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    Home » Sides

    Gluten-Free Naan Bread

    Published: Oct 28, 2022 · by Audrey

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    gluten-free naan bread Pinterest pin

    An easy recipe for gluten-free naan bread. This homemade soft gluten-free flatbread is a great side dish for any meal. 

    gluten-free naan bred on a brown cutting board

    Gluten-Free Naan Recipe

    This gluten free naan bread recipe makes a soft and chewy gluten-free flatbread. Homemade gluten-free naan is made with simple ingredients and is cooked in just a few minutes. The gluten-free yeast dough also has a short rising time of just 30 minutes.

    Naan is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, which is a cylindrical clay oven. I easily cooked the gluten-free naan bread in a greased cast iron skillet. I was able to get the nice charred blisters that you see with naan bread served in Indian restaurants.

    This homemade gluten-free flatbread is so much more delicious than store-bought. You can see just how easy this gluten-free naan bread is to make in the detailed recipe steps or in the recipe video.

    gluten-free naan bread recipe ingredients

    Ingredients In Gluten-Free Naan Bread

    Warm Water: This helps activate the yeast and is important for adding moisture to the dough.

    Granulated Sugar: Sugar helps activate the yeast quicker (think about it as yeast insurance).

    Rapid-rise yeast (instant yeast): I like baking with instant yeast because the dough needs less time for rising. Also, there is no ‘proofing’ required for instant yeast, so you do not need to activate it and make sure it bubbles. However, I still dissolve it in warm water and sugar to help get it started.

    Gluten-Free Flour: The most important thing in making this gluten-free naan bread is the gluten-free flour blend that you choose. Not all brands of gluten-free flour are recommended for gluten-free yeast baking. I cannot express this enough!

    Egg: This is an important addition of protein that helps in gluten-free yeast baking.

    Yogurt: It not only adds moisture and protein, but also acid to help the dough rise.

    Baking Powder: It helps support the rise of the of the gluten-free yeast dough.

    Vegetable Oil: Adds a little bit of fat to the dough.

    Salt: It is added to increase the flavor of the dough.

    gluten-free naan bread recipe steps 1-6 photo collage

    How To Make Gluten-Free Naan Bread

    • Preheat the oven to the proofing setting or to 200°F. Once it gets to 100°, turn off your oven.
    • Warm the water to 110°-115°F. I microwave the water in a glass measuring cup for 30-45 seconds. I also use a thermometer to check the temperature. If your water is too hot, it will kill the yeast. The water should feel like warm bathwater.
    • In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, stir together the sugar and warm water.
    • Pour the instant yeast into the water mixture. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow it to bubble up for 1-2 minutes. (photo 1)
    • Add the gluten-free flour and baking powder to a large bowl and stir to combine the ingredients. Make a well in the middle of the gluten-free flour mixture. (photo 2)
    • Add the whisked egg, yogurt, oil, salt, and yeast mixture to the gluten-free flour mixture in the well made in the middle. (photo 3)
    • With a large spoon, stir the dough until well combined. (photo 4)
    • With your hands, bring the gluten-free dough together into a ball. No kneading is required.
    • Place the dough in a greased, heat-proof bowl (I use a heat-proof glass or metal bowl). (photo 5)
    • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a cloth and let it rise in the warm oven for 30 minutes. (photo 6)
    • Turn the gluten-free dough ball onto a gluten-free flour dusted piece of parchment paper.

    gluten-free naan bread recipe steps photo collage 7-11

    • Using a bench scraper or knife, divide the dough into 8 equal portions. (photo 7)
    • Roll the dough portions into 8 dough balls. (photo 8)
    • Using a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough balls until flat. (photo 9)
    • Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a skillet (cast-iron preferred) over high heat.
    • Place one piece of rolled out dough in the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes until the dough bubbles and the bubbles puff up. (photo 10)
    • Flip the dough over with a spatula and cook the other side for 1 minute until golden brown. (11)
    • Repeat until all dough is cooked.
    • Brush the naan with the melted butter and serve warm.
    • If you have any leftovers, store them in an air-tight container and reheat before eating. You can reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or individually in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

    Is Yeast Gluten-Free?

    The most common kinds of yeast used for baking are active dry yeast and instant yeast. Both of these types of yeast are gluten-free. I like baking/cooking with Fleischmann’s RapidRise yeast or Red Star Quick·Rise instant yeast.

    gluten-free naan bread on a wooden cutting board with cilantro

    Gluten-Free Flour

    Gluten-free yeast dough is tricky and you cannot just use any brand or type of gluten-free flour. It is really important that you use gluten-free flour that is recommended for yeast recipes!

    I tested this recipe with three different brands of gluten-free all-purpose flour blends. I test baked with Better Batter (original blend), Better Batter Artisan blend, and Pillsbury gluten-free.

    All three of these gluten-free flour blends are recommended for gluten-free yeast doughs. Not all brands of gluten-free flour are recommended for yeast dough.

    Make sure to check the brand of gluten-free flour to see if it is recommended for yeast recipes. You can find that information on the brand’s website (example: Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 ) or sometimes on the brand’s packaging (example: King Arthur Measure for Measure).

    I really appreciate that the King Arthur Measure for Measure states that it is “not ideal for yeasted recipes” on both their website and their packaging. I have not tested my recipe with the King Arthur All-Purpose gluten-free flour.

    This recipe was developed with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend made with rice (Better Batter and Pillsbury gluten-free). I also test-baked with the Better Batter Artisan blend which is an excellent rice and gum-free flour.

