Maintaining a gluten-free diet can be tough, especially when you find yourself craving things like a sandwich or bread as a side to pasta. You don’t have to give up these things entirely—you just need some good gluten-free bread recipes.
Surprisingly, there are several amazing gluten-free bread recipes out there, some so good you wouldn’t even know they are gluten-free. We’ve compiled all the best ones in this list so you know just where to start.
From gluten-free sandwich bread to gluten-free garlic bread this list has it all so keep reading to discover a gluten-free bread recipe you and your family won’t be able to resist.
Why Would Someone Need a Gluten-Free Bread Recipe?
Maybe you aren’t looking at this list for yourself, but because someone in your family has mentioned they need gluten-free bread at your next family get-together. There are several reasons they may have made this request.
First of all, they may have celiac disease. Celiac disease is a serious condition where even a small amount of gluten can make an individual very sick. People with celiac must avoid gluten entirely.
Another reason your family member may have requested gluten-free bread is that they are sensitive to gluten. Gluten sensitivity isn’t a full allergy like Celiac, but most individuals with a sensitivity still require gluten-free food otherwise their stomach may be upset.
Either way, no matter what the reason, when someone asks for gluten-free bread it is critical that it is made without any gluten, just in case they have a severe allergy like Celiac disease.
Common Ingredients in Gluten-Free Bread Recipes
While it is unlikely that you have everything you need to make gluten-free bread hanging out in your pantry, chances are you have some of the ingredients on hand.
Take a look at the ingredient list below so you can get an idea of some of the common ingredients in gluten-free bread.
- Non-Wheat Flour
- Sugar
- Tapioca Starch
- Potato Starch
- Xanthan Gum
- Baking Powder
- Salt
- Oil
- Eggs
- Water
- Yeast
- Guar Gum Powder
The main ingredient in gluten-free bread is non-wheat flour so you should start your baking with this. You do have a couple of options from almond flour to rice flour, or even potato flour.
Different recipes call for different mixes of these flours so if you are on a gluten-free diet is a good idea to have some of each flour on hand.
Tips for Making a Gluten-Free Bread Recipe at Home
Unfortunately, baking bread of any type at home can often be a challenge, even more so if the break you are baking is gluten-free. Here are a few tips to help you succeed as you learn to make gluten-free bread.
Tip 1: Mix Gluten-Free Bread on Low
The batter for gluten-free bread will be much thinner than most breads. Therefore, it is best to use the low speed on your mixer so that you don’t have a mess all over your kitchen. You should also use the paddle attachment as this will also make it much easier to mix.
Tip 2: Add More Liquids
Flours without gluten tend to be drier than those that contain it, so you’ll want to up the liquid in any gluten-free bread recipe. Whether this means adding carbonated water or using honey instead of sugar, either will increase the hydration of your batter.
Tip 3: Bake in a Steam Oven
Even though you will be adding more liquid while you mix the batter, gluten-free breads often become dry while baking. To make steam in your oven, put an empty pan on the lower grate while it preheats.
Then, when you are ready to put the batter in the oven, place it on the middle rack, then toss ice cubs on the hot pan. This will create steam in your oven to keep the bread moist.
Tip 4: Adjust the Temperature
Gluten-free bread recipes also tend to brown faster than normal bread, so turn the oven down a bit at the start to keep it from over browning. Then, when there are about 10 minutes left of the cooking time, turn the oven to the bread’s baking temperature.
Tip 5: Always Check with a Thermometer
Nothing ruins homemade bread like taking it out of the oven too early. Because of the irregular browning experienced by gluten-free bread, many people do this by accident.
Before you pull your bread from the oven, check for an internal temperature of 210°F or higher to ensure it is actually finished cooking.
How to Make Gluten-Free Bread Recipe from Scratch
Now that you know all about why you would make gluten-free bread, and some tips to get you started, here are the directions for making gluten-free bread from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Warm Water
- 2 Tablespoons Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Yeast
- ½ Cup Brown Rice Flour
- ½ Cup White Rice Flour
- 2 Egg
- 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Cups Potato Starch
- 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ¾ Teaspoon Xanthan Gum
- Cooking Oil (or Olive Oil)
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Mix your sugar with the warm water and stir. Then add the yeast and stir a second time.
Step 2: Wait
Wait for the yeast to fully activate by placing it in a warm spot for 15 minutes. When it foams, it is active and ready to go.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Mix all of your dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Step 4: Crack Your Eggs
Crack your eggs carefully separating the yolks from the whites. You only need the whites so feel free to discard the yolks.
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients
Mix the egg whites and the apple cider vinegar with a mixer until foamy, then mix with the yeast.
Step 6:Mix Everything Together
Next, mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer is recommended.
Step 7: Put in a Pan
Grab whatever pan you plan to bake the bread in and coat it lightly with oil. Pour in the bread batter then cover with a towel and leave it somewhere warm for 2 hours.
