Gluten-Free Bread Substitutes
Whether you're packing lunch for yourself or your kids, including a sandwich is pretty standard. When you can't have bread anymore, finding gluten free bread substitutes is definitely a challenge. Most of the gluten free breads out there taste better after being toasted, something not convenient for a lunch on-the-go. Although sandwiches are generally made with bread or wraps (containing refined or whole wheat), there are plenty of other options for bread substitutes. I encourage you to think outside the box with these gluten-free upgrades.
When you go gluten free, finding a replacement for the bread in burgers, sandwiches and wraps can be a bit of a let down. There are so many gluten free versions of the bread we’ve previously eaten, but none of them are quite the same. So I’ve put together a list of ways you can still make a sandwich, without the bread. I hope this inspires you to make up something new for your next road trip or lunch on the go.
While these gluten-free bread alternatives may not have the traditional taste or texture of a bready sandwich, they each bring their own unique flavor that can really kick your sandwich up to the next level. Here are a few of my favorites...
Bread-Free Alternatives
Wraps - Try this coconut flour crepe recipe (pictured below) that stands up well to being rolled like a sandwich, and doesn’t get gooey or fall apart. I’ve made hundreds of them for retreats where we had to pack lunches to take on the river for the day. They make a great gluten free option!
Blanched collard greens - (dip in boiling water until softened) Use the green just like a tortilla or large lettuce leaf.
Romaine Lettuce Spears
Rice paper wrappers - This blog post by Inspired Taste shows how to use rice paper wrappers just like those summer rolls you get at an Asian restaurant.
Sliced and roasted sweet potatoes (Just like this)
Grilled Portobello mushrooms (this may be a little messy on the road)
Forget the bread and put everything in a bowl like this
Paleo coconut wraps made of coconut meat and water
Here is a new product on the shelves recently, egg tortillas by Egglife. This one I haven't tried yet, so if you do, let me know how it comes out.
Chef’s Note: If the wrap won’t hold up until lunch, pack the filling separately and assemble when ready to eat.
Gluten Free Breads Worth Trying from the Grocery Store
There are some really good gluten-free breads at your local store that feel just like regular bread. Like I said above most of them get better once they are toasted, so they don’t all work to take as a packed lunch. Here are some of my favorite brands for gluten free bread substitutes:
Udi's Soft White Sandwich Bread is the closest to white bread for those new to GF
Canyon Bakehouse has the sliced bread that holds up the best for making a sandwich to-go
Trader Joe's has a gf hamburger bun that I recently used to make breakfast sandwiches for a long drive. My husband says they were a hit, and I should make them again!
Find a LOCAL bakery! The best bread you will find is if its local and fresh baked.
Fresh and Fun Sandwich Fillings
What about the filling? Peanut butter and jelly is a nice combo, but can get old real quick. And if you’re working with allergies, it might not do at all. Below is a list of my favorite sandwich fillings. I always try to make my meals fresh and nourishing, so be sure to check your local farmers market for in-season ingredients.
Brown rice and beans with sliced avocado or guacamole
Almond butter and strawberry jam
Hummus and sliced vegetables
Grilled vegetables and protein from last nights' dinner (always make extra at dinnertime for your lunch the next day!)
Fresh vegetables and leftover salmon in a coconut flour wrap
What’s In Your Lunch Box?
I’d love to find out what some of your GF sandwich ideas are, so feel free to comment below! Or, share a picture with us on social media so we can see what you’ve come up with at @the.holisticchef on Instagram.
What Are You Packing Your Lunch In?
Here is the bag I use to pack our lunch for a road trip. I can stuff it with all hot food and it stays warm, or add in an ice pack and the bag can keeps it all cold. This bag works well to fill and then stuff into a backpack or other bag.
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