    All-purpose gluten-free flour blends already have starches and xanthan gum included. Do not add more xanthan gum to the recipe or you will get gummy naan bread. All-purpose gluten-free flours are also often called a “cup for cup” or “1 to 1” gluten-free flour.

    This recipe will not work with almond, coconut, or oat flour. I also do not recommend gluten-free flour blends made with bean flour.

    Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose. Please remember that not all brands of gluten-free flours are recommended for yeast baking.

    Ingredient Substitutions for Gluten-Free Naan Bread

    I have tested this gluten-free naan bread recipe with dairy-free ingredient substitutions.

    For Dairy-Free:

    • For the yogurt, you can substitute with dairy-free yogurt.
    • For the butter, you can use dairy-free butter. I like Smart Balance buttery spread.

    gluten-free naan bread torni n half to show the texture on a wooden cutting board

    Easy Gluten-Free Naan

    Making homemade gluten-free naan bread is easier than you think! In less than an hour, you can enjoy this warm gluten-free bread. This gluten-free flatbread is the perfect side dish to serve with your next meal.

    Mama Knows Gluten Free e-book photo collage

    More Gluten-Free Bread Recipes

    • Easy Gluten-Free Bread {Dairy-Free}
    • Gluten-Free Sweet Cornbread {Dairy-Free Option}
    • Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls {Dairy-Free Option}

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    ★Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!★

    gluten-free naan bread on a brown wooden cutting board
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    Gluten-Free Naan Bread

    An easy recipe for gluten-free naan bread. This soft gluten-free flatbread is a great side for meals. 
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Indian
    Keyword gluten-free flat bread, gluten-free naan bread
    Prep Time 45 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 55 minutes
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 168kcal
    Author Audrey

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • ½ cup warm water (100-110°F) If your water is to hot, it will kill the yeast. The water should feel like a warm bath.
    • 2 ¼ teaspoons rapid rise yeast One packet of rapid rise yeast.
    • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose gluten-free flour with xanthan gum I tested the recipe with Better Batter (original), Better Batter Artisan, and Pillsbury gluten-free flour. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose. Not all brands of gluten-free flour are recommended for yeast baking.
    • 1 large egg, room temperature and whisked
    • ½ cup plain yogurt Or dairy-free plain yogurt.
    • 3 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 2 tablespoons butter, melted For dairy-free, use Smart Balance.
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to the proofing setting or to 200°F. Once it gets to 100°, turn off your oven.
    • Warm the water to 110°-115°F. I microwave the water in a glass measuring cup for 30-45 seconds. I also use a thermometer to check the temperature. If your water is too hot, it will kill the yeast. The water should feel like warm bathwater.
    • In a small bowl or glass measuring, cup stir together the the sugar and warm water.
    • Pour the instant yeast into the water mixture. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow it to bubble up for 1-2 minutes.
    • Add the gluten-free flour and baking powder to a large bowl and stir to combine the ingredients. Make a well in the middle of the gluten-free flour mixture.
    • Add the whisked egg, yogurt, oil, salt, and yeast mixture to the gluten-free flour mixture in the well made in the middle. With a large spoon, stir the dough until well combined. With your hands, bring the gluten-free dough together into a ball. No kneading is required.
    • Place the dough in a greased, heat-proof bowl (I use a heat-proof glass or metal bowl). Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a cloth and let it rise in the warm oven for 30 minutes.
    • Turn the gluten-free dough ball onto a gluten-free flour dusted piece of parchment paper. Using a bench scraper or knife, divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
    • Roll the dough portions into 8 dough balls.
    • Using a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough balls until flat.
    • Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a skillet (cast-iron preferred) over high heat. Place one piece of rolled out dough in the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes until the dough bubbles and the bubbles puff up. Flip the dough over with a spatula and cook the other side for 1 minute until golden brown. Repeat until all dough is cooked.
    • Brush the naan with the melted butter and serve warm.

    Video

    Notes

    • I tested the recipe with Better Batter (original), Better Batter Artisan, and Pillsbury gluten-free flour. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose. Not all brands of gluten-free flours are recommended for yeast baking. Please check the brand's website. 
    • For the dairy-free option, I used dairy-free yogurt and Smart Balance buttery spread. 
    • The naan bread is best when eaten warm. If you have any leftovers, store them in an air-tight container and reheat them before eating. You can reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or individually in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
    • Mama says, “Please check all of your labels!”

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8pieces | Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 174mg | Potassium: 170mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1mg
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    Did you enjoy this recipe? Please give it a star rating below in the comments. Thank you!
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    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Share a recipe pic with me and mention @MamaKnowsGlutenFree and use the tag #mamaknowsglutenfree!
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    © MAMA KNOWS GLUTEN FREE. All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please link back to this post for the recipe.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Haley says

      December 03, 2022 at 6:28 am

      When baking Naan, what type of egg substitute would you recommend? Thank you, this looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Audrey says

        December 03, 2022 at 10:57 am

        Hi Haley! I use Bob’s Red Mill egg replacer for egg-free baking.

        Reply

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    Audrey Roberts in a white kitchen for a profile photo

    I'm Audrey Roberts, a busy mama of four and I love sharing the recipes that I make for my family. I make gluten-free family-friendly recipes that are simple and delicious that you can too! I use easy to find ingredients that won't break your budget. You will also find dairy-free options and Paleo recipes. I am also the author of  The Everything Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Cookbook, which is an Amazon Best Selling Cookbook in the US and Internationally. Living gluten-free since 2010. I hope by me sharing my journey it may help you with yours.  Read More…

     

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