If you’re looking for a soft baked gluten free roll recipe, we’ve got you covered. Our gluten free rolls are easy to make, are a soft and fluffy roll recipe that is perfect for dinners or the holiday table. Dairy-free.
Going gluten-free, our family knew that finding a way to recreate rolls for the holiday season was necessary. There is just something about a hot roll smothered in butter that makes the season extra special. After many trials (and errors), we are happy to be sharing a successful gluten free roll recipe that does not compromise on flavor or texture.
Looking for other holiday staples that have been made gluten-free? Check out our Gluten Free Cornbread Dressing, Crockpot Green Bean Casserole (Fresh Green Beans), Gluten-Free Pecan Pie, Gluten-Free Impossible Pumpkin Pie and Baked Sweet Potato Slices.
While avoiding gluten is necessary for those with celiac disease, it does play a vital role in the binding and elasticity of bread products. The question then becomes how do you make bread without gluten? Xanthan gum is the secret ingredient! It that allows gluten-free breads to hold shape without the use of gluten.
This recipe was tested successful with Mama’s almond blend all purpose gluten-free flour with an additional 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum added. The extra xanthan gym is required for rolls as the amount in the flour blend is not quite enough to reach the desired bread texture.
If baking with another flour blend brand, we cannot guarantee the same results as all gluten-free flour blends are not created equal. We do recommend a flour blend that contains xanthan gum or adding additional xanthan gum according to the package.
Along with the flour and xanthan gum, gather the remaining ingredients and equipment to get started on this recipe.
Equipment
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
- whisk
- spatula
- measuring cups and spoons
- spoon
- butter knife
- 9 x 13 baking pan
- nonstick cooking spray ✅
- liquid measuring cup that’s microwave safe (or microwave safe glass)
- clean kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk (or regular for non dairy free)✅
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons active rise yeast✅
- 2 3/4 cup High quality gluten free flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 egg white + 1 tablespoon water optional
*Tested with Mama’s almond blend gluten-free flour
How To Make
We walk you step by step through the directions to successfully make gluten free yeast rolls. A printable recipe card is available below if preferred.
Heat the milk then whisk the warmed milk, yeast, and sugar
Heat the almond milk (or regular milk) in the microwave for about 1 minute, or until the temperature is warm, not hot (105°-110°F). In the bowl of your mixer, whisk together the warmed milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the yeast. Let sit 5 minutes to allow the yeast to be activated.
Add the remaining ingredients
To the yeast mixture add 1/2 of the flour, shortening, egg, salt, vinegar, and xanthan gum. Mix on medium speed until blended. Add the rest of the flour and mix for 3 minutes. The dough will be sticky at this point.
Prepare the pan and divide the dough
Spray the baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Using a spoon, divide the dough into 8 rolls. Spray a little cooking spray on your fingers and smooth the dough gently.
Cover and let rise
Wet a clean kitchen towel and ring it out so it’s damp. Cover the baking pan and set the rolls aside for 1 hour to rise. The rolls will not double in size, but they will rise. Preheat oven to 400°F.
Bake
Brush with egg white whisked with water for a shiny top if desired. Bake the rolls for 20-22 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Best served warm.
Tips To Making Gluten Free Rolls
- Don’t omit the sugar as an ingredient – it is required to active the yeast and help the rolls rise.
- Ensure the milk is warm – not too hold or too cold – before mixing in the yeast. Cold milk will not activate the yeast and hot milk will kill the yeast causing the rolls to not rise.
- If planning to use a different flour blend, test this recipe before the day you plan to serve. This will allow you to make any necessary changes.
- Measure gf flour correctly by scooping then leveling off with a knife to ensure the exact quantity needed is added to the mixing bowl. Too much flour can result in a crumbly and dry dinner roll.
- Sprinkle the tops with seasonings after brushing with the egg wash for a flavor boost. Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or rosemary are all delicious spices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both used to help bread rise, active yeast requires proofing where instant or rapid-rise yeast does not. By proofing the active yeast in a warm liquid before mixing into the recipe, you can ensure the yeast is activated (bubbles will form). With instant yeast there is no way to tell until the bread does or doesn’t rise. Either could you used for this recipe. However, we recommend active yeast if you are looking for the assurance the yeast is active and the rolls will rise.
Serve with any recipe as part of a holiday meal or pair with soups, salads or casseroles anytime throughout the year. These rolls are also fantastic to serve with butter or vegan butter drizzled with honey for a hint of sweetness.
These rolls do freeze well and can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer. After completely cooled, package in an air tight container or Ziplock bag. Simply reheat in the microwave in increments when ready to eat.
You will end up with approximately 8 rolls with a single batch.
More Gluten Free Bread Recipes
These are must try gf bread recipes!
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes
- Bundt Cake (Gluten-Free)
- Gluten-Free Apple Cake
- Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts
- Simple Buckwheat Bread Recipe
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread Recipe
If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten. Some are marked due to the possibility of cross-contamination.
If you enjoyed these recipes make sure to leave a comment and a star rating below! Then follow me on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe. I love seeing what you come up with!
Gluten Free Rolls
Equipment
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
- whisk
- spatula
- measuring cups and spoons
- spoon
- butter knife
- 9 x 13 baking pan
- nonstick cooking spray ✅
- liquid measuring cup that's microwave safe (or microwave safe glass)
- clean kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk (or regular for non dairy free)✅
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons active rise yeast✅
- 2 3/4 cup High quality gluten free flour blend (with xanthan gum) Tested with Mama's almond blend all purpose gluten-free flour
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 egg white + 1 tablespoon water optional
Instructions
- Heat the milk then whisk the warmed milk, yeast, and sugar. Heat the almond milk (or regular milk) in the microwave for about 1 minute, or until the temperature is warm, not hot (105°-110°F). In the bowl of your mixer, whisk together the warmed milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the yeast. Let sit 5 minutes.1 cup almond milk (or regular for non dairy free)✅ , 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided, 2 teaspoons active rise yeast✅
- Add the remaining ingredients. To the yeast mixture add 1/2 of the flour, shortening, egg, salt, vinegar, and xanthan gum. Mix on medium speed until blended. Add the rest of the flour and mix for 3 minutes. The dough will be sticky.2 3/4 cup High quality gluten free flour blend (with xanthan gum), 2 tablespoons shortening, 1 large egg, room temperature, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- Prepare the pan and divide the dough. Spray the baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Using a spoon, divide the dough into 8 rolls. Spray a little cooking spray on your fingers and smooth the dough gently.
- Cover and let rise. Wet a clean kitchen towel and ring it out so it's damp. Cover the baking pan and set aside for 1 hour to rise. The rolls will not double in size, but they will rise. Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Bake. Brush with egg white whisked with water for a shiny top. Bake the rolls for 20-22 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Best served warm.1 egg white + 1 tablespoon water
Notes
- Active vs instant yeast? Both used to help bread rise, active yeast requires proofing where instant or rapid-rise yeast does not. By proofing the active yeast in a warm liquid before mixing into the recipe, you can ensure the yeast is activated (bubbles will form). With instant yeast there is no way to tell until the bread does or doesn’t rise. Either could you used for this recipe. However, we recommend active yeast if you are looking for the assurance the yeast is active and the rolls will rise.
- Serve with any recipe as part of a holiday meal or pair with soups, salads or casseroles anytime throughout the year. These rolls are also fantastic to serve with butter or vegan butter drizzled with honey for a hint of sweetness.
- These rolls do freeze well and can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer. After completely cooled, package in an air tight container or Ziplock bag. Simply reheat in the microwave in increments when ready to eat.
Leave a Reply