Gluten-Free Peasant Bread Recipe | Alexandra’s Kitchen (2024)

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4.9 from 105 reviews

//By Alexandra Stafford onMarch 21, 2014 (updated November 15, 2022) Jump To Recipe

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This gluten-free peasant bread has such a nice texture — soft and spongy, light and moist — and moreover, when sliced, the pieces hold their shape. Bread lovers, even those not adhering to a gluten-free diet, rave about the texture and flavor of this bread. This recipe comes from my cookbook, Bread Toast Crumbs!

Gluten-Free Peasant Bread Recipe | Alexandra’s Kitchen (1)

For the past year, the most frequent question asked on this blog is this: Can the peasant bread be made gluten-free?

Everyone knows someone — a friend, an uncle, a cousin — recently diagnosed with Celiac disease who has had to forget bread as he/she once knew it.

You might have this friend, this uncle, this cousin. I do. And you might want to treat him/her to a loaf of freshly baked bread but you don’t know where to begin.

This is the position my mother found herself in a month ago while preparing for the arrival of her brother-in-law, who had recently adopted a gluten-free diet. Panicked by the thought of serving dinner without warm, fresh bread on the table, she called asking if I had ever successfully made the peasant bread gluten free. I answered as I have to everyone who has asked thus far: no, not yet.

It seemed like a good time to take an earnest stab at making a gluten-free peasant bread. Unfortunately, a respectable loaf did not materialize before my uncle’s arrival, but one has since.

Gluten-Free Bread Baking Tips

  1. For every cup of flour (128g), use about a teaspoon of xanthum gum.
  2. For every 2 cups of flour (128g), use 1 egg.
  3. Use a little more yeast proportionally to help lighten the bread’s texture.
  4. Use a high-quality gluten-free mix, such as C4C or King Arthur Flour. If your gluten-free flour mix contains xanthum gum, no need to add additional.
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Gluten-Free Peasant Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 105 reviews

  • Author: Alexandra Stafford
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 2 loaves
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Description

From my cookbook, Bread Toast Crumbs.

For best results, use a digital scale. It makes all the difference with bread baking.

Note: If you are using a different brand of gluten-free flour, you may not need all of the liquid. Because all gluten-free flours and mixes absorb water at a different rate, you may find your dough to be much more liquidy than mine — this is due to the flour. This is what I suggest: add the liquid a little bit at the time, mixing with a spatula to combine. Reference the video to see what the dough should look like as far as texture goes.

Loaf Pan: I have not tried this yet, but someone emailed me recently letting me know she bakes the entire batter in a 9×5-inch loaf pan, so if you don’t have the 1-quart Pyrex bowls, know that a 9×5-inch loaf pan is an option.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups (500 g) gluten-free flour—my favorite is Cup4Cup, see notes above if using a different type of gluten-free flour
  • 2 teaspoons (10 g) kosher salt
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (8 g) instant yeast
  • 2 cups (455 g) lukewarm water
  • 2 tablespoons (42 g) honey
  • 2eggslightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) olive oil or grapeseed or other neutral oil
  • 1 teaspoon (4 g) white wine or cider vinegar
  • softened unsalted butter for greasing

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast. In a medium bowl, pour the water over the honey and stir to dissolve. Add the eggs, oil, and vinegar. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix with a spatula to form a batter. (See notes above if you are using a different brand of gf flour.)
  2. Grease two 1-quart oven-safe bowls (or a 9×5-inch loaf pan, see notes above) with the softened butter—be generous. Divide the dough evenly between the prepared bowls. With wet hands, smooth the surface of the dough. Let the dough rise in a warm or draft-free spot for 30 to 45 minutes, until the top of the dough just crowns the rims of the bowls — this may take longer… just be patient and wait till the dough crowns the rim: it might take as long as 2 hours if your kitchen is cool. Halfway through the rising, set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 425 degrees F.
  3. Transfer the bowls to the oven, and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 375 degrees F and bake for 17 to 20 minutes more, until golden all around. Remove the bowls from the oven and turn the loaves out onto the cooling racks. Let the loaves cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: Gluten-Free

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    520 Comments on “Gluten-Free Peasant Bread Recipe”

  1. Melissa HeadrickReply

    Ali, thank you for this receipe! I started making your traditional flour peasant bread years ago and everyone raves about it. Its now a staple in their kitchens as well. Ihave made the GF version for my gluten free husband and extended family many times and this year, they specifically requested that be what I bring to Thanksgiving dinner. My mother in law has severe Celiac Disease, and she asked if I could make rolls. I didn’t see that on your website, but I’m going to take a stab at it. I was wondering if you have tried it. If so, any success or tips?
    Thanks again!

