Soft White Gluten Free Bread Recipe (2024)

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Learn how to make the best soft, white gluten free bread recipe easily from scratch! Homemade sandwich bread is made from simple ingredients, comes together in minutes, and will be your new go-to gluten free, dairy free recipe!

Soft White Gluten Free Bread Recipe (1)

Best recipe for gluten-free bread

It has taken me years to fully stand behind a gluten free sandwich bread recipe. Every homemade recipe I tried was difficult, time consuming, and yielded the most disappointing results.

For the longest time, buying expensive, subpar store-bought gf bread sufficed because at least I was saving time!

So many readers, though, have asked for a great-tasting gluten free bread. Just like in my gluten-free rolls recipe and gluten-free biscuits, there have been a lot of trials, but I finally landed on a recipe that exceeds my essential criteria.

  • Easy to make! It mixes together in one bowl, has one short rise, and bake.
  • Simple ingredients I have stocked and ready at all times
  • Quick and effortless – No one wants to spend all day making a loaf of bread.
  • Most important – Tastes BETTER than any gluten free bread out there. Seriously.

I wouldn’t stand behind this recipe if I didn’t feel it 100% met all these crucial elements. I know what it feels like to waste precious time and expensive ingredients, and I wasn’t about to add another recipe to that vortex!

I truly hope this recipe makes all your gluten free dreams come true, just as much as it has for me! Read the comments below to see how this magical bread recipe has transformed many readers’ lives, then check out many more highly-reviewed gluten-free bread recipes!

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Ingredients Needed

Since sandwich bread is an everyday staple, the ingredients should be simple, affordable, and ready to go whenever. This recipe also works perfectly for gluten-free stuffing or gluten-free bread crumbs.

Many readers love this homemade bread recipe so much, they ask if they can shape it into other types of breads. The GF bread category on the site includes many adaptations, including homemade gluten-free hot dog buns, rolls, and more!

  • Gluten-free flour – Using a good gluten free flour (I highly recommend Cup4Cup GF flour) makes or breaks the quality of the bread. I tested the recipe with different flours to make sure it consistently turns out, but some performed handedly better than others. See below for what to use and avoid.
  • Psyllium Husk Powder – I’ve made the bread multiples with and without the psyllium husk powder. It doesn’t affect the taste, but it does help maintain moisture and prevents the bread from becoming crumbly. Learn more about the benefits of psyllium in gluten-free breads here!
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Instant (Rapid Rise) Yeast – I would suggest buying this is bulk and storing in your refrigerator.
  • Honey – Granulated sugar may be substituted
  • Eggs
  • Oil – Or substitute the same amount of melted butter, but not for gluten-free dairy-free bread.

How to make gluten-free bread

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

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Soft White Gluten Free Bread Recipe (4)
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  1. First combine the dry ingredients in a bowl of a stand mixer. Use the paddle attachment to combine on low speed.
  2. Add the liquid ingredients – warm water, eggs, honey, and oil. Mix on low to combine for 1 minute.
  3. Increase speed to medium and beat for 5 minutes. This gives time to hydrate and relax the starches so your bread is soft instead of gritty.
  4. Scrape the dough into a greased bread pan. Spray a large piece of plastic wrap with nonstick spray and lay over the top of the pan. Set the pan in a warm place while the oven preheats to 350ºF, about 30-45 minutes. The bread should rise almost the top of the pan.
  5. Bake bread for 40-45 minutes, tenting a piece of foil loosely over the bread for the last 20 minutes. or until the internal temperature reaches 205ºF.

Best Gluten-Free Flour to use for bread

Once the recipe was perfected, it was tested with three different gluten free flours to make sure the results were consistent.

Using information from the best gluten free flour article, I eliminated using Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 GF Flour because it had such disappointing results across the board.

I tested with Cup4Cup, which rates as the top gluten free flour, King Arthur Measure-for-Measure, and Pillsbury gluten free flour because some readers have been asking about its performance.

From an ease and baking standpoint, they all performed well. Pillsbury had the most solid structure, which turned out to be a not very good thing. Cup 4 Cup was the softest, with King Arthur in between.

As far as taste, Cup 4 Cup was the clear winner. There was nothing “gluten free” tasting about the bread. It was soft, squishy, and slightly sweet.

