If you have been searching for that elusive loaf with a crackling, golden crust and a soft, open crumb, your search ends here. This Gluten Free Artisan Bread is a revelation in the world of gluten-free baking.
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Unlike many dense, brick-like gluten-free loaves, this bread uses a preferment and a special folding technique to build structure and flavor. It is a rustic, bakery-style loaf that rivals any wheat-based counterpart.
This is the perfect gluten free crusty bread recipe to serve alongside soup, use for sandwiches, or simply devour warm with a slab of butter.
A Little Story About This Dish
For the longest time, I thought a true artisan loaf was impossible without gluten. I missed the chew and the depth of flavor that develops over time with yeast.
Then I discovered the power of a preferment. By letting a portion of the flour and yeast sit overnight, you develop incredible flavor and texture.
The first time I pulled the lid off the Dutch oven and saw this golden, risen loaf, I actually teared up. It is not just a substitute; it is a genuinely magnificent loaf of bread that brings the joy of baking back to the gluten-free kitchen.
Get Ready to Cook!
You are about to bake a loaf that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end bakery. Let’s get organized, as this recipe requires a little bit of patience but very little active effort.
What to Expect
Time: Active time is about 20 minutes. Total time varies from 4 hours to 26 hours depending on how long you let the preferment sit.
Difficulty: Intermediate. The techniques are simple, but handling the dough requires a gentle touch.
Before You Begin
The specific flour matters here. This recipe is calibrated for King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour. Using a different blend may alter the hydration and results significantly.
You will need a Dutch oven or a cloche with a lid. This vessel traps steam during the first half of baking, which is absolutely essential for creating that signature crispy crust.
Don’t skip the preferment step! Allowing that mixture to sit for at least 2 hours (or up to 24) is what gives this gluten free artisan bread recipe with yeast its complex flavor and open texture.
The Heart of the Dish: Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the specific ingredients needed for this two-stage baking process.
| Ingredient | Amount |
| For the Preferment: | |
| Lukewarm Water (100°F) | 3/4 cup (170g) |
| Active Dry Yeast or Instant Yeast | 1/4 teaspoon |
| King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour | 3/4 cup (90g) |
| For the Dough: | |
| All of the Preferment | (From above) |
| Lukewarm Water (100°F) | 3/4 cup (170g) |
| Active Dry Yeast or Instant Yeast | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Granulated Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour | 1 3/4 cups (210g) |
| Table Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Let’s Get Cooking! Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to create your bakery-quality loaf.
1. Make the Preferment:
In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, combine the first measure of water, yeast, and flour. Mix until combined; lumps are fine. Cover this mixture and let it sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
2. Mix the Dough:
Add the remaining water, yeast, sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl with your rested preferment. Using the flat beater attachment, beat at medium speed for about 2 minutes. You want a smooth, sticky dough. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 20 minutes to firm up.
3. First Fold and Rest:
Transfer the dough to an oiled or lightly floured surface. Gently fold and press the dough over onto itself. Turn the dough 90 degrees and repeat. Do this five to six times. Cover the dough with an inverted bowl and let it rest for 40 minutes, or until puffy.
4. Preheat the Oven:
Place a Dutch oven or cloche (at least 4-quart capacity) into your oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F with the pot inside.
5. Shape and Proof:
Uncover the dough and repeat the folding and pressing motion five to six more times. Loosely shape the dough into a round. Place it seam-side up in a floured proofing basket (brotform) or a towel-lined bowl. Let it rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
6. Score and Transfer:
Flip the dough out onto a sheet of parchment paper. Gently tuck any loose edges under to reshape if needed. Use a sharp knife or lame to slash (score) the top of the loaf. Carefully use the parchment paper to lift the dough and lower it into the preheated Dutch oven.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Cover the pot with the lid and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes. The bread should be deep brown, and the internal temperature should read between 206°F and 210°F.
8. Cool Completely:
Remove the bread from the pot and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Cutting it while warm can make the texture gummy.
