A gluten-free bread recipe that is easily baked in the oven. This soft gluten-free white sandwich bread has an amazing texture, bends, squishes, and is easy to slice. The bread is also naturally dairy-free.
Gluten-Free Bread Recipe
For years readers have been asking me how to bake my Gluten-Free Bread Machine Recipe in the oven. I have always baked gluten-free bread in a bread machine with a gluten-free setting.
I have an Oster bread machine with a gluten-free setting. Using a bread machine makes it super easy, and I can just set it and forget it.
I know a lot of people do not have bread machines, but they still want to enjoy homemade gluten-free bread. That’s why I have developed this oven-baked gluten-free bread recipe. I know a lot of you have been waiting a while for me to publish this gluten-free bread recipe, and I promise it is worth the wait!
I wanted a bread recipe that would not only be gluten-free but also dairy-free as well. You won’t need any dairy-free alternatives for this gluten-free bread recipe, just olive oil, and warm water. So now you can easily enjoy a loaf of gluten-free and dairy-free bread.
I also wanted this bread recipe to be a gluten-free white bread recipe. So, it’s a little different from my original bread machine recipe and uses egg whites instead of whole eggs.
This recipe makes excellent gluten-free sandwich bread! This yeast bread is so soft, has an amazing texture, bends and squishes, and is easy to slice.
I have also included a gluten-free bread recipe video that shows step-by-step how to make this easy gluten-free bread recipe.
How To Make Gluten-Free Bread
- This gluten-free bread recipe only has a few simple ingredients: gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, instant yeast, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, warm water, room temperature egg whites (from large eggs), and salt. (photo 1)
- Spray a 9″x 5″ bread pan or 9″x 4″ small Pullman loaf pan with gluten-free cooking spray. Move the top oven rack to the middle rack. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Add the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and instant yeast to a large bowl and stir to combine the ingredients. (photo 2)
- Add the olive oil, honey, and apple cider vinegar, and warm water to the flour mixture and mix on low for 1 minute. If you are using a stand-up mixer, use the paddle attachment, not the dough hook.
- Add the room temperature egg whites and the salt to the dough and mix on medium for 1 minute. The dough will look like a thick cake batter.
- Pour the dough into a greased 9″x 5″ bread pan. (photo 5)
- Spray plastic wrap with gluten-free cooking spray and cover the top of the pan. (photo 6)
- Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and allow the bread to rise in a warm place to rise for 30 minutes. The bread will have risen almost to the top of the pan. (See photo number 7). Do not allow the bread to rise longer than 30 minutes.
- Place in the oven to bake for 30 minutes at 350°F. The bread will be golden brown and have an internal temperature between 205-210ºF. (photo 8)
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove the loaf from the baking pan and place it on a wire rack to cool. If the bread completely cools in the pan, the steam can get trapped and the loaf can get soggy, especially on the bottom.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
What is the best type of yeast to use in this gluten-free bread recipe?
This recipe uses instant yeast or rapid rise yeast. I use Fleshman’s Rapid Rise Yeast. It is important to use the rapid yeast and to make sure it is at room temperature.
Rapid rise yeast does not need to be proofed and can be added directly to the flour. It is still important to use warm water because yeast is a live organism and thrives in a warm environment.
Heat the water just until it feels warm to the touch. Or use a thermometer to check the water’s temperature. The ideal temperature for instant yeast is 100°–110°F. If the water is any hotter than that, it could kill the yeast and your bread will not rise.
If you want to make sure that your instant yeast is still active, you can proof the yeast before adding it to the flour mixture. Add the honey to the warm water and stir until it dissolves.
Then add the yeast to the water mixture and allow to sit for 5 minutes until bubbly. This is not a necessary step. This is only needed if your yeast is not new or fresh.
I have not tried active dried yeast in this recipe. Active dried yeast requires a proofing step. Active dried yeast also requires a longer rising time.
Is yeast gluten-free?
