Easy Gluten Free Artisan Bread

This Easy Gluten Free Artisan Bread is a simple no-fuss loaf that gives you a crisp crust and tender crumb without complicated equipment. I’ve made this loaf dozens of times for weeknight dinners and weekend toasts, and it consistently delivers bakery-style results at home. For background on techniques and flour choices, I often cross-reference an artisan gluten-free bread guide I trust.

Why Make This Recipe

• It produces a crunchy, golden crust and moist interior—texture you usually miss in gluten-free loaves.
• It’s fast to mix (about 10 minutes active), so it’s convenient for busy cooks.
• The recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients and a single-batch method—no complicated laminations.
• It freezes and reheats very well, making it practical for make-ahead meals.
• Personal note: I love this loaf because the crust sings when you slice it—small culinary victories like that make weekday bread feel special. Also see a collection of specialty artisan breads for inspiration.

Recipe Overview

• Prep time: 10 minutes active, 1–1.5 hours rise
• Cook time: 35–40 minutes (450°F / 230°C)
• Total time: ~1 hour 45 minutes (including rising)
• Servings: 8 (one medium round loaf)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Method: No-knead, stir-and-rise, baked in a preheated Dutch oven (covered then uncovered) to develop crust.

My Experience Making This Recipe

I tested this version on different flours and found a blend with a binder (xanthan or psyllium) gives the most reliable crumb. The biggest discovery was baking in a hot, preheated Dutch oven—steam from the dough creates a crisp, artisan crust every time. I tweaked hydration and resting times until the loaf rose predictably in my home oven.

How to Make Easy Gluten Free Artisan Bread

This is a straightforward no-knead recipe: you mix dry ingredients, add warm water and oil, stir until a wet dough forms, let it rise until puffy, then shape and bake in a hot Dutch oven. Key techniques are measuring by weight when possible, using warm water around 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast, and preheating the Dutch oven to 450°F (230°C) for a strong oven spring. Expect a loose, sticky dough rather than a firm ball—that’s normal for gluten-free artisan-style loaves.

Basic ingredient proportions (tested):

• 3 cups (420 g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (if your blend lacks binder, add 1 tsp xanthan gum)
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet / 7 g) instant yeast
• 1 tbsp (12 g) sugar or honey
• 1 1/2 tsp (9 g) fine sea salt
• 1 tbsp (9 g) psyllium husk powder OR 1 tsp xanthan gum (if your blend is gum-free)
• 1 3/4 cups (420 ml) warm water, 105–115°F (40–46°C)
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil

Step summary:

1. Whisk dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
2. Add warm water and oil, stir until uniformly wet. The dough will be sticky and shaggy.
3. Cover and let rise 60–90 minutes at room temperature until puffy.
4. Preheat a 4–5 quart Dutch oven to 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes.
5. Turn dough onto parchment, shape into a round with lightly oiled hands, transfer on parchment into the hot Dutch oven.
6. Bake covered 25 minutes, then uncovered 10–15 minutes until deep golden and internal temp reads 205–210°F (96–99°C). Cool at least 30 minutes before slicing.

For a cheesy twist, I often consult a tested recipe like this cheesy gluten-free artisan bread to add mix-ins successfully.

Expert Tips for Success

• Measure by weight when possible: 420 g flour gives consistency across different blends and cups. A small digital scale is a worthwhile investment.
• Use psyllium husk for structure: 1 tablespoon binds moisture and mimics gluten elasticity better than xanthan in many high-hydration gf loaves.
• Preheat the Dutch oven: a thoroughly preheated pot (30+ minutes) produces the best oven spring and crust. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, bake on a preheated baking stone with a metal pan of hot water for steam.
• Watch internal temperature: aim for 205–210°F (96–99°C) for fully baked crumb—this avoids gummy centers.
• Hydration matters: gluten-free doughs look wetter than wheat doughs. Resist the urge to add too much extra flour—crumb will be denser.

