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What breads are egg free?

When looking for egg free bread options, there are several things to consider. First, it’s important to understand why eggs are used in bread baking in the first place. Eggs act as a leavening agent and help bread rise. They also add moisture, structure and richness to bread dough. For people with egg allergies or dietary restrictions, finding an egg free bread that still has a nice texture and rise can be challenging.

Why Avoid Eggs?

There are a few main reasons someone may need or want to avoid eggs in their diet:

  • Egg allergy – Eggs are one of the most common food allergens, especially in children. People with an egg allergy need to avoid eggs completely to prevent an allergic reaction.
  • Vegan diet – Vegans avoid all animal products, including eggs. They need egg-free alternatives for baked goods like bread.
  • Cholesterol concerns – Eggs are high in dietary cholesterol, which some people monitor and limit.
  • Religious or cultural reasons – Some religions and cultures prohibit eating eggs.

No matter the reason for avoiding egg-based breads, the good news is there are more egg free bread options available now than ever before.

What Can Replace Eggs in Bread?

When baking egg free bread, the right ingredients can mimic eggs’ leavening and binding properties. Here are some common egg replacements used in bread recipes:

Egg Substitute How It Works
Vinegar + Baking Soda Chemical leavening agents that produce CO2 bubbles to help bread rise.
Ground Flax or Chia Seeds When mixed with water, forms a gel that binds and moistens dough.
Banana or Applesauce Pureed fruit adds moisture and binds ingredients.
Aquafaba The liquid from a can of chickpeas can whip up like egg whites.
Egg Replacer Powders Powders made of starches and leavening agents to replace eggs in baking.
Yogurt or Buttermilk Cultured dairy products add moisture and tangy flavor.

Using the right combinations of these substitutions can help recreate the texture, lift and moisture that eggs provide in baked goods. Some trial and error may be needed to get the perfect loaf.

Store Bought Egg Free Breads

Perhaps the easiest way to enjoy egg free bread is to buy pre-made loaves from grocery stores or bakeries. There are a growing number of store-bought bread brands specially formulated to be egg free. Here are some to look for:

  • Sara Lee Egg Free Bread – Made without eggs or dairy. Comes in white and wheat varieties.
  • Udi’s Gluten Free Bread – Many varieties like white sandwich bread and brioche are egg, dairy and gluten free.
  • Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Breads – All varieties contain no eggs or dairy.
  • Mestemacher Egg Free Breads – German bakery offering white, whole grain and 3 seed egg free breads.
  • Solis Sprouted Breads – Contains a few egg free sliced bread options made from sprouted grains.
  • Sensible Portions Vegan Egg Free Bagels – Egg and dairy free bagels in flavors like plain, blueberry and cinnamon raisin.

Check the ingredient labels closely when buying breads labeled egg free, as some may contain hidden egg ingredients like albumin or lysozyme. Going with certified egg free brands provides more assurance.

Egg Free Bread from Bakeries

Many artisan bakeries now offer specialty egg free breads and baked goods. These are made in smaller batches and use high quality ingredients. Some bakeries to look for include:

  • Ken’s Artisan Bakery – Offers an egg free french bread and baguettes.
  • Gluuteny Bakery – Specializing in gluten and allergen free baked goods, including egg free bread.
  • Nancy’s Bakery – Egg free cinnamon raisin and sliced white bread.
  • Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery – Bread selection includes egg free sandwich, baguette and cinnamon raisin swirl.
  • Tiffi’s Gluten Free Bakery – Egg, dairy and gluten free breads, bagels and buns.

Contact your local bakeries to ask if they offer or can specially make egg free breads. Many are happy to accommodate allergy needs.

Making Egg Free Bread at Home

For the most flexibility and control over ingredients, making egg free bread at home is a great option. Here are some recipes to try:

Basic Egg Free Bread

This simple white bread omits eggs and uses dairy free ingredients to be free of all major allergens. Apple cider vinegar and baking soda create lift.