Most yeast is gluten-free, but some kinds of yeast do contain gluten. The most common kinds of yeast used for baking, like baker’s yeast, active dry yeast, and instant yeast, are gluten-free.
I use Fleshman’s Rapid Rise Yeast, and it is labeled gluten-free. Always check your labels.
Where is the best place to rise gluten-free bread?
Bread rises the best in a warm location. My oven has a bread proofing mode. When the oven is set in bread proofing mode it is a 100°F.
I always move the top rack to the middle rack. I proof and I bake the bread on the middle rack. I never want the bread to touch the top of the oven rack.
What is the best type of bread pan for baking gluten-free bread?
I test baked this gluten-free bread in two different types of bread pans. I used both a 9-inch x 4-inch Small Pullman loaf pan and a Wilton 9-inch x 5-inch non-stick pan.
I highly recommend using the 9-inch x 4-inch small Pullman loaf pan with this recipe. The Pullman loaf pan has a narrow bottom with steep, high sides and a ridged surface that gives gluten-free bread dough the extra support to help it rise the best. I did not use the lid in this recipe. I only bought the Pullman loaf pan.
If you bake the gluten-free bread in a 9-inch x 5-inch bread pan, it will not rise as high because the pan is larger than the Pullman loaf pan. Even though it does not rise as high, it’ still as delicious!
What is the best way to store gluten-free baked bread?
Store the leftover bread in an airtight container once it’s completely cooled. It may be kept on the counter at room temperature. It is also best not to pre-slice the bread before you store it, so just store the left-over portion of the loaf.
Can I freeze the bread?
Yes! The bread can be frozen once it is completely cooled. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it in foil or freezer paper.
Place the wrapped loaf in a freezer bag. The bread can be frozen up to 3 months. Thaw the bread in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I make this recipe in a bread machine?
Yes, you can! Even though I developed this gluten-free bread recipe to be an oven-baked recipe, I also tested it in my bread machine. Just swap out these ingredients for the ingredients in my gluten-free bread machine recipe and follow the recipe’s directions. I always recommend using a bread machine that has a gluten-free setting.
Gluten-Free Flour
I like baking with an all-purpose cup for cup (or 1 for 1) gluten-free rice flour blend. A cup for cup gluten-free flour blend has rice flour, starches and already has xanthan gum it.
Xanthan gum helps to replace the elasticity and texture of gluten. It makes gluten-free baking so much easier! Make sure not to add any extra xanthan gum to your flour if it already has it in it. If you do you will get really gummy bread!
My preferred brand of gluten-free flour is Pillsbury gluten-free flour. I have found that not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose.
Bob’s Red Mill 1 for 1 and King Arthur Measure for Measure state on their website and/or package that their cup for cup blends are not recommended for yeast baking.
I have not tested this recipe with any other brand of gluten-free flour. This bread recipe will not work with almond or coconut flour.
Tips For Measuring Gluten-Free Flour
The best way to measure gluten-free flour is the “spoon & level” method. Using a spoon, scoop the flour into the measuring cup. After you’ve spooned the flour into the measuring cup, use the back of a knife to level off the top of the measuring cup.
Friends, please do not scoop the flour out of the bag with your measuring cup. If you do you may get more flour than the recipe calls for.
Also, measure flour using nested measuring cups. Do not measure dry ingredients in a liquid measuring cup.
Tips For Baking Gluten-Free Bread
- Make sure you have fresh yeast (see tip above for checking your yeast).
- Always use room temperature ingredients! Yeast thrives in a warm environment.
- You can bring your egg whites to room temperature by pacing the whole large eggs in a bowl of really warm (but not hot) water and let them sit for 5 minutes.
- Always use gluten-free non-stick cooking spray to grease your pan and the plastic wrap. I like either coconut oil or olive oil cooking spray.
- Bake the bread on the middle rack.
- I also like to bake my bread horizontally for even baking.
