Delicious Homemade gluten free ciabatta bread recipe
Gluten-free ciabatta bread recipe – fluffy, light, and utterly irresistible ciabatta bread. This easy vegan ciabatta bread recipe has a perfect golden crust and a light airy bread crumb. It tastes just like real ciabatta bread and has that real ciabatta white bread texture but it’s all vegan and completely gluten-free…although no one will guess it because this ciabatta bread is so delicious. It’s my favorite gluten-free bread because it tastes just like freshly baked bread from the bakery, without the typical gluten-free taste. We are talking amazing crusty airy ciabatta bread that is perfect for dipping in a good olive oil. Or serve with a steaming bowl of your favorite soup or as a delicious breakfast topped with butter and jam.
Jump to RecipeI love how versatile and delicious this vegan ciabatta bread is. You can make it as a whole large ciabatta bread loaf, shape it into rolls, or make it in a bread machine. It’s a crowd-pleaser gluten-free bread because it’s so tasty and easy to make.
Often gluten-free bread has a crumbly texture and it’s easy to taste that it’s a gluten-free recipe. But not this one! This tasty Italian ciabatta is so airy and light thanks to the gluten-free flour mixture. It has that real rustic, chewy texture and open crumb that traditional ciabatta bread has. Get ready to enjoy the dark golden crust that ciabatta is known for. That golden dark, crispy exterior that contrasts with the soft, fluffy ciabatta interior is what makes this bread recipe so good.
Fun fact: The name ciabatta means “slipper” in Italian, and the bread is so named because of its shape, which is similar to a slipper.
In this easy gluten-free ciabatta bread recipe article, we’re covering
- Chef’s tips and tricks for making the best non-crumbly gluten-free bread
- Equipment needed to bake bread
- Key ingredients for making gluten-free vegan ciabatta bread
- How to make the best gluten-free crusty ciabatta bread
- Super Easy way to make gluten-free bread in a bread machine
- FAQs about gluten-free bread
Baking tools and equipment you need to make gluten-free bread
A large mixing bowl – you need at least one large bowl when you’re baking bread. If you’re working with bread where the wet and dry ingredients have to be divided you need 2 mixing bowls, one medium bowl and one larger mixing bowl.
Scale – I like to use a scale that weighs everything in grams because it makes the measurements more precise and that makes it easy to make a delicious bread every time. You can also measure in cups if you prefer.
One dough scraper – a good dough scraper makes it easy to get the dough out of the mixer when your dough is ready.
A bread knife – a sharp serrated bread knife makes it so much easier to cut the perfect bread slices no matter what type of bread you’re cutting.
One or more baking sheets – I like to use reusable baking mats to line my baking sheets. They come in all different sizes and make baking very easy. You can also use baking paper or parchment to line your baking sheets.
A stand mixer – or a hand mixer with dough hooks can also be helpful. I find using a bread mixer makes the gluten-free bread much better.
Chef’s tips and tricks for making the best gluten-free ciabatta bread: Gluten-free baking made easy
1. Gluten-free flour – Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend that is specifically designed for breadmaking when you’re making the ciabatta dough. You may need to experiment with different brands to find one that works well for you. Or make your own bread flour mixture like this easy gluten-free ciabatta recipe uses. Top tip: I like to mix a big batch of gluten-free flour from this recipe with 5x the number of ingredients and mix them together in a large mixing bowl. Then I store my gluten-free ciabatta flour mix in a flour container and I’m ready to bake in no time. It’s a quick time-saving tip for a gluten-free diet! That way you’re always ready to make a bread dough without worrying about wheat flour.
2. Xanthan gum – Add xanthan gum to your flour blend. This will help improve the texture and elasticity of the dough, making it easier to work with. It helps give that italian bread texture we all love!
3. Bread mixer – Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to mix the dough. This will help incorporate air into the dough, which is important for creating characteristic holes in ciabatta bread. A stand mixer makes all the difference in how well gluten-free bread turns out. The gluten-free bread becomes far better and more fluffy when you use a mixer to make the dough.
