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Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of bread flour?

All-purpose flour + vital wheat gluten and High-gluten flour are the easiest swaps. Below: 2 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.

The quick answer

All-purpose flour + vital wheat gluten. Use the same amount. 1 cup AP + 1 tsp vital wheat gluten per cup.

Adjust: Add gluten enhancer per above ratio.

  1. All-purpose flour + vital wheat gluten

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    1 cup AP + 1 tsp vital wheat gluten per cup.

    Flavor
    Same.
    Texture
    Same chewy structure.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Add gluten enhancer per above ratio.
    Best for
    Breads, Pizza dough

  2. High-gluten flour

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Already ~14% protein — direct swap.

    Flavor
    Same.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    ID exactly the same protein target.
    Best for
    Bagels, Pizza

Common questions

What is the best substitute for bread flour?

All-purpose flour + vital wheat gluten is the closest swap. Use the same amount. 1 cup AP + 1 tsp vital wheat gluten per cup.

How much should I use instead of bread flour?

It depends on the swap. All-purpose flour + vital wheat gluten: Use the same amount. High-gluten flour: Use the same amount.

Recipes that use bread flour

Scale it to your recipe

Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.

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