Easy Soft Homemade Gluten-Free Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This gluten-free bread recipe is everything you want in a loaf: soft, airy, and incredibly simple to make. Whether you're new to gluten-free baking or a seasoned pro, you'll appreciate how easy and rewarding it is to make this bread. Its tender crumb and perfect structure make it a fantastic choice for sandwiches, toast, or just eating straight out of the oven.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup warm water (about 100°F/37°C)

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 4.5 grams dry yeast

• 1 ½ cups rice flour

• ¾ cup tapioca starch

• ½ cup sorghum flour (or buckwheat/oat flour)

• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup warm water

• ¼ cup oil (vegetable, olive, or melted coconut)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Proof the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water and honey. Add the yeast and stir gently. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rice flour, tapioca starch, sorghum flour, xanthan gum, and salt.

3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, warm water, oil, and apple cider vinegar.

4. Mix the batter: Add the proofed yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, then pour in the wet ingredients. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to combine everything into a smooth batter.

5. Let the dough rise: Transfer the batter into a parchment-lined loaf pan and let it rise in a warm place until it is about ¼ inch above the edge of the pan, about 1 hour.

6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

7. Cool and slice: Let the bread cool completely before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 1 loaf

• Prep time: 30 minutes

• Rise time: 1 hour

• Bake time: 45 minutes

• Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Feel free to add some herbs or seeds like sunflower or chia for a twist on the classic flavor.

• Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free oil like olive or coconut oil, and ensure your yeast is dairy-free.

• Sweet bread: Add more honey or a pinch of cinnamon for a subtly sweet version of this bread.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Slice and toast individual pieces to bring back its soft texture, or warm the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use another type of flour instead of rice flour?

Yes, you can substitute with other gluten-free flours, but rice flour gives the best texture and flavor for this bread.

Is it necessary to proof the yeast?

While not required, proofing the yeast helps ensure it's active. If you're confident your yeast is fresh, you can add it directly to the dry ingredients.

Can I make this bread without xanthan gum?

Xanthan gum helps bind the ingredients together, so if you don't have it, you could try using guar gum or psyllium husk as an alternative.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe can easily be made dairy-free by using dairy-free oil and ensuring the yeast is free from dairy.

How long does this bread stay fresh?

Gluten-free bread tends to dry out quicker than regular bread, but it can stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature when properly stored.

Can I freeze this gluten-free bread?

Yes! You can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices. Just wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Why does my gluten-free bread not rise as much as it should?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and your rising environment is warm enough. If the dough doesn’t rise properly, the yeast might not have been active or the environment too cool.

Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix by hand or use a hand mixer. The dough is thick, so a stand mixer is just easier for thorough mixing.

How can I make this bread more airy?

For a lighter texture, make sure you don’t overmix the batter and allow the dough to rise properly before baking.

Can I add other ingredients to the dough?

You can easily incorporate seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This soft homemade gluten-free bread is simple, delicious, and will surely impress. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a perfectly soft loaf that's ideal for sandwiches or any meal. Give it a try, and you'll be amazed at how easy and satisfying it is to make your own gluten-free bread!

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