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    Pinch Me Good! » Healthy Snacks and Appetizers » Gluten Free Naan Bread (Yeast-Free)

    Gluten Free Naan Bread (Yeast-Free)

    February 27, 2022 by Amy Estes 17 Comments

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    Please note that some of the links are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links.

    This Gluten Free Naan Bread is yeast-free and is so easy to make. It comes together in 20 minutes with a few simple ingredients. Packed with garlic and, herb flavors and it goes great with soups, chili, and so many other recipes.

    Pile of gluten free naan bread on a white plate topped with some oil and chopped parsley.

    This gluten free nanna bread is wonderfully soft and fluffy thanks to the use of greek yogurt, gluten free flour, baking powder, and a little bit of seasoning and butter. You can make it ahead and reheat it to serve with your favorite soups or chili or even use it as a base for pizza!

    It is just as good as these gluten free bagels that we are also obsessed with. I used the same type of flour mixed with the yogurt concept to keep this naan bread recipe healthy, simple and so delicious.

    Why you’ll love this recipe

    • It is a delicious and easy gluten-free bread that the whole family will love!
    • Made healthier with the use of greek yogurt and gluten-free flour.
    • It is yeast-free!
    • Pairs great with your favorite gluten free dinners!
    • Takes only 20 minutes or less to make it!
    • It stores great and can easily be made ahead of time.
    Close up of golden, fluffy gf naan bread with a garnish of sea salt and parsley.

    I love soft and fluffy naan bread and I usually will get it if we are out at a restaurant and they offer it. Unfortunately, I have rarely come across a restaurant that serves gluten free naan bread. So, I decided to make my own!

    What is naan bread?

    Naan bread is a traditional Asian flatbread that is usually made with wheat flour (which contains gluten). Traditionally, it is made in a tandoori oven but in this recipe, a cast iron pan works out great for a very similar result.

    This gluten-free naan bread is inspired by the traditional version but is not 100% authentic naan since it is not made with wheat flour, eggs, or vegetable oil.

    This recipe is made a little healthier by using gluten-free flour, greek yogurt, and coconut milk.  There is also no yeast in this recipe which is great for people that prefer yeast-free bread. 

    Is Authentic Naan Bread Gluten Free?

    Traditional naan bread is not usually gluten-free. Additionally, I was not able to find any gluten-free versions at any grocery stores or online. This is why I needed to come up with my own gluten-free version. This naan recipe is gluten-free and so easy to make!

    Ingredients for gluten free naan with labels for each ingredient.

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    • Gluten-free all-purpose flour – this is the base of this bread recipe. You want to use an all-purpose gluten-free flour that contains xanthan gum. It should show this in the ingredients. See my section below for the best flours to use.
    • Greek yogurt – plain greek yogurt. You can use full-fat- reduced-fat, or fat-free, they all work great! Dairy-free greek yogurt will also work.
    • Milk – I used plant-based coconut milk to reduce the dairy in this recipe but any type of milk will work. Just make sure to use unsweetened milk.
    • Seasoning – garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt add so much great flavor to this bread.
    • Olive oil + butter – for cooking the naan and to help it get that nice golden crust on the outside. It’s so good! You could also use ghee in place of the butter if you prefer.
    • Baking powder – this helps to give the naan some lift since it has no gluten or yeast in it. Make sure it is not expired or this recipe will not work.

    How to make gluten-free naan bread

    1. Mix up the wet ingredients in a medium bowl.
    2. In a separate larger bowl, mix the dry ingredients.
    3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients into a chunky, slightly wet dough.
    4. Fold the dough onto a floured, flat surface and knead it with your hands for a few minutes until it can easily be formed into a smooth ball of dough.
    5. Then divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Use your hands to flatten each piece of dough out into oblong shapes that are about 6 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 1/8 inch thick.
    6. Brush each piece of naan bread with some melted butter.
    7. Heat a cast iron pan to medium heat and add some olive oil to the pan to fully coat the bottom of the pan – about 2 teaspoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1-2 pieces of the naan bread to the pan, butter side down. Brush the other side with more butter. Cook the naan for 2 minutes per side then remove it from the pan and sprinkle it with sea salt and chopped parsley. Continue until you have cooked all of the naans.
    8. Serve and enjoy!
    Mix up wet and dry ingredients
    Combine
    Knead into a ball of dough
    Divide into 8 pieces
    Roll out + brush with butter
    Cook
    Plate full of naan bread with a bowl of parsley behind it.

    Tips for making this naan bread

    • Use a gluten free all purpose flour that is a one-to-one flour and contains xanthan gum. You can also use bread flour if you do not need to keep this recipe gluten-free.
    • Choose the right type of yogurt. Plain greek yogurts like Fage or Chobani work best in this recipe.
    • Check your baking powder. Make sure your baking powder is not expired or this recipe will not work.
    • Knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes before you cut it into pieces. This will help it bond together and roll out easier. You could also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to do this.
    • Handling the dough. This dough is sticky at first, so make sure you roll it out on a well-floured surface then add a little bit more flour as you knead it. If you are using the stand mixer to do the kneading for you then add a little bit of flour if it looks too sticky (about 1/2 tablespoon a little bit at a time as needed). Too much flour will make the dough dense and not turn out as light and fluffy.
    • Shaping the dough. Shape the dough into round, oblong shapes that are similar in size for more even cooking.
    • Use a bit of butter. Make sure to brush the naan with butter before you cook it since this is what gives it that nice golden outer layer that is so delicious and makes it taste just like traditional naan bread.

