Gluten Free Soda Bread Recipe

Introduction

This gluten free soda bread is a quick and easy loaf that’s perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. With a soft, tender crumb and a crisp crust, it’s delicious served fresh with butter or alongside soups and stews.

Ingredients

• 400 g plain gluten free flour (such as FREEE plain gluten free flour or any other supermarket blend)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 0.5 tsp xanthan gum
• 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 large egg (lightly whisked)
• 200 ml natural yoghurt (full fat is best)
• 100 ml milk
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Extra gluten free flour for dusting (rice flour or plain gluten free flour will work)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or Gas Mark 5. Line a baking sheet with baking paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the yoghurt, milk, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit until it curdles slightly.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten free flour, salt, xanthan gum, sugar, and bicarbonate of soda.
4. Step 4: Pour the yoghurt mixture into the dry ingredients, then add the whisked egg.
5. Step 5: Use a wooden spoon to bring the mixture together into a soft, sticky dough.
6. Step 6: Dust your work surface with gluten free flour, turn out the dough, and dust your hands as well. Gently shape the dough into a ball, adding more flour if needed to make it manageable but avoiding overworking it.
7. Step 7: Form the dough into a circle and place it in the center of the lined baking sheet. Score an X on top with a knife and sprinkle with a little extra flour.
8. Step 8: Bake in the center of the oven for about 30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, substitute the yoghurt and milk with coconut yoghurt and almond milk or any plant-based alternatives.
• If you don’t have xanthan gum, check if your gluten free flour blend already contains it; if not, try replacing it with guar gum.
• Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.

Storage

Store the soda bread wrapped in a clean tea towel or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, then toast or warm slices directly from the freezer.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free flour?

This recipe is designed specifically for gluten free flour, so using regular wheat flour may change the texture and rise of the bread. For best results, stick to gluten free flour blends.

Why does the dough need to curdle with lemon juice?

The lemon juice acid reacts with the bicarbonate of soda to create bubbles, which help the bread rise and become light and fluffy despite having no yeast.

Gluten Free Soda Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 130 reviews

This Gluten Free Soda Bread is a simple, quick bread recipe perfect for those avoiding gluten. Made with a blend of gluten free flours, natural yoghurt, and a hint of lemon juice, it produces a moist, tender loaf with a golden crust. Ideal for breakfast or as an accompaniment to soups and stews, this bread requires no yeast or lengthy rising times, making it an easy and reliable baking choice.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8-10 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 400 g plain gluten free flour (e.g., FREEE plain gluten free flour or similar supermarket blend)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 0.5 tsp xanthan gum
• 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• Extra gluten free flour for dusting (rice flour or plain gluten free flour)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 large egg (lightly whisked)
• 200 ml natural yoghurt (full fat recommended)
• 100 ml milk
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (fan 170°C) or Gas Mark 5. Line a baking sheet with baking paper and set it aside for later.
2. Prepare Dairy Mixture: In a bowl, mix together the natural yoghurt, milk, and lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon juice will cause the dairy mixture to curdle slightly, which is desired for this recipe.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten free flour, salt, xanthan gum, caster sugar, and bicarbonate of soda. Stir well to distribute all dry ingredients evenly.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the curdled yoghurt/milk/lemon mixture into the dry ingredients. Then add the lightly whisked egg.
5. Form Dough: Using a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients until a soft, sticky dough forms. Lightly dust your work surface with gluten free flour and tip the dough out.
6. Knead Gently: Dust your hands with gluten free flour and gently bring the dough together into a ball. Avoid overworking it to prevent adding too much flour, but use enough flour to make it workable.
7. Shape Dough: Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score an ‘X’ into the top of the dough and sprinkle with a little extra gluten free flour.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the middle of the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the top and bottom.
9. Cool & Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Using full fat natural yoghurt helps create a moist and tender crumb.
• If the dough feels too sticky or hard to handle, dust your hands and work surface with additional gluten free flour, but avoid overworking.
• The lemon juice combined with milk and yoghurt acts as a natural leavening agent by curdling the dairy, similar to buttermilk.
• This soda bread is best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
• You can toast leftover slices for a delicious snack or breakfast.
• If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the yoghurt and milk with plant-based alternatives and adjust for consistency.

Keywords: gluten free soda bread, quick gluten free bread, easy soda bread recipe, no yeast gluten free bread, gluten free baking