How to Make Gluten Free Bread

When it comes to gluten free staples, Schär is the name to know. From crackers, crispbreads, and cookies to pizza dough, pasta, and pastries, Schär’s gluten-free goodies are made with premium-quality ingredients and prepared by master bakers. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful loaf of sandwich bread or a box of crunchy chocolate chip cookies, Schär has it all.

One of the newest additions to the Schär lineup of gluten free goods is the Mix It! Universal flour blend. Gluten free bakers rejoice at the arrival of this gluten free, wheat free flour blend perfect for bread, cakes, biscuits, and everything in between.

Introducing Schär’s Mix It! Universal Flour

Finding the right gluten free flour has always been a challenge but Schär is changing the game with their new Mix It! Universal flour blend. Formulated with a flavorful blend of gluten free and wheat free flours from maize, rice, and sorghum, this allergen-friendly flour blend does it all.

While celiac sufferers are most excited to hear this flour blend is gluten- and wheat-free, Mix It! Universal is also vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, egg-free, lactose-free, palm oil-free, and preservative-free. In fact, it contains a short list of nine key ingredients blended in perfect proportion, making it the ideal all-purpose flour for gluten free bakers. With its smooth, velvety texture and neutral flavor, Mix It! Universal belongs on your shopping list and in your gluten free pantry.

How to Make Gluten Free Bread

The secret to a delicious loaf of gluten free bread is finding the right flour blend. Many gluten free bakers are used to making their own mixes using a combination of rice and other gluten-free grains, but it can be difficult to achieve the right balance in terms of flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a simple solution to making the perfect loaf of gluten free bread, try Schär’s Mix It! Universal flour.

Here’s how to use it to make a delicious loaf of gluten free bread:

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups Schär Mix It! Universal flour
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
2. Combine the Mix It! Universal flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, and yeast in a large bowl.
3. Stir well to combine then add the olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, and warm water.
4. Mix the ingredients with a stand mixer using the paddle attachment for 1 minute on low.
5. Add the egg whites and salt then mix on medium speed for 1 minute.
6. Once the mixture achieves a batter-like consistency, spread it in the loaf pan.
7. Cover with a greased layer of plastic wrap then place a towel on top of it.
8. Place the loaf somewhere warm to rise for 30 minutes then transfer to the oven.
9. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden brown.
10. Remove to a cooling rack for 10 minutes then turn out to cool completely.

Before you start baking, make sure all of your ingredients are gathered so they can sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, run your eggs under warm water for a few minutes to bring them up to room temperature. Always preheat your oven as well to make sure you get the perfect crust on your gluten free bread without losing the tender center.

3 Recipes for Gluten Free Breads

Nothing is better than a slice of homemade gluten free bread toasted and slathered with butter or jam, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy gluten free bread as well. From flavorful loaves to flat breads, Schär’s Mix It! Universal flour does it all.

Here are 3 more recipes using this universal flour blend that you’ve got to try for yourself:

1. Fluffy Flatbreads

Yield: 6 flatbreads

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Schär Mix It! Universal
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (more for frying)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ¾ cup cold water

Instructions:

1. Combine the Mix It! Universal, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Whisk well then make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
3. Add the olive oil, honey, and all but a few tablespoons of the water.
4. Using a rubber spatula, stir the wet ingredients into the dry – add the remaining water a tablespoon at a time as needed to moisten the mixture.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth.
6. Cover with a clean towel and let rest for 10 minutes.
7. Divide the dough into six equal portions and roll them into discs about ¼ inch thick.
8. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
9. Add the flatbreads one at a time, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until browned. Serve warm.

2. Irish Soda Bread

Yield: 1 loaf

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 4 ¼ cups Schär Mix It! Universal
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons butter, chopped
• 1 cup seedless raisins

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment and place it in the oven – preheat to 400°F.
2. Combine the buttermilk and egg, whisking well in a small bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Mix It! Universal, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
4. Cut in the butter using a fork until it forms pea-sized crumbs then stir in the raisins.
5. Pour in the wet ingredients and fold together into a soft dough.
6. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 30 seconds.
7. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and score an X across the top.
8. Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown – cover loosely with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
9. Remove from the oven and cool 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Country White Bread

Yield: 1 loaf

Ingredients:

• 2 1/3 cups lukewarm water, divided
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons shortening, melted
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 ½ cups Schär Mix It! Universal
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal

Instructions:

1. Combine 1/3 cup warm water with the sugar, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer then let stand 5 minutes.
2. Add the remaining water, melted shortening, salt, and 2 cups Mix It! Universal flour.
3. Beat with the paddle attachment on medium speed until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, combine 2 ½ cups Mix It! Universal with the cornmeal.
5. Add the yeast mixture 1 cup at a time, beating well between additions.
6. Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead for 5 to 6 minutes until elastic.
7. Shape the dough into a ball and transfer to a greased bowl.
8. Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
9. Grease a large round pan and sprinkle with cornmeal.
10. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface then knead a few turns.
11. Shape the dough into a round and place it in the center of the prepared pan.
12. Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise again until doubled, about 1 hour.
13. Preheat the oven to 350°F and slash an X across the top of the dough.
14. Sprinkle with cornmeal then bake for 50 to 55 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
15. Cool for 10 minutes then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

With Schär’s Mix It! Universal flour blend, you can transform your favorite recipes into gluten free versions with a single substitution. Grab your cookbook or give one of these tasty bread recipes a try!