Step 8: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Step 9: Bake the Bread
Brush the top of your bread with oil or the leftover egg yolks and put in the oven for 35 minutes. Check with a thermometer and remove it from the oven when 210°F is reached. Let cool, then enjoy.
25 Best Gluten-Free Bread Recipes for any Occasion
1. Gluten-Free Cinnamon Bread
Cinnamon bread is a tasty treat usually served during the Christmas season, but don’t be afraid to enjoy this bread all year round. You can find the gluten-free version on Food and Mood Creations which calls for a mix of almond and coconut flours and can be made in one hour and five minutes.
2. Gluten-Free Banana Bread
Banana bread is the perfect way to use up some too-ripe bananas you may have sitting on your counter. In this gluten-free version by Nutrition in the Kitch you can use any gluten-free flour of your choice.
Mix with baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, coconut oil, honey, bananas, and vanilla and you’ll have a snack your kids will love to enjoy after school.
3. Gluten-Free Biscuits
Biscuits are one of the most versatile types of bread. You can cut them up and serve them with gravy for breakfast, or you can serve them as a side with stew for dinner. Luckily they can be made gluten-free as well by following this recipe on RebeccaTaig.
4. Gluten-Free Protein Bread
For those who work out frequently, it’s important to get enough protein. Like Hot Keto has developed a gluten-free protein bread recipe that can be dipped in soups, or used as sandwich bread. The best part? You don’t need to knead it at all and it is ready in just 12 minutes.
5. Gluten-Free Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is a dessert that combines the best of both worlds, sweet and savory to make a dish you won’t be able to put down. Check out this gluten-free version on Nutrition in the Kitch which uses gluten-free bread and non-dairy milk keeping this recipe both gluten and dairy-free.
6. Gluten-Free Naan
Naan bread comes from Indian origins and is a flatbread used to eat the liquid part of curries in many Asian countries. Curries are naturally gluten-free, but naan isn’t. So if you want to enjoy both curry and naan try this gluten-free naan recipe from Gluten Free Table.
7. Gluten-Free Soft Pretzels
Soft Pretzels are a childhood favorite, but adults can enjoy them too—especially when paired with an adult beverage. Try this gluten-free version by Gluten Free on a Shoestring which can be made with any gluten-free flour you choose.
Just keep in mind that these pretzels work best by using a mix of flour, so grab two different types while you are at the store.
8. Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins
Muffins are technically just small versions of bread, and they’re easier to keep in one piece than regular bread. So when you run out of banana bread to take for breakfast at work, consider making these gluten-free muffins from Nutrition in the Kitch.
The recipe calls for Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 baking flour that is certified gluten-free.
9. Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Of course, blueberry isn’t the only flavor of muffins you crave, meaning it’s time to make these amazing gluten-free banana and chocolate chip muffins from Life Family Fun which can be made with the gluten-free flour of your choices, such as almond, rice, or coconut flour.
10. Gluten-Free Lemon Loaf
Hosting an afternoon tea? Then you’ll need some lemon loaf. Made with lemons, this bread is known for being a moist and sweet treat adored by kids and adults alike.
The gluten-free version can be found on Tidbits by Taylor and it only takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to make from start to finish because this yeast-free bread doesn’t need time to rise.
11. Yeast-Free Gluten-Free Bread
Not too excited about letting your gluten-free bread rise for two hours? We don’t blame you; yeast can be a finicky thing to deal with.
Therefore, when you aren’t in the mood to wait, grab this recipe from Chris Says Nature to make an alternative that doesn’t require any yeast, just an electric mixer because you won’t want to mix this batter by hand.
12. Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread
Long considered one of the hardest to make, and most delicious breads on the plant, Focaccia bread can be made gluten-free if you so choose.
Just follow this recipe on Nutrition in the Kitch which will walk you through using almond flour instead of regular flour, making these fit the keto diet as well as gluten-free ones.
13. Gluten-Free Everything Bagels
Munching on a bagel is a great way to start the day, especially if it is an everything bagel. Those on a gluten-free diet don’t need to miss out on this experience because The Kitcheneer has come up with an amazing gluten-free variation of this popular recipe.
It only makes 4 bagels though, so ensure to double it if you expect company.
14. Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Double chocolate zucchini bread sounds decadent, but with this recipe from Low Carb Yum you can make a version without gluten and without sugar.
The best part is, even though it doesn’t have sugar, it will still curb your sweets craving, helping you stick to your diet even as you indulge.
15. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread
When the fall season rolls around, you’re definitely going to be craving some pumpkin bread. Try this recipe by Nutrition in the Kitch which calls for pumpkin puree, eggs, and coconut flour (as well as several other ingredients) to make a cake so delicious you won’t even be able to tell that it’s gluten-free.
