The best gluten-free crusty bread recipe?

I’ve tried SO many times to make my own bread and basically every time I’ve failed miserably. It either tastes disgusting, it’s a bit flat and not crusty, too hard all the way through, or it’s uncooked from the middle down. I decided I wasn’t going to be defeated, so when I got given the Lekue Silicone Bread Maker as a present for my birthday, I thought it was time to try again!

Not only could I have cried at the final result because I was so happy, but it was the easiest and least messy way to make bread; you mix all ingredients in the bread maker, prove it in the bread maker, and bake it in the bread maker! If you’re coeliac and miss soft on the inside, crusty on the outside bread, I’d 100% recommend putting this bread maker on your Christmas list.

I used Doves Farm Bread Flour, and I simply followed the bread recipe on the side of the pack. I’ve written out the recipe below in case you don’t have access to this one.

To prove my bread, I turn my oven on for a little bit, then turn it off after about 5-10 minutes so it’s still warm inside. Because I used the bread maker, and I didn’t use one of the company’s recommended recipes because I’m a rebel, the bread did spill out on one side a little when baking, but by a little I mean barely anything.

Ingredients

• 2 egg whites
• 6 tbsp oil
• 1tsp vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 400ml water
• 500g Doves Farm gluten-free white bread flour
• 2tsp quick yeast (I used Doves Farm quick yeast)

Method

1. Put the egg whites, half the oil, vinegar, sugar, salt and water into a bowl (or the Lekue bread maker), and whisk well
2. Add the flour and yeast, mixing to a smooth, thick batter
3. Pour the remaining oil over the dough and turn with a spoon bringing together a soft dough mass
4. Tip the dough into an oiled 1kg/2lb bread tin and smooth the top (Again, if you’re using the Lekue bread maker, no need to transfer to a tin, just keep in the bread maker)
5. Loosely cover with oiled cling film and leave until the dough has risen to the top of the tin (If you’re using the Lekue bread maker, no need to do any of this cling film faff – simply close the bread maker and place in a warm place to prove, I’d leave it for about 45 minutes
6. Bake for 55/60 minutes on gas mark 7/220 degrees/fan 200 degrees
7. Enjoy crispy and soft bread, throw the silicone bread maker in the dishwasher – how easy was that?!