As most people following gluten-free diets know, finding a suitable gluten-free sandwich bread can be rather difficult. However, if you are suffering from celiac disease or a gluten-free sensitivity, you do not have to go without your lunchtime sandwich. There are some gluten-free options at your local grocery store or, you can make your own sandwich bread.
How to Make Your Own Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread
Although there are many gluten-free breads on the shelves in grocery stores, many people find their best option is to make their sandwich bread from scratch. This way, they can fully control the ingredients and prevent cross-contamination. Yeast, gluten-free flour mix, and xantham gum are the building blocks of any homemade gluten-free sandwich bread. A decent gluten-free flour mix will closely mimic the taste and texture of wheat flour. Yeast is the leavening agent. Xanthan gum is the thickener and emulsifier used to replace the gluten found in other bread flours.
Basic Recipe for Homemade No Gluten Bread
This basic, dependable recipe using a blend of gluten-free flours. Experiment with your own flour combinations or add other ingredients to subtly change the flavor profile of your bread.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon quick-rise yeast
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour mix (combine 1/3 cup of masa harina, 2/3 cup soy flour, 1 cup corn starch and 1 cup brown rice flour to make 3 cups of mix)
- 2 teaspoons xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cider or white vinegar
Directions
- Combine the yeast, water and sugar in a small bowl and gently stir to combine. Set this aside to let the yeast bloom while you mix the other ingredients.
- Combine the dry ingredients (gluten-free flour mix, xanthan gum and salt) in a bowl and set aside.
- Whisk the eggs, oil and vinegar in another bowl until frothy.
- Add the yeast mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until combined. Then add the egg and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until the liquid has been absorbed.
- Transfer the dough to a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment and mix on the lowest setting for about four minutes. If you don't have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can knead the dough by hand for about five minutes. Sprinkle your surface with a bit of flour mixture to avoid sticking.
- Place the dough in a greased loaf pan and preheat your oven to 200°F then shut it off. Set the pan of dough in the warmed oven and let it rise until it has nearly doubled in size.
- Once the dough rises, turn the oven on to 375°F and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes.
Commercially Available Options
If you don't have time to make your own, there are a few high-quality, delicious, gluten-free sandwich breads at your local grocery store:
- Glutino is a company that specializes in gluten-free products. They have several different varieties of bread, all of which are favorably reviewed. Their products contain no preservatives, so they are located in the freezer section of your supermarket or specialty store.
- KinniKinnick is another popular brand of gluten-free breads. Choose from ten different varieties. If you can't find these products locally, you can order directly from their website.
- Ener-G also offers a large variety of gluten-free breads. All of their breads are made in a dedicated gluten-free bakery, so cross contamination is not an issue. You can order directly from their website if you can't find their products in local stores.
Easy to Use No Gluten Mixes
For those who want to make their own with a minimum of fuss, an easy-to-use bread mix may be just what you need.
Gluten-free diets are hard enough to maintain without having to source tasty recipes, and makers of gluten-free products are well aware people want homemade taste without all the effort. Companies are creating easy-to-use bread mixes to fill this need. One such brand of gluten-free yeast bread mixes is Dr. Schär. By adding only water and oil, you can make a light and fluffy white bread. It is all-natural and not as sweet as some other widely available bread mixes. This bread mix is also versatile. It can be transformed into pizza dough, or you can make a sweet bread by adding nuts and dried fruit.
Hodgson Mill is another brand of gluten-free products, and they also offer a white bread mix. The addition of eggs and milk allows this bread to rise wonderfully. It bakes into a light and airy bread reminiscent of white bread.
Based out of Oregon, Bob's Red Mill offers two kinds of bread mixes: white bread mix and whole-grain bread mix. Milk, eggs, butter and vinegar are all you need to add to make this delightful bread. You can use the mix in your bread machine as well.
With so many gluten-free breads commercially available, you don't have to feel deprived if you're on a gluten-free diet. Of course, if you have the time, baking your own gluten-free sandwich bread is straightforward and the results are delicious.
