Healthy, Gluten-Free Quinoa Bread made by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist using soaked quinoa, oat flour, and psyllium husk to support gut health and lower LDL cholesterol. Pumpkin seeds and nutritional yeast add nutty flavor and a boost of nutrients-every slice is a smart, feel-good choice.
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This gluten-free quinoa bread isn't just delicious-it's functional. It's a wholesome way to nourish your heart and gut with every bite-plus, it's easy to make, meal prep-friendly, and it stays fresh for up to 5 days.
This Quinoa Bread recipe was inspired by my Lentil Bread and naturally sweetened Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Bread on my site. Try pairing it with my High-Protein Vegan Soup for a complete meal.
Jump to:
- ❤️ Psyllium Husk: A Natural Way to Improve Cholesterol
- 🩸Oat Flour in a Diabetic Diet
- 👩🏼🌾 Ingredients & Health Benefits
- 🌾 Substitutions
- 📖 How to Make Gluten-Free Quinoa Bread
- ✔️ Expert Tips
- 🍞 Delicious Ways to Serve Quinoa Bread
- 🛍️ Shop Recipe Cookware and Ingredients
- 🍽️ Related Recipes
- 🙋🏽♀️ Recipe FAQs
- 👩🏽🍳 Made this recipe?
- Quinoa Bread (Gluten-Free, Easy)
- 💬 Comments
❤️ Psyllium Husk: A Natural Way to Improve Cholesterol
Including psyllium husk in your daily routine is a natural way to support healthy cholesterol levels. A meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reviewed 28 randomized controlled trials with 1,924 participants. It found that taking about 10.2 grams of psyllium daily for around 8 weeks led to significant reductions in cholesterol markers:
LDL cholesterol decreased by about 12.75 mg/dL, non-HDL cholesterol dropped by 0.39 mmol/L, and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) was lowered by 0.05 g/L.
These results suggest that regular psyllium use can help improve cholesterol and potentially lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
🩸Oat Flour in a Diabetic Diet
Oat flour has a moderate glycemic index, but in this recipe, it's combined with quinoa, psyllium husk (rich in soluble fiber), and pumpkin seeds-all ingredients that help slow digestion and support blood sugar balance. With no added sugar and 7 grams of fiber per serving, this bread has a much lower glycemic impact than oat flour on its own or most store-bought breads. If you're still concerned-and since individual responses can vary-consider checking your blood sugar after eating to see how your body responds.
👩🏼🌾 Ingredients & Health Benefits
Below are some notes about the ingredients from me as an expert in nutrition.
- Soaked quinoa: A gluten-free whole grain that provides plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron.
- Oat flour: Rich in beta-glucan fiber to help lower cholesterol and support steady blood sugar levels.
- Psyllium husk: A soluble fiber that supports gut health, improves digestion, and has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and ApoB.
- Pumpkin seeds: Packed with magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats for heart and bone health. (Visit this link for a discount on my favorite brand.)
- Nutritional yeast: Adds a savory, cheesy flavor while providing B vitamins, including B12 (if fortified).
- Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the bread rise and gives it a lighter texture.
- Apple cider vinegar is added at the end of mixing to activate the baking soda; no yeast is needed for rising.
See the printable recipe card below for quantities.
🌾 Substitutions
- Oat flour - To make 1.5 cups of oat flour, blend about 1.5 cups of rolled oats until finely ground. Measure the flour after blending to ensure you have the right amount. Sorghum, buckwheat, or millet flour may be used instead, though the liquid may need slight adjustment for proper consistency.
- Quinoa - Any variety of quinoa works-white, red, black, or tricolor. Tricolor is slightly higher in antioxidants due to the red and black grains.
- Psyllium husk: Both whole psyllium husk and psyllium powder work in this recipe. (See the link below for the brand I used.)
- Pumpkin seeds - These add a delicious crunch and a boost of nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats, but the bread works just fine without them. (Visit this link for a discount on my favorite brand.)
- Nutritional yeast - Nutritional yeast adds a savory, cheesy flavor along with B vitamins, including B12 if fortified-but it's optional and won't affect the texture of the bread.
For more vegan bread recipes, visit my healthy Vegan Breakfast Recipes page.
📖 How to Make Gluten-Free Quinoa Bread
This is an overview. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Transfer the quinoa to a medium bowl and add enough water to cover it by at least 2 inches. Soak for at least 3 hours or overnight (no more than 12 hours).
- Drain using a fine-mesh strainer, rinse thoroughly, and drain well.
- Add the soaked and drained quinoa to a high-speed blender along with the lukewarm water.
- Blend on high until smooth with no visible specks of quinoa. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the oat flour, psyllium husk, baking soda, salt (if using), and nutritional yeast until well combined.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the blended quinoa mixture. Stir well until fully incorporated. Fold in the pumpkin seeds using a rubber spatula. The mixture will form a thick, moist, greyish dough within about a minute as the psyllium and oats absorb the liquid. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes to allow it to firm up.
- Lightly oil your hands. Add the apple cider vinegar and gently knead it into the dough by hand-no more than 2 minutes to avoid overworking.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into an oval loaf with oiled hands, smoothing the surface. Keep the loaf no taller than 1½ inches (4 cm) so it bakes evenly. Sprinkle with bagel seasoning or za'atar, if desired.
