Home
Recipes
Breads
Whole Grain Bread
Millet Bread Recipe

Millet Bread Recipe

By What’s Baking

A hearty, naturally gluten-free loaf with a subtle nutty flavor and moist, tender crumb that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory toppings.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
50 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
An overhead shot of a rustic millet bread loaf with a golden-brown crust, captured in soft natural morning light streaming through kitchen windows. The cross-section reveals a light, even crumb structure with tiny specks of millet grains adding visual texture. The bread sits on a weathered wooden cutting board, partially sliced to showcase its moist interior, with a butter knife and small pot of honey nearby. A scattering of whole millet grains and flour dusting surrounds the setup, while steam gently rises from the freshly cut slice, suggesting warmth and freshness.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g millet flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g brown rice flour (or sorghum flour)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g tapioca starch</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">25g whole millet seeds</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">7g active dry yeast (1 packet)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300ml warm water (40-43°C)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs, room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp apple cider vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">8g salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">5g xanthan gum (crucial for structure)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm x 13cm (9×5-inch) loaf pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Kitchen thermometer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer with paddle attachment (or hand mixer)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Kitchen scale</li></ul>
BAKE SMARTER

Kitchen Converter

Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.

Convert
⇄
Result—

Volume uses US cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Converting weight to volume depends on the ingredient.

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a small bowl, combine the warm water (40-43°C) with honey and sprinkle the yeast over top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and activated. This foaming action confirms your yeast is alive and ready to help your bread rise.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the millet flour, brown rice flour, tapioca starch, whole millet seeds, salt, and xanthan gum until thoroughly combined. The xanthan gum is crucial in gluten-free baking as it mimics the elasticity that gluten would normally provide.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs until frothy, about 1 minute. Add the olive oil and apple cider vinegar and mix until combined. The vinegar helps activate the baking powder and improves the bread's texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour the activated yeast mixture into the egg mixture and mix on low speed to combine. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed. Once incorporated, increase to medium speed and beat for 3 minutes. This extended mixing develops the xanthan gum structure and incorporates air for a lighter loaf. The dough will resemble a thick, sticky batter rather than a traditional wheat bread dough.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Grease your loaf pan generously with olive oil or line with parchment paper. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a wet spatula or wet fingers to create an even surface. The moisture prevents the dough from sticking to your tools.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Cover the loaf pan with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm, draft-free area to rise for 45-60 minutes, or until the dough has risen to just below the rim of the pan. Gluten-free bread will not double in size like wheat bread, so don't wait too long or it may collapse during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 180°C. Position a rack in the middle of the oven.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Once risen, gently sprinkle the top with a few additional millet seeds if desired. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 99°C on a kitchen thermometer. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil after about 30 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Remove from the oven and immediately turn out onto a wire cooling rack. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy as it cools. Allow the bread to cool completely for at least 2 hours before slicing. Cutting too soon will cause the bread to become gummy and dense.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Once cooled, slice with a serrated knife and enjoy! Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or slice and freeze for up to 3 months. Refresh frozen slices in a toaster for the best texture.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 fritter
🔥 Calories: 65 calories
🥑 Fat: 3 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 7 g
🍭 Sugar: 2 g
🍗 Protein: 2 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 25 mg
🧂 Sodium: 158 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make millet bread without xanthan gum?

While xanthan gum provides crucial structure to gluten-free bread, you can substitute it with psyllium husk powder (use 1.5 times the amount) or ground flaxseed mixed with water. However, the texture may be slightly different and the bread might be more crumbly.

Why is my gluten-free bread dense and gummy?

Dense, gummy gluten-free bread typically results from insufficient mixing (beat for full 3 minutes), cutting the bread before it's completely cooled, incorrect oven temperature, or too much liquid. Ensure accurate measurements and allow the bread to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.

How can I add more flavour to homemade millet bread?

Enhance the flavour of millet bread by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, roasting the millet seeds before adding them, incorporating garlic powder or onion powder, using browned butter instead of oil, or adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavour.

Want to try something else in ...

More recipes you might like

Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.

