Gluten-free Soft Buns for a Fluffy Delight
Are you tired of constantly searching for a gluten-free bread recipe that actually tastes good? Look no further, because Kristi’s Soft Buns recipe is here to save the day. As a nutritionist and food blogger, I am always on the hunt for delicious gluten-free, dairy-free, and organic recipes that are both healthy and satisfying. Kristi’s Soft Buns fit the bill perfectly.
What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance of softness and chewiness, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, its versatility makes it perfect for anything from sandwiches and burgers to dinner rolls or even steamed bao buns.
But what really makes these buns special is their gluten-free nature. For those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, regular bread can wreak havoc on their digestive system. With this recipe, you can enjoy soft and delicious bread without sacrificing your health or taste buds.
So why not give Kristi’s Soft Buns a try? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you are looking for an easy-to-make, gluten-free and dairy-free bread recipe that is both soft and delicious, then you must try Kristi’s Soft Buns recipe! These buns are perfect for any occasion, be it a sandwich bread, dinner rolls or even a lovely banana bread.
One of the best parts about this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients that you can easily find in your pantry- all-purpose flour, xanthan gum, sorghum flour, and masa harina to name a few. Add some active dry yeast and water to it, and voila! You have the perfect dough for making soft gluten-free buns.
Not only are they softer than any regular wheat bun, but they are also free of dairy which makes them a healthier option for your gut health. These buns have a lovely flavor of their own and melt in your mouth when you take a bite. You can even add some chocolate chips or cranberries to make them extra special.
Moreover, Kristi’s Soft Buns are incredibly versatile. You can use them as hamburger buns or hot dog buns and serve them with some black bean soup or steamed bao buns. The possibilities are endless!
Overall, this gluten-free recipe is perfect for anyone who has an allergy towards gluten and dairy or someone who prefers a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. So go ahead and give Kristi’s Soft Buns recipe a try today- your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Below is the list of ingredients you’ll need to make these soft gluten-free buns:
- 1 1/2 cups sorghum flour
- 1/2 cup masa harina
- 1/2 cup potato starch
- 2 teaspoons xanthan gum
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs, divided
- 1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
Note: Make sure to use gluten-free ingredients if you want to keep this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet. If you are looking for gluten-free bread recipe that works great as sandwich bread, dinner rolls, hamburger buns or hot dog buns, this is the recipe for you.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the recipe how-to for Kristi’s Soft Buns. This recipe is simple and straightforward, but it does require some time and patience. Trust me, the end result is well worth it.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Proofing Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Baking Time: 22 minutes
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large work bowl, mix together sorghum flour, potato starch, masa harina, brown sugar, active dry yeast, xanthan gum, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm water and melted butter. Add in one whisked egg.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms (it may be sticky at this point). On a well-floured surface, knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Proof the Dough
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it proof in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Buns
Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each piece into a round bun shape or whatever shape you desire for your recipe – hamburger buns, hot dog buns, dinner rolls [Bold all of them].
Step 5: Second Proofing
Arrange your buns on parchment-lined baking sheets into quite close proximity but not touching eachother. Cover them with damp cloths or inverted bowls to protect from drying out; rising will likely continue as they rest.The second proofing will take an additional 45-50 minutes until risen again.
While your buns are proofing preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 6: Bake the Buns
Brush the tops of the buns with beaten egg for shine, if you like. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 22 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing, serving, or storing.
That’s it! With a little bit of patience and love, you’ll have some delicious soft gluten-free buns.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to adapting my recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences, I’ve got you covered! This soft buns recipe is already gluten-free and dairy-free, but here are some additional substitutions and variations you could make:
– Vegan: If you don’t eat eggs, simply replace them with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). Instead of butter, use a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil.
– Keto: Swap the brown sugar for a low-carb sweetener like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use coconut flour instead of sorghum flour and masa harina.
– Whole Wheat: Replace half of the sorghum flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
– Sourdough: Want to add some tangy flavor and better digestion to your buns? Substitute 1/2 cup of your sourdough discard for an equal amount of the flour in the recipe. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid depending on the hydration of your discard.
– Steamed Buns: Skip the oven altogether and try making Chinese-style steamed buns (bao buns) by cooking the dough on a steamer basket over simmering water for about 10 minutes.
– Japanese Milk Bread: Add a touch of sweetness and softness reminiscent of Japanese milk bread by replacing 1/4 cup of water with warm milk, and adding an additional tablespoon of butter.
– Yeast Rolls: Use this same dough recipe to make classic yeast rolls by shaping them into smaller balls, proofing them until doubled in size, then baking them at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
– Rice Flour: Swap out the sorghum flour for rice flour for a slightly different flavor profile and texture.
Whatever substitutions or variations you choose to make, be sure to adjust the liquid or flour ratios accordingly and experiment until you find the perfect recipe for your tastes!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve baked these delicious gluten-free buns, you can serve them in many different ways! They make the perfect bread for any kind of sandwich, whether it’s a classic PB&J or a turkey club. The soft texture of the buns makes them ideal for burgers and hot dogs, too. Slather on your favorite condiments and load them up with toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles for a mouthwatering meal.
If you’re feeling creative, try serving the buns alongside a variety of dips or spreads. They pair especially well with hummus or guacamole, and can even be used to make mini bruschetta bites. Their subtle flavor won’t overpower any dips or spreads you choose to serve them with.
Another fun way to enjoy these buns is to turn them into mini pizzas! Simply top each bun with marinara sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings such as pepperoni or veggies, then bake until bubbly and delicious.