(By the way, Cup4Cup also handedly won out in the best all purpose flour for gluten free banana bread as well.)

King Arthur still tasted good and had a favorable texture, but had a strong rustic taste to it. It reminded me more of wheat bread than white bread.

Sadly the bread made with GF Pillsbury flour went straight into the trash. It tasted like dry cardboard and was inedible. Pillsbury gluten free flour might work for other recipes, but definitely did not work well with this one!

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best yeast to use

Instant Rapid Rise yeast, either Red Star or Fleishman’s brand is best. Instant yeast has smaller granules so it does not have to be proofed before using.Just be sure your water is warm enough to activate the yeast while mixing.

If you only have active dry yeast on hand, that will work as well. Simply add the yeast to the warm water with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes. Once it’s foamy, add to the dry ingredients with the eggs, honey and oil.

how to know when gluten-free bread is done

I highly recommend using an instant read thermometer to check the temperature when baking gluten free. Typically, the bread will “look” done before it’s actually done adequately baking.

If you pull the bread too soon the liquids won’t have time to evaporate and it will be gummy and dense, instead of soft and fluffy.

The internal temperature should reach 205ºF. Checking quickly with an instant read thermometer will help the bread retain valuable heat while the temp is being read. A Thermoworks Thermapen does this efficiently and accurately.

storing and freezing

Gluten-free bread does not have the shelf life like normal bread. Refrigerating will dry it out, and is not recommended. It may be wrapped tightly and left at room temperature, but will lose optimal taste and texture quickly.

For best results, slice and freeze the bread after it has completely cooled (at least 3 hours). Pull slices as needed from the freezer to defrost or toast from frozen.

important note about serving

Generally GF bread requires toasting or a buttered griddle to taste good, but not with the best gluten free bread recipe! Room temperature bread is soft, fluffy, and delicious tasting!

However, please note, if pulling from the freezer and serving at room temp, thoroughly defrost the bread first. If it is chilled slightly it will become more crumbly.

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Dairy-free modification

All the ingredients in this gluten-free bread recipe are dairy-free. However, if you choose to use Cup4Cup brand flour, it does contain milk powder. If this doesn’t work for you, I recommend using King Arthur Measure-for-Measure instead.

How to make in a bread machine

Although I have not personally tried making this recipe in a bread machine, several readers have written in and said they’ve had great results using one!

You will need a bread machine with a gluten-free setting. Add all the wet ingredients to the bottom of the bread baking pan. Then add the dry ingredients over that. Start the bread machine and set it to the “gluten-free” setting.

Do I need a stand mixer?

Yes and no. It definitely makes the sandwich bread recipe easier to throw together. It may be done with a hand held mixer, but since it uses a large amount of flour, it will be a lot more taxing on the mixer and yourself.

If you don’t want to invest in a stand mixer (although don’t get me started on how obsessed I am with mine!), a gluten-free bread machine would be a cheaper option and just as easy!

Do I Have to add psyllium husk?

No. I’ve made the bread multiples with and without the psyllium husk powder. It doesn’t affect the taste, but it does help maintain moisture, prevents the bread from becoming crumbly, and makes it softer.

Psyllium husk powder is very affordable to buy, lasts a long time, and greatly improves GF breads texture because it helps absorb moisture. It also works well for gluten-free pizza dough and gluten-free cinnamon rolls.

I recommend this brand because the lighter color doesn’t affect the bread. Some powders are darker, which will make GF baked goods a grayish, purple color.

Best Baking Pan to Use

Use a 9X5 or 9X4 loaf pan. A small pullman pan makes bread with the most authentic sandwich bread shape for slicing and conducts heat evenly while baking.

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How to Make Ultra Soft White Gluten Free Bread

Learn how to make the best soft, white gluten free bread recipe easily from scratch! Homemade sandwich bread is made from simple ingredients, comes together in minutes, and will be your new go-to gluten free, dairy free recipe!

4.91 from 293 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes minutes

Rising: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 14

Author: Melissa Erdelac

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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment, mix together gluten free flour, yeast, optional psyllium husk powder, baking powder, and salt on low speed until combined.

    3 cups (438g) gluten free all purpose flour,1 packet (2 ¼ tsp, 9g) instant rapid rise yeast,1 tablespoon (11g) psyllium husk powder (optional),1 teaspoon baking powder,1 teaspoon salt

  • Add warm water, eggs, honey, and vegetable oil. Mix on low speed to let the dough come together, about 1 minute.