    What is the best flour to use for gluten-free Naan Bread?

    Any brand of gluten-free flour that is a 1:1 blend will work just fine in this recipe. I tested this naan with Bob’s Red Mill 1 for 1 Baking Flour and King Arthur’s Measure For Measure brands since that is what most people have access to.

    I did also test this recipe using almond flour and coconut flour and although it worked, the taste and texture were very different. The naan was not as light and fluffy and was not as durable either.

    How long will this gltuen free naan bread keep?

    Like any bread, this naan bread is best if eaten right away since that is when it is the freshest. You can store it and reheat it and it will still be delicious but may lose some of its fluffy texture. See below for storing and reheating tips.

    Plate of fluffy herb and butter bread with a piece torn open.

    Can you freeze naan?

    Yes, you can. Here are the steps on how to freeze naan bread.

    • Once you have made the naan bread, let it cool completely then wrap each piece of bread in plastic wrap and then foil.
    • Place the wrapped bread into a freezer-friendly container and keep it in the freezer for up to 30 days.

    Make ahead and storing suggestions

    You can easily make this gluten-free naan ahead of time.

    • To make it ahead: make the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to one day before you make it. Just make sure to let the dough sit on the counter for at least 20 minutes before you roll it out since it rolls out better at room temperature.
    • To store naan bread: after you have cooked the bread, let it cool completely. Then keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    How do you reheat naan bread?

    • To reheat naan bread: Remove it from the refrigerator, unwrap it and warm it up in a cast iron pan on medium heat for 2-3 minutes (about 1 minute per side) or in the oven at 390 degrees F for 5-7 minutes.
    • To reheat from frozen: When you are ready to eat it, remove it from the freezer and unwrap it. Place it on a clean paper towel and heat it in the microwave for 45-60 seconds. You can also leave it on the counter for 15 minutes then warm it in a pan for 1-2 minutes per side.

    What goes with naan bread?

    • Naan bread makes a great appetizer with some classic hummus and veggies or red pepper hummus. I also love to serve it with some spinach artichoke dip or tzatziki.
    • You can also serve it alongside some curry butternut squash soup, lentil soup or creamy asparagus soup. It would even be a great side for some healthy chili.
    • It also makes a great side with these greek meatballs and a cucumber tomato salad.

    FAQ’s

    What is the difference between naan bread and pita bread?

    The main difference between naan bread and pita bread is that pita bread doesn’t usually contain yogurt or butter. Naan is also a flatbread and pita bread is a thinner bread that can be used as a sandwich bread since it can be split open. Naan is typically served as a side or as naan pizza.

    Can you make this recipe dairy-free?

    Yes, you can! You can use dairy-free Greek yogurt like “Kite Hill” to replace Greek yogurt and dairy-free butter or ghee to replace butter.

    Can you use regular flour or bread flour in this recipe?

    Yes, you can use regular flour or bread flour in this recipe if you do not need to keep it gluten-free.

    Layered naan flatbreads on a white plate topped with chopped green herbs and sea salt with more herbs behind it.

    More gluten-free bread recipes to try

    • Gluten Free Zucchini Banana Bread
    • Gluten Free Air Fryer Bagels
    • Easy Gluten Free Herb Biscuits
    • Gluten Free Pita Bread

    Questions? Leave a comment below!

    Like the recipe? Leave a comment below!

    Made this recipe? Comment below and leave a rating!

    You can also tag me on Instagram @pinchmegoodfood so I can see your creation.

    Print
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    Healthy Gluten Free Naan Bread – Yeast-Free


    ★★★★★

    5 from 2 reviews

    • Author: Amy
    • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Yield: 8 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    This light and fluffy gluten-free naan bread can be made in 20 minutes with only a few simple ingredients. It is so delicious and easy to make and it goes great served with soups, chilis, salad, or even used as a base for pizza!


