Sick of eating dense and dry gluten-free bread? Tired of buying expensive gluten-free loaves that are tasteless and disappointing? We get you. If you think making fluffy gluten-free bread is difficult, don’t worry. These 21 easy gluten-free yeast bread recipes are fluffy and delicious (and also dairy-free), so keep them on hand, because I know you’ll be making them over and over again!
Why Make Your Own Gluten-Free Bread?
I’ve long been a big fan of making homemade bread, and ever since my husband Juan became Celiac and couldn’t eat gluten, baking a loaf of homemade gluten-free bread has become part of our weekly routine.
While you could easily buy a gluten-free loaf from the stores, the loaves are often dry (like cardboard), dense, lacking in flavor, and almost always way more expensive than a normal loaf of bread!
Plus, if you look at the ingredient list at the back of the bread packet, you’ll probably find a super long list of ingredients whose names you can barely pronounce.
If you are sick of paying so much more for a dry loaf that you can literally throw at the wall and have it bounce back, it’s time to master your gluten-free bread baking game so you can enjoy moist, fluffy bread again!
It’ll be cheaper in the long run, plus, you’ll find that watching bread dough rise and pulling a freshly-baked loaf out of the still-warm oven is heavenly.
Our 21 Best Gluten-Free Yeast Bread Recipes
Using yeast in the dough helps to create air pockets as the yeast is activated, and these beautiful air pockets are what create the light and fluffy texture we love.
The gluten-free yeast breads go into various categories:
(i) Gluten-Free Bread Made in Loaf Pans
Since gluten-free bread dough tends to be more on the sticky side (compared to normal wheat bread dough), if you’re a beginner on this gluten-free bread baking journey, you might find it helps to start off with these recipes.
Using a loaf pan helps to shape the dough into a beautiful loaf that you can easily cut into slices, making them perfect for sandwiches.
Having a loaf shape also makes storing these gluten-free yeast breads in the refrigerator or freezer easier (and takes up a regular shape and space).
(ii) Gluten-Free Bread Rolls… for Your Dinner Table
A collection of gluten-free yeast bread recipes wouldn’t be complete without yeast dinner rolls!
How many times have you been to a holiday dinner (or any dinner in particular) and had to watch in envy as everyone else bit into a freshly baked dinner roll, except for you (because no one thought to bring or make GF rolls)?
From now that, that’s going to be a thing of the past, because these soft, tender rolls are your answer!
(iii) Gluten-Free Bagels & Buns
And of course, what would life be without a proper gluten-free hamburger bun during grilling season, or gluten-free slider buns for Super Bowl or your tailgating party, or bagels to spread some cream cheese over and layer smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on top?
These are our favorite gluten-free yeast buns and bagels to enjoy during the weekends or special holidays… or simply just because!
(iv) Other Types of Gluten-Free Yeast Breads
There are endless types of breads, and it’s pretty hard to place them all in one single category, so here’s where the rest of our favorite GF yeast bread recipes are!
You’ll find an easy no-knead bread, our delicious pizza crust, an Italian focaccia, as well as a French baguette!
Take a look at the ones that most strike your interest, and make sure to pin your favorites so you’ve got them handy.
And now… Let’s get baking!
Fluffy Gluten-Free Bread (Dairy-Free)
The best soft and fluffy gluten-free white bread that is moist, light, and oh so good! Once you make this, you’ll never buy another loaf of store-bought bread again! You’ll want to eat it with everything – think avocado toast, or spread with jam, or to make a sandwich or French toast. Dairy-free too.
Tender Buckwheat Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
This super easy buckwheat bread is incredibly soft, fluffy and tender, and tastes delicious with a texture and look that’s uncannily similar to whole wheat bread! Totally gluten-free and dairy-free too, but you wouldn’t even know! We love making avocado toast with it, or spreading plenty of jam or honey all over. No matter how you eat it, it’s sure to be a favorite!
Soft Brown Rice Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
This soft and fluffy brown rice bread is simple to make, and is great for making sandwiches, or toasting and spreading with butter and jam. Made with brown rice flour for extra fiber, this easy yeast bread is totally gluten-free and dairy-free too.
Gluten-Free Mashed Potato Bread (Dairy-Free)
Incredible soft and fluffy, this easy gluten-free potato bread is a great way to make use of leftover mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for making sandwiches, avocado toast, or eating as toast with jam. Totally dairy-free too, but no one would know! Go bake a loaf to enjoy homemade gluten-free bread today!
Sorghum Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Incredibly tender and fluffy, this easy sorghum bread recipe is perfect for making sandwiches or toast. We love spreading this bread with homemade jam, or making avocado toast with it. Totally gluten-free and dairy-free, you’ll be making this delicious sorghum flour bread on repeat. Bake a loaf or two and freeze to enjoy homemade bread anytime!
