Easy Gluten Free Vegan Flatbreads (No Yeast Naan Bread!)

These gluten free flatbreads are tender and flaky, with a delicious flavor that’s perfect for scooping up curries, dips, stews and salads. The vegan, naan style breads are way easier to make than you might think, and they come together quickly using just 6 ingredients! [Step-by-step VIDEO below.]

A hand holding a piece of gluten free vegan flatbread.

What are flatbreads?

Flatbreads are simple breads made with flour, liquid and salt. They’re rolled out into a thin oval (or circle) and are cooked in a hot brick oven, clay oven or skillet. This version is completely gluten free, egg-free and yeast-free, and it’s made right in a cast iron pan. 

Ingredients:

All of the ingredients for the gluten free flatbread recipe arranged on a marble surface with labels.
  • Gluten free flour: Gluten free flour gives these vegan flatbreads structure. Use a 1-to-1 GF flour that contains xanthan gum. I recommend Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Flour or King Arthur Measure for Measure
  • Almond flour: Almond flour is the secret ingredient, giving these flatbreads a tender, flaky texture. 
  • Baking powder: Baking powder helps the dough rise slightly, giving the breads a lighter texture. 
  • Salt: Fine sea salt lends flavor.
  • Full-fat coconut milk: Coconut milk hydrates the dough and lends a subtle but delicious flavor (it also makes these flatbreads vegan!). It’s important to use full-fat milk from a can (stirred well), as the fat contributes to the texture.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar helps create a flakier texture.

How to make gluten free skillet flatbreads

  • In a large bowl, whisk together gluten free flour, almond flour, baking powder and sea salt.
Process shot showing a hand whisking together the dry ingredients for the gluten free flatbread recipe.
  • Combine coconut milk and apple cider vinegar, then pour the mixture over the dry ingredients. 
Process shot showing the wet ingredient poured over the dry ingredients for the vegan flatbreads.
  • Stir until a soft dough forms.
The easy flatbread dough in a bowl with a spatula.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured piece of parchment paper and form it into a disk.
The flatbread dough in a disk on parchment paper.
  • Divide the dough into 4 pieces and transfer them to the fridge while you heat up your cast iron skillet (chilling the dough will make it easier to work with).
The flatbread dough divided into 4 pieces on parchment paper.
  • Once your pan is hot, remove one piece of dough from the fridge and roll it out between two pieces of floured parchment paper. Peel off the top piece of parchment.
A hand rolling out flatbread dough between pieces of parchment paper.
  • Swiftly flip the dough (on the parchment) into the hot oiled skillet. Peel off the parchment and cook until the bottom is golden and browned in spots, about 1-2 minutes. 
  • Using a large spatula (or two spatulas), flip the bread over. Cook until golden brown on the other side, about 1-2 minutes longer. 
  • Transfer the flatbread to a cooling rack and repeat with the rest of the dough.
Gluten free flatbreads stacked on a plate.

How to serve the flatbreads

These gluten free flatbreads are incredibly versatile! We love to eat them like naan breads alongside Indian food, curries and red lentil dal. They’re also fabulous for scooping up salads and dips (try this Spinach Artichoke Dip and this Tuscan White Bean Dip).

A hand dipping a torn piece of flatbread into a bowl of dip.

Flatbread pizza

You can even transform the flatbreads into pizzas (like these Lamb Pizzas or these Roasted Mushroom Flatbread Pizzas)! Toast the breads in a 425˚F (220˚C) oven until slightly crisp. Add your sauce, toppings and cheese, then toast again until the cheese is melted. 

A gluten free flatbread pizza on a wooden board with parchment paper.

FAQs

Can you make skillet flatbreads ahead?

Yes! These gluten free flatbreads can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, or they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

What is the trick to making good gluten free flatbread?

The trick is to use a mix of gluten free all purpose flour and almond flour. The gluten free flour gives the flatbreads structure while the almond flour makes them tender.

How do you make vegan flatbreads?

While flatbreads are often made with milk or yogurt, this recipe uses coconut milk instead, making them vegan. The coconut milk also imparts a fantastic flavor and texture!

What’s the difference between flatbread and naan bread?

Flatbread refers to a general style of bread that's flat in shape and that can be leavened or unleavened. Naan bread is a type of flatbread (it's usually made with yeast).

A hand holding a slice of flatbread pizza.

Tips for this recipe:

  • The gluten free flatbreads are made with mix of GF all-purpose flour and almond flour. Be sure to use a GF flour that contains xantham gum; I recommend Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour or King Arthur Measure for Measure Flour
  • The almond flour is key in this recipe, giving the flatbreads a tender texture.
  • As always, I recommend using a kitchen scale if you have one for measuring the flours.
  • Refrigerating the dough makes it easier to roll out. Keep the dough in the fridge until you’re ready to roll. Also, be sure to flour the parchment paper, as it’s a sticky dough. 
  • A 12-inch cast iron skillet (or griddle) works best for cooking the flatbreads. It holds its heat and provides a natural non-stick surface. However, you can use a non-stick skillet instead.
  • A large spatula makes it easier to flip the breads, or you can use two spatulas (I love my fish spatulas). It takes a bit of practice to flip the breads, but don’t worry if they break—they’ll still taste delicious!
  • For a paleo version, try these Paleo Flatbreads.

Other recipes you might like:

Watch the video!

Tender & Flaky Gluten Free Vegan Flatbreads (No-Yeast Naan Breads!)