Gluten-free baking tips for getting a golden brown crust
I’ve seen a lot of gluten-free baking problems with one of the main issues being the bread not becoming golden and delicious. Here are three tips to help you achieve a golden brown crust on your gluten-free ciabatta bread:
1. Use an Egg Wash: Brushing the surface of the dough with an egg wash before baking can help create a beautiful golden brown crust. To make an egg wash, simply whisk together one egg with a tablespoon of water or milk until well combined. Lightly brush the egg wash over the surface of the dough just before placing it in the oven. For a vegan option opt for a plant milk and syrup wash to get that golden brown crust.
2. Add Sweetener: Adding a small amount of sweetener to the dough can help promote browning during baking. Options like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can enhance the color of the crust while adding a touch of sweetness to the bread. Be sure to adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
3. Increase Baking Temperature: Baking gluten-free bread at a slightly higher temperature can help encourage browning. Try increasing the oven temperature by 25-50°F (about 10-20°C) compared to traditional bread recipes. However, be mindful not to increase the temperature too much, as gluten-free breads can be more delicate and prone to burning.
By incorporating these tips into your baking routine, you can enhance the appearance of your gluten-free ciabatta bread and achieve a beautifully golden brown crust. Experiment with different techniques to find the perfect balance of flavor and color for your bread.
Baking tips and tricks
4. Resting time – Be sure to let the dough rise for at least 1-2 hours so that it has time to develop flavor and rise properly.
5. Shaping the dough – When shaping the dough, be gentle and avoid overworking it. The gluten-free dough can be more delicate than traditional dough, so handle it with care. Tip: you can make the dough into one large ciabatta bread or turn it into smaller ciabatta rolls.
6. Baking – Bake the bread on a preheated baking stone or baking sheet. This will help create a crisp crust and prevent the bread from sticking to the pan.
7. Slicing – Let the bread cool completely before slicing. This will help the bread to set and prevent it from becoming gummy.
Yeast baking instructions and tricks
You can use either fresh instant yeast or active dry yeast to make this simple gluten-free ciabatta bread.
Instant yeast – or quick-rise yeast makes for the best fluffy bread. The fresh yeast makes the bread rise faster. To help activate the yeast quickly, you can dissolve it in a little water and sugar.
Activate dry yeast – if you’re using active dry yeast you need to add a little liquid and let the yeast dissolve, which is known as “proofing”. When the yeast is proofing it awakens. This process happens when the dry yeast is activated, making it bubble a little. And once the yeast bubbles, that lets you know the yeast is ready to use.
No matter what type of yeast you use, you need to make sure it’s added to a liquid that’s between 105 and 115 degrees F. You can also add a little sugar with either yeast to help it get activated more quickly.
What to serve with gluten-free ciabatta bread
Ciabatta is a fluffy versatile Italian-style bread that can be used in a variety of dishes and makes the best side of bread. It is delicious on its own, either plain or toasted, but it is also a great bread for breakfast jams and peanut butter and it makes the best sandwiches, and panini. The open crumb of ciabatta makes it amazing for soaking up sauces and spreads, and it is also a great bread for rubbing with a fresh garlic clove before dipping in olive oil or balsamic vinegar.
