Ultimate Gluten-Free French Bread Delight
This Ultimate Gluten-Free French Bread Delight, inspired by the meticulous techniques of Carol Fenster, is the perfect addition to any meal. Imagine the satisfying crunch as you break through the golden-brown crust, leading to a tender, soft interior that just beckons for a pat of butter or a dollop of your favorite spread. This recipe is thoughtfully curated to accommodate gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor or texture. One remarkable feature of this bread is the simplicity it offers; there's no waiting around for the dough to rise! Instead, we utilize the kitchen's ambient warmth to craft a loaf that will impress both gluten-free and gluten-loving palates alike. Follow these foolproof steps and enjoy homemade goodness that effortlessly pairs with soups, stews, or simply as a stand-alone snack!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar or Honey
1 tablespoon (Dissolve in warm water.)
Active Dry Yeast
2 tablespoons (Dissolve in warm water.)
Warm Water
1 1/4 cups (110°F.)
Gluten-Free Flour
2 cups (Use a gluten-free flour blend.)
Potato Starch or Arrowroot
1 cup (Choose either option.)
Xanthan Gum
1 teaspoon (Add directly to dry ingredients.)
Guar Gum
1 teaspoon (Add directly to dry ingredients.)
Powdered Milk
1/4 cup (Add directly to dry ingredients.)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (Add directly to dry ingredients.)
Earth Balance Margarine or Butter
1 tablespoon (Melt before adding.)
Large Egg Whites
3 (Separate from yolks.)
Vinegar
1 teaspoon (Add directly with wet ingredients.)
Egg White for Wash
1 (Beaten, for brushing on top.)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine sugar (or honey) and active dry yeast with warm water (110°F). Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast becomes frothy.
2
While the yeast is activating, prepare your French bread pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
3
In the bowl of a Bosch or Kitchen Aid mixer, combine gluten-free flour, potato starch (or arrowroot), xanthan gum, guar gum, powdered milk, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together to ensure they're well blended.
4
Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl with dry ingredients along with Earth Balance margarine (or butter), egg whites, and vinegar.
5
Beat the mixture on low speed just until combined, then increase to high speed for 2 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides with a spatula. The resulting dough should be soft and sticky.
6
Divide the dough into two equal portions and use a wet spatula to shape each half into logs about 12 inches long. Place them onto the prepared bread pan.
7
For a glossy finish, brush the tops of the loaves with the beaten egg white. Then, make three diagonal slashes (1/8 inch deep) on each loaf to help steam escape.
8
Place the pan directly on the middle rack of a COLD oven. Set the oven temperature to 425°F and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaves are beautifully browned and sound hollow when tapped.
9
Once baked, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Slicing is best done using an electric knife for precision.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this French bread recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is specifically curated to accommodate gluten-free diets using gluten-free flour, potato starch, and binding agents like xanthan and guar gum.
Whose techniques inspired this recipe?
The Ultimate Gluten-Free French Bread Delight is inspired by the meticulous baking techniques of Carol Fenster.
Does this dough require a rising period?
No, one of the remarkable features of this recipe is that there is no waiting around for the dough to rise before baking.
What is the recommended water temperature for activating the yeast?
The water should be warm, specifically around 110°F, to properly activate the active dry yeast.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, you can use either 1 tablespoon of sugar or 1 tablespoon of honey to help activate the yeast.
How long should the yeast mixture sit?
The yeast, sweetener, and warm water mixture should sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
What can I use if I do not have potato starch?
You can use 1 cup of arrowroot as a direct substitute for the 1 cup of potato starch.
Why does the recipe call for both xanthan gum and guar gum?
Both gums are used as binding agents to replicate the elasticity and structure usually provided by gluten in traditional bread.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute the Earth Balance margarine with an equal amount (1 tablespoon) of melted butter.
How many egg whites are needed for the dough?
The dough mixture requires 3 large egg whites, separated from the yolks.
What is the purpose of vinegar in this bread?
Vinegar is added to the wet ingredients to help improve the rise and texture of the gluten-free dough.
What kind of mixer should I use?
The recipe recommends using a Bosch or Kitchen Aid mixer to handle the consistency of the dough.
How long should I beat the dough on high speed?
Once combined, the mixture should be beaten on high speed for 2 minutes to ensure proper aeration and blending.
What should the consistency of the dough be?
The resulting gluten-free dough should be soft and sticky after the 2-minute high-speed mix.
How do I shape the French bread loaves?
Divide the dough into two equal portions and use a wet spatula to shape each half into logs about 12 inches long.
What is the secret to a glossy finish on the crust?
Brushing the tops of the shaped loaves with a beaten egg white before baking provides a beautiful, glossy finish.
How deep should the slashes on the bread be?
Make three diagonal slashes about 1/8 inch deep on each loaf to allow steam to escape during the baking process.
Should I preheat the oven before putting the bread in?
No, this recipe specifically instructs you to place the pan directly into a COLD oven before turning it on.
What is the baking temperature?
After placing the bread in the cold oven, set the temperature to 425°F.
Where should I place the bread pan in the oven?
The pan should be placed on the middle rack of the oven for even heat distribution.
How long does the bread need to bake?
The loaves should bake for 30 to 35 minutes, starting from a cold oven.
How can I tell if the bread is done?
The bread is ready when the loaves are beautifully browned and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
How should the bread be cooled?
Once removed from the pan, the bread should cool completely on a wire rack to maintain its crust texture.
What is the best way to slice this gluten-free bread?
For precision and to avoid crushing the soft interior, it is best to use an electric knife for slicing.
Does this recipe contain dairy?
This recipe includes 1/4 cup of powdered milk, but you can use Earth Balance margarine to replace butter if you are avoiding certain dairy fats.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, though it does contain eggs and milk products.
How many loaves does this recipe make?
The recipe provides enough dough to create two equal 12-inch French bread loaves.
What kind of flour blend is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of a general gluten-free flour blend in addition to potato starch.
Can I use parchment paper on the pan?
Yes, you can either grease the French bread pan lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
What foods pair well with this bread?
This bread pairs perfectly with soups and stews, or it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone snack with butter or spreads.