Millet Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Tender, soft and incredibly fluffy, this delicious millet bread is perfect for making sandwiches, french toast, avocado toast, or simply toasted with jam. It’s totally gluten-free and dairy-free too, but nobody would care!
Teff Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
This delicious teff bread has a deliciously nutty and earthy flavor, and comes together very easily. It tastes amazing and looks uncannily similar to whole wheat bread. This teff flour bread is perfect for making sandwiches, avocado toast, or simply toasted and spread with jam. Totally gluten-free and dairy-free too, but no one would care!
Whole Grain Bread (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
This hearty loaf of gluten-free whole grain bread is made with fiber-rich flours for an earthier flavor and taste. It’s perfect for toasting and spreading with jam for breakfast, or making sandwiches for lunch or dinner too. Totally dairy-free and vegan as well. Bake a loaf or two of this gluten-free brown bread to enjoy homemade bread today!
Pumpkin Yeast Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Moist, fluffy and tender, this delicious gluten-free pumpkin yeast bread is perfect for fall baking! Great for toasting and eating with pumpkin butter or jam, you’ll want to eat this all pumpkin season long. No kneading required, and totally dairy-free too, but no one would care! Bake a loaf of this pumpkin bread with yeast today and enjoy it for breakfast or an anytime snack!
Pumpernickel Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
This gluten-free pumpernickel bread is perfect for toasting and spreading with cream cheese or butter, or for making sandwiches, or dipping in soups. Made with teff flour for fiber and texture, this beautifully dark pumpernickel bread recipe is going to be a favorite, so make sure to keep it handy! Bake a loaf or two and freeze to enjoy homemade bread anytime. Totally dairy-free too, but no one would care!
Yeast Quinoa Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Soft, tender and incredibly fluffy, this yeast quinoa bread comes together super easily. With a slightly nutty and earthy flavor, it tastes amazing and is perfect for making sandwiches, or avocado toast, or simply toasted and spread with jam! Totally gluten-free and dairy-free too, but no one would know! Bake a loaf or two and freeze so you can enjoy homemade gluten-free bread anytime!
Soft Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls (Dairy-Free)
Soft, tender and fluffy, these gluten-free dinner rolls are super easy to make, come out perfect every single time, and are also dairy-free, but nobody would know! Make these yeast bread rolls for your Thanksgiving dinner, holiday gathering, or anytime you want to tear into a warm, homemade roll! Great with butter, olive oil, or even on their own!
Soft Gluten-Free Pumpkin Dinner Rolls (Dairy-Free)
Soft, tender and moist, these gluten-free pumpkin dinner rolls are a must-have at your Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas table! Flavored with pumpkin and vibrantly orange, these delicious dinner rolls are perfect for a festive holiday season! Totally dairy-free too, but no one would care! Go bake a batch today!
Soft, Fluffy Gluten-Free Hamburger Buns (Dairy-Free)
These soft and fluffy gluten-free hamburger buns are perfect for your summer backyard grilling party (or really anytime that you crave a good burger). Easy to make, these tender burger buns are studded with sesame seeds, and no kneading is required! Totally dairy-free too, but no one would care!
Easy Gluten-Free Slider Buns (Dairy-Free)
Soft, fluffy and tender, these easy gluten-free slider buns are perfect for mini hamburgers or your game day slider sandwiches or even enjoyed alone! No kneading required, there gluten-free potato buns are also dairy-free, but no one would care! Bake a batch to enjoy today!
Soft, Fluffy Gluten-Free Bagels (Dairy-Free, No-Boil)
You’re absolutely going to love these soft and tender gluten-free bagels. No boiling or kneading is required to make these delicious bagels. Topped with sesame seeds, they’re perfect toasted and eaten with sliced avocado, smoked salmon, or even with jam! Totally dairy-free too, but no one would care! Bake a large batch and freeze so you can enjoy homemade bagels anytime!
Easy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bagels (Dairy-Free, No-Boil)
These gluten-free pumpkin bagels are perfect for pumpkin season! They’re easy to make and no-boiling required is required. Moist, tender and fluffy, these easy pumpkin bagels are delicious sliced into half and slathered with cream cheese, or toasted and eaten as a bagel sandwich! Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch or an anytime snack. Totally dairy-free too, but no one would care!
Easy Gluten-Free Artisan Bread (No-Knead, Dairy-Free)
A beautiful gluten-free artisan bread that is crazy easy to make, with no kneading required at all! Perfect for making toast, rustic sandwiches, or accompanying soups and dips, this gorgeous no knead bread recipe is totally gluten-free and dairy-free too, but no one would care!
Super Easy Gluten-Free Pizza Crust (No-Knead, Dairy-Free)
Finally, an easy gluten-free pizza crust that actually holds up well, bakes up crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside! No rising time needed, no kneading required, and this pizza crust recipe is ready in less time than it takes to order a pizza, the perfect meal for pizza night. This is the perfect base for our gluten-free caprese pizza or any pizza toppings you love! It’s totally dairy-free (with an egg-free option too), but no one would know!
Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread Recipe (Dairy-Free, Vegan)
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, this beautiful gluten-free focaccia bread is super easy to make and deliciously good. This Italian rosemary focaccia is the perfect table bread for accompanying this tasty carrot turmeric soup or this creamy pumpkin soup. It’s also amazing as an appetizer with our popular easy creamy hummus, or even just with extra virgin olive oil! Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan too.
Gluten-Free Baguette Recipe (Dairy-Free)
Crusty on the outside, and soft and tender inside, this easy gluten-free baguette recipe is perfect for making sandwiches for lunch or dinner, or slicing and toasting to make bruschetta for an appetizer or snack. No kneading required, this recipe is also dairy-free. Bake a batch and enjoy homemade baguettes today!
Tips for Baking Gluten-Free Bread:
- Gluten-Free Bread Dough Will be Wet, Sticky and Shaggy: If you’ve ever baked regular bread before, you’ll notice that compared to normal bread dough, gluten-free bread dough tends to be a lot wetter and stickier (and even has a shaggy appearance). Don’t worry, because that’s precisely how it’s supposed to look. Gluten-free flours absorb a lot more moisture than wheat flour, so for the final texture to be soft and fluffy, you’ll have to start with sticky dough that’s a little difficult to shape (here’s why loaf pans help to form the shape). Resist the urge to add more flour to get a drier dough, or your baked loaf will turn out dry and dense.
- Smooth Surface with Wet Fingers or Spatula: You’ll often find that the top surface of the dough can be irregular, and since the GF dough is often very sticky, the best way to smooth it out is by using the back of a wet spatula, or dipping your fingers in water and then smoothing out the dough.
- Psyllium Husk Powder Works Wonders: In addition to xanthan gum, you’ll find that most gluten-free yeast breads also call for psyllium husk powder, which helps to bind the ingredients better together, as well as gives the dough elasticity (and helps loaves to dome better). If you only have access to whole psyllium husks, you can grind the husks in a coffee grinder or high-speed blender until you get a fine powder.
- Use Metal Loaf Pan: For the recipes made in loaf pans, I recommend using a metal loaf pan as I find that metal conducts heat more evenly, which results in the loaf browning better the sides and the bottom.
- Line Baking Sheet: If not baking with a loaf pan, make sure you line the baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper or a silpat. This will prevent the dough from sticking to the bottom of the sheet and make it easier to remove the bread once baked.
Gluten-Free Yeast Breads FAQs:
I recommend using a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that is made up of lighter flours and starches (such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch, or potato starch), as this results in a lighter and fluffier loaf. I do NOT recommend using gluten-free flour blends that use heavier flours (such as garbanzo bean flour), as that will result in a denser final texture.
If you find that your dough is taking longer than the recipe’s stated rise time, it could be due to the amount of humidity and the room temperature where you live. A warmer and more humid climate will make the bread dough rise faster, while a colder and drier climate will result in a longer rise time.
Sometimes you may find that your dough rises beautifully both before and during baking, but that it collapses once you pull it out of the oven. This is often due to the fact that the dough might have been too wet, and that the dough rose too much pre-baking, and there is not enough structure to hold the loaf’s rise. In this case, I would reduce the amount of liquids by a 1/4 of the amount, so the dough is slightly drier and will take a longer time to rise (and ensure that the loaf doesn’t rise above the height of the loaf pan).
If you plan on eating the bread within a week, simply wrap the bread in various layers of plastic wrap, or place it in an airtight container, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze the loaf, simply wrap the bread in various layers of plastic wrap, and then freeze it for up to 2 months. You can either store the loaf whole, or cut it into individual slices before freezing. If freezing the whole loaf, make sure you thaw the bread in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and eating or toasting. If freezing the bread in individual slices, you can take out a few frozen slices at a time and toast slices before eating.
If you are allergic to yeast, or prefer not to bake with yeast, feel free to check out the quick bread recipes on this blog (some of our favorites being: honey oat bread, corn flour bread, and flaxseed bread).
P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!
Can you make these recipes in a bread machine?
Hi Jeanne! I don’t own a bread machine, and I haven’t tried making these recipes in a bread machine before. Not sure how that would work, but if you do make any in the bread machine, please let me know how it goes!
Your grain-free rosemary almond bread sounds wonderful! I can’t wait to make it. I’ve been experimenting with different almond flour recipes. It’s very versatile! Thank you!!!
Hi Michele, so nice to “meet” you! Yay!! I can’t wait for you to make the rosemary almond bread and hear what you think of it! Please let me know if you eventually make it, would totally love to hear back 🙂
Thanks Felicia for putting together all the different types of bread into one post for easy selection.
Blessings!
Mum
Most welcome mummy! Hopefully it’s easier for you to get all the favorite GF breads in one place 🙂