Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free French Bread Recipe
You’ll absolutely love this Gluten Free French Bread Recipe because it captures the classic taste and texture of traditional French bread without the gluten.
I was thrilled when I first tried it, as the crust is beautifully crisp, while the inside remains soft and airy. It’s perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying with a bit of butter.
Plus, it’s easy to make, and the aroma wafting through my kitchen is irresistible.
I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of slicing into a warm loaf that tastes just like the real thing—trust me, you won’t miss the gluten at all!
Ingredients of Gluten Free French Bread
When it comes to whipping up a delicious loaf of Gluten Free French Bread, the ingredients are key. You’ll need a variety of gluten-free flours and some special additions to mimic that delightful texture and flavor we all love.
Don’t worry if you’re new to gluten-free baking; this recipe is straightforward and full of ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Just gather everything, and let’s plunge into this fun and rewarding baking adventure.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this scrumptious Gluten Free French Bread:
- 2 cups rice flour (white)
- 1 cup tapioca flour
- 3 teaspoons xanthan gum
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons egg substitute
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons fast rise yeast
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
- 3 egg whites, beaten slightly
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- Melted butter, for brushing
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients a bit. Rice flour is your base here, providing that essential structure, while tapioca flour brings in some chewiness, which is what we all want from a good French bread.
Xanthan gum acts like the gluten we’re missing, helping the bread hold its shape and giving it that lovely elasticity. And if you’re worried about egg substitutes, don’t fret—there are plenty of options available, and they work like a charm.
Just remember, the quality of your ingredients can make a difference. So, if you can, opt for fresh yeast and high-quality flours for the best results. Happy baking!
How to Make Gluten Free French Bread
Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients for your Gluten Free French Bread, let’s plunge into the fun part—making it! First things first, grab your heavy-duty mixer (if you own one; if not, your arm might get a workout). In the bowl, combine 2 cups of rice flour, 1 cup of tapioca flour, 3 teaspoons of xanthan gum, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 teaspoons of egg substitute. Just toss those dry ingredients together with the mixer on low. It’s like creating a little flour family, and you want them to mingle nicely.
While that’s happening, let’s activate our yeast—because nobody likes a sleepy yeast. In a small bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons of sugar in 1 1/2 cups of lukewarm water, and then add 2 tablespoons of fast rise yeast. Give it a little stir and watch as it foams up like a bubbly potion. Seriously, it’s one of the more satisfying moments in baking.
Once you see that foam, it’s time to blend it into your dry mix. Next, add in 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 3 beaten egg whites, and 1 teaspoon of vinegar. Now, crank up that mixer and beat everything on high for about 3 minutes. This is where the magic happens, and you’ll start to smell that delightful dough aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Next up, let’s form those loaves. You can either spoon that glorious dough onto greased and cornmeal-dusted cookie sheets in two long French-loaf shapes or use special French-bread pans if you have them. Don’t forget to slash the tops diagonally every few inches—it’s like giving your bread a stylish haircut.
If you want to treat your bread to a little extra love, brush it with some melted butter. Now, cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. While you wait, maybe tidy up your kitchen or sip on a cup of coffee—you’ve earned it.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees, then once those loaves have risen beautifully, pop them in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Just imagine the smell of freshly baked bread filling your home. Is there anything better? Once they’re golden and lovely, remove them from the pan and let them cool. Enjoy your masterpiece!
Gluten Free French Bread Substitutions & Variations
While I love the traditional approach to making Gluten Free French Bread, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that can elevate the recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
For a nuttier flavor, I sometimes swap half the rice flour for almond flour. If I want a lighter texture, I use a gluten-free bread blend instead of individual flours.
To enhance the taste, I often add herbs like rosemary or garlic powder. If I’m avoiding eggs, I replace the egg whites with flaxseed meal mixed with water.
These tweaks keep the bread exciting and delicious every time!
Additional Tips & Notes
Here are a few essential tips that can help you perfect your Gluten Free French Bread.
First, make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. I recommend letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area; it makes a big difference!
When shaping your loaves, don’t worry about perfection—rustic shapes add charm.
If your bread seems too dense, consider adding a bit more water next time.
Finally, brush the crust with melted butter right after baking for a beautiful finish.
Enjoy experimenting, and don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe to suit your taste!
Happy baking!