Rice bread is one of those delightful recipes that proves you can enjoy delicious, fluffy bread without relying on traditional wheat flour. Light, tender, and slightly sweet, it’s ideal for breakfast, snacks, or as a wholesome side to your favorite dishes. What makes this bread stand out is its unique texture — airy inside, crisp on the outside, and naturally gluten-free. It’s simple to make and packed with nourishment, offering a wonderful alternative for those looking to eat lighter or avoid gluten.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Rice Bread
This recipe is more than just a bread alternative — it’s a health-boosting staple that fits almost any lifestyle. Here’s why it deserves a place in your kitchen:
- Gluten-free and dairy-free: Perfect for people with food sensitivities.
- Soft and fluffy texture: Despite having no wheat flour, it’s tender and light.
- Minimal ingredients: You only need pantry staples and uncooked rice.
- Naturally flavorful: The subtle sweetness of rice pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet toppings.
- Healthy choice: Rice is easy to digest and rich in energy-giving carbohydrates.
The first time I made this, I was amazed by how it turned out — soft, golden, and aromatic, without a trace of heaviness. Once you try it fresh from the oven, you’ll understand why this simple recipe has become a favorite in many homes.
Ingredients
To prepare this wholesome rice bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups raw rice (Type 1 long-grain)
- 250 ml warm water (8.45 fl oz)
- 50 ml oil (1.7 fl oz)
- 3 dessert spoons sugar (26 g / 0.92 oz)
- ½ dessert spoon salt (6 g / 0.21 oz)
- 10 g instant dry yeast (1 packet / 0.35 oz)
Note: The measuring cup used is 250 ml (8.45 fl oz).
Each ingredient has a clear role: rice gives structure and mild flavor, oil adds moisture, sugar feeds the yeast, and salt balances everything.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Rice
Begin by placing two cups of raw rice into a large bowl. Cover it with 1.3 liters of water and let it soak for eight hours at room temperature. This soaking process softens the rice grains, making them easier to blend into a smooth batter later.
You can cover the bowl with plastic wrap to retain moisture. After soaking, drain the rice completely and rinse it thoroughly under running water to remove excess starch. Tap the rice lightly to remove as much water as possible and let it rest for a few minutes.
Step 2: Blending the Batter
Grease a nonstick baking dish with oil. If you don’t have a nonstick dish, coat it with oil and sprinkle a bit of rice flour to prevent sticking.
Now, in a blender, combine:
- 250 ml of warm water
- 50 ml of oil
- 3 dessert spoons of sugar
- ½ dessert spoon of salt
- 10 g of instant dry yeast
Add the drained rice to the blender. Blend for about five minutes until the mixture becomes thick, creamy, and smooth — similar to a soft porridge. This blending step is essential to achieving the fluffy texture that makes rice bread special.
Step 3: Fermentation
Pour the batter into your greased baking dish. Cover the top with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30–40 minutes at room temperature. During this time, the yeast activates and the batter will rise, doubling in volume.
This fermentation period is the secret to creating soft, airy bread. You’ll notice small bubbles forming — that’s the yeast doing its magic.
Step 4: Baking the Bread
Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C) and let it heat for about 10 minutes before baking. Carefully place the baking dish inside and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown on top.
Avoid opening the oven too early; the steady heat helps the bread rise evenly and set properly. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely before removing it from the dish.
To release the loaf easily, run a spatula along the edges of the dish. The bread should come out with a soft crumb and a lovely golden crust.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Your rice bread is now ready to enjoy! Despite being made without eggs, milk, or wheat flour, it’s remarkably soft, moist, and flavorful.
It pairs beautifully with:
- Butter, jam, or honey for breakfast
- Avocado or hummus for a savory snack
- Soup or stews as a comforting side
You can also toast it for an extra crispy bite — perfect for sandwiches or bruschetta.
Tips for Perfect Rice Bread
- Soak the rice overnight: This softens the grains and ensures a smooth batter.
- Blend thoroughly: The finer the blend, the lighter the bread texture.
- Mind the temperature: Warm water (not hot) activates the yeast without killing it.
- Do not skip the fermentation step: This is key to achieving that soft, airy crumb.
- Cool before slicing: Cutting while hot can cause the bread to collapse or become sticky inside.
- Toast for best flavor: Toasting brings out the nutty notes of rice and makes the crust irresistible.
This rice bread is so versatile that you’ll soon find yourself making it weekly — it’s a lovely way to enjoy bread without relying on gluten or dairy.
Storage and Reuse
Once cooled, store the rice bread in a tightly sealed bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
When reheating:
- Warm it briefly in a toaster or oven to restore its crispness.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread rubbery.
For longer storage, slice and freeze it in portions. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or oven — it’ll taste freshly baked every time.
Variations and Add-Ins
You can personalize your rice bread by experimenting with different flavors and textures:
- Add herbs like rosemary or oregano for a savory loaf.
- Mix in seeds such as sesame, chia, or flax for extra fiber.
- Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a tropical aroma.
- Incorporate shredded coconut or grated carrots for a subtly sweet version.
These variations make the bread adaptable for both sweet and savory occasions.
Nutritional Benefits
Rice bread offers a host of health benefits that make it a smart addition to your diet:
- Naturally gluten-free: Great for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Easily digestible: Gentle on the stomach, ideal for all ages.
- Rich in carbohydrates: Provides steady energy throughout the day.
- Low in fat: Especially when using light vegetable oil.
- No refined flour or dairy: Making it a wholesome, allergen-friendly option.
This bread proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavor or comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use cooked rice for this recipe?
No, you must use raw rice. Soaking raw rice overnight ensures it blends smoothly and gives the bread its structure. Cooked rice will not yield the same result.
→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it may produce a denser texture. If using brown rice, soak it longer (10–12 hours) to soften the grains properly.
→ Why didn’t my bread rise?
Check your yeast — it may be expired or the water temperature may have been too hot, which can kill the yeast. Also, ensure the batter rests in a warm environment.
→ How can I make the bread sweeter?
Add an extra spoon of sugar or a touch of honey to the batter for a lightly sweet flavor.
→ Is this bread suitable for freezing?
Absolutely. Slice the bread once cooled, wrap tightly, and freeze. Reheat in a toaster or oven when needed.
Final Thoughts
Homemade rice bread is proof that simplicity can be delicious. With just a few everyday ingredients and some patience, you can bake a soft, healthy loaf that’s perfect for every meal. Whether you’re avoiding gluten or just exploring new baking ideas, this recipe will surprise you with its flavor and texture.