
The Magic of Gluten-Free Cheesy Herb Bread: A Recipe that Feels Like Home
Hey there, fellow food adventurers! You know those days when you just crave something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious? For me, that feeling always leads back to bread. But, let's be honest, as someone who has to navigate the gluten-free world, finding a bread recipe that truly satisfies can sometimes feel like searching for a unicorn. Well, my friends, I'm thrilled to say the search is OVER! Today, I'm sharing a recipe that's not only magically gluten-free but also packed with flavor and unbelievably easy to make: my go-to Gluten-Free Cheesy Herb Bread.
This recipe isn't just about dodging the gluten; it's about embracing incredibly good taste and texture. I stumbled upon this gem a few years ago while I was still pretty new to gluten-free baking. Let's just say my early attempts at gluten-free bread were…well, let's use the word "challenging." But this one? From the first bite, I was hooked. The crust becomes this wonderful golden, crunchy blanket and the inside? It's soft, airy, and full of amazing herbs.
It quickly became a staple in our house, and now any time I have a gathering, or just want to treat myself, this cheesy herbed bread is one the top of my must make list. I also love the versatility, it can be a side dish, a snack, or even the star of the show with a big dip. Seriously, you need this in your life. So, grab your aprons, and let's dive into creating some warm, gluten-free magic!
What You'll Need:
Alright, before we get our hands floury, let's gather our ingredients. Don't worry, nothing here is too complicated and the substitution notes below can be helpful if you cant find a specific ingredient!
- 1 ½ cups warm water (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C)—the warm water is essential for activating the yeast, so a thermometer is very helpful here. But if you don't have one, water that feels comfortably warm to the touch is perfect.
- 1 tablespoon (7g) active dry yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh. An older yeast packet will be less helpful to rising.
- 1 tablespoon honey. Alternatively you can use your preferred sweetener, such as maple syrup.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing. Olive oil adds flavor, don't substitute this unless you are allergic.
- 1 teaspoon salt. Sea salt or table salt will both work!
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder. You can add more garlic powder, if you love garlic like me!
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder. Fresh onion will not be a good substitute for this powder in this case.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme. Fresh thyme will also work or you can substitute another dried herb such as oregano or marjoram.
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary. Again, fresh will be amazing, or you can sub with sage.
- 4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum if needed.)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Feel free to use a mix of different cheeses you enjoy, or a vegan cheese option.
Let's Make Some Bread!
Now comes the fun part! Follow these steps carefully, and I promise you'll get the most amazing gluten-free cheesy herb bread.
- Get the Yeast Party Started: In a large mixing bowl, add the warm water, yeast, and honey. Give it a gentle stir, cover with a clean towel, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it gets all foamy and frothy – like a tiny beer party is happening in the bowl! This is how you know your yeast is alive and ready to help your bread rise.
- Mix in the Good Stuff: Add the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary to the bowl and whisk gently until combined.
- Make it Floury: Gradually add the gluten-free flour blend, mixing with a spatula or a wooden spoon until a dough forms. It should be a little sticky but still hold its shape. If it feels too wet, add a tablespoon or two of flour at a time until you achieve the right consistency.
- Knead (Briefly): On a lightly floured surface, gently knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes (if using a stand mixer you can use the dough hook at this part.) Gluten free dough does not develop gluten so it doesn't require too much kneading.
- Let It Rise: Grease a large bowl with a bit of olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover it tightly and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. A warm corner of your kitchen, or even setting it on top of your fridge (where it's often a bit warmer), are great spots. If its a cool day or you live in a cold climate, you can place it in a turned off oven with the light on to create a warm environment.
- Preheat time: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and make sure there is a rack in the middle for even baking.
- Shape and Load up with Cheese: Once risen, gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet or a pizza stone or baking steel. Form it into a round or oval shape while slightly flattened. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the dough, making sure you cover the whole top.
- Bake it to Perfection: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. A good quality oven thermometer can be a real helper to monitor the heat.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. Letting it cool is important for the inside to maintain its texture, no cutting early! The cheesy goodness will be totally worth the wait!
Tips & Tricks for Bread Baking Extraordinaire
- Cheese Lover's Dream: Don't be shy with the cheese! You can also use a blend of cheeses like parmesan, cheddar, or even a little goat cheese for extra flavor.
- Fresh Herbs are King: If you have fresh herbs available, go for it! Add about 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh thyme and rosemary, for an even more aromatic bread.
- Garlic Goodness: I love a little garlic overload so I often add fresh garlic to my cheese mix before baking for an intensified flavor punch.
- Make it a Dinner Party Star: Serve warm with olive oil for dipping, alongside a charcuterie board or with pasta or soup.

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Recipe Card: Gluten-Free Cheesy Herb Bread
- 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F or 40-46°C)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let sit for 5-10 mins until foamy.
- Add olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary and mix.
- Gradually add gluten-free flour blend, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead briefly on a lightly floured surface for 2-3 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down dough and transfer to a greased baking sheet. Shape into a round/oval and then top with cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Product Recommendations
For the best results, consider these tools:
- A stand mixer can make kneading less effort and is super helpful for other bakes!
- A pizza stone or baking steel ensures even baking and the best crust.
- A wire cooling rack is important for keeping the bottom nice and crisp and not soggy.
There you have it! My tried-and-true recipe for Gluten-Free Cheesy Herb Bread. I truly hope you give it a try and that it brings as much joy and comfort to your kitchen as it has to mine. Happy baking my friends, and I'd love to hear how it comes out so let me know in the comments below!

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