Are you on a gluten-free diet but miss the taste and texture of traditional French bread? Look no further! We’ve crafted a recipe that brings the classic crusty exterior and soft, airy interior of French bread to those who are gluten-intolerant. This authentic gluten-free French bread recipe will satisfy your cravings without compromising on flavor or texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 1 cup tapioca flour
- 1/4 cup sorghum flour
- 1 tablespoon xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and yeast. Stir gently and allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and will help your bread rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, tapioca flour, sorghum flour, xanthan gum, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well-incorporated to avoid any lumps.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Mix using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on medium speed until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step 4: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and transfer it to a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf or your desired shape. Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped loaf with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise gives the bread its light and airy texture.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place an oven-safe dish with water on the bottom rack of the oven. This creates steam, which will give your bread a crusty exterior.
Step 8: Bake
Once the oven is ready, make a few shallow slashes on the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This cooling period is crucial as it helps set the crumb.
Tips for Success
- Flour Blend: Ensure your gluten-free flour blend contains a mix of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca starch for the best results.
- Xanthan Gum: This ingredient mimics the elasticity of gluten and is essential for the structure of the bread.
- Water: Make sure the water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast, preventing the bread from rising.
Enjoy your slice of authentic gluten-free French bread with your favorite spreads, or use it as the perfect base for a sandwich. This recipe proves that gluten-free doesn’t mean giving up on the pleasures of great-tasting bread. Happy baking!