Mastering the Dish: Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
Here are a few final tips for the perfect artisan loaf.
Pointers for Perfection
If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix this by hand, but be prepared for a sticky process. Wetting your hands slightly can help prevent the dough from sticking to you during the folding stages. The steam created inside the Dutch oven is what allows the bread to rise before a crust forms, so keep that lid on tight for the first 40 minutes.
How to Store
Store the bread well-wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze the slices in an airtight bag. Toast straight from the freezer for the best texture.
Take a look at these recipes if you want some creative new ideas for gluten-free cooking:
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Gluten Free Artisan Bread (Crusty & Airy!)
- Total Time: 4 hours (includes rising)
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
Description
The ultimate Gluten Free Artisan Bread recipe! This loaf features a deep, golden crust and a soft, airy crumb thanks to a simple preferment and Dutch oven baking method. It’s the crusty bread you’ve been missing.
Ingredients
Preferment:
3/4 cup (170g) water, lukewarm (100°F)
1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast or instant yeast
3/4 cup (90g) King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour
Dough:
All of the preferment (above)
3/4 cup (170g) water, lukewarm (100°F)
1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast or instant yeast
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups (210g) King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour
1 teaspoon table salt
Instructions
1. Make the Preferment: In a stand mixer bowl or large bowl, mix the preferment ingredients (water, yeast, flour) until combined. Cover and set aside at room temperature for 2 to 24 hours.
2. Make the Dough: Add the remaining water, yeast, sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl with the preferment. Beat at medium speed with a flat beater for about 2 minutes to make a smooth, sticky dough. Cover and rest for 20 minutes.
3. Fold and Rest: Transfer dough to an oiled or floured surface. Fold and press it over onto itself, turning 90° between folds, about 5-6 times. Cover with an inverted bowl and rest for 40 minutes until puffy.
4. Preheat: Place a Dutch oven (at least 4-quart) in the oven and preheat to 450°F.
5. Shape and Proof: Uncover dough, repeat folding 5-6 times, and loosely shape into a round. Place seam-side up in a floured proofing basket or towel-lined bowl. Let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
6. Score and Bake: Flip dough onto parchment paper. Reshape slightly if needed. Score the top with a sharp knife. Lift into the preheated Dutch oven using the parchment.
7. Bake: Bake with the lid on for 40 minutes. Remove lid and bake for another 20-30 minutes until deep brown (internal temp 206°F-210°F). Cool completely on a rack before slicing.
Notes
Flour Note: This recipe is specifically designed for King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour. Other blends may require hydration adjustments.
Storage: Store well-wrapped at room temperature for 2 days. Freeze slices for longer storage.
Tools: A digital thermometer is helpful to ensure the bread is fully cooked inside.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Dutch Oven
- Cuisine: European, Artisan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Your Burning Questions Answered!
Here are answers to common questions about gluten-free artisan baking.
1. Can I find gluten free artisan bread near me?
While some specialty bakeries offer fresh loaves, it can be hard to find a true crusty artisan loaf at standard grocery stores. Some locations like Whole Foods carry frozen options, but making it at home ensures the freshest, crispest crust without preservatives.
2. Why do I need a preferment?
A preferment (also known as a poolish or starter) allows the yeast to ferment a portion of the flour for a longer period. This develops complex organic acids and alcohol, which translates to a superior flavor and better structure in the final loaf. It mimics the depth of sourdough without the maintenance of a starter.
3. Is this recipe similar to the 4 ingredient gluten free bread recipe?
This recipe is slightly more advanced than the basic “mix and dump” 4-ingredient recipes. While the ingredient list is short, the technique of folding and the use of a preferment elevate the texture from a simple, quick bread to a true artisan loaf with a chewy crumb and crispy crust.
Dig In & Enjoy!
You have conquered the art of gluten-free bread making! Slice into that crusty, golden loaf and enjoy the incredible flavor and texture you created from scratch.
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