Homemade Ciabatta bread pairs well with a variety of foods, both sweet and savory. Here are a few suggestions:
- Toasted with garlic butter or olive oil for a simple and delicious appetizer or side dish
- Served alongside soups, stews, or chili for dipping and soaking up the liquid
- Used as a base for bruschetta or crostini, topped with tomatoes, cheese, or other toppings of your choice
- Paired with a vegan charcuterie board for a tasty and visually appealing appetizer
- Served with my favorite vegan homemade jams
- Served as part of a sandwich, such as a panini or grilled cheese, for a hearty and satisfying meal
Here’s a gluten-free ciabatta recipe that your whole family will enjoy:
Prep 15 minutes
Resting 1 hour
Baking 25 minutes
Makes 1 bread
Calories 130
Gluten-free ciabatta bread Ingredients:
- 1/2 liter lukewarm water (40 degrees Celsius)
- 10 g psyllium husk
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 10 g active dry yeast powder or 1 dl gluten-free sourdough
- 135 g oat flour
- 140 g rice flour
- 50 g quinoa flour
- 2 tsp xanthan gum (optional, but makes the bread light and fluffy)
- 30 g flax seeds
- 1 tablespoon syrup, honey or granulated sugar (optional, but helps the bread turn golden brown during baking)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil like sunflower oil or avocado oil (optional, but helps the bread turn golden brown during baking)
- Optional: 2 teaspoons oat flour or other topping (optional, but helps the bread turn golden brown during baking)
Delicious recipe instructions
- Grease a baking sheet and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, pour in the lukewarm water and add the psyllium husk. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Now, whisk the psyllium husk water for 2 minutes with a handheld mixer or a whisk (you need to whisk vigorously).
- Next, whisk in all the remaining ingredients; sea salt, dried yeast, oat flour, rice flour, quinoa flour, xanthan gum, oil, syrup or sugar, and flax seeds (you can mix in a bread mixer or use a handheld mixer).
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and allow the wet dough to rise to a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use a spatula to carefully transfer the dough to the greased baking sheet pan. Shape the dough into a long rectangle.
- Use a serrated knife to cut a few shallow diagonal slits across the top of the bread. Top with a bread wash if you want a golden bread like in my pictures and sprinkle a little oat flour over the top.
- Bake the ciabatta for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
- Cool the loaf of bread on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
How to make the best easy gluten-free ciabatta bread in a bread machine
Gluten-free ciabatta bread Ingredients:
- 1/2 liter lukewarm water (40 degrees Celsius)
- 10 g psyllium husk
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 10 g active dry yeast powder or 1 dl gluten-free sourdough
- 135 g oat flour
- 140 g rice flour
- 50 g quinoa flour
- 2 tsp xanthan gum (optional, but makes the bread light and fluffy)
- 30 g flax seeds
- 1 tablespoon syrup, honey or granulated sugar (optional, but helps the bread turn golden brown during baking)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil like sunflower oil or avocado oil (optional, but helps the bread turn golden brown during baking)
- Optional: 2 teaspoons oat flour or other topping (optional, but helps the bread turn golden brown during baking)
Baking instructions
- Grease a baking sheet and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, pour in the lukewarm water and add the psyllium husk. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Now, whisk the psyllium husk water for 2 minutes with a handheld mixer or a whisk (you need to whisk vigorously).
- Next, whisk in all the remaining ingredients; sea salt, dried yeast, oat flour, rice flour, quinoa flour, xanthan gum, syrup or sugar, vegetable oil, and flax seeds (you can mix in a bread mixer or use a handheld mixer).
- Transfer the dough to a greased bread machine pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
Set the bread machine to the gluten-free setting and let it run through the cycle.
Once the bread is done, remove the loaf of ciabatta bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
FAQs – all your Gluten Free Ciabatta bread questions answered
Yes! Making Gluten free bread in a bread machine is a great option. I’ve included instructions on how to make it on the recipe card.
Gluten-free bread lasts for 3-5 days when stored in a bread box. For longer shelf life you can freeze the bread.
It’s important to store gluten-free bread in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to prevent it from going stale.
Yes, you can freeze gluten-free bread to extend its shelf life.
Common substitutions for gluten-containing ingredients in bread recipes include using gluten-free flour blends, almond flour, tapioca flour, chickpea flour, corn starch and more.
Gluten-free Bread FAQs
Gluten-free bread is bread that is made without any gluten-containing ingredients. For this easy gluten-free bread recipe that means we’re substituting regular all-purpose flour which contains lots of gluten with oat flour, rice flour, and quinoa flour. It’s the perfect gluten-free flour mix to create a light and fluffy bread crumb.