    1 ½ cups (360g) warm water (110°F),2 eggs,¼ cup (85g) honey,¼ cup (55g) vegetable oil

  • Increase speed to medium and beat for 5 minutes, scraping down paddle and bowl halfway through. The batter will be thinner, slightly thicker than cake batter.

  • Grease a 9X5 or 9X4 baking pan. Pour into the pan and smooth top evenly with a spatula. Spray a large piece of plastic wrap with nonstick cooking spray. Lay the plastic, greased side down, over the pan.

  • Set in a warm, draft-free place to rise until the bread reaches two-thirds to the top of the pan (do not let it go over this point because it rises more in the oven). This should take about 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile preheat oven to 350°F.

  • Remove plastic and bake bread on middle rack for 40-45 minutes, tenting a piece of foil loosely over the bread halfway through. The internal temperature of the bread should read 190-200°F.

  • Allow the loaf to cool for 5 minutes in the pan and then remove to a cooling rack. Allow bread to cool completely, at least 2-3 hours, before slicing. For best results, serve the bread at room temperature, toasted, or grilled. Chilled, cold bread has an adverse effect on texture.

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Recipe Notes

Dairy Free Modification

All the ingredients in this gluten-free bread recipe are dairy-free. However, if you choose to use Cup4Cup brand flour, it does contain milk powder. If this doesn’t work for you, I recommend using King Arthur Measure-for-Measure instead.

Psyllium Husk Powder

I’ve made the bread multiples with and without the psyllium husk powder. It doesn’t affect the taste, but it does help maintain moisture, prevents the bread from becoming crumbly, and makes it softer.

Psyllium husk powder is very affordable to buy, lasts a long time, and greatly improves GF breads texture because it helps absorb moisture.

I recommend the psyllium listed in the ingredientsbecause the lighter color doesn’t affect the bread. Some powders are darker, which will make GF baked goods a grayish, purple color.

How to Make in a Bread Machine

Although I have not personally tried making this recipe in a bread machine, several readers have written in and said they’ve had great results using one!

You will need a bread machine with a gluten-free setting. Add all the wet ingredients to the bottom of the bread baking pan. Then add the dry ingredients over that. Start the bread machine and set it to the “gluten-free” setting.

How to Know When Bread Is Done

I highly recommend using an instant read thermometer to check the temperature when baking gluten free. Typically, the bread will “look” done before it’s actually done adequately baking.

If you pull the bread too soon the liquids won’t have time to evaporate and it will be gummy and dense, instead of soft and fluffy.

The internal temperature should reach 190-205ºF. Checking quickly with an instant read thermometer will help the bread retain valuable heat while the temp is being read. A Thermoworks Thermapen does this efficiently and accurately.

Freezing / Storing

Gluten-free bread does not have the shelf life like normal bread. Refrigerating will dry it out, and is not recommended. It may be wrapped tightly and left at room temperature, but will lose optimal taste and texture quickly.

For best results, slice and freeze the bread after it has completely cooled (at least 3 hours). Pull slices as needed from the freezer to defrost or toast from frozen.

Generally GF bread requires toasting or a buttered griddle to taste good, but not with the best gluten free bread recipe! Room temperature bread is soft, fluffy, and delicious tasting!

However, please note, if pulling from the freezer and serving at room temp, thoroughly defrost the bread first. If it is chilled slightly it will become more crumbly.

Nutrition

Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 177mg | Potassium: 41mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg

Course: Bread, gluten free bread

Categories: Baking Breads Dairy Free Fall Freezer-Friendly Gluten Free Healthy(ish) Recipes Spring Summer Winter

This post contains affiliate links. My opinions are always my own. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, I make a small commission – at no cost to you. Read full disclosure policyhere.

Soft White Gluten Free Bread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to making good gluten free bread? ›

  • Use Psyllium Husk Powder as a binder for better Gluten Free Bread.
  • The benefits of letting your dough rest, my second tip for baking better gluten free bread.
  • Mix or knead your bread dough thoroughly.
  • For a better gluten free loaf, use less yeast.
  • Bake your bread in a tin with tall sides.

