Gluten-Free Italian-Style Bread

Ingredients:

2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons xanthan gum (if not included in your flour blend)
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 43°C)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon white sugar (for yeast activation)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (for a slight tang)
Cornmeal or additional flour for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and white sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour and xanthan gum (if not included in your flour blend).

Add the yeast mixture, salt, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined, and the dough is smooth. The dough will be more like a batter than traditional Italian bread dough.

Grease a baking sheet and transfer the dough onto it, shaping it into an Italian-style bread shape. Optionally, you can dust the baking sheet with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking.

Use a wet spatula to smooth the top of the dough.

Cover the Italian-style bread with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while the dough is rising.

Once the dough has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread has a crispy crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Remove the Italian-style bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

Once cooled, slice and enjoy your homemade gluten-free Italian-style bread!

While this gluten-free bread won't have the exact texture and crust of traditional Italian bread, it offers a similar flavor profile. Always double-check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are truly gluten-free if you have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Enjoy!