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Nothing beats soft and fluffy gluten free bread fresh out of the oven! Stop settling for crumbly, tasteless bread and learn how easy it is to make your own with no kneading and only one rise.

Updated 1.30.2024 Same recipe, more comprehensive instructions 🙂

Have you been missing full-sized slices of soft, bendable, bread? If the answer is yes, then this gluten-free bread recipe is for you!

We’ve tried many a store bought variety, but they can be spendy and many don’t even taste very good (but you can check out our list of favorite gluten free bread brands here)

I grew up on homemade bread and was so disappointed with the store-bought options for gluten-free bread, so I knew I had to create my own recipe that would taste good enough for our whole family to enjoy it.

It took some effort and tweaking over the years, but I’m happy to report that my gluten-eating kids devour this bread when it comes out of the oven! It is soft and bendable and has the same flavor as a regular homemade loaf of bread.

You’re going to LOVE how easy it is to make, too!

WHAT MAKES THIS THE BEST GLUTEN FREE BREAD RECIPE?

This gluten free sandwich bread isn’t grainy or crumbly or gummy. It is soft and fluffy and has that yummy freshly-baked smell and taste.

You’ll also love that it’s easier to make than regular bread! With no kneading and only 1 rise, you’ll be enjoying fresh-baked gluten-free bread in no time.

I did my best to replicate the recipe my husband’s grandma passed along to me, and he agrees that this bread tastes just like hers. A decade later, we still bake a loaf almost every week.

You can use this gluten free bread any way that you would normally use bread. makes great sandwiches, grilled cheese, and french toast!

MY FAVORITE BREAD PAN FOR BAKING HOMEMADE GLUTEN-FREE BREAD

I sometimes use my Norpro 12 Inch Nonstick Bread Pan and others I use a standard size loaf pan. It really depends on what size you want your slices 🙂

WHICH GLUTEN FREE FLOUR WORKS WELL FOR BREAD?

A mixture of gluten-free flours and starches, combined with xanthan gum, work the best for gluten-free bread.

I use a gluten free flour mix that I developed which is very easy, inexpensive, and more nutritious than many pre-made blends you would find at the store. The recipe includes 3 different batch sizes and if you use the small batch it’s just the right amount for this recipe.

I make a point of testing all the gluten free recipes on this site with a variety of gluten free flours so that I can share what has worked and what hasn’t.

If you would like to use a pre-made blend, gfJules works the very best. It makes the softest bread with the highest rise! Better Batter is also an option, but I find it doesn’t rise as much.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE GLUTEN FREE BREAD

High Quality Gluten-Free Flour

In gluten-free bread making, the flour you use has a huge impact on your end result. I highly recommend using my homemade blend or gf Jules for this recipe as it will give you the lightest, fluffiest bread.

Yeast

you can use instant yeast or active dry yeast. Be sure to check your labels because not all yeast is gluten-free!

Sugar

Yeast requires sugar in order to activate. You can substitute with honey if you prefer.

Salt

If you’re on a low-sodium diet, feel free to reduce the salt used in this recipe by 50%

Potato Flakes

Also known as instant potatoes. This is optional but does help improve the texture of gluten-free bread. If you’re allergic to potatoes, simply leave these out.

Powdered Milk

Also known as instant milk. Find it in the baking aisle near the canned milk. If you’re dairy free, you can substitute powdered coconut milk or leave it out.

Egg

If you’re avoiding eggs, you can use an egg substitute. I’ve had great results with Bob’s Red Mill egg replacer.

Butter

Use room temperature butter. You can also use a butter substitute or olive oil if you’re dairy-free.

Warm Water

It is important that your water is the right temperature. Too hot and it will kill the yeast, too cold and the yeast will have a hard time activating. The water should be around 110 degrees F which is a bit warmer than room temperature.

***Amounts and instructions can be found in the recipe card below

HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN FREE BREAD

Bread making is an art, and baking gluten free bread is a different experience entirely, so I have included the step-by-step pictures and more detailed instructions below to walk you through the process.

If this is your first time making gluten free bread, you’ll be surprised to learn that it’s actually much easier than wheat bread! You’ll measure the dry ingredients into a bowl, add the wet ingredients, mix with the paddle attachment of your stand mixer, shape, and let it rise once before baking.

