Make Gluten-Free Bread From Scratch

By
Teri Gruss, MS
Teri Gruss, MS
Freelance writer and nutrition expert Teri Lee Gruss, M.S. has written hundreds of recipes focusing on healthy gluten-free cooking.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/3/21
Delicious homemade gluten-free bread

Teri Lee Gruss / The Spruce Eats

Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 60 mins
Rise time about: 35 mins
Total: 2 hrs 5 mins
Servings: 10 servings
Yield: 1 loaf

This gluten-free bread has a terrific springiness and is neither too dry nor too wet. And, it has a wonderful yeasty flavor and calls for simple ingredients that are easy to find.

When followed exactly, this recipe is consistently dependable. The batter rises quickly and as the loaf bakes, it doesn't bubble over the sides of the pan. As it cools it doesn't cave in.

It's highly recommended that you use a good kitchen scale to weigh ingredients. And don't substitute with other gluten-free ingredients. Be sure to use an instant-read digital thermometer to know when your bread is done. And if you have a good stand mixer that helps too.

You will see two out-of-the-ordinary recommendations in our new gluten-free bread recipe. The directions call for using both xanthan gum and guar gum, and in smaller amounts than most gluten-free bread recipes call for.

Also, an optional ingredient called for is "apple fiber." Most health food markets and lots of online stores carry this inexpensive nutritional supplement which contains about 10 percent apple pectin. This ingredent adds texture and flavor to bread recipes, even though a small amount is used. 

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 4.8 ounces (135 grams) white rice flour

  • 3 1/2 ounces (100 grams) tapioca starch

  • 2 1/2 ounces (75 grams) sorghum flour

  • 2 1/2 ounces (70 grams) brown rice flour

  • 2 tablespoons (20 grams) active dry yeast

  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) sugar cane

  • 1 teaspoon (3 grams) guar gum

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (11 grams) salt

  • 3/4 teaspoon (1 1/2 grams) xanthan gum

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1 tablespoon (7 grams) apple fiber

For the Liquid Ingredients:

  • 3 large (114 grams) egg whites

  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) light olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) apple cider vinegar

  • Scant 1 1/4 cup lukewarm water

Steps to Make It

  1. Grease one 8 X 4-inch loaf pan, preferably a heavy-duty metal pan. This recipe was developed specifically for use in this size loaf pan.

  2. Place a 2-quart bowl on a kitchen scale. Weigh each dry ingredient into the bowl. Be sure to press the "zero" feature on your scale before weighing each ingredient. Use a whisk to thoroughly blend dry ingredients.

  3. Place room temperature egg whites in mixing a bowl of the stand mixer. Use the paddle attachment and beat on high for 1 minute. Eggs will be frothy. Add olive oil and apple cider vinegar and beat to blend.

  4. Add dry ingredients to the egg mixture. Beat on low for about 10 seconds. Add water and beat on low until mixture forms a thick batter. Beat on high for 3 minutes.

  5. At this point, preheat oven to 375 F/190 C. Use a thin plastic "spreader" spatula to scrape the thick bread batter into prepared 8 X 4-inch loaf pan. Hold the spatula upright and insert it into batter throughout to break up any air pockets in the batter. Dip the spatula in some water and use it to shape a nice smooth loaf. Run the spatula down the sides and over the top of the loaf until it's nice and smooth.

  6. Cover the batter loosely with plastic wrap and set the pan in a warm, draft-free location to rise. This takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The loaf should rise just above the top edge of your pan.

  7. Place pan in the heated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until deep golden brown. Tent loosely with foil. Bake for another 30 minutes or until an instant-read digital thermometer reads 208 F/97.8 C. This is an important step and will ensure that your bread is completely cooked.

  8. Use your thin spreader spatula or a knife to release loaf from pan immediately after removing it from the oven. Cool on a wire rack. When completely cool slice bread.

Always make sure your work surfaces, utensils, pans, and tools are free of gluten. Always read product labels. Manufacturers can change product formulations without notice. When in doubt, do not buy or use a product before contacting the manufacturer for verification that the product is free of gluten.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
212 Calories
4g Fat
43g Carbs
3g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10
Amount per serving
Calories 212
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 5%
Saturated Fat 1g 3%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 358mg 16%
Total Carbohydrate 43g 15%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 3mg 13%
Calcium 10mg 1%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 144mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)