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      Hi Melissa! So nice to read all of this 🙂 If you want to make rolls, I would suggest using a muffin tin …. as you know, the “dough” is more like a batter, and I think it will be very hard to shape.

  2. Alan LoeReply

    Hello: I want to know if you have made this gluten free bread with King Arthur GF flour, and, if so, how does it compare to the Cut4Cup flour? Thanks!

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      I have made it with KAF gf flour and as I remember, the dough was much wetter. It came out fine, but I do prefer Cup4Cup.

      • Alan LoeReply

        Cup4Cup it is! Thanks.4

  3. ChristyReply

    Thank you so much!! This bread is amazing. So soft with a beautiful crust. And so so easy!! What’s the best way to store the bread to keep fresh longer?

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      Great to hear! I store it in an airtight ziplock bag at room temperature.

  4. EkkaReply

    Can this bread be frozen to store it?

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      Yes!

  5. CFReply

    Would white vinegar work the same as cider vinegar? If not – what role does it play? Is there another option?

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      Any vinegar is fine!

  6. Sarah MReply

    Made your gluten free no-knead peasant loaf last night and it is great!.
    My digital scale quit in the middle, so used the regular measurements. Baked it in a 9×5 loaf pan for 38 minutes.
    We love the flavor, and the texture is perfection; it is not too crumbly. By far the best gluten free bread recipe I have ever tried. Thank you!

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      Wonderful to hear, Sarah! Thanks for writing 🙂 🙂 🙂

  7. CathyReply

    I’m new at making gluten free bread. I tried a few other recipes in the past and it was so much work and results weren’t always the best. I tried this recipe and couldn’t believe how easy it was. Bread turned out great. It was like I was baking gf bread for years. Bread was easy to slice and reminded me of gluten bread. This will be my go to recipe and I wrote it in my recipe book. (Where only the best recipes go).

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      Great to hear, Cathy! Thanks so much for writing and sharing this 🙂 🙂 🙂

  8. BethanyReply

    I have an unusual palate in that I don’t care for sweet flavors at all, including fruit.

    I would prefer to take the honey out altogether or reduce it drastically. Is the honey for flavor, for yeast to grow, or both?

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      It’s for a little bit of everything — yeast growth, flavor, and browning. BUT, you absolutely can leave out the honey. The rise might take a little longer, so just be patient 🙂

  9. Gezina LootsReply

    I hate how late in my gluten free journey i discovered this recipe… all the time and ingredients waister before…. this came out freaking perfect and delicious and i loveeee it

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      Great to hear! Thanks for writing 🙂 🙂 🙂

  10. LaurieReply

    Been gluten free for about 10 years now and I’ve tried ever so many bread recipes that are total failures. This one is the lightest, most gluten-bread-like one over ever tried! I halved the recipe yesterday and made only one bowl. It was just lovely! And usually the day after I make a GF bread, it turns rock hard. Not so with this one! I stored it overnight in a plastic airtight canister and it was a little drier on the sliced edge but after I sliced another piece, it was just as great as yesterday! Thank you so much for sharing!!

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      Great to read all of this, Laurie! Thanks so much for writing and sharing your experience 🙂 🙂 🙂

  11. Alessandra Delia-LoboReply

    Wow!! I really lucked out when I found your recipe–I just recently decided to start making my own bread since buying GF loves is so expensive. This is the first recipe I’ve tried, and it easily beats the store-bought ones I’ve been getting! On top of that, it’s such a quick and easy recipe; making one every week won’t be any bother at all.

    Just to share, I used the 9×5 loaf pan, and it worked great. It took about an hour to rise in my chilly Vermont kitchen and a little extra bake time.

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      Great to hear, Allesandra! Thanks for writing and sharing your notes — so helpful for others!

  12. AnonymousReply

  13. Nicole FongReply

    Can you over proof this bread? I am making both GF and regular peasant breads and didn’t realize until too late the rising times are different. I want them to all bake at the same time but it means an extra 1/2 hour proofing for the GF loaf.

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      That will be fine! Just go for it.

  14. MarisaReply

    My husband is recently needing to be GF & baking has always been a passion of mine. I searched for recipes and this was my favorite so far! I did bake the entire dough in 1 loaf pan and it was perfect!! Great for toast too!!

