Gluten-free bread is a type of bread made without gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats.
The demand for gluten-free products has grown rapidly over recent years, due to the rising number of people diagnosed with celiac disease, wheat allergies, and those who opt for a gluten-free diet for personal or health reasons.
Making your gluten-free bread can be cheaper than buying it pre-made from a store, depending on several factors.
The initial investment in ingredients can seem high, but buying in bulk can reduce costs in the long run.
The ability to control and customize ingredients when making your bread can be beneficial for those with dietary restrictions or allergies beyond just gluten.
On average, making gluten-free bread from scratch at home is 35% less expensive than buying it pre-packaged from a store.
Furthermore, it’s around 40% more cost-effective compared to using a bread mix in a bread machine.
Tips To Make Gluten-Free Bread At Home
Choose the Right Flours: Instead of wheat flour, use a mix of gluten-free flour like rice, potato, tapioca, or almond for the best texture and flavor.
Use a Binder: Gluten provides elasticity to bread.
In its absence, add xanthan gum or guar gum to mimic that stretchiness.
Hydrate Well: Gluten-free flours often absorb more moisture.
Ensure your dough is well-hydrated to avoid a dry loaf.
Test with Different Recipes: Gluten-free baking can be tricky.
Try different recipes to find what works best for you.
Avoid Cross-Contamination: If you’re baking for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, ensure your baking equipment, surfaces, and ingredients are free from gluten traces.
Allow a Longer Rise Time: Gluten-free doughs often require a longer and warmer fermentation period. Be patient and allow the dough to rise adequately.
Use a Thermometer: Gluten-free bread is done when the internal temperature reaches about 205°F (96°C).
Using a digital thermometer can help you ascertain the perfect doneness.
Cool Completely Before Slicing: After baking, let the bread cool completely on a wire rack.
This will help the structure set and prevent a gummy texture when sliced.
Store Properly: Gluten-free bread has a shorter shelf life.
Store it in an airtight container, or slice and freeze portions for longer shelf life.
Experiment and Customize: One of the joys of homemade bread is tailoring it to your taste.
Feel free to experiment with add-ins like seeds, nuts, dried fruits, or herbs for a personalized touch.
Basic Recipe For Making Gluten-Free Bread At Home
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (e.g., a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch)
- ¼ cup neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 3 large eggs or egg replacement if you’re also avoiding eggs
- 2 teaspoons xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Yeast Activation: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar or honey and stir until dissolved.
Add the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, xanthan gum and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the oil, vinegar, and eggs.
Add the yeast mixture. Using a mixer or a strong spatula, mix until you get a smooth batter.
Prepare for Baking: Pour the bread batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Cover the pan with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it’s almost doubled in size.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Once the bread has risen, place it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick or skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooling: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For longer shelf life, slice and freeze, then toast or warm slices as needed.
What Factors Contribute To The Cost Of Homemade Gluten-Free Bread?
The cost of homemade gluten-free bread is influenced by several factors, including the price of individual ingredients, where you buy them from, and quantity.
Additionally, the cost of utilities used for baking and the cost of any specialized equipment or bakeware also play an important role.
If you already have the necessary equipment and find ingredients at a reasonable price, making gluten-free bread at home could be more cost-effective over time compared to buying it.
Does The Quality Of Ingredients Affect The Cost Of Making Gluten-Free Bread At Home?
Higher quality or organic ingredients tend to cost more.
If you opt for premium quality or specialized ingredients, the cost of making gluten-free bread at home will rise.
However, you may find that the taste and nutritional value justify the extra expense.
How Does The Price Of Store-Bought Gluten-Free Bread Compare To Homemade?
Store-bought gluten-free bread prices vary widely based on brand, quality, and location.
Homemade bread might be cheaper if you buy ingredients in bulk.
Additionally, homemade bread allows for cost-saving in the long term, especially if you bake frequently.
Does Homemade Gluten-Free Bread Have A Shorter Shelf Life?
Homemade gluten-free bread typically have a shorter shelf life compared to store-bought bread due to the lack of preservatives.
However, slices of homemade gluten-free bread can be frozen and defrosted as needed, which can extend its shelf life significantly.
Despite the shorter shelf life, many individuals find the superior taste, texture, and nutritional value of homemade gluten-free bread to be worth than store-bought bread.
Is It Possible To Achieve A Similar Taste And Texture With Homemade Gluten-Free Bread?
Achieving a similar taste and texture with homemade gluten-free bread as compared to store-bought versions is entirely possible.
Store-bought gluten-free bread often has added preservatives and other ingredients to maintain a particular texture and extend shelf life, which might not be present in homemade versions.
However, with the right combination of gluten-free flour, starches, and other ingredients, you can create a loaf of gluten-free bread that even surpasses the quality of store-bought bread.