Are you craving the comforting taste of freshly baked bread but need a gluten-free option? Look no further! This recipe utilizes Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour to create a surprisingly light and fluffy loaf that even gluten-loving friends and family will adore. It's a perfect example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be, offering a healthy meal alternative without compromising on taste. This quick dinner side is also perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch! Get ready to elevate your gluten-free baking game!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and active, crucial for a successful rise.
Step 2: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour and salt. This simple step helps prevent lumps in your dough.
Step 3: Bringing it Together
Add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Step 4: Adding Wet Ingredients
Stir in the olive oil and egg. The dough will be slightly sticky.
Step 5: First Rise
Lightly grease a large bowl. Transfer the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Shaping the Loaf
Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the shaped loaf in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Step 8: Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cooling
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to slice it while it's still warm!
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Bread:
- Use a kitchen scale: For best results, weigh your ingredients. Gluten-free baking is often more precise than traditional baking.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing gluten-free dough can lead to a tough loaf. Mix just until combined.
- Let it rise properly: Adequate rising time is essential for a light and airy texture.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick or bread thermometer to ensure the bread is fully baked.
Variations:
- Add herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for added flavor.
- Sweeten it up: Add a little more sugar and some cinnamon for a sweeter loaf.
- Make it cheesy: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the dough before baking.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-200
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fat: 5-7g
This recipe provides a simple and delicious way to enjoy homemade gluten-free bread. The combination of Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 flour and the easy-to-follow steps guarantees success, even for beginner bakers. Enjoy!