Also check this savory variation for rosemary technique notes on a rosemary bread page.

How to Serve Easy Gluten Free Artisan Bread

• Serve warm with salted butter and a drizzle of good olive oil for brunch or breakfast.
• Use this loaf for hearty sandwiches—its crust stands up to fillings like roasted vegetables and grilled cheese.
• Present sliced on a wooden board with small bowls of olive oil, balsamic, and flake salt for a casual appetizer.
• Make croutons: cube, toss with oil and herbs, and roast at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.

For quick, breakfast-friendly swaps, try ideas from an easy oat quick bread adaptation.

Storage and Reheating Guide

• Short-term: store whole loaf loosely wrapped at room temperature for up to 48 hours in a paper bag or bread box to preserve crust.
• Refrigeration: avoid refrigerating if possible—it dries the bread. If you must, wrap tightly and use within 3 days.
• Freezing: slice and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil, or vacuum seal. Freeze up to 3 months.
• Reheating: restore crust by reheating slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 6–8 minutes, or whole loaf 10–12 minutes. For a fast method, toast slices directly.

Recipe Variations

• Dairy-free: this recipe is naturally dairy-free; use olive oil or melted coconut oil instead of butter.
• Seeded loaf: fold in 1/3 cup each of sunflower and pumpkin seeds to the dough for texture—reduce water by 1–2 tbsp if needed.
• Herb or garlic: mix 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or 2 tsp garlic powder into dry mix for savory notes.
• Lower-sugar option: omit the 1 tbsp sugar—yeast will still activate with warm water, though rise may be a touch slower.

Nutritional Highlights

• Whole-picture carbs: this loaf is primarily carbohydrate-based and provides quick energy—choose portion sizes (1–2 slices) based on your dietary needs.
• Fiber boost: using a blend with brown rice or oat flour, or adding psyllium, raises soluble fiber content.
• Allergen note: contains gluten-free flour but may include soy or egg-free depending on your blend; always check ingredient labels. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and can be nut-free if your flour blend is.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Dense or gummy center: bake until internal temp reaches 205–210°F (96–99°C) and allow a 30-minute cool; underbaking or too-low oven temp causes gumminess.
• Little rise or flat loaf: check yeast freshness and water temperature (105–115°F / 40–46°C). If you used chilled water or expired yeast, the rise will be weak.
• Crust too soft: cool uncovered on a rack to let steam escape; a hotter initial bake or longer uncovered bake time (10–15 min) deepens crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast?
A1: Yes—use 25% more active dry yeast and proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar for 5–10 minutes until foamy before mixing with dry ingredients. Instant yeast can be mixed straight into the dry mix.

Q2: Do I need psyllium husk or xanthan gum?
A2: If your gluten-free flour blend already contains a binder, you can skip extra gum. If it doesn’t, add 1 tsp xanthan gum or 1 tbsp psyllium husk powder for structure and moisture retention. Psyllium tends to give a more elastic, less crumbly crumb.

Q3: Can I make smaller loaves or rolls with this dough?
A3: Yes—divide dough into smaller portions, shape gently, and bake on a parchment-lined sheet. Reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes at 425°F (218°C) for rolls; check internal temperature for doneness.

Q4: Why is my dough very wet and sticky—shouldn’t bread dough be firm?
A4: Gluten-free artisan doughs are intentionally high-hydration and sticky because they lack gluten to form a firm network. Work with wet hands or lightly oiled tools, and trust the rise and baking times rather than texture cues from wheat dough.

Conclusion

For a reliable home-baked loaf that delivers a crisp crust and soft, enjoyable crumb, this Easy Gluten Free Artisan Bread is a dependable choice. For the original inspiration and a tested step-by-step, check out Easy Gluten Free Artisan Bread – The Healthy Home Cook (https://www.thehealthyhomecook.com/easy-gluten-free-artisan-bread/).