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups warm water
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. Combine warm water and vinegar in a large bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes.
  3. Whisk in sugar, baking soda and salt. Then whisk in flour and oil just until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Scrape batter into prepared loaf pan.
  5. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until browned on top and toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Let cool 10 minutes, then remove bread and let cool completely before slicing.

Vegan Egg Free Challah

Traditional Jewish challah bread gets an egg free makeover in this version that uses aquafaba and dairy free ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup lukewarm water
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3 tbsp aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Make aquafaba by straining canned chickpeas and reserving the liquid. Whip aquafaba with a mixer until foamy and fluffy.
  3. To yeast mixture, add whipped aquafaba, olive oil, vinegar and salt. Mix well.
  4. Add 3 1/2 cups flour and stir to form a shaggy dough. Knead in more flour as needed until smooth.
  5. Turn dough onto floured surface and knead 8-10 minutes. Place in greased bowl, cover and let rise 1 hour.
  6. Punch down dough and divide into 3 pieces. Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope.
  7. Braid the ropes together, pinching ends to seal. Place on parchment lined baking sheet.
  8. Cover and let rise 45 minutes. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with bagel seasoning.
  9. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown. Cool and slice to serve.

Super Seeded Egg Free Bread

Flax eggs and a blend of seeds give fantastic flavor and nutrition to this easy egg free quick bread.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 cups almond milk
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 cups white whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
  • 3 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 8×4 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a small bowl, combine vinegar and almond milk. Let sit 5 minutes to curdle.
  3. In another bowl, mix flaxseed and water. Let sit 5 minutes to gel.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, seeds, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  5. Add almond milk mixture, flax egg, maple syrup, oil and vanilla. Stir just until combined.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
  7. Bake 40-45 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing.

Tips for Making Egg Free Bread

Here are some helpful tips for getting the best results when baking egg free bread at home:

  • Use a combo of egg replacements like vinegar + flax eggs for the best texture.
  • Let dough rise sufficiently to allow yeast or chemical leaveners to work.
  • Knead the dough very well to develop gluten without eggs.
  • Add a touch more leavening agents than a regular recipe calls for.
  • Brush loaf tops with oil or non-dairy milk before baking for a soft crust.
  • Check bread early to avoid over-baking, as egg free loaves brown faster.
  • Allow bread to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
  • Store egg free bread in the fridge to keep it fresh longer.

Common Questions about Egg Free Breads

Are egg free breads healthy?

Egg free bread can be just as healthy as regular bread, and even healthier when made with whole grains and natural sweeteners. Be sure to check the nutrition label, as some egg free breads are high in refined carbs, sugar and preservatives. To maximize nutrition, make your own bread using whole food ingredients.

How do stores make egg free bread?

Commercial bakeries use specialized ingredients and processes to make egg free bread consistently on a large scale. This often includes adding gums or hydrocolloids to improve dough structure, using dough enhancers or conditioners, and precisely controlling proofing times.

Is egg free bread gluten free?

Not necessarily. Many egg free bread recipes and products do contain gluten from wheat or other grains. But egg free bread can also be made gluten free by using flours like rice, oat, buckwheat or teff flour rather than regular or whole wheat flour.

Does egg free bread taste different?

When well-formulated, egg free bread can taste quite similar to regular bread. Subtle differences like a denser texture or lighter color may be noticeable. But using binding agents like flax and adding seasoning can help minimize taste differences.

Can you make French bread without eggs?

Yes, traditional French baguettes can be made egg free. Authentic French bread uses a starter dough rather than eggs for leavening. Simply omitting the eggs from a French bread recipe yields great results.

Conclusion

From store bought loaves to bakery breads to homemade recipes, there are now many tasty options for egg free bread. With the right combination of egg substitutes and proper baking techniques, bread without eggs can bake up with great flavor, lift and moisture. Look for specialty egg free brands or get creative in the kitchen to find your perfect eggless loaf.