- Remove the loaf from the baking pan and place it on a cooling rack. If the bread cools in the pan, the steam can get trapped and the loaf can get soggy, especially on the bottom.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the bread. Using a smooth-blade knife can squish the bread.
Dairy-Free Baking
This gluten-free bread recipe is also naturally dairy-free. I used olive oil and warm water when creating this recipe so it would not only be gluten-free but dairy-free as well.
Some of my favorite dairy-free alternatives that I like to bake with are almond, cashew or coconut milk. If you can’t have nuts, you can also use soy milk.
I also like baking with coconut oil or Smart Balance butter.
More Gluten-Free Bread Recipes To Try!
Another of my favorite gluten-free bread recipes are:
These bread recipes are also super easy to make!
Check out a few of my most popular gluten-free recipes!
- Easy Gluten-Free Banana Bread
- Easy Gluten-Free Pancakes {Dairy-Free & Vegan Option}
- Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake {Dairy-Free Option}
- Easy Gluten-Free Banana Blueberry Muffins
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Easy Gluten-Free Bread {Dairy-Free}
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose gluten-free flour (I like Pillsbury gluten-free flour. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose. Bob's Red Mill 1 for 1 and King Arthur Measure for Measure state on their website and/or package that their blends are not recommended for yeast baking. )
- 1 teaspoons xanthan gum (, leave out if your flour already has it in it)
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
- 1 packet rapid rise/instant yeast ((2 ¼ teaspoons))
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ cups warm water (100-110°F)
- 3 egg whites (, from large eggs and room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Spray a 9-inch x 5-inch bread pan or 9-inch x 4-inch small Pullman loaf pan with gluten-free cooking spray. Move the top oven rack to the middle rack. Preheat your oven to 350°F. I used both a 9-inch x 4-inch Small Pullman loaf pan.
- Add the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and instant yeast to a large bowl and stir to combine the ingredients.
- Add the olive oil, honey, and apple cider vinegar, and warm water to the flour mixture and mix on low for 1 minute. If you are using a stand-up mixer use the paddle attachment, not the dough hook.
- Add the egg whites and the salt to the dough and mix on medium for 1 minute. The dough will look like a thick cake batter.
- Pour the dough into a greased 9-inch x 5-inch bread pan or the 9-inch x 4-inch small Pullman loaf pan. I HIGHLY recommend using a 9-inch x 4-inch Small Pullman loaf pan. Spray plastic wrap with gluten-free cooking spray and cover the top of the pan. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and allow the bread to rise in a warm place to rise for 30 minutes.
- Place in the oven to bake for 30 minutes at 350°F. Bake the bread on the middle rack horizontally. The bread will be golden brown and have the internal temperature between 205-210ºF.
- Allow the loaf to cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Remove the loaf from the baking pan and place it on a cooling rack. If the bread completely cools in the pan, the steam can get trapped and the loaf can get soggy, especially on the bottom. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
- Store the leftover bread in an airtight container, once it’s completely cooled. It may be kept on the counter at room temperature. It is also best not to pre-slice the bread before you store it, so just store the left-over portion of the loaf.
- The bread can be frozen once it is completely cooled. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it in foil or freezer paper. Place the wrapped loaf in a freezer bag. The bread can be frozen up to 3 months. Thaw the bread in the refrigerator overnight.
Video
Notes
- I like Pillsbury gluten-free flour. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose. Bob's Red Mill 1 for 1 and King Arthur Measure for Measure state on their website and/or package that their blends are not recommended for yeast baking.
- Best baked in a 9"x 4" small Pullan loaf pan. If you use a 9"x 5" bread pan, the bread will not rise as tall. I used both a 9"x 5" bread pan and a 9-inch x 4-inch Small Pullman loaf pan. I HIGHLY recommend using the small Pullman loaf pan.
- Store the leftover bread in an airtight container, once it’s completely cooled.
- The bread can be frozen up to 3 months.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the bread. Using a smooth-blade knife can squish the bread.