16. Gluten-Free Brioche Buns
Brioche is a popular type of French bread that is typically served with burgers, or made as a sweet roll and served as a treat. Although you won’t get the exact consistency and taste of brioche while on a gluten-free diet, this recipe by Low Carb Abode gets pretty close.
The recipe does need to rise, however, so ensure you leave 3 hours to make these tasty treats.
17. Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls
Looking for a simple gluten-free side to serve at your next dinner? It doesn’t get much simpler than these gluten-free dinner rolls by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen. Made with cheese, almond flour, and eggs, you’ll find them easy to make and even easier to eat.
18. Gluten-Free Cornbread
Despite popular belief, cornbread mixes that you purchase at the store are rarely gluten-free. Usually, they contain a mix of flours, some of which have gluten.
Don’t worry though, you can still enjoy cornbread on a gluten-free diet thanks to Nutrition in the Kitch which has an amazing recipe for gluten-free basil cornbread.
19. Gluten-Free Pomegranate White Chocolate Bread
There is almost no limit to the types and kinds of bread you can make gluten-free. If you don’t believe us, check out this recipe on Burnt Apple for Gluten-Free Pomegranate White Chocolate Bread.
Made with only 5 ingredients, one of which is a fruit, there is simply no reason not to make this bread and serve it for breakfast or as a snack.
20. Orange Cardamom Bread
Orange bread is a treat commonly served around the Christmas holidays and it can be difficult to watch your family members with gluten allergies sit out on this tradition.
Well, thanks to this recipe by RebeccaTaig, this year they don’t have to. Not only is this recipe easy to follow but it also includes instructions for the glaze topping.
21. Gluten-Free Flatbread
Many people on a gluten-free diet think they can only find basic sandwich breads they can eat, but this isn’t true at all because many alternative grains, like amaranth flour, can be used to make flatbreads.
Check out this recipe by Nutrition in the Kitch that uses Amaranth Flour. Just be sure to read the notes before the recipe because this one has both a regular and gluten-free version.
22. Gluten-Free Jalapeno Sweet Corn Spoon Bread
Sweet corn spoon bread is made with cornmeal, and as long as you pick a gluten-free brand, this recipe by LifeFamilyFun is a breeze to make.
Although it does call for jalapenos, don’t worry about it having too much of a kick because it has enough cheese and cream in the recipe to balance it out.
23. Gluten-Free Whole Grain Bread
Gluten-free bread recipes can sometimes have a reputation for being unhealthy because they use white rice or potato flour. When you are wanting to be a little healthier, this doesn’t have to be the case. Just check out this recipe on Fermenting for Foodies where you can use whole grain non-gluten flour, flax seed, and psyllium husk powder to make a whole grain taste that is completely gluten-free.
24. Gluten-Free Garlic Bread
Who doesn’t love garlic bread? Check out this recipe by Science Crumbs to make your very own delicious garlic bread that is also completely gluten free.
You’ll need quite a few ingredients to make this dream a reality, but if you’ve made gluten-free bread before you’ll likely have all of the main ones in your cupboard ready to go.
25. Gluten-Free Date Loaf
Date loaf is the type of loaf you cut up small and include on a cheese charcuterie plater. But before you contaminate your entire board with gluten, consider making this gluten-free date loaf by RebeccaTaig which uses the gluten-free flour of your choice to make this treat gluten free.
Gluten-Free Bread Recipes FAQ
What Gluten-Free Flour is Best for Bread?
The best gluten-free flour for breads is actually a blend of flours, as it takes quite a few ingredients to mimic the texture of wheat. King Arthur Measure for Measure flour is a blend of rice flours, sorghum flour, and potato starch.
Does Yeast Work With Gluten-Free Flour?
Yeast does work with gluten-free flour, so if you are finding that your gluten-free bread won’t rise, and it has yeast in it, the yeast you are using is likely too old. That, or you may have substituted the wrong ingredients.
Is it Cheaper to Make Your Own Gluten-Free Bread?
Gluten-free bread in the store is quite expensive, and if you eat it frequently it is significantly cheaper to make it yourself. If you only consume it on occasion, however, you’ll find that one loaf is cheaper than all the ingredients you need to make gluten-free bread a success.
Does Gluten-Free Flour Need to be Kneaded?
The purpose of kneading dough is to get the gluten to the right consistency. Because gluten-free bread is lacking in gluten, there is no need to knead the batter. Just use an electric mixer to give the batter a good mix and the bread will come out great.
Gluten-Free Bread Recipes Conclusion
Overall, making meals for someone with gluten intolerance can be tough—especially when the meal calls for bread. No matter what type of bread you may need, there is likely gluten-free bread recipes that will work, it just may take a little extra time. So grab some gluten-free bread ingredients at the store next time you go and you’ll be a gluten-free bread pro in no time at all.