Stay connected

I'd love to answer any of your questions and see what you're cooking!! Don't forget to give this recipe a star rating and leave a comment below. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Pinterest, and be sure to tag @nickisizemore so that I can share your creations!

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A hand holding a gluten free flatbread.
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Gluten Free Flatbreads (Vegan)

These gluten free, vegan flatbreads are tender and flaky, with a delicious flavor that’s perfect for scooping up curries, dips, stews and salads. You can also transform them into flatbread pizzas (see the Notes below)! Full-fat canned coconut milk lends a subtly sweet flavor as well as helps keep the flatbreads moist (be sure to stir the milk well before using, but it’s okay if it’s lumpy). While flipping the breads takes practice, don’t fret if they break. They’ll still taste delicious, no matter what size they are (don't miss my step-by-step video, where I show you how to form and flip the breads). Some of the flour might start to burn in the pan when cooking—if that happens just wipe it out with a damp cloth between batches.
Servings: 4 flatbreads
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment

  • 12-inch cast iron skillet
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (148g) gluten free flour (such as Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour or King Arthur Measure for Measure), plus more for dusting
  • 1 cup (110g) almond flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk, well stirred
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Vegetable oil cooking spray, such as canola or avocado oil spray

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, almond flour, baking powder and sea salt. Use your fingers to break up any clumps of almond flour.
  • Combine the coconut milk and apple cider vinegar, then pour the mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured piece of parchment paper. Dust the top with more flour. Form the dough into a disk—it should feel smooth but slightly tacky (although it shouldn’t stick to your hands). Divide the disk into 4 balls and refrigerate.
  • Preheat a 12-inch cast iron (or enameled cast iron) skillet over medium heat—let it get nice and hot.
  • Remove one piece of dough from the fridge (keep the rest of the dough refrigerated) and place it on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper. Dust the dough lightly with flour, then place another piece of parchment paper on top. Roll the dough into a ¼- to ⅛-inch thick oval. Peel off the top piece of parchment.
  • Spritz the hot skillet with cooking spray or coat it lightly with oil. Swiftly flip the dough (on the bottom piece of parchment) into the skillet. Peel off the parchment and cook until the bottom is golden and browned in spots, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Using a large spatula (or two spatulas), flip the bread over—the bread is tender and breaks easily, so be careful here (remember, if the bread breaks it’s no big deal—it will still taste delicious!). Cook until golden brown on the other side, about 1-2 minutes longer. Transfer to a cooling rack.
  • Repeat the steps with the remaining dough, being sure to flour the parchment paper and spray the pan between batches (if needed, use a damp towel to wipe out any browned flour in the skillet between batches). Keep your eye on the heat and adjust it as needed.
  • Let the flatbreads cool, then enjoy!

Notes

Do Ahead: The flatbreads can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, or they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips:
Loved this recipe? Check out for @nickisizemore for more!
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: gluten free flatbread, gluten free naan, vegan flatbread

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20 Comments

  1. How long can I keep the dough in the fridge? I am the only one eating these and wondering if I can make one and keep the remainder dough over a couple of days and use them like that?

    1. Hi there! These actually freeze beautifully, so I recommend making the whole batch then freezing the flatbreads you’re not eating right away between pieces of parchment paper in a zip-top bag or airtight container. I hope you enjoy!

    1. I'm so happy to hear you love them! You should freeze them after cooking. I layer them between pieces of wax or parchment paper (and store them in a freezer bag) so that it's easy to remove them one at a time as needed.

  2. 5 stars
    I used to make my own version of sweet potato flat breads but No baking powder or liquid ingredients aside from. Oil. Like 4 ingredients but this naan recipe is superb and less of a hassle while not being too sweet. I actually added parsley and some minced garlic to the dough and it’s incredibly addicting. Thank you!

    1. Hi Yasameen, the coconut milk is really important to the texture and flavor of these flatbreads, so I don't suggest swapping it out. I hope you enjoy!

  3. 5 stars
    Made these last night to go with a curry dish. Hands down, these are THE BEST gluten free dairy free Naan bread recipes I have made!!! My gluten tolerant husband also agrees! Making a 2nd batch into 8 vs the 4 for convenient wraps. Love, love, Love these! Thank you for this recipe!

  4. 5 stars
    Really good and my husband liked it too.
    Questions? My dough was too sticky to the touch. Should I add more flour or refrigerate longer? Other?
    Also, I rolled to1 mm or 1/6”. Is that about right for flatbread?
    Thanks for an easy and delicious recipe.
    Cathy

    1. Hi Cathy, I’m so glad you and your husband enjoyed the flatbreads! If your dough was too sticky you can go ahead and add more flour. I roll the dough to a 1/4-1/8-inch thickness, which is a bit thicker, but it’s up to you!

  5. I like the taste of yeast in my flatbreads too. Would I need to adjust the recipe? How would it change the product? And, will whole cow's milk work?

    1. Hi Sandra! I don't recommend adding yeast to these flatbreads, which would change the recipe entirely. You can use half and half or heavy cream in place of the coconut milk. I hope you enjoy!

    1. Hi Ronne, are you able to eat dairy? If so, you can use kefir, thinned plain yogurt or even heavy cream! If not, I suggest cashew cream or a thick cashew milk.

  6. Hi Nicki - could I use the cup4cup gluten free flour instead of Bob's Red Mill GF flour for this flatbread recipe? Please advise - thank you!

    Raquel

    1. Hi Raquel! Yes, you can use Cup 4 Cup in place of the Bob's Red Mill Flour. I hope you enjoy!