The Best Homemade Gluten-Free Bread Recipe (Dairy-Free)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade gluten-free bread is everything you want in a classic loaf: soft, chewy, and full of flavor. With the addition of honey and olive oil, it has a subtle sweetness and richness that make it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with a bit of butter or jam. The best part? It’s also dairy-free, making it suitable for those avoiding both gluten and dairy in their diets. The recipe is simple, with common ingredients, and the result is a loaf of bread that tastes just as good as traditional white bread.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose gluten-free flour (see post for brand suggestions)

• 1 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder (see post for brand suggestions)

• 2 ¼ teaspoons rapid-rise yeast or 1 packet (see post for brand suggestions)

• ¼ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup honey

• 1 ¼ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (see post for brand suggestions)

• 1 ½ cup warm water

• 3 large egg whites, room temperature

• 1 ⅛ teaspoon salt (see post for brand suggestions)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Adjust the top oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Prepare your chosen bread loaf pan by coating it with cooking spray.

3. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the dry ingredients: gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and instant yeast.

4. Add the wet ingredients—olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, and warm water—to the dry ingredients and mix on low for 1 minute. Then, add the egg whites and salt to the dough and mix on medium for 1 minute, until the mixture resembles a thick cake batter.

5. Transfer the gluten-free bread dough into the greased bread pan and cover the top with beeswax wrap or plastic wrap that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Then, place a kitchen towel over the pan and allow the bread to rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.

6. Remove the towel and plastic wrap. Position the bread horizontally on the middle rack in the preheated oven for 35 minutes at 350°F, until the top is golden brown. Check the bread with a toothpick to ensure it’s cooked through—the toothpick should come out clean.

7. Let the loaf cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then remove it from the pan and place it on a cooling rack. Allow the bread to cool thoroughly before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 15 slices

• Prep Time: 35 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Egg-Free: If you need to make the recipe egg-free, you can substitute the 3 egg whites with an egg replacer such as flaxseed meal mixed with water.

• Sweetness: For a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of honey or add a bit of maple syrup.

• Add-ins: Feel free to add a handful of seeds or herbs to the dough for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, slice the bread and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply toast a slice or warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to refresh its texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour in this recipe?

No, this recipe is specifically designed to work with gluten-free flour. Using regular wheat flour would alter the texture and consistency of the bread.

2. Can I make this recipe without egg whites?

Yes, you can use an egg replacer like flaxseed meal or a store-bought egg replacer to make it egg-free.

3. Can I substitute the olive oil for another oil?

Yes, you can substitute the olive oil with another neutral oil, such as sunflower or vegetable oil, if you prefer.

4. Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or lemon juice for a slightly different flavor.

5. How do I know if the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is fully baked.

6. How long should I let the bread rise?

Allow the dough to rise for about 30 minutes in a warm spot before baking.

7. Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, this bread freezes well. Slice it before freezing for easy individual portions.

8. Can I add herbs or spices to this recipe?

Yes, you can customize the bread by adding herbs, garlic powder, or spices to the dough before baking.

9. How can I make this bread fluffier?

Make sure you’re using rapid-rise yeast, and ensure that the dough has risen properly before baking for a lighter texture.

10. Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?

This recipe is designed for hand-mixing, but you could potentially adapt it for a bread machine if it has a gluten-free setting.

Conclusion

This gluten-free, dairy-free bread is a fantastic choice for anyone needing to avoid gluten or dairy. It’s soft, flavorful, and versatile, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side with your favorite meals. Easy to make, with simple ingredients, you can enjoy homemade bread that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Whether you follow a gluten-free or dairy-free diet or just love a good loaf of bread, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.