13 Bread Alternatives for a Gluten-free Lifestyle
Whether managing celiac disease or simply choosing to avoid gluten, giving up traditional bread doesn’t have to mean giving up on sandwiches, toast, or your favorite spreads. Thankfully, there’s a world of flavorful, satisfying bread alternatives that fit beautifully into a gluten-free lifestyle - many of which you may already have in your kitchen!
Below, we’ve rounded up 13 of our favorite bread alternatives. Some are naturally gluten-free, others are easy to make at home, proving that life without wheat can still be delicious and deeply comforting.
The Top 13 Alternatives to Bread
Each option below brings something special to the table, whether it’s that “just-right” texture, a boost of flavor, or the convenience you need on busy days. Depending on what you’re craving (and what your body needs), you can mix and match these swaps to keep things fresh, satisfying, and 100% gluten-free all week long.
1. Lettuce Wraps
Crisp, refreshing, and endlessly versatile, large leafy greens like romaine, butter lettuce, or collard greens make a great swap for sandwich bread. They hold fillings surprisingly well and add a refreshing crunch to any lunch spread. Try them with deli meats, grilled chicken, or even hummus and sliced veggies for a lighter, grain-free option. You can layer multiple lettuce leaves if you need a stronger wrapper for your fillings!
2. Rice Cakes
Made from puffed rice, these naturally gluten-free rounds are light, crunchy, and perfect for open-faced snacks. They pair well with sweet toppings like nut butter and banana or savory combos like avocado and tomato. Look for plain or lightly salted versions to keep ingredients simple.
3. Corn Tortillas
Soft corn tortillas are a pantry staple and an easy bread substitute for wraps, sandwiches, and mini pizzas. Choose varieties labeled gluten-free, as some brands blend in wheat flour. These are perfect for breakfast tacos, quesadillas, or a quick sandwich wrap on the go.
4. Sweet Potato Slices
Thick slices of roasted sweet potato can be used like toast - and they’re full of fiber and nutrients to boot! Top with almond butter and cinnamon for a sweet bite, or go savory with smashed avocado and egg. They’re naturally gluten-free and easy to batch roast ahead of time.
5. Gluten-Free Crackers
Crackers can make a delicious stand-in for bread when you're craving something crunchy. Use them as a base for cheese, spreads, or even stacked mini sandwiches. Just be sure to check the label and avoid any brands with wheat flour sneaked in.
6. Chickpea Flatbread (Socca)
Socca is a thin, savory flatbread made with chickpea flour, olive oil, and water. It's naturally gluten-free and incredibly satisfying, with a soft center and slightly crisp edges. It’s great for dipping, topping, or folding around your favorite fillings. Here’s a great chickpea flatbread recipe!
7. Coconut Wraps
If you can tolerate nuts and don’t mind a sweet-tasting wrap, these are great! These wraps are made from coconut meat and are a fantastic grain-free option that doesn’t sacrifice flexibility or texture. Their light sweetness works especially well with curry chicken salad, veggies, and hummus, or turkey and arugula.
8. Almond Flour Biscuits
For those who can eat nuts, almond flour is a great wheat flour alternative with higher protein and fiber. Soft, buttery, and full of flavor, almond flour biscuits are an excellent bread alternative for breakfast sandwiches or alongside soups and stews. While they require a little baking, they’re easy to make ahead and store well. Try this go-to almond biscuit recipe.
9. Cauliflower Bread
At the Sobeck house, we LOVE cauliflower and it isn’t just for pizza night! Cauliflower-based bread or flatbread can be shaped into toast slices, sandwich rounds, or even used in grilled cheese. While store-bought versions are available, we love this cauliflower cloud bread recipe.
10. Portobello Mushroom Caps
These large, meaty mushrooms can hold hearty fillings and are great grilled or roasted. Use them as a bun replacement for burgers or fill them with eggs and veggies for a breakfast sandwich you’ll want on repeat! We like to grill them and stuff them with breaded mozzarella sticks (homemade) and roasted red peppers in olive oil and drizzle with balsamic, YUM!
11. Plantain or Cassava Tortillas
Available in many health food stores, these gluten-free tortillas are often made with just a few whole ingredients. They’re pliable, flavorful, and a great way to introduce new textures to your meals. We love doing a combination of cassava and tapioca tortillas, full of fiber and a lower-carb option.
12. Brown Rice Paper
Used in spring rolls, brown rice paper is thin and softens quickly in warm water, making it ideal for wraps and roll-ups. Fill with veggies, protein, or tofu for a light, refreshing handheld meal.
13. Gluten-Free English Muffins or Bagels
Sometimes, you just want the comfort of a warm, chewy bagel - and we believe you shouldn’t have to miss out! Our allergen-free gluten-free bagels are a must buy! You can not tell the difference. They are certified FREE FROM gluten/wheat, soy, peanuts/tree nuts, fish/crustacean, and sesame, so you can enjoy every bite with confidence. Toast them up for breakfast, build a satisfying sandwich, or enjoy one with a schmear of your favorite spread. Available in multiple flavors and always baked with care, they’re a staple in any gluten-free kitchen. Order yours here.
Gluten-free Baked Goods in Ashburn, Virginia
If you’re looking for gluten-free baked goods you can trust, we’ve got you covered! At The Difference Baker, we specialize in baked treats certified FREE FROM gluten/wheat, soy, peanuts/tree nuts/coconuts, fish/crustacean, and sesame, The whole family can enjoy. Visit us in Ashburn, Virginia, or place your order online to explore our full menu of gluten-free baked goodness!