What is the secret to making soft bread? ›

Adding sugar weakens the gluten structure, absorbs water, and eventually makes the bread lighter and softer. As a result, sugar improves the bread's taste, structure and texture. Yeast also eats up sugar to produce carbon dioxide, which raises the dough and makes bread fluffy.

Which yeast is best for gluten free bread? ›

What type of yeast should be used to bake Gluten Free Bread? Active dry yeast and instant yeast both work well and are often interchangeable. Be on the lookout for any Rapid Rise yeast that is best for one rise. For most of us that's the way gluten free bread is baked, a single rise in the tin.

How to make gluten free bread less dense? ›

You can achieve light and fluffy gluten-free bread by using enough leavening agents, adding binding agents, mixing gently, increasing moisture, and experimenting with different flour ratios.

What flour is best for gluten free bread? ›

What's the best gluten-free flour for baking? Bob's Red Mill gluten-free 1-to-1 baking mix is my favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for baking. It has a mild texture and plenty of "stick" thanks to a blend of sweet rice flour, brown rice flour, and sorghum flour, plus some starches and xanthan gum.

What is the biggest challenge of making gluten free bread? ›

One of the challenges is that when gluten-free dough is thickened with additives like starches and gums, it becomes sticky. Some bakers dust sticky dough with flour, but that's problematic with gluten-free formulations.

What ingredient keeps bread soft? ›

Hydrocolloids can retain moisture in the bread. This is important because moisture plays a crucial role in the freshness and softness of bread. By holding onto water, hydrocolloids help prevent the bread from drying out too quickly, thus maintaining its moistness for longer.

How do bakeries make such soft bread? ›

There's something magical about the bread you get at your local bakeries - they're always sooo soft and fluffy. Many of these breads, especially packaged ones, are made with a ton of chemical additives such as calcium propionate, amylase, and chlorine dioxide which help keep them soft, light, and fluffy for days.

What makes bread soft and pillowy? ›

Sugar: Not only does it sweeten the bread, but sugar also retains moisture. This means that adding sugar can indeed make bread softer. Baking Soda: When added, especially in recipes with acidic ingredients, it can make bread soft and spongy.

Why can't you use yeast with gluten free flour? ›

Fresh yeast requires two rises, so it is not ideal for gluten free breads, which require only one rise.

Why won't my gluten-free bread rise? ›

Your bread will not rise if your yeast or baking powder has expired. A dense loaf could also be the result of not measuring your ingredients accurately. Weight measurements are best (I have to update my recipes). Otherwise scoop the flour into your measuring cup and level without shaking or packing the flour down.

Does gluten free flour rise like regular flour? ›

Something that is often added to gluten free products is xanthan gum. This ingredient has an ability to trap air which allows gluten free cakes and breads to rise properly and have a light and airy texture. It is also added to doughs such as pastry doughs so that they can be rolled and stretched without breaking.

Why add vinegar to gluten-free bread? ›

The addition of vinegar and sour cream helps the dough to be a bit more flexible when rolling out and also to brown slightly more easily when baked in the oven. Rice wine vinegar doesn't have a strong taste so it is useful for this dough, but it can be replaced with other acids.

What does cream of tartar do in gluten-free bread? ›

Promoting Better Rise

Achieving a good rise is essential for light and airy bread. Cream of tartar acts as a natural leavening agent when combined with baking soda.

What makes gluten free bread better? ›

Gluten-free bread lets you enjoy bread without the risk of causing harm to your intestines. And when you swap out white flour for a gluten-free alternative, it might make your bread healthier in certain ways. Other flours often have nutrients you wouldn't get with white flour.

How to make gluten free bread rise better? ›

An easy way to create a good environment for gluten-free bread to rise is to turn your oven to 200 F; when it reaches this temperature, turn off the oven and place a shallow baking pan partially filled with hot water on one of the shelves.

What is the secret of baking with gluten-free flour? ›

Use xanthan gum or guar gum: Gluten-free flours lack the elasticity and structure that gluten provides, so adding a binder like xanthan or guar gum can help to hold the ingredients together and give your baked goods a better texture.

Why add vinegar to gluten free bread? ›

The addition of vinegar and sour cream helps the dough to be a bit more flexible when rolling out and also to brown slightly more easily when baked in the oven. Rice wine vinegar doesn't have a strong taste so it is useful for this dough, but it can be replaced with other acids.

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