    Ingredients

    Scale

    Wet ingredients

    • 1/4 cup plain Greek Yogurt 
    • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk
    • 2 teaspoons olive oil – plus more for cooking the naan

    Dry ingredients

    • 1.5 cups gluten free all purpose flour – see notes
    • 2 teaspoons gluten free baking powder
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
    • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

    Other

    • 1/4 cup melted butter
    • Fresh chopped parsley – optional for garnish

    Instructions

    1. Mix up the wet ingredients in a medium bowl.
    2. In a separate larger bowl, mix the dry ingredients.
    3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients into a chunky, slightly wet dough.
    4. Fold the dough onto a floured, flat surface and knead it with your hands for a few minutes until it can easily be formed into a smooth ball of dough.
    5. Then divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Use your hands to flatten each piece of dough out into 8 oblong shapes that are about 6 inches long, 4 inches wide, and about 1/8 inch thick each.
    6. Brush each piece of naan bread with some melted butter.
    7. Heat a cast iron pan to medium heat and add some olive oil to the pan to fully coat the bottom of the pan – about 2 teaspoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1-2 pieces of the naan bread to the pan, butter side down. Brush the other side with more butter. Cook the naan for 2 minutes per side then remove it from the pan and sprinkle it with sea salt and chopped parsley. Continue until you have cooked all of the naans.
    8. Serve and enjoy!

      Equipment

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      Notes

      • Use a gluten free all purpose flour that is a one-to-one flour and contains xanthan gum. You can also use bread flour if you do not need to keep this recipe gluten-free.
      • Plain greek yogurt like Fage or Chobani works best in this recipe.
      • Make sure your baking powder is not expired or this recipe will not work.
      • This dough is sticky at first, so make sure you roll it out on a well-floured surface then add a little bit more flour as you knead it.
      • You can store this naan bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it right on the stovetop for a few minutes in a cast iron pan. 
        • Prep Time: 15 minutes
        • Cook Time: 10 minutes
        • Category: Healthy snacks and appetiser
        • Method: Stovetop
        • Cuisine: Mediterranean

        Keywords: gluten free naan bread, naan bread recipe, naan bread , naan, gluten free bread

        Did you make this recipe?

        Tag @pinchmegoodfood on Instagram and hashtag it #pinchmegoodfood

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        Filed Under: Freezer-Friendly Meals, Gluten-Free, Healthy Fall Favorites, Healthy Snacks and Appetizers, Kid-Friendly, Meal Planning and Prep, Vegetarian Meals

        Reader Interactions

        Comments

        1. Tamera L Upshaw

          March 1, 2022 at 7:48 am

          Could I try this with almond flour instead?

          Reply
          • Amy

            March 1, 2022 at 7:11 pm

            Hi Tamera, I tested it with almond flour and it didn’t work out. It was dry and dell apart.

            Reply
        2. Lou

          March 2, 2022 at 9:42 am

          This is so good. I could not stop eating it! Love that it is not calorie laden either. This is a keeper Amy.

          Thank you

          ★★★★★

          Reply
        3. Jennifer

          March 7, 2022 at 1:34 am

          I’ve been dying to try making naan and this looks great! My son is dairy free, and I’m nut free. Wondering if these alterations would work?
          Soy yogurt vs Greek
          Soy milk vs coconut milk
          Margarine vs butter
          Thank you!

          Reply
          • Amy

            March 8, 2022 at 6:56 am

            Hi Jennifer, I bet you could use dairy free Greek yogurt like the “kite hill” brand. I am actually going to test it since so many people have asked for a dairy free version, so thank you for asking.

            Reply
        4. Lien

          March 7, 2022 at 7:03 am

          Hello, is there anything I can sub the Greek yogurt for like apple cider vinegar?

          Reply
          • Amy

            March 8, 2022 at 6:53 am

            Hi Lien, you can try dairy free Greek yogurt like “kite hill” brand. I don’t think apple cider vinegar will work.

            Reply
        5. Janel

          March 8, 2022 at 1:36 am

          i would really like to try a dairy free version of this… any ideas for substitution on the Greek yogurt? or could it be left out?

          Reply
          • Amy

            March 8, 2022 at 6:47 am

            Hi Janel, you can try to sub the Greek yogurt with dairy free Greek yogurt like ‘KITE HILL” brand. I haven’t tested the recipe with it but I bet it would work.

            Reply
        6. Kathy

          September 18, 2022 at 8:58 am

          Would this work with cow’s milk?

          Reply
          • Amy Estes

            September 19, 2022 at 8:33 am

            Hi Kathy, yes you can use regular milk.

            Reply
        7. Andra

          October 29, 2022 at 8:39 pm

          Could I use vegan sour cream instead of yogurt?
          Thank you

          ★★★★★

          Reply
          • Amy Estes

            November 2, 2022 at 11:56 am

            Hi Andra, I bet that would work but I did not test the recipe using vegan sour cream.

            Reply
        8. LeKita

          November 11, 2022 at 8:58 pm

          Hello. Can I bake this instead of frying in a cast iron skillet?

          Reply
          • Amy Estes

            November 14, 2022 at 9:31 am

            Hi Lekita, I haven’t tried baking this naan bread but you can try it! I would probably bake it at 375 degrees F until golden.

            Reply
        9. Catherine

          January 31, 2023 at 5:35 pm

          Can left overs be frozen ?

          Reply
          • Amy Estes

            February 1, 2023 at 10:07 am

            Hi Catherine, Yes, you can freeze any leftovers. Wrap each piece of bread in plastic wrap, then in foil tightly, and store in a freezer-friendly container. More detailed freezing instructions are at the bottom of the post. Enjoy!

            Reply

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