This work intended to study the rheological and textural behavior of gluten-free dough for ‘‘empanadas’’
and pie-crusts production. Traditionally, these products are made with non-fermented wheat-based
dough. They are highly consumed in Latin America, but unsuitable for celiac people. Gluten matrix is
a major determinant of the properties of dough, thus it must be replaced with other network forming
components, such as hydrocolloids. Different hydocolloids were tested: hydroxypropylmethylcellulose
(HPMC) and mixtures of xanthan/guar, and xathan/HPMC gums. Three different kinds of lipid phase were
also studied; i.e. sunflower oil and low and high solid content margarine at two different levels (20–30%).
Changes in rheological and textural properties during refrigerated storage were evaluated by dynamic
oscillatory measurements and puncture and elongation tests on the unbaked dough. Best results were
obtained using either of the hydrocolloid mixtures. Besides, the textural characteristics of cooked
empanadas were also studied. Freezing before baking did not alter the quality of the crust in the
products. ESEM micrographs revealed a continuous matrix formed by hydrocolloid entanglements.
Starch granules were homogenously distributed in the dough and acted as inactive fillers. An untrained
panel accepted the xanthan/HPMC dough with a 74/90 score and it was significantly preferred over
a commercial gluten-free dough.