These versatile buns are also great for breakfast. You can slather them with butter and jam or use them to make French toast. For an extra special treat, cut the buns in half and spread with Nutella for a chocolatey twist.
No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these soft gluten-free buns are sure to impress. Their chewy texture perfectly complements any savory dish while also offering a slightly sweet flavor to balance out stronger flavors. Try pairing them with soups like black bean soup or steamed buns like Bao Buns to create the ultimate comforting meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve made a batch of Kristi’s Soft Buns and enjoyed them fresh out of the oven, you may be wondering what to do with leftovers or if you can make them ahead of time for a party or gathering. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
If you have any buns leftover, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. These buns also freeze really well! Place them in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to three months. When ready to use, allow them to thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Speaking of reheating, these buns reheat beautifully. Simply wrap each bun individually in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds (per bun) with a damp paper towel covering them.
If you’re planning on making these buns ahead of time, no problem! You can make the dough and shape the buns ahead of time, then cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, let them come to room temperature before proofing and baking as directed.
Whether you’re making these buns for a party or just for yourself, they’re sure to impress. With their soft gluten-free texture, they’re perfect for everything from burgers and sandwiches to hot dogs and dinner rolls. So go ahead and make an extra batch – trust me, they won’t last long!
Tips for Perfect Results
Creating the perfect gluten-free, dairy-free buns can seem a bit intimidating, but with these helpful tips, you will get it right every time. Here are some of my best tips for achieving perfect results when making Kristi’s Soft Buns (Gluten-Free!).
First, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature before you use them. This is important because it will help with the activation of the yeast and improve the texture of your buns. Particularly when using dairy-free substitutes like butter alternatives, having them warmed up will make a big difference in how they will blend into the recipe.
Another tip is to measure your ingredients correctly. Gluten-free baking is not as forgiving as regular baking and small discrepancies can lead to significant changes in the outcome of your buns. Make sure to measure flour by scooping it into a measuring cup and leveling it off with a straightedge to get an accurate amount of flour in your mixture.
Be sure not to overmix your dough. Gluten-free flours tend to be more delicate than gluten flour and overkneading can destroy the structure of the dough,eventually altering the texture of the finished product. So once the dough is moistened enough to come together, let it rest.
After shaping each portion of dough into rolls or burger buns, the next step is to proof and bake them. For better results, let them rise in a warm environment preferably covered on top with damp towel or cling wrap this traps moisture creating an ideal environment for yeast activity.
Lastly, keep an eye on your buns while baking. Because gluten-free bread won’t rise as much as wheat breads do but still rise beyond your expectations so knowing when to take it out from oven would be crucial here. To check if a bun is cooked enough, knock on its bottom; if it’s hollow then its good enough.
Compared to traditional baking, gluten-free and dairy-free tend to be more delicate baking art form, involving different techniques or sensibilities coupled with appropriate handling of ingredients will typically show in the finished bake. As long as you follow these simple tips, making Kristi’s Soft Buns (Gluten-Free!) would be a breeze, delivering that soft bread texture filled with fluffy carefree love.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Kristi’s Soft Buns recipe is an exceptional choice for anyone looking for a gluten-free and dairy-free option to their bread cravings. The recipe is easy to follow and produces deliciously soft, flavorful and versatile buns that can serve as sandwich bread, dinner rolls or hot dog buns.
By using a blend of carefully chosen ingredients such as sorghum flour, masa harina, potato starch and xanthan gum, this recipe achieves the perfect balance of flavor and texture. With the added bonus of being able to customize the recipe by substituting ingredients or adding variations such as chocolate chips, sweet potatoes or sourdough discard.
Whether you love banana bread, bao buns, hamburger buns or Japanese milk bread, this recipe has got you covered. You can make-ahead and store your buns for later use without sacrificing taste or texture.
If you have been looking for the best gluten-free and dairy-free recipe to enjoy soft dinner rolls without compromising on taste or texture, then Kristi’s Soft Buns recipe is what you have been missing out on. Give it a try today, your taste buds will thank you!
Kristi’s Soft Buns (Gluten Free!) Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ounces pineapple juice
- 1 cup water (120 degrees F)
- 5 tablespoons brown sugar, separated
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup potato starch
- 3/4 cup masa harina
- 3/4 cup sorghum flour
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- 1 tablespoon xanthan gum
- 5 tablespoons butter, separated and melted
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1 egg
- flour, for dusting
Instructions
- Combine pineapple juice and water. Add 2 tblsp brown sugar and all of the yeast. Stir to combine. If you put the yeast in too soon, the mixture will be too acidic and it will kill them, so be careful. Be sure your yeast is proofing before moving forward.
- Combine flours, starches and gums in the work bowl of your favorite mixer. Add salt, remaining brown sugar and 2 tblsp butter. Combine. Add egg and combine. Last, add yeast slurry and combine until dough starts to climb the paddle. Switch to your hook and knead for 8-10 minutes on medium.
- Using approximately 5 ounce portions, portion out your dough a piece at a time onto a floured work surface. Work just enough flour into each piece to be able to work it without it sticking to you and work each into a ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet or in a baking dish and squish them until the are about 1/2 the height of the "ball.".
- Cover with a moist towel and allow your buns to rise for at least 90 minutes. Set your oven to 350°F.
- Brush on remaining butter and sprinkle on any toppings you like. I like sesame seeds. Bake uncovered for about 50 minutes or until they are showing really nice color and both the tops and bottoms look done. Allow them to rest for 15 minutes to set their insides.
- Slice down the middle and have a sandwich. After all, you deserve one. 🙂 These are also nice toasted.