Gluten Free Peasant Bread Recipe

This easy-to-follow gluten-free peasant bread recipe is perfect for beginners who want to try baking delicious homemade bread without fuss. 

This peasant bread recipe has a mix of three flours, millet, tapioca, and rice flour. I have also added various seeds for texture, taste, and nutrition.

In addition, you will need basic pantry ingredients such as yeast, xanthan gum, olive oil, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and salt. 

Gluten free peasant bread has a solid but not dense texture with a medium-firm crust. It is a hearty bread excellent for making healthy sandwiches.

What is peasant bread?

Peasant bread is a type of bread that has been around for centuries. It’s a simple, no-fuss bread that requires only basic ingredients and minimal effort. Traditionally, it was baked by rural communities using whatever flour they had on hand. 

The name “peasant” comes from the fact that this bread was popular among lower-class citizens who couldn’t afford more expensive types of bread. Despite its humble origins, peasant bread has become trendy recently due to its simplicity, versatility, and cost.

This type of bread usually has a moist crumb and chewy texture with a slightly sour taste thanks to the natural fermentation process used in making it. The crust can range from soft and tender to crispy and crunchy depending on how it’s baked.

Peasant bread can be made in various shapes, such as round loaves, baguettes, or rolls, making it perfect for sandwiches or dipping into soups or stews. 

FAQs about homemade gluten free peasant bread

If you’re new to making gluten free bread or just curious about homemade peasant bread, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.

Which is the best flour for gluten free peasant bread?

In this gluten version, the wheat flour is replaced with millet flour, giving the loaf a unique flavor and texture you would find in traditional peasant bread.

Why make your own gluten free peasant bread?

Making homemade bread allows you to control the ingredients and avoid potential allergens or additives in store-bought alternatives. Plus, it’s more affordable than buying specialty gluten-free loaves.

Is it difficult to make?

Not at all! The beauty of peasant-style baking is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy equipment or techniques – just mix the ingredients using only one bowl, let it rise, and bake in your oven.

How can I get my gluten-free dough to rise better?

Since gluten-free flours lack elasticity, achieving optimal rising can be challenging. To help boost your dough during proofing, place the dough in a slightly warm oven and allow extra time to rise.

Can I freeze leftover slices?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them into an airtight container or freezer bag for storage. When ready to eat again, thaw at room temperature.

Why is this peasant bread the easiest bread recipe?

This gluten-free peasant bread recipe is the easiest you will ever come across. Here’s why:

Firstly, it requires only a handful of readily available ingredients in most pantries. So there’s no need for expensive flours or complicated techniques.

Secondly, unlike other bread recipes requiring intense kneading, this recipe is mixed together and left alone to rise on its own.

Thirdly, this peasant bread can be made without special equipment or tools. Just mix everything in a bowl with a spatula and bake it in a cast iron pot or an oven-safe round dish.

In addition to all these reasons, the recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can add herbs and spices like rosemary and thyme for flavor or various seeds for healthiness and texture.

Why use millet flour for gluten free peasant bread recipe?

Millet flour is a popular choice for gluten-free baking because of its unique nutritional properties and texture. It’s a versatile ingredient that adds flavor, protein, and fiber to your bread recipe.

This gluten free flour contains high levels of protein, which make it an excellent addition to any gluten-free diet. Protein helps to build muscle tissue and replenish energy levels after exercise.

In addition, millet is rich in dietary fiber. As per Cornell University study, fiber promotes healthy digestion by aiding food movement through the digestive tract.

Using millet flour in your peasant bread recipe will create a more filling loaf with less chance of overeating or snacking throughout the day.

How to get gluten free bread dough to get a better rise?

Getting gluten free bread dough to rise can be challenging, but it is essential for achieving that light texture. Here are some tips on how to get gluten free bread dough to get a better rise:

1. Yeast: Yeast makes the dough rise, so make sure your east is fresh. Check its expiration date before using it!

2. Warm liquid: The temperature of the liquid used in making the dough significantly affects how well it rises. Ensure your liquids are warm 120 – 125 F (not hot) before adding them to the dry ingredients.

3. Sweetener: Us the right amount of a sweetener such as honey, pure maple syrup, or sugar provides food for the yeast, which helps the dough rise.

4. Rise it in a warm moist environment: After shaping your loaf, cover it with a damp towel and place it in a slightly warm oven about 80 – 85 F. Moisture and warmth help create an ideal environment for rising.

By following these tips, you’ll have no problem getting your gluten-free bread dough to rise!

3 uses for stale gluten free bread

If you find yourself with stale gluten-free peasant bread, don’t throw it away! There are many ways to repurpose this delicious staple into new meals, like breadcrumbs for coating chicken, pork, and fish fillets, croutons for soups and salads, or French toast!

1. Bread crumbs: Stale bread is perfect for making breadcrumbs. Tear the bread into small pieces and pulse in a food processor until they form coarse crumbs. Freeze them in freezer bags for later use. They can be used as a tasty coating for chicken, fish, or vegetables.

2. French toast: Stale bread makes excellent French toast because it soaks up more of the egg mixture than fresh bread. Dip slices of stale gluten-free bread in a mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla before frying them in butter until golden brown.

3. Bread pudding: This classic dessert is an ideal way to use up leftover gluten-free bread that’s gone stale. Cut the stale loaf into small cubes and layer them with raisins and a custard made from eggs, sweetener, milk and cream. Bake in the oven until golden brown on top.

4. Grilled Cheese: Who doesn’t love classic grilled cheese? Use your favorite cheese and spread butter on each side of the bread before grilling in a pan until golden brown. YUM!

Storing gluten free peasant bread

Storing gluten free peasant bread is crucial to keeping it fresh for longer. Gluten-free bread tends to dry out faster than regular bread. Hence proper storage is essential.

Here are some tips on storing your gluten-free peasant bread:

Firstly, make sure that the loaf has completely cooled down before storing it. If you put warm or hot bread in an airtight container, moisture will build up, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

Secondly, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a plastic bag. This will prevent air from getting inside and drying out the bread.

Keep your stored gluten-free peasant bread at room temperature for up to two days. If needed longer storage,  keep it in the fridge for up to five days.

3 best sandwich fillings

The sandwich fillings are endless, but here are three of our favorite combinations that will take your peasant bread sandwiches to the next level:

1) Tomato and Avocado: Spread mashed avocado onto one slice of bread, then layer sliced tomato on top. Add greens like spinach or arugula, a smear of mayo, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Top with another slice of bread.

3) Chickpea Salad: Mash chickpeas with diced celery, red onion, and mayo (or vegan mayo). Add seasoning and chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill for extra flavor. Spread onto one slice of bread, then top with greens before adding the other slice on top.

4) Salmon salad: Try our famous salmon salad recipe, and add thinly sliced cabbage.

These sandwich ideas are easy to make at home and can be customized based on your preferences.

If you need more gluten free bread recipes that are great for making sandwiches here are our 3 popular recipes:

Gluten-Free Dutch Oven Artisan Bread Recipe

Gluten-Free Basic White Sandwich Bread

Gluten-Free Healthy Millet Bread Recipe

Making gluten-free bread can be challenging for some. But with the right recipe and ingredients, it’s easily possible. The gluten free peasant bread recipe we’ve shared today is easy to make, nutritious, delicious, and versatile. And most importantly, it makes the best hearty sandwiches.