How to Make Bread Flour

Learning how to make bread flour at home is a simple, cost-effective trick every home baker should know. With just two pantry staples, you can whip up a reliable bread flour substitute in minutes. It’s perfect for when you're out of the store-bought stuff or want more control over your ingredients.

Recipe: $0.22

Ever found yourself ready to make bread, only to realize you're out of bread flour? We've all been there. Skip the store run and save money with this easy method to make bread flour at home using just all-purpose flour and a touch of vital wheat gluten.

The cost of a cup of bread flour is about $0.24, while a cup of homemade bread flour is a few cents cheaper. While it doesn't make a ton of difference to your budget, it can save you a lot of time and effort by making your own as you need it instead of running to the store every time.

It's quick, simple, and shockingly effective. Whether you're a bread-baking newbie or a seasoned dough pro, this recipe will become your new pantry hack.

You can use this bread flour to make any number of delicious baked goods, including Vegan Burger Buns, Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls, and Cinnamon Raisin Bagels.

🥘 Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour – It's lower in protein than bread flour, but it’s your base for this DIY mix.
• Vital Wheat Gluten – This is wheat protein in its purest form. A little goes a long way to increase the gluten strength and chewiness needed for great bread texture.

For specific ingredients and measurements, please see the recipe card below.

🧾 Substitutions

All-Purpose Flour: You can use whole wheat flour, but note that it already has higher protein and a denser texture. Adjust the gluten accordingly or skip it for hearty, rustic loaves. 1 cup whole wheat flour + 1 teaspoon vital wheat gluten = 1 cup of whole wheat bread flour.

Vital Wheat Gluten: Can’t find it? Some specialty stores label it as “wheat gluten flour” or “gluten flour.” It’s the same thing, just check the protein content (should be ~75%).

🔪 Instructions for How to Make Bread Flour

Step 1: Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 ½ teaspoons of vital wheat gluten to a bowl. (Image 1).

Step 2: Whisk or sift together until well combined. (Image 2).

Use immediately or store in an airtight container for later use.

📸 Tip: If you're doing batch prep, label your container so you remember it’s homemade bread flour, not plain flour.

👩🏻‍🍳 Storage

Store your homemade bread flour in an airtight container in a cool pantry or dry cupboard for up to 6 months. If your kitchen runs hot and humid, stash it in the fridge to keep the gluten fresh.

🍞 What to Make With Bread Flour

Now that you know how to make, store, and use bread flour, it’s time for the delicious part: baking with it! Bread flour is known for its high protein content, making it the go-to for chewy textures, strong rises, and crusty finishes. Whether you’re crafting something savory, sweet, or sandwich-worthy, bread flour brings structure and stretch to your bakes.

From rustic loaves to soft rolls and even pizza night, these recipe ideas will leave you wondering, “What kind of bread should I make next?”

Must-Try Recipes With Bread Flour

• Apple Sourdough Bread. This cozy loaf features chunks of real apple baked into a naturally leavened sourdough. Slightly sweet, hearty, and perfect for fall or any day that needs a little warmth.
• Rustic Sourdough Discard Bread. A no-fuss way to use sourdough discard with incredible flavor and a chewy, crusty finish. Great for dipping, toasting, or just slathering with butter.
• Cranberry Orange Sourdough Bread. Tart dried cranberries and citrusy orange zest give this sourdough loaf a beautiful, festive twist. A great bake for brunches, gifts, or a change of pace.
• 5 Ingredient White Bread Recipe. Soft, simple, and super versatile, this white bread is ideal for everyday sandwiches, toast, or garlic bread. Great for beginners, with no mixer needed.
• Bread Machine Bagels. Save time and effort by letting your bread machine do the kneading. Finish by hand or fully automate the process; either way, the results are chewy and golden.
• Easy Yeast Rolls for Beginners. Soft, fluffy dinner rolls made from scratch with just a few pantry staples. Perfect for holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or any time you want something homemade.
• Pizza Dough in a Bag. Great for camping or kid-friendly cooking nights, this mess-free dough comes together in a zip-top bag and bakes up into a delightfully chewy pizza crust.
• Clone of a Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll. Ooey-gooey, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This cinnamon roll recipe is everything you'd want from the mall favorite, but made in your own kitchen.

More Delicious Uses for Bread Flour

• Crusty Loaves – Think French bread, Italian bread, artisan boules, and no-knead bread.
• Flatbreads & Pizza – Chewy naan, pita, focaccia, and classic or deep-dish pizza crusts.
• Sweet Breads – Brioche, cinnamon rolls, monkey bread, and sweet breakfast loaves.
• Savory Bakes – Pretzels, garlic knots, dinner rolls, and sandwich buns.
• Bagels & English Muffins – For that trademark chew and holey interior.
• Homemade Pasta & Noodles – When a sturdy, elastic dough is what you need.

✨ With bread flour (or your homemade version) in your pantry, you’re just a few ingredients away from fresh-baked magic.

🔗 Looking for more essential ingredients?
Check out this post: Frugal Pantry Staples to Keep on Hand