Finding a gluten-free bread recipe that is appealing and similar in texture to regular bread can be challenging. This makes sense, as wheat creates a texture different from other flour used in gluten-free bread, such as almond flour and coconut flour. However, if you need to omit dairy and gluten, this simple grain and gluten-free bread recipe is satisfying and can hopefully curb the craving for regular bread. The texture of this bread can be described as soft and fluffy on the outside while also having a nice crust around the outside.
How Is Gluten-Free Bread Made?
Nowadays, there are so many gluten-free bread recipes available with various ingredients. For someone new to eating gluten-free, it is best to go for an easy recipe that is versatile and can be used in multiple ways. If the recipe calls for yeast, it should be proofed beforehand. Ensure to follow the package instructions closely for yeast, as it can be sensitive to water temperature and not work correctly if the water is too hot or cold. For the best results, purchase a gluten-free dry active or instant yeast. It is recommended to include a high-protein flour, such as millet, to improve the structure of the bread. All dry ingredients should be combined, and then all wet ingredients should be added. The bread will then need time to rise in the loaf pan before baking, ideally at least an hour, depending on the recipe instructions. While baking, check on the bread with a digital thermometer to see when it reaches an internal temperature of about 206 degrees F.
What Flour Should I Use For Gluten-Free Bread?
Some great flour to include in gluten-free bread are brown rice flour, sorghum flour, millet flour, teff flour, cassava flour, or buckwheat flour. Brown-rice flour can help to provide more structure to the bread. Sorghum flour is an excellent source of fiber, antioxidant-rich, and gives the bread a sweet flavor. Millet flour is suitable for those with digestive issues as it is easily digestible, provides a nutty and sweet taste, provides structure, and is high in calcium. Teff flour is an excellent fiber source and can give the bread a firmer structure. Cassava flour has a very mild flavor, so it will not give the bread an off flavor and keep it neutral in taste. Buckwheat flour can give the bread a nutty flavor and can provide more moisture to the bread.
Is It Cheaper To Make My Own Gluten-Free Bread?
Not only is gluten-free bread less expensive to make at home, but it also often has a better flavor than those you can find at the store. If you are considering frequently making gluten-free bread at home, consider investing in a bread maker, which will make baking easier. For example, a Hamilton Beach bread maker costs around $45 and has a specific gluten-free function built in. The ingredients used for the gluten-free bread can depend on the recipe, but on average, they cost around $5.
What Is The Trick To Making Good Gluten-Free Bread?
Several tips can be followed to help make a gluten-free bread recipe more like regular bread. When measuring the flour for the recipe, make sure not to scoop it directly out of the bag with the measuring cup – use a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup, then level it off with a knife to make the flour even. Even better is to weigh it, as different flours have different weights. It is also best to have all your ingredients at room temperature, especially when making a recipe with yeast as an ingredient, as yeast requires warmth to work correctly.
What Is The Challenge Of Making Gluten-Free Bread?
Gluten is a protein that helps to give the bread dough elasticity, helps provide structure, and helps to trap gas to keep the bread nice and airy. Without gluten, the bread dough can be a bit runnier and more like a batter than a dough. A runny dough often cannot rise properly. To make the dough less runny, starches or gums, such as xanthan gum, can help to give the dough more structure. However, starches and gums can also lead the dough to become sticky in consistency. To deal with this, oil can be applied to the surfaces and equipment it touches so that the dough will not stick to those things.
Want more vegan gluten-free recipes to try? Here are some more delicious ideas to ponder!
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Healthy Green 5 Ingredient Vegan Chocolate Parfait
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Vegan Banana Bread with No Added Sweeteners
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Oat Flour Banana Pancakes
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Vegan Blueberry Lemon Muffins
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3 Ingredient Healthy Homemade Samoa Cookies
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Resources
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. (2023, May 19). What is gluten-free bread and how is it made? Escoffier.
Conners, R. (2022, October 12). Gluten-free bread flour blend. Bakerita.
Moore, T. (2018, June 25). Tastier and cheaper: Save 58% on gluten-free bread by making it at home. The Penny Hoarder.
N.d. (2019, July 1). Challenges of gluten-free baking don't end with formulation. Food Processing.
Shepard, J. (n.d.). 18 tips for gluten free bread making. GF Jules.
The Modern Nonna. (2022, November 6). No knead gluten free bread. The Modern Nonna.