Why did my bread turn out dense?

Could be the yeast didn’t activate or your water was too hot. Warm is good, but not scalding. Also, don't skip letting it rise.

Can I make this without a Dutch oven?

Absolutely! Just use a baking sheet. The crust might be slightly less snappy but still tastes great.

What’s the best gluten-free flour for this?

Look for a blend with xanthan gum. King Arthur and Cup4Cup have great ones that work every time for me.

How do I know when it’s done?

Tap the bottom. It should sound hollow, like a little bread drum. Or just trust your nose—it should smell golden.

Can I double the recipe?

Yup, though maybe bake as two loaves so you don’t end up with a dough brick.

Best Rustic Gluten-Free Boule Recipe: An Easy Artisan Loaf

Name: Rustic Gluten-Free Boule
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Gluten-Free
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum); 1¼ cups warm water (110°F); 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1½ teaspoons salt

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
1¼ cups warm water (110°F)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1½ teaspoons salt

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Add olive oil and salt to the mixture.
Gradually mix in the gluten-free all-purpose flour until well combined. The dough will resemble thick pancake batter.
Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 450°F and place a Dutch oven inside, or use a baking tray.
If the dough is sticky, dust hands with flour and shape it into a round. Place onto parchment paper and let it rise for another 20 minutes.
Slice a cross into the top of the dough for a rustic look.
Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the crust is golden.
Let cool before slicing.

Notes

Use filtered water for best results, and handle the dough gently to prevent deflating.

Author: Caleb Finch
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Gluten-Free
Diet: Gluten-Free