The Easiest Gluten Free Flatbread Recipe You Need in Your Life (dairy-free + vegan, too!) (2024)

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An easy gluten-free flatbread recipe (naan) that only takes 5 ingredients to make. It’s done in 35 minutes and can be eaten as a side with curry, or used as the base for pizza, gyros, or your favorite wrap.

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The Easiest Gluten Free Flatbread Recipe You Need in Your Life (dairy-free + vegan, too!) (1)
The Easiest Gluten Free Flatbread Recipe You Need in Your Life (dairy-free + vegan, too!) (2)
The Easiest Gluten Free Flatbread Recipe You Need in Your Life (dairy-free + vegan, too!) (3)

This gluten free naan bread recipe should probably come with a warning label.

Like…

Carbs will be extremely easy to consume label.

Or, you will eat so much bread label.

This gluten-free naan bread recipe is easy and results in a super tasty, soft, bendable, and versatile flatbread.

All you’ll need is a handful of ingredients (five ingredients, to be exact) and you’re on your way to the most delicious naan bread ever.

The Easiest Gluten Free Flatbread Recipe You Need in Your Life (dairy-free + vegan, too!) (4)

What baking ingredients do you need?

This is the best bread recipe because you only need five ingredients, and one of them is water.

Here’s what you need:

A good gluten free flour blend, salt, water, cane sugar, and yeast.

That’s it.

Ok, and oil for the pan, but that doesn’t really count, does it?

What kind of flour is best

The Easiest Gluten Free Flatbread Recipe You Need in Your Life (dairy-free + vegan, too!) (5)

Since there are so few ingredients in this bread, it’s important to use good ones, especially the flour! Not all gluten free flours are created equal. My favorite gluten free flour to use is this homemade blend.

If you want to use a pre-made bend, I like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1, Pamela’s All-purpose, and King Arthur’s Measure for Measure. Mostly, I just advise against gluten-free flours that contain garbanzo beans, or chickpea flour. It has a distinctly “gluten free taste” that is, in a word, nasty (to me ;)).

You can use any gluten-free all-purpose blend that you like, of course! Do not use plain rice flour, almond flour, or coconut flour. Even though they are gluten free, you want to use a flour blend so that the naan is soft and flexible. This requires starch and some sort of gum for the best texture.

Jump over to this recipe for my gluten free flour blend that has a great ratio of grain, starch, and gum. Then come on back. I’ll wait.

The Easiest Gluten Free Flatbread Recipe You Need in Your Life (dairy-free + vegan, too!) (6)

Gluten free naan doesn’t mean dry

This gluten free naan recipe is actually quite soft and bendable, just like the naan bread I remember eating at a restaurant in my pre-gluten-free life time. It has beautiful chew, especially hot off the pan.

I really like to brush on some oil as soon as I take these off the griddle and wrap them in a damp cloth to keep them warm.
These are best the first day, but can be refrigerated or frozen after cooking and reheated as needed.

What to eat with your gluten free naan bread

The Easiest Gluten Free Flatbread Recipe You Need in Your Life (dairy-free + vegan, too!) (7)

I like to make these…well…whenever I can justify it.

Here are some ideas for what to eat this gluten free naan bread with, just to get you started:

  • Side with Chicken Tikka Masala
  • Crust for open faced “grilled cheese” (with carmelized onions)
  • Wrap for Greek gyros
  • Falafel wraps with goat cheese
  • Crust for mini pizzas

How to roll out gluten free naan bread

Gluten free bread is notoriously sticky. It’s very much like working with a thick batter rather than regular (wheat-based) dough. While this easy bread is not nearly as batter-like as this delicious gluten free sandwich bread, it is still on the sticky side.

You can do one of two methods:

  1. Use gf flour/starch to roll out the naan.
  2. Use water on your hands to press the naan.

If you choose to use the water method, you’ll re-wet your hands and you’ll have to press the dough right onto the hot griddle. This is not great for beginner bakers.

Ya have to work fast and have no fear of getting burned.

You’ll also want to have an oiled cooking surface, no matter which method you go with.

The Easiest Gluten Free Flatbread Recipe You Need in Your Life (dairy-free + vegan, too!) (8)

Yield: 8-12

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

An easy gluten-free flatbread recipe (naan) that only takes 5 ingredients to make. It's done in 35 minutes and can be eaten as a side with curry, or used as the base for pizza, gyros, or your favorite wrap.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups gluten free flour blend
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cane sugar or honey
  • 1 packet dry yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons dry yeast)

Instructions

  1. In a measuring bowl, add warm water (about 110 degrees F, not too hot) and stir in sugar to dissolve it slightly. Gently stir in the yeast and allow mixture to proof for 5 minutes, getting nice and bubbly.
  2. While the yeast is proofing, combine flour and salt in the bowl of a mixer. I like to use my KitchenAid stand mixer, but you can mix this by hand in a large mixing bowl as well.
  3. Once yeast is done proofing, add it to the flour and mix it until smooth and fully incorporated.
  4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and cover the dough with plastic wrap or a reusable silicone cover.
  5. Allow to rise in a warm spot for 20-25 minutes. If you're in a hurry, you can shorten the time, but this will create a denser flatbread.
  6. Heat a griddle or large pan to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease the pan with a high heat oil like coconut or grapeseed.
  7. To make your naan, lightly flour a flat surface and scoop 1-4 to 1/2 cup worth of dough into the center. Flour the top of the dough ball and your hands and then use your hands to roll it into a ball.
  8. Place the round dough ball back on the floured counter and dust the top again with flour. Use a rolling pin or smooth round glass to roll out the naan until it's 1/2 thick.
  9. Use a flat spatula to help pick up the rolled dough and place it on the hot griddle.
  10. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
  11. Cook the naan on each side for 2-4 minutes, until puffy and opaque.
  12. An alternate method is to roll the dough with wet hands. To do this, wet your hands and take a large golf-ball sized piece of dough. Roll it into a ball and then flatten slightly before putting it on the hot griddle and quickly flattening with your hands.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

