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Soft & Sliceable Gluten-Free Bread: The Only Homemade Recipe You Need
Recipes 13 min

Soft & Sliceable Gluten-Free Bread: The Only Homemade Recipe You Need

A real loaf of gluten-free bread with a soft, sliceable crumb and crusty crust. Holds together for sandwiches, toasts perfectly, and stays fresh for days.

By Check Gluten Team · May 10, 2026

Recipe Info

Prep

15 min

Cook

45 min

Total

90 min

Yield

1 loaf (14 slices)


Why This Recipe Works


  • Actually sliceable — This bread holds together for sandwiches. No crumbling, no falling apart when you spread peanut butter.
  • Soft crumb, crusty crust — The egg whites create a light, airy interior while the hot oven develops a golden, crackly crust.
  • Stays fresh — Unlike most GF breads that go stale in hours, this one stays soft for 3-4 days at room temperature.
  • Simple ingredients — No obscure specialty flours. Just 1-to-1 GF flour, basic pantry staples, and an hour of patience.

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    Ingredients Explained


  • GF 1-to-1 flourKing Arthur Measure for Measure is our favorite for bread — it produces the lightest, most sandwich-worthy crumb. Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 is a close second.
  • Xanthan gum — Use 1.5 tsp for bread (more than cookies/cakes). Bread needs extra binding power to hold its structure during rising. Bob's Red Mill Xanthan Gum
  • Instant yeast — Makes GF bread easy. No proofing required — mix directly into the flour.
  • Egg whites — Using whites only (no yolks) creates a lighter, airier crumb. The whites add structure without weight or color.
  • Apple cider vinegar + cream of tartar — This 1-2 punch assists the yeast rise and helps the bread maintain its structure as it cools. Without them, GF bread is more likely to collapse. Baking powder (which contains cream of tartar) can be used as a substitute.
  • Warm milk — Activates the instant yeast and adds richness. Use any milk — dairy, oat, or almond all work.

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    How to Make GF Bread (Step by Step)


    Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

    Whisk flour, xanthan gum, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl or stand mixer bowl.


    Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately

    Combine warm milk, melted butter, egg whites, vinegar, and cream of tartar. The mixture may fizz slightly — that's the acid reacting and is a good sign.


    Step 3: Beat for 3-4 Minutes

    Add wet to dry and beat on medium. This develops the xanthan gum network that replaces gluten. Do NOT undermix. The dough should be thick, smooth, and sticky — more like cake batter than bread dough.


    Step 4: Rise in the Pan

    Transfer to a greased loaf pan, smooth the top, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes. The dough should rise to just above the rim. Don't let it over-rise — it'll collapse in the oven.


    Step 5: Bake

    375°F for 40-50 minutes. The top should be deeply golden and firm when tapped. Use a thermometer: the internal temp should hit 205-210°F.


    Step 6: Cool COMPLETELY

    This is the hardest step because the bread smells incredible. But GF bread MUST cool completely (1 hour minimum) before slicing. The interior is still setting during this time. Cutting it early = gummy, dense center.


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    Expert Tips


    Use a Thermometer

    The most reliable way to know GF bread is done is internal temperature: 205-210°F. A normal-looking top can hide a raw center.


    Tent with Foil

    If the top is browning too fast (before 30 minutes), loosely cover with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time.


    Slice with a Serrated Knife

    GF bread tears easily with a straight-blade knife. Use a sharp serrated bread knife with a gentle sawing motion.


    Toast It

    Honestly, GF bread is always better toasted. Even excellent homemade bread benefits from a quick toast — it crisps the outside while keeping the inside soft.


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    🔄 Ingredient Swaps


  • Dairy-free — : Use oat milk + coconut oil instead of dairy milk + butter
  • Egg-free — : Replace 2 egg whites with 1/4 cup aquafaba (whipped until foamy)
  • Enriched bread — : Add 2 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp butter for a sweeter, softer sandwich bread
  • Herb bread — : Add 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs + 1/2 tsp garlic powder to the dry ingredients

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    How to Store


  • Room temperature — : Sealed bag or bread box, 3-4 days
  • Freezer — : Slice first, then freeze with parchment between slices. Freezes beautifully up to 3 months. Toast from frozen.
  • Do NOT refrigerate — : The fridge accelerates staling in GF bread. Room temp or freezer only.

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    FAQs


    Why did my bread collapse?

    It over-rose before baking. Don't let it rise more than 1 inch above the pan rim. Also, opening the oven door early can cause collapse.


    Why is the center gummy?

    Either underbaked or sliced too early. Bake until internal temp hits 205-210°F, and wait a full hour before slicing.


    Can I make rolls instead?

    Yes! Divide the dough into 8-10 balls, place in a greased pan, let rise 20 minutes, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.


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    🍞 Stop Paying $8 for a GF Loaf


    Store-bought GF bread costs $7-9 per loaf, dries out in 2 days, and tastes like cardboard. This homemade loaf costs under $3 to make, tastes infinitely better, and freezes perfectly. Scan all your ingredients first with Check Gluten.


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