or Rack

One of my Nana’s techniques for making the softest and most delicious slices of bread right in her pressure cooker is to use a trivet or rack to create an even heat distribution while allowing steam to circulate underneath. This ensures the bread receives equal exposure to the steaming hot environment, resulting in perfectly cooked bakes every time!

How to Use Your Pressure Cooker for Making Bread and Dough

Using a pressure cooker for making bread and dough is just as simple as making it in the oven as long as you follow the right steps. Here’s a brief guide on how you can make your bread and dough in a pressure cooker.

Step 1

First, you need to prepare your bread dough. Whether you prefer sourdough flavor or whole wheat’s hearty texture, you will use the same method to make each one. Just follow the instructions that are associated with your particular recipe. Be sure to knead the dough thoroughly and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size before baking.

Step 2

Once your dough is prepared, take a small, round cake pan that will fit inside your pressure cooker and grease it generously with butter or oil. Gently place the dough into the pan, cover it securely with a cloth, and leave it to rise for approximately an hour. This will give the dough time to expand and become light and fluffy.

Step 3

Before you start to cook, it is important to pre-heat your pressure cooker. Set the heat to low and let it run for approximately 5-10 minutes. Once it has been heated, pour an approximate one-inch layer of water into the bottom of the pressure cooker.

This will help create a steamy environment inside the pot which will help your bread cook quickly and evenly. It is essential to add the correct amount of water since it will generate the steam required for cooking. Make sure there’s enough liquid in the pot so that when it boils, the food won’t burn or stick to its surface.

Step 4

Next, set a trivet inside the oven and carefully place the cake pan containing the dough on top of it. Ensure that you are extra cautious when handling the cake pan to not disturb the dough. Finally, close your pressure cooker lid securely to ensure no heat escapes during baking.

Step 5

Finally, cook on high heat for about 20-25 minutes. Sticking to the cooking time listed in the instructions is important for the best results, but it might take slightly longer or shorter, depending on your recipe. Make sure you keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t overcook or burn!

Step 6

Once you’re finished, give the pressure cooker some time to release naturally before you open up the lid. And there you have it – a freshly cooked, delicious loaf of homemade bread! It’s so simple and easy, perfect for those days when you don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.