View all
An overhead shot of a rustic round tahini whole grain loaf with a beautifully scored top, showcasing its golden-brown crust against a weathered wooden board. A cross-section reveals the bread's even, moist crumb structure with tiny air pockets throughout. The scene is bathed in soft natural light streaming through a kitchen window, highlighting the loaf's textural details and warm tones. Alongside the bread sits a small bowl of tahini, scattered sesame seeds, and a vintage linen cloth dusted with flour. A freshly cut slice displays the perfect balance between wholesome density and lightness, with a knife resting nearby on a wooden cutting board.
Breads
Whole Grain Bread

Tahini Whole Grain Bread Recipe

A hearty, aromatic whole grain bread enriched with nutty tahini that creates a perfectly moist crumb with a satisfying crust and subtle sesame undertones.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
20 mins (plus 12-14 hours fermentation)
Cook Time:
45 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a rustic loaf of Carrot Ginger Whole Grain Bread with its golden-brown crust partially sliced to reveal a moist, fiber-rich interior flecked with vibrant orange carrot shreds. The bread sits on a weathered wooden cutting board, surrounded by scattered whole grain flour, fresh carrots with leafy tops, and knobs of fresh ginger. Natural window light highlights the bread's wholesome texture and the crystallized ginger pieces that sparkle throughout the crumb. A drizzle of honey glistens as it's being poured over a warm slice, with steam gently rising, suggesting the bread has just been baked.
Breads
Whole Grain Bread

Carrot Ginger Whole Grain Bread Recipe

Moist, hearty whole grain bread studded with sweet carrot shreds and warming ginger, creating a perfect balance of earthy nuttiness and subtle spice.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
View recipe
A cross-section view of the freshly sliced Whole Grain Chocolate Bread reveals its hearty texture studded with melted chocolate chunks. Photographed in soft natural light streaming through a kitchen window, the bread sits on a rustic wooden cutting board with scattered cacao nibs and wheat stalks as styling elements. The bread's deep amber crust contrasts beautifully with its nutty brown interior, while visible whole grains add texture and visual interest. A drizzle of honey glistens on a slice in the foreground, emphasizing the bread's natural sweetness, with a steaming cup of coffee positioned slightly out of focus to complete this cozy baking scene.
Breads
Whole Grain Bread

Whole Grain Chocolate Bread Recipe

Rich and moist whole grain bread swirled with decadent chocolate chunks and a subtle hint of honey, offering a perfect balance of wholesome nutrition and indulgent flavor.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a rustic loaf with a beautifully cracked golden-brown crust, placed on a wooden cutting board with a linen towel underneath. A cross-section reveals a tender crumb with visible whole grain textures and tiny flecks of nuts. Soft natural light streams in from a side window, highlighting the bread's varied textures and warm color palette. A knife rests beside a few freshly cut slices, showing the bread's sturdy yet tender interior structure. A small dish of olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt sit nearby, suggesting serving options for this nutritious homemade loaf.
Breads
Whole Grain Bread

Almond Flour and Whole Grain Blend Bread Recipe

Wonderfully nutty and nutritious bread combining the light texture of almond flour with hearty whole grains for a perfect everyday loaf that's both satisfying and wholesome.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a rustic Olive Rosemary Whole Grain Bread loaf resting on a wooden bread board, sliced to reveal a hearty brown crumb studded with glistening black olives and flecks of green rosemary. Soft natural light streams in from a nearby window, highlighting the bread's crackling crust dusted with flour and scattered herbs. Surrounding the loaf are sprigs of fresh rosemary, a small bowl of extra virgin olive oil, and a few scattered whole olives, creating a Mediterranean tableau. The contrast between the dark olives, aromatic herbs, and nutty-colored whole grain crumb showcases the bread's rustic appeal and artisanal quality.
Breads
Whole Grain Bread

Olive Rosemary Whole Grain Bread Recipe

A rustic, hearty whole grain loaf infused with fragrant rosemary and briny olives, delivering a Mediterranean-inspired bread with a perfect chewy crumb and crisp crust.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
3 hours 30 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a freshly baked round loaf of Parmesan Herb Whole Wheat Bread on a rustic wooden board, with a cross-section slice revealing the hearty texture studded with vibrant green herbs and pockets of melted cheese. The bread's crust is deeply golden and dusted with additional Parmesan and herbs, catching the soft natural light streaming through a kitchen window. A small dish of olive oil, a butter knife, and scattered fresh herbs add context around the bread, while the crumb texture shows perfect air pockets throughout the wholesome wheat interior. Steam rises gently from the just-cut slice, emphasizing its freshness and inviting aroma.
Breads
Whole Grain Bread

Parmesan Herb Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

Rustic whole wheat bread enriched with aromatic herbs and savory Parmesan cheese creates a satisfyingly chewy loaf with a golden, crispy crust and tender, flavorful interior.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
3 hours (including rise time)
Cook Time:
40 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
View recipe