Name: Gluten Free Bread Machine Recipe: Tender Rustic Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) warm water (about 105–115°F / 40–46°C); 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey; 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast; 3 cups (360 g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum included); 1/2 cup (60 g) sorghum flour; 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or psyllium husk; 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 large eggs, room temperature (or 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce for egg-free); 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; Optional: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or rolled oats for topping

Gluten Free Bread Machine Recipe: Tender Rustic Loaf

This gluten free bread machine recipe yields a tender, crusty loaf with a soft, airy crumb — perfect for sandwiches or toast. Simple pantry ingredients and a single-bake cycle make it ideal for weeknight baking.

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Prep Time 15 min

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Cook Time 30 min

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Total Time 45 min

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Servings 4

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Difficulty Easy

Instructions

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Step 1: Measure ingredients precisely using a scale for best results. Add warm water to the bread machine pan.
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Step 2: Stir the maple syrup into the water, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface. Let sit 5–8 minutes until foamy.
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Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, sorghum flour, ground flaxseed (or psyllium), and fine sea salt.
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Step 4: Add the dry flour mixture to the bread machine pan on top of the yeast mixture.
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Step 5: Add the eggs, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar to the pan. Do not let the liquid touch the yeast directly if your machine has a delayed start feature.
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Step 6: Select the 'gluten-free' cycle if available. If not, use a quick or basic cycle with a single knead and rise. Choose the light or medium crust color and start the machine.
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Step 7: During the initial mix (first 5–10 minutes), check the dough consistency. It should form a thick, slightly sticky batter rather than a traditional elastic dough. If too dry, add 1 tablespoon warm water at a time; if too wet, add 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour blend at a time.
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Step 8: Allow the machine to complete its cycle. If your machine doesn't bake automatically on a gluten-free cycle, transfer the risen batter to a greased loaf pan, smooth the top, let rest 20–30 minutes, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden and an instant-read thermometer reads 200°F (93°C) in the center.
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Step 9: If you used a pan with an optional topping, brush the loaf lightly with water and sprinkle sesame seeds or oats before the final bake.
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Step 10: Remove the loaf from the machine or oven and cool on a wire rack at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the crumb.

💡 tips

Use a reliable gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for structure; if your blend lacks it, add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum. Warm liquids should be comfortable to the touch — too hot will kill yeast. For a chewier texture, substitute 1/4 cup of the all-purpose blend with tapioca starch. Cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy interior.

🔄 substitutions

To make the loaf egg-free, replace 2 eggs with 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce plus 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water. Swap sorghum flour for brown rice flour if unavailable (slightly adjust hydration). Use avocado oil or neutral vegetable oil instead of olive oil for a milder flavor.