- Mama says, "Check all of your labels!"
Courtney says
I love this simple recipe! I use King Arthur gluten free all purpose flour and it turns out wonderful even in a regular bread pan. Thank you thank you!
Beverly says
I used the same flour that you used and everything and mine turned out busted and terrible on top. 😭
Ash says
Same! So disappointed
Karen Whiton says
I’ve tried others and this recipe is a GAME CHANGER! SO HAPPY to have discovered this. It turned out exactly as per the recipe card. I actually didn’t have apple cider vinegar, so I added more honey. Soft, and fluffy, and TASTY!
Darlene sanchez says
I had high hopes but wasn’t as good as it sounded I did exactly I instructed but it wasn’t very soft taste was ok but not great and when touching it your hands get greasy from the olive oil that is in it for toasting it’s ok as I did but for a sandwich I’m not sure it would be very good I used the recommended flour too
Ben Fossil says
Thank you for the recipe. I only had a 9×5 bread pan. I took the bread out when it reached 205F. Let it cool in the pan for 10mins, then cool on the cooling rack until it was cool to the touch. When I sliced it, the bread was a bit moist. Any ideas on how to make it more dry? Thank you!
Nicole Rufus says
Hi Ben! You might try increasing the bake time just slightly.
Tami says
Hi there, would I be able to use whole eggs instead of egg whites? I really find it difficult to separate eggs, so I am hoping that it would be OK to use the entire egg.
Nicole Rufus says
Hi Tami! Egg yolks will affect the softness and structure of the bread. It’s best to use just the egg whites.
Teresa says
Followed the recipe and it was so lovely!! I’m glad you included the temp for the bread bc it would be hard to know otherwise but so good! 👏
Mandy W says
Is there a way to make this without eggs? I unfortunately am allergic to eggs AND wheat but I am dying for some real homemade bread!
Nicole Rufus says
Hi Mandy! You could try substituting with flax seed eggs or aquafaba.
Stephanie says
Not sure what I did wrong, but mine turned out very crumbly. Tasted great, just wouldn’t hold together. I followed the recipe to the letter. Any suggestions?
Nicole Rufus says
Hi Stephanie! It could either be the type of gluten free flour you’re using, as different blends can produce different results, or the dough could use a bit more moisture. You could try increasing the amount of water in the dough. I’d start with 2-3 tablespoons of water at a time, so that you don’t add too much.
Natalie says
I made this and love it but why does it overflow everytime?
Nicole Rufus says
Hi Natalie! Are you using a 9″x 5″ bread pan or 9″x 4″ small Pullman loaf pan?
Jackie says
Can I use sugar in place of the honey in this bread recipe? I did not like the sweetness and the honey in the bread. If so, how much sugar?
Nicole Rufus says
Hi Jackie! Yes, you can substitute sugar in place of the honey. I would recommend using brown sugar since it’s more flavorful than granulated white sugar.
Gigi says
Hi, tried making this bread today. I used all the same ingredient but my bread is cracked along the top. In addition it seems to be wet in the middle. I left it for another 10 minutes but it was still wet in the middle and begun to burn so I had to take it out. Any tips?
Nicole Rufus says
Hi Gigi! I would loosely cover the bread pan with foil and let it bake longer. That way the top doesn’t burn while the inside continues to cook.
C. Vandever says
Absolutely wonderful. I used Great Value all purpose gluten free flour. I followed the recipe as written. it turned out beautifully. I’ve made it several times. It is simple and easy to follow. Thank you for the wonderful recipe.
Kim Reeser says
So good and so easy!!!
Megan Burns says
Can I use pure maple syrup instead of honey? If so, would I use the same amount? My husband can’t have honey unfortunately.
Nicole - Mama Knows Gluten Free says
Hi Megan! Maple syrup should work as well. The yeast just needs some sort of sugar to feed on.
Shelb says
How did it turn out with the maple syrup?