- Bake on the center rack for about 1 hour, or until the loaf is crusty on the outside and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a minimal amount of sticky batter.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing with a bread knife.
✔️ Expert Tips
- Soak the quinoa for at least 3 hours or overnight, but no longer than 12 hours, to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of the bread. If soaking overnight, use room-temperature water.
- Oat flour: The oat flour should be very fine. Blend rolled oats on high speed for about 30 seconds until they become an ultra-fine powder. If using a food processor, sift the flour after blending to remove any larger pieces. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Lukewarm water temperature is 98°F / 37°C.
- For the best rise, let the dough rest for 10 minutes, then stir in the apple cider vinegar just before baking to activate the baking soda.
- For a deliciously moist yet crusty loaf, lightly brush the top with olive oil every 15 minutes while baking (optional).
- Storage: This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer tips: This bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for easy grab-and-go portions. Thaw in the refrigerator or reheat directly in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
🍞 Delicious Ways to Serve Quinoa Bread
- Toasted with almond butter and chia jam - a nourishing, high-fiber breakfast or snack
- Topped with smashed avocado and hemp seeds for a satisfying, protein-rich toast
- Spread antioxidant-rich dips like beet hummus, red lentil hummus, or edamame guacamole on top
- Dipped in soups and stews - its hearty texture holds up well in brothy dishes
- As a base for open-faced sandwiches - add roasted veggies, tofu scramble, or tofu sandwich
- On its own - enjoy warm or at room temperature for a wholesome, grab-and-go snack
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🙋🏽♀️ Recipe FAQs
You'll need about 1 cup of rolled oats to make 1 cup of oat flour. The ratio is nearly 1:1 by volume, though it may vary slightly depending on how finely the oats are ground. For best results, blend a little extra and measure out exactly 1 cup of flour after grinding. Use a high-speed blender or food processor and sift for a smoother texture.
Yes! White, red, black, or tricolor quinoa all work well. White quinoa has a mild flavor and soft texture, while red and black varieties are nuttier and firmer. Tricolor quinoa combines all three, offering a more complex texture and a higher antioxidant content from the darker grains-making it a slightly more nutritious choice.
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Quinoa Bread (Gluten-Free, Easy)
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 1 ½ cups lukewarm water
- 1 ½ cups oat flour
- 3 tablespoons whole psyllium husk or powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt or salt substitute (optional)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Olive oil for brushing (optional)
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EQUIPMENT
- Blender
- Oven
Instructions
- Soak the quinoa: Transfer the dry quinoa to a medium bowl and add enough water to cover it by at least 2 inches. Soak for at least 3 hours in lukewarm water (or overnight in room-temperature water). Do not soak longer than 12 hours. Drain using a fine-mesh strainer, rinse thoroughly, and drain well.
- Blend: Add the soaked and drained quinoa to a high-speed blender along with the lukewarm water. Blend on high until smooth with no visible specks of quinoa. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil it.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oat flour, psyllium husk, baking soda, salt (if using), and nutritional yeast until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the blended quinoa mixture. Stir well until fully incorporated. Fold in the pumpkin seeds using a rubber spatula. The mixture will form a thick, moist, greyish dough within about a minute as the psyllium and oats absorb the liquid.
- Rest the dough: Let the dough rest for 10 minutes to allow it to firm up.
- Add apple cider vinegar: Lightly oil your hands. Add the apple cider vinegar and gently knead it into the dough by hand-no more than 2 minutes to avoid overworking.
- Shape the loaf: Work quickly, transferring the dough to the prepared baking sheet. (It will be sticky.) Shape it into an oval loaf with oiled hands, smoothing the surface. Keep the loaf no taller than approximately 1½ inches (4 cm) so it bakes evenly.
- Optional topping: Sprinkle with bagel seasoning or za'atar, if desired.
- Bake: Bake on the center rack for about 1 hour, or until the loaf is crusty on the outside and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a minimal amount of sticky batter. (Optional: For a deliciously moist yet crusty loaf, lightly brush the top with olive oil every 15 minutes while baking.)
- Cool and slice: Let the bread cool completely before slicing it with a bread knife.
Notes
Nutrition
This information is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate. Nutritional values may vary depending on factors such as product types and brands used.
Linda says
This is one of my favorite toast and flavor bread recipes. I love that I get a large amount of complete protein with this as well. I added Italian flavoring and some sunflower seeds to the mix as well. I slice and then freeze the seperate pieces and usually eat within the week.
Today I substituted the oat flour for my own ancient grain gluten free flour. I feel confident it will work well. 🙂 Thanks so much for your website.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I am so glad you are enjoying this bread! Thank you for sharing your variations.
Sophie Mayo says
Love love this bread! Added a few more nuts and once some dried fruit… delish! Thank you Nisha!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Great additions. Thank you for sharing.
Miryam Pagé says
Hi, is it possible to use lemon juice instead of vinegar ? Thank you. 🙂
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I have not tested this and not sure how much the flavor will change. It might rise slightly less and have a citrus note.