If you’ve ever wished for a bread that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors yet completely safe for gluten-free diets, then this Gluten-Free Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Bread Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a beautiful, aromatic loaf that balances the tangy richness of sun-dried tomatoes, the briny pop of Kalamata olives, and a subtle cheesy undertone from Parmesan—all wrapped up in a soft, tender crumb made possible by a smart blend of gluten-free flours and psyllium husk. Trust me, whether you’re already gluten-free or just curious, this bread is a game-changer that brings warmth and zest right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Gluten-Free Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Bread Recipe relies on a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role. Together, they create amazing texture, vibrant flavor, and just the right lift to make gluten-free bread truly enjoyable.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the psyllium husk, which improves dough structure.
- Whole psyllium husk: Acts as the magical binder that mimics gluten’s elasticity in the dough.
- Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to feed the yeast and balance flavors beautifully.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the bread crumb.
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum: Provides the base structure, ensuring a soft yet sturdy loaf.
- Tapioca starch: Brings chewiness and lightness to the crumb.
- Instant yeast: Leavens the dough for a perfect rise without fuss.
- Fine sea salt: Enhances all the savory flavors at play.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Infuses the dough with warm herbs for a fragrant, sun-kissed touch.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Offers richness and helps keep the bread moist.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): Packs intense, tangy bursts throughout every bite.
- Kalamata olives (chopped): Adds that classic briny depth and slight firmness for contrast.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the dough to lend umami and a golden crust.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Gluten-Free Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Psyllium Gel
Start by stirring together warm water, whole psyllium husk, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. This flavorful gel needs to sit for about five minutes until it transforms into a thick, gel-like consistency—this step is crucial because it helps create a dough that holds together beautifully without gluten.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
While the gel sets, whisk your gluten-free flour blend, tapioca starch, instant yeast, fine sea salt, and dried Italian seasoning in a separate large bowl. Combining these ensures even distribution, giving your bread a balanced rise and that herby undertone you’ll love.
Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry
Pour the psyllium gel and olive oil into the flour mixture, then beat vigorously for about three minutes until the dough comes together smooth and feels evenly hydrated. This vigorous mixing helps activate the gluten-free starches and creates a smooth dough foundation to hold all your delicious additions.
Step 4: Fold in the Flavor Bombs
Gently fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix just enough to distribute these gems evenly without overworking the dough, preserving their texture and ensuring flavorful bites throughout your loaf.
Step 5: Let It Rise
Transfer your dough to a greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and smooth the top using damp hands. Cover and let it rise for 45 to 60 minutes until it’s puffed up about an inch above the pan’s rim. This rest allows the yeast to work its magic, building the perfect airy crumb inside.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the loaf for 48 to 55 minutes until the crust turns a rich golden brown and the internal temperature reaches about 205°F. If the crust is browning too quickly, lightly tent the bread with foil for the last part of baking to prevent burning.
Step 7: Cool before Slicing
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely for at least an hour. This wait might test your patience, but it’s necessary so the cheese-rich crumb sets perfectly soft without turning gummy when cut.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of good-quality extra-virgin olive oil over warm slices enhances the bread’s naturally savory flavors. Freshly cracked black pepper or a few torn basil leaves on top can add a fresh, fragrant touch for extra appeal.
Side Dishes
This bread shines alongside hearty soups like tomato basil or rustic minestrone. It’s also incredible with Mediterranean-inspired salads or as a base for bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella—turning simple meals into memorable occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice the bread thinly and toast the pieces to make crostini, topped with whipped feta or pesto. It also works beautifully as the bread base in gourmet sandwiches filled with grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or soft cheeses for a delightful gluten-free lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your homemade loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it sealed helps retain moisture so each slice stays tender and fresh.
Freezing
This bread also freezes well. Slice it first for convenience, then wrap portions separately in freezer-safe bags or foil. When you want a slice, just pull it out and toast or thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a toaster or oven at low heat to revive that fresh-from-the-oven goodness. Avoid microwaving as it can cause a rubbery texture; a warm, crisp exterior brings out the bread’s full flavor and chew.
FAQs
Can I use different olives in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Kalamata olives provide a distinctive flavor and texture, you can substitute with green olives or any type you prefer. Just make sure to chop them finely and drain well to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
Is the psyllium husk necessary for this bread?
Yes, psyllium husk acts like gluten in this recipe, giving the bread structure and elasticity. Without it, the bread might be crumbly or dense, so it’s worth including to achieve that perfect tender crumble.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To keep it vegan, simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar and omit or replace Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative. Keep in mind this might slightly change the taste and texture but still result in delicious bread.
How long does this bread stay fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature, your Gluten-Free Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Bread Recipe stays fresh for about three days. Beyond that, it’s best to freeze to maintain texture and flavor.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Just adjust quantities so they complement rather than overpower the bread’s core flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Bread Recipe is truly a treasure, an easy way to bring bold Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen without compromising on texture or taste. I encourage you to give it a try—whether you’re serving it at a casual family dinner or impressing friends, this bread will win hearts with every slice. Happy baking!
PrintGluten-Free Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Bread Recipe
This Gluten Free Sun-Dried Tomato Olive Bread is a savory and flavorful loaf that combines tangy sun-dried tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and sharp Parmesan cheese in a tender, gluten-free bread. Perfect for those seeking a delicious gluten-free alternative, this bread is enriched with whole psyllium husk for texture and moisture, and flavored with Italian seasoning. Baked to a golden crust, it’s ideal for sandwiches, snacking, or alongside your favorite Mediterranean dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 3/8 cups Warm Water
- 2 tbsp Whole Psyllium Husk
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour Blend with Xanthan Gum
- 1/2 cup Tapioca Starch
- 2 1/4 tsp Instant Yeast
- 1 1/2 tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup Drained Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives, Chopped
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Psyllium Gel: Stir the warm water, whole psyllium husk, honey, and apple cider vinegar together. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a gel-like consistency, which will help bind the gluten-free dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free all-purpose flour blend, tapioca starch, instant yeast, fine sea salt, and dried Italian seasoning until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the psyllium gel mixture and extra-virgin olive oil to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture for 3 minutes using a mixer or vigorous hand mixing until the dough is smooth and evenly hydrated, forming a thick batter-like dough.
- Incorporate Add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and grated Parmesan cheese just until these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough, taking care not to overmix.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Smooth the top with damp hands to create an even surface. Cover the pan and let the dough rise in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes, or until it has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 48 to 55 minutes until the crust is richly browned and the internal temperature reaches 205°F (96°C). If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last part of baking.
- Cool Before Slicing: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely for at least 1 hour. Cooling ensures the cheese-enriched crumb sets properly and prevents a gummy texture when sliced.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Using a gluten free flour blend that contains xanthan gum is important for structure; do not omit xanthan gum unless your blend includes it.
- Psyllium husk helps with moisture retention and dough elasticity in gluten free baking.
- The bread is best served the same day or within 2 days, stored wrapped to maintain freshness.
- If you cannot find Kalamata olives, substitute with other briny olives like Castelvetrano or green olives, chopped fine.
- Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor; pre-grated versions can sometimes contain anti-caking agents.
- Slicing the bread before it is fully cooled can cause it to crumble or become gummy.