There are a few important things to remember about gluten free yeast breads.

1. There is no need for a second rise
2. You don’t have to knead the dough
3. you want your “dough” to be more of a batter consistency. It’s a little difficult to capture in a picture, but you can see that the dough is not thick enough to be shaped by hand, and is still quite sticky, similar to a thick banana bread batter.

This is such an easy recipe, you’ll measure all ingredients into the bowl of a stand mixer (you can use a hand mixer, too), and mix for a few minutes with the paddle attachment.

Because your dough is soft and sticky, you don’t need to use a dough hook and you will want to shape it in the pan. No worries, it will (magically) turn out just like any yeast bread would.

Be sure to grease your pan well because gluten free goods tend to stick a little more. Using a rubber spatula or wet hands, round the top.

Allow your dough to rise in a warm spot. I use the rapid proof setting on my oven.

Be sure to bake the bread thoroughly. If you under bake, the dough will have a poor texture and will sink after you take it out of the oven. Look for a nice golden brown color and bake for at least 50 minutes.

HOW TO STORE GLUTEN FREE BREAD

Like all fresh-baked breads, gf bread doesn’t have a long shelf life and is best served the day you bake it. For best results, store your gluten free loaf at room temperature in a sealed bread bag for 1-2 days.

You can also freeze gluten-free bread for longer storage. I recommend slicing the loaf, then placing in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible.

When you are ready to enjoy a slice (or two), simply warm it in the microwave or pop in the toaster.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is Gluten-Free Bread so Dry?

There are a few reasons gluten-free bread can be dry.

1. You may have used too much flour. To ensure you’re measuring the correct amount of flour, use the stir, scoop, and level method.
2. Using the wrong type of flour. There are lots of gluten-free flour options, and not all of them work well for breads! While Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 is a popular option for gluten-free baking, it does not work well in gluten free bread. Be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that is formulated for breads, such as my homemade blend or gfJules.
3. Expecting gluten-free bread dough to be the same as regular bread dough. Gluten-free bread dough should be sticky, similar to a thick banana bread batter.

Does Gluten Free Bread Dough Need to Rise Twice?

Gluten free bread only needs to rise once and does not need to be kneaded.

What Should the Consistency of Gluten Free Bread Dough be?

Gluten-free bread dough should be sticky, similar to a thick banana bread batter.

My Gluten-Free Bread Rises, then Falls After Baking

If your gluten-free bread rises but then falls after baking, you might need to bake longer and/or add a little more flour to the dough.

How Can I Tell When Gluten-Free Bread is Done?

The best way to tell if gluten-free bread is done is by taking its temperature. The loaf should be around 210 degrees F and the crust should be a golden brown color.

Can You Knead Gluten-Free Dough?

Gluten free dough does not require kneading because it doesn’t contain gluten. Instead, gluten-free bread dough is combined with a mixer, shaped, then allowed to rise once before baking.

My Gluten-Free Bread Didn’t Rise at All

There are a few reasons your gluten-free bread dough didn’t rise. The most obvious reason is that your yeast isn’t fresh. To test your yeast, add 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar to 1/4 cup warm water (about 100 degrees F).

Allow the yeast mixture to rest for 10 minutes. It should become bubbly and double in size. If this doesn’t work, it’s time to head to the store and get some fresh yeast.

Another reason your gluten-free dough didn’t rise could be that you may have incorporated too much flour into the dough. The dough should be more like the consistency of a thick banana bread batter than a traditional dough and if it’s too thick, it will not rise well.

Try placing your bread dough in a warm place such as on top of an oven that is turned on, or inside an oven with the proof setting.

Can I use a Bread Machine?

I have tested this recipe with a standard bread machine using a gluten-free setting and it definitely did not turn out as well as the oven method. Because this recipe is so easy with no kneading and only one rise, I feel like it’s worth it to bake in the oven.

Is Gluten Free Bread Actually Healthier?

If you are eating a gluten free diet because you have celiac disease or another medical condition that requires it, then gluten-free bread is obviously the safe option and making your own is probably healthier than what you would buy in the store.

If you don’t have a medical reason to eat gluten-free, than gluten free bread is actually not any more healthy. In fact, it can contain less nutrients and more simple carbohydrates because of the starches required to create a soft texture.

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