Gluten-Free Focaccia - freshly baked bread

Gluten-Free Focaccia

Gluten-Free Bread

Crispy, olive-oil-drenched focaccia that's completely gluten-free. The same dimpled, herbed beauty — just made with alternative flours.

Prep Time

15 min

Proof Time

1h

Bake Time

25 min

Servings

10

Calories

175

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups rice flour blend
  • ½ cup tapioca starch
  • ¼ cup potato starch
  • 2¼ tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix Dry

    Combine rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, xanthan gum, yeast, and salt.

  2. 2

    Mix Wet

    Whisk warm milk, oil, honey, and eggs.

  3. 3

    Combine

    Add wet to dry and mix 3–4 minutes until a thick, sticky batter forms.

  4. 4

    Rise

    Pour into a greased pan. Cover and rise 30–45 minutes until nearly doubled.

  5. 5

    Bake

    Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 200°F.

Baker's Notes

Gluten-free bread dough is more like a thick batter than a traditional dough — that's completely normal. Don't keep adding flour trying to make it behave like wheat dough.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

There's something deeply satisfying about pulling a hot, dimpled focaccia from the oven — especially when it's completely gluten-free. This version gets its signature chewy crumb from eggs and olive oil doing the heavy lifting that wheat flour usually handles, with a touch of honey rounding out the savoury notes.

Canadian home cooks have embraced this recipe because it delivers all the rustic charm of Italian focaccia without the gluten, making it a reliable showstopper for dinner parties and weekend family dinners alike.

Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Focaccia

Traitez cette préparation comme une pâte épaisse plutôt qu'une pâte traditionnelle — c'est tout à fait normal dans la boulangerie sans gluten. Ne sautez jamais la gomme xanthane ; elle remplace le gluten. Pressez vos doigts fermement dans la pâte levée pour créer ces empreintes caractéristiques avant de garnir et enfourner.

What to Serve With It

This focaccia is at its best alongside hearty Canadian comfort food. Serve it warm with a bowl of tomato soup, alongside a slow-cooked beef stew, or as a side to roast chicken. A drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh rosemary on top elevates it further.

Storage & Reheating

Store cooled focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to four. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven — toasting is essential for restoring the crispy crust that defines this bread.

Nutrition Facts

175

cal

6g

Protein

4g

Fat

40g

Carbs

4g

Fiber

288mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute almond flour for the rice flour blend?+

Yes, but expect a denser, moister loaf. Almond flour absorbs liquid differently, so you may need to adjust the milk quantity slightly. Cassava flour works similarly.

Why does the batter look so much thicker than regular focaccia dough?+

Gluten-free focaccia is naturally more batter-like because there's no gluten to develop elasticity. The xanthan gum provides structure, and the eggs bind everything together.

How do I get those classic dimples on top?+

After the dough has risen in the pan, press your fingertips firmly into the surface to create indentations. The dimples hold olive oil and toppings beautifully during baking.

Is gluten-free focaccia actually worth making?+

Absolutely. Focaccia doesn't rely heavily on gluten for structure, so the result is genuinely delicious — crispy, golden, and deeply flavoured with olive oil and herbs.

Should I toast the focaccia before serving?+

Yes, toasting is highly recommended. It restores the crisp exterior and intensifies the flavour. Slice it and toast under the broiler for a minute or two.

Tips & Tricks

  • Xanthan gum replaces the binding role of gluten — don't skip it.
  • GF bread dough is more like a thick batter than a traditional dough — that's normal.
  • Toast GF bread for the best texture and flavour.

Reviews (4)

Jennifer K.★★★★★

This is now our go-to bread recipe. The house smelled incredible while it was baking. My kids couldn't wait to tear into a warm slice.

André G.★★★★★

Just like from the bakery! The crust is crispy and the crumb is soft. Bravo for this extraordinary recipe.

Chantal D.★★★★★

Easy to prepare and so delicious! Even my picky kids went for seconds. This bread has become a staple in our home.

Pierre T.★★★★★

Excellent recipe. I followed the instructions to the letter and the result was perfect. My wife loved it. The best homemade bread I've made.