The Easiest Gluten-Free Bread
Okay, let's dive into a recipe that's been a game-changer in my kitchen: the easiest, most ridiculously delicious gluten-free bread you'll ever make. And trust me, I've tried a lot of gluten-free bread recipes. Most ended up either resembling hockey pucks or something vaguely spongy – definitely not the delightful, crusty bread I was craving.
This particular recipe? It's different. It came about as a happy accident, actually. I was attempting a different, far more complicated gluten-free loaf when I realized I was completely out of a key ingredient. Frustration quickly turned to improvisation (my favorite kind of cooking, honestly!), and bam, this beauty was born.
Forget complex starters, finicky rising times, and that lingering fear of a collapsed loaf. This one is straightforward, satisfying, and perfect for those "I need bread NOW" moments. So, grab your bowl, and let's get baking!
Ingredients
- 3 cups (360g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum (I highly recommend a blend that is specifically formulated for baking. One like this gluten-free flour works wonders)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey, if you prefer a touch of natural sweetness)
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing the pan)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Get your oven ready: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a loaf pan (about 9x5 inches) really well. You don't want this beautiful bread to stick! I swear by parchment paper on the bottom for extra insurance - it makes removal a breeze every time.
- Dry Ingredients Together: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar (or honey, if you're going the sweet route) until everything is evenly distributed. This ensures no random pockets of saltiness or bitterness in your bread.
- Wet Ingredients Step-in: In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm water, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. The apple cider vinegar might sound odd, but it plays a key role in the bread's light and airy texture and balances the flavors. Honestly, don't skip it!
- Combine Wet & Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and give it a stir. Don't overmix! Just enough to incorporate everything so that there aren't any big streaks of dry flour. The batter will be quite thick and sticky, which is exactly what you want here. If it seems too thick, a splash of extra water can be your best friend.
- Pan It Up: Pour that gorgeous batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the corners since it won't easily spread on its own. Now, this is optional, but I like to sprinkle sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning on top. It adds a lovely textural crunch and flavor.
- Let's Bake It: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is a beautiful golden brown. The aroma while it's baking? Pure heaven.
- Cool and Release: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is where patience becomes a virtue! If you slice into it while it's still too hot, the crumb can be a bit gummy. So cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Tricks
- Spice it up: Want to add some pizzazz? Toss in a teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory loaf, or a tablespoon or two of cinnamon for a cozy sweet loaf.
- Cheese, anyone? Fold in some shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese for a cheesy loaf. Imagine a warm cheese pull…yum.
- Don't have apple cider vinegar? A tablespoon of lemon juice will work in a pinch.
- For softer crust: If you prefer a softer crust, gently brush the top of the loaf with melted butter (or vegan alternative) right after you take it out of the oven.
- Sandwich heaven: This bread makes glorious sandwiches! It's sturdy enough to hold all your favorite fillings without falling apart.
- Double the Batch: This recipe doubles beautifully. Just increase all ingredient measurements proportionately. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Recipe Card
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45-50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 cups (360g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp sugar (or honey)
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Whisk together dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Whisk together wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Combine wet and dry, stirring until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
There you have it, folks! Your very own loaf of simple, amazing gluten-free bread. Ready for slicing, toasting, sandwich-making, or just plain enjoyment. I truly hope this becomes a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine. Happy baking! Let me know how it goes and what crazy combinations you come up with in the comments below. I can't wait to hear from you!
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