There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread warming the kitchen on a crisp fall afternoon. And this Soft Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread recipe? It’s become a staple in my kitchen and a favorite among readers for good reason. The crust is golden and tender, the inside airy but strong enough to hold layers of your favorite sandwich fillings. But here’s the story behind why it matters so much to me.
I’m Matteo Romano, born and raised in the heart of Tuscany. I learned to knead dough the old-school way, flour on my hands, yeast blooming on the counter, pane rustico baking in stone ovens. But years later, after moving to the U.S. and dealing with chronic fatigue, I discovered I was gluten-intolerant. Giving up bread? That felt like losing a piece of myself.
Recreating that rustic texture and flavor without wheat wasn’t easy. I tested dozens of flour blends and baking techniques until I found something that didn’t just work, it made me excited to eat bread again. This Soft Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread is that breakthrough. It’s nourishing, nostalgic, and dependable enough for everyday meals. Whether you’re packing lunch, craving toast, or building a hearty sandwich, this recipe delivers.
Soft Gluten Free Sandwich Bread That’s Fluffy, Easy & Delicious
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- hand or stand mixer
- loaf pan (9×5-inch)
- spatula
- wire rack
- kitchen scale (recommended)
Ingredients
- 1.25 cups brown rice flour
- 1 cup tapioca starch
- 0.75 cup sorghum flour
- 1 tbsp psyllium husk powder
- 1 tbsp sugar or maple syrup
- 2.25 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1.5 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- If using active dry yeast, activate by mixing with warm water and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together brown rice flour, tapioca starch, sorghum flour, psyllium husk, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk warm water, olive oil, eggs, and apple cider vinegar.
- Pour wet mixture into dry and beat with a mixer for 3–4 minutes until smooth. Batter will be thick like cake batter.
- Transfer dough to a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Smooth top with wet spatula. Cover and let rise 45–60 minutes until just above the rim.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes, until golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool fully before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients for the Perfect Soft Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread
Getting the texture right in gluten-free bread is all about balance. You need softness, structure, and that satisfying chew, all without gluten. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups brown rice flour
- 1 cup tapioca starch
- ¾ cup sorghum flour
- 1 tbsp psyllium husk powder
- 1 tbsp sugar (or maple syrup)
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Psyllium husk is your best friend here. It binds everything together and gives the dough stretch. If you’re sensitive to gums like xanthan or guar, psyllium keeps this loaf gut-friendly and wholesome.
Want more gluten-free bread ideas? You might also enjoy no-knead gluten-free bread or this soft homemade gluten-free bread if you’re looking for a variation.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Soft Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread
This recipe doesn’t require kneading or special equipment. Just a mixing bowl, a loaf pan, and a little patience.
1. Activate the yeast (optional, but helpful)
If you’re using active dry yeast instead of instant, mix it with warm water and a bit of the sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. This ensures it’s alive and ready to rise.
2. Combine the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together brown rice flour, tapioca starch, sorghum flour, psyllium husk, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk warm water, oil, eggs, and vinegar until well combined.
4. Combine and beat the batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the dough for 3–4 minutes. It will resemble thick cake batter rather than typical bread dough.
5. Let it rise
Transfer the dough to a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Smooth the top with a wet spatula. Cover loosely with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes. It should rise just above the rim.
6. Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Cool completely
Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow it to cool fully before slicing, this helps set the structure and prevents gumminess.
Craving more cozy fall favorites? Don’t miss the gluten-free large portion comfort food guide for hearty meal ideas that pair beautifully with this bread.
Tips for Success: Getting That Soft, Satisfying Texture
Baking gluten-free bread is an art, but these tips make it more forgiving and beginner-friendly.
- Measure by weight: Gluten-free flours are inconsistent by volume. Use a kitchen scale for best results.
- Use psyllium husk, not powder: The whole husk offers better structure. If you only have powder, reduce the amount by 25%.
- Temperature matters: Ensure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Let it cool completely: Resist the urge to slice too soon! Cooling helps set the crumb.
- Don’t overproof: If your dough rises too long, it can collapse in the oven. Aim for 45–60 minutes max.
For more meal ideas that keep you full and satisfied, check out gluten-free meals that fill you up for comforting weekday inspiration.
Variations: Make It Yours
The beauty of this Soft Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways you can personalize it to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Dairy-Free Option
This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just double-check your vinegar and flour brands are certified gluten-free.
Egg-Free Version
Substitute each egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water). The loaf will be slightly denser but still delicious.
Herb & Garlic Loaf
Add 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tbsp dried herbs (rosemary, oregano, or thyme) to the dry mix.
Seedy Sandwich Bread
Mix in ¼ cup sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added texture and nutrients.
Sweet Twist
Add 2 tbsp honey and a handful of raisins for a breakfast version, perfect toasted with nut butter.
For more family-friendly options, try these gluten-free dinner rolls or explore Trader Joe’s gluten-free bread options for days you want to skip baking.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Homemade gluten-free bread doesn’t have the shelf life of store-bought loaves, but that’s a good thing. It’s fresh, simple, and preservative-free.
To Store:
- Store at room temperature in an airtight bag for up to 2 days.
- For longer shelf life, refrigerate and toast before eating to revive the texture.
To Freeze:
- Slice before freezing for easy grab-and-go servings.
- Wrap slices in parchment, store in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the toaster or oven directly from frozen.
Want to batch cook more staples like this? Check out my guide to gluten-free bulk cooking meals to keep your freezer stocked with homemade goodness.
FAQs About Soft Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread
Can I make this recipe in a bread machine?
Yes, as long as your machine has a gluten-free setting. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and add wet ingredients first.
Why does my bread sink in the middle?
It may be over-proofed or under-baked. Make sure the dough doesn’t rise too much and bake until deep golden brown.
Can I use a different flour blend?
You can try a gluten-free all-purpose mix, but results vary. This recipe was tested with brown rice, sorghum, and tapioca for best flavor and texture.
Is this bread safe for kids with allergies?
Yes, as long as substitutions are made (e.g., egg-free). It’s free from gluten, dairy, and refined sugars.
Conclusion: A New Daily Ritual
Baking your own Soft Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread is more than just a recipe, it’s a ritual of self-care, nourishment, and joy. Each slice is a reminder that gluten-free living doesn’t mean missing out. You deserve soft, satisfying bread that tastes like home.
Try it once, and you’ll never look at packaged loaves the same way again.
Want more ideas? This gluten-free zucchini bread is another reader favorite for fall. Or explore gluten-free naan bread for your next cozy curry night.