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      Great to hear, Marisa! Thanks so much for writing 🙂 🙂 🙂

Gluten-Free Peasant Bread Recipe | Alexandra’s Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

What is the trick to making good gluten-free bread? ›

Tips and Techniques to make better Gluten Free Bread
  1. Use psyllium husk powder.
  2. Let the dough rest (not exactly the same as a bulk proof)
  3. Mix or knead thoroughly.
  4. Use less yeast.
  5. Bake in a tin with tall sides.
  6. Bake for longer, often at a lower temperature.
  7. Create steam in the oven.
  8. Use the tangzhong or scalded flour method.

Why is it so challenging to make good gluten-free bread? ›

Running into problems. Gluten is protein that elasticizes dough, providing structure and enabling it to trap the carbon dioxide generated by yeast. (This is why many gluten-free formulations don't use yeast.) Eliminating it often leaves dough that is runnier than conventional bread dough.

Why do you put vinegar in gluten-free bread? ›

Apple cider vinegar or another acid lightens up the dough. You can add up to 4 Tbsp of acid for 500 g gluten-free flour. Don't worry, you won't be able to taste it afterwards. To lighten up a yeast dough even more, you can add a packet of baking powder or cream of tartar baking powder to 500 g flour.

Why has my gluten-free bread sunk in the middle? ›

A note about moisture in gluten-free bread recipes: getting the right amount of moisture in GF bread dough is crucial to success. If the dough is too moist, the bread will rise well but sink in the middle when baking. If it is too dry, the bread will not rise.

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

One of the main challenges in making gluten-free bread is achieving the same texture and rise as traditional wheat bread. Gluten provides the structure and elasticity that allows bread dough to rise and hold its shape, so gluten-free doughs can be sticky and difficult to work with.

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.

What are the cons of gluten-free bread? ›

Keep in mind that some processed gluten-free foods contain high amounts of unhealthy ingredients such as sodium, sugar and fat. Consuming these foods can lead to weight gain, blood sugar swings, high blood pressure and other problems. So, a gluten-free label doesn't necessarily make a food healthy.

Is making gluten-free bread cheaper than buying it? ›

Generally, it costs 35% to 50% less to follow a gluten free bread recipe and make your own bread than buy it from the store.

Why is gluten free flour not good for bread making? ›

These breads take longer to bake because the gums and fiber in Gluten-Free Bread Flour hold onto water more than gluten (which is typical of gluten-free flour), so they take longer to fully bake and “dry out.”

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

2. 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 does apple cider vinegar do to gluten-free bread? ›

Apple Cider Vinegar – Superpower your Gluten-Free Kitchen! Apple cider vinegar is often used in baking, but why? It is a great leavening agent, but it also has powerful flavour enhancing properties. I find it adds the perfect amount of depth of flavour, and helps activate baking soda creating a lovely airy texture.

How do you make gluten-free bread rise higher? ›

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.

Why does even gluten free bread make me sick? ›

Why am I getting sick? Answer: Unfortunately, you're probably getting glutened from your "gluten-free" foods. Sadly, gluten-free on the label doesn't mean "contains absolutely no gluten," and some of us are sensitive enough to react to the tiny amounts of gluten remaining in these products.

What gluten free flour is best for bread? ›

If you'd like to turn your favorite bread recipe into a gluten free one, look no further than Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour. A great substitute for traditional bread flour, it is designed to be used in nearly every wheat flour recipe.

Can you overmix gluten free bread? ›

While conventional wisdom has taught us not to overmix our batters, we've found most gluten-free batters simply need to be stirred for longer. If you're worried this will turn your muffins and cakes rubbery, have no fear. Gluten-free recipes need to have more structure.

Is there a trick to baking with gluten-free flour? ›

Gluten-free flours often contain fine starches, so they absorb more liquid than conventional flour. To address this, gluten-free recipes usually call for more liquid and produce looser batters. They may also call for a larger quantity of leavening, like baking powder, to help add volume and lighten the texture.

Why is my homemade gluten-free bread so dense? ›

Incorrect Flour Ratios: Different gluten-free flours have varying levels of protein and starch, which can affect the texture of your bread. Using the wrong flour ratio can result in a dense and gummy loaf.

How do you make gluten-free dough taste better? ›

Add some almond flour: Using a small amount of almond flour in your baking can enhance the taste and texture dramatically. Due to the high moisture and fat content, it can also add moisture, and will help your baked goods to brown.

Why is my gluten-free bread so dense in the bread machine? ›

Dense loaf- you may need to use more liquid, gluten free dough is usually wetter than regular wheat flour dough resembling a thick brownie batter. How much liquid is enough in a recipe ultimately depends not on formulas but in observation. You may need more or less liquid than the recipe specifies.

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