The Easiest Gluten Free Flatbread Recipe You Need in Your Life (dairy-free + vegan, too!) (9)
The Easiest Gluten Free Flatbread Recipe You Need in Your Life (dairy-free + vegan, too!) (2024)

FAQs

What is the trick to making good gluten free bread? ›

Tips and Techniques to make better Gluten Free Bread
  1. Use psyllium husk powder.
  2. Let the dough rest (not exactly the same as a bulk proof)
  3. Mix or knead thoroughly.
  4. Use less yeast.
  5. Bake in a tin with tall sides.
  6. Bake for longer, often at a lower temperature.
  7. Create steam in the oven.
  8. Use the tangzhong or scalded flour method.

Why is gluten free bread so hard to make? ›

It is easy to see why this can happen, gluten free bread dough needs more moisture and is often difficult to knead with conventional methods. After 45 minutes of baking at 350F a regular size loaf will look great, have a nice crust, a decent rise, and a nice hollow sound when tapped on the underside of the loaf.

Is flat bread healthy? ›

Other flatbread dough variations include a fat like olive oil or butter. Is flatbread healthy? Yes! It's one of the healthiest breads you can make because it's low in calories and fat but high in fiber.

Can vegans eat flatbread? ›

The less processed bread is, the higher the likelihood it's vegan. Moreover, flatbreads, savory, or dry types of bread are more likely to be vegan, whereas fluffier brioche-types often contain dairy, eggs, or both, making them non-vegan.

What is the biggest challenge of making gluten-free bread? ›

However, these alternative flours do not have the same properties as wheat flour, which can make baking gluten-free bread a challenge. One of the main challenges in making gluten-free bread is achieving the same texture and rise as traditional wheat bread.

Which yeast is best for gluten-free bread? ›

What type of yeast should be used to bake Gluten Free Bread? Active dry yeast and instant yeast both work well and are often interchangeable. Be on the lookout for any Rapid Rise yeast that is best for one rise. For most of us that's the way gluten free bread is baked, a single rise in the tin.

What is the hardest thing to make gluten-free? ›

“Properly balancing the starches, proteins and hydrocolloids is essential.” Aaron Reed, senior food technologist, Cargill, echoed that bread is the hardest product to replicate when developing a gluten-free product.

What are the cons of gluten free bread? ›

Gluten-free bread manufacturers also often add sugar, fat and salt to their products to make them taste better, Dr. Lee said. And in part because gluten-free breads tend to contain more water, fat and refined starch than wheat-based breads, they spoil and become stale more quickly.

Is sourdough bread gluten-free? ›

Sourdough is not gluten free, but we know that many people with IBS, gluten intolerance, or gluten sensitivity can tolerate sourdough bread. This is because the methods used to make sourdough break down some of the gluten in the flour so it is easier to digest. Think of sourdough as low-gluten rather than gluten-free.

Are soft taco shells healthier than bread? ›

A one-ounce slice of bread typically contains 75 to 100 calories. Corn tortillas, the traditional choice for tacos and enchiladas, generally have 60 to 65 calories in each small six-inch piece. Flour tortillas are slightly higher in calories because they contain added fat to make them softer and easier to roll.

What is the most unhealthy type of bread? ›

The highly processed flour and additives in white, packaged bread can make it unhealthful. Consuming too much white bread can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

What kind of bread has no dairy? ›

Most sourdough bread is completely vegan, not containing any dairy or eggs. However, some variations of the traditional sourdough recipe may contain non-vegan ingredients, like this easy, no-knead sourdough recipe, so it's always good to check the ingredients list.

Is Ezekiel bread vegan? ›

Ezekiel bread is a healthy and tasty vegan bread that includes no dairy, no eggs, and no honey. It is a truly vegan bread that is an excellent protein source. The unique sprouted grains and legumes produce a complete protein, which is something you don't typically get from bread.

Is there a trick to baking with gluten free flour? ›

Mix Batters Longer

While conventional wisdom has taught us not to overmix our batters, we've found most gluten-free batters simply need to be stirred for longer. If you're worried this will turn your muffins and cakes rubbery, have no fear. Gluten-free recipes need to have more structure.

What makes gluten-free bread better? ›

Gluten-free bread lets you enjoy bread without the risk of causing harm to your intestines. And when you swap out white flour for a gluten-free alternative, it might make your bread healthier in certain ways. Other flours often have nutrients you wouldn't get with white flour.

How to make gluten-free bread rise higher? ›

Eggs are natural leaveners that help boost the rise and volume of bread. Eggs also add moisture, flavor, and protein to gluten-free bread recipes. If you select a gluten-free bread recipe that includes eggs, you have a better chance that the resulting bread will have good color, more volume, and softer texture.

Why add vinegar to gluten-free bread? ›

Apple Cider Vinegar – Superpower your Gluten-Free Kitchen! Apple cider vinegar is often used in baking, but why? It is a great leavening agent, but it also has powerful flavour enhancing properties. I find it adds the perfect amount of depth of flavour, and helps activate baking soda creating a lovely airy texture.

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