Gluten-free bread differs from regular bread in texture and taste, due to the absence of gluten which gives regular bread its elasticity and chewiness. To compensate for the lack of gluten in the flour you have to use the right amount of gluten-free flour mixed to replicate the same texture and flavor we all love in regular bread.
Using xanthan gum in bread makes it more fluffy and gives the bread a real bread texture. You can omit but the bread will be a little more crumbly.
You can buy gluten-free bread at most well-stocked local grocery stores or health food stores…or you can easily bake your own homemade gluten-free bread.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
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Are you looking for more delicious bread recipes? You might like some of these
- 1 hour focaccia bread
- Easy vegan garlic bread
- Yeastless Naan bread
- Cardamom breakfast buns
- Swedish saffron buns
Delicious Homemade gluten free ciabatta bread recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups+2tbsp (½l) Lukewarm Water (40 degrees Celsius)
- 1 topped tbsp (10g) Psyllium Husks
- 1 tsp Sea salt or Kosher Salt
- 3¼ tsp (10g) Active Dry Yeast Powder or 1 dl gluten-free sourdough
- 1¼ cup (135g) Oat Flour
- 1⅕ cups (140g) Rice Flour or brown rice flour for darker bread
- ¼ cup (50g) Quinoa Flour
- 2 tsp Xanthan Gum (optional, but makes the bread light and fluffy)
- ¼ cup (30g) Flaxseeds
- 1 tbsp syrup, honey or granulated sugar (helps the bread turn golden brown during baking)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil like sunflower oil or avocado oil (optional, but helps the bread turn golden brown during baking)
- 2 tsp Oat flour (optional)
Instructions
- Grease a baking sheet and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, pour in the lukewarm water and add the psyllium husk. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Now, whisk the psyllium husk water for 2 minutes with a handheld mixer or a whisk (you need to whisk vigorously).Next, whisk in all the remaining ingredients; sea salt, dried yeast, oat flour, rice flour, quinoa flour, xanthan gum, syrup or sugar, vegetable oil, and flax seeds (you can mix in a bread mixer or use a handheld mixer).
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and allow the wet dough to rise to a warm place for 1 hour.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use a spatula to carefully transfer the dough to the greased baking sheet pan. Shape the dough into a long rectangle.Use a serrated knife to cut a few shallow diagonal slits across the top of the bread. Brush a bred wash of choice over the top of the bread at this point if you want a golden brown bread like in my photos, and sprinkle with oat flour.
- Bake the ciabatta for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
- Cool the loaf of bread on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
How to make the best easy gluten-free ciabatta bread in a bread machine
- Grease a baking sheet and set aside. In a mixing bowl, pour in the lukewarm water and add the psyllium husk. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Now, whisk the psyllium husk water for 2 minutes with a handheld mixer or a whisk (you need to whisk vigorously).Next, whisk in all the remaining ingredients; sea salt, dried yeast, oat flour, rice flour, quinoa flour, xanthan gum, syrup or sugar, vegetable oil, and flax seeds (you can mix in a bread mixer or use a handheld mixer).
- Transfer the dough to a greased bread machine pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.Set the bread machine to the gluten-free setting and let it run through the cycle.
- Once the bread is done, remove the loaf of ciabatta bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- It’s important to store gluten-free bread in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to prevent it from going stale.
Hello! Im very interested in trying this recipe but Im curious if the photos in this post is from this actual recipe because it looks like a real gluten-ciabatta loaf lol.
Hello 👋. Yes, the pictures are from the actual recipe :-). I cut the top of the dough with a knife before baking and sprinkled with a bit of gluten-free flour to get the delicious crust. The xanthan gum gives the ciabatta that “real” bread texture look and feel 🙂
Are the flaxseeds you use ground or whole?
Hi there! Thank you for asking.
I prefer using ground flaxseeds—they act as a great binding agent in the bread, enhancing the texture. 😊