A Tale of Two Naans: Gluten-Free Sweet & Savory

If you’ve ever thought gluten-free naan bread was out of reach, think again. With the right ingredients and a hot skillet, you can create naan that’s soft, golden brown, and perfect for dipping or serving alongside your favorite Indian & Greek-inspired recipes. Today I’m sharing two gluten-free naan bread recipes:

• A quick, slightly sweet naan made with a gluten-free flour blend from the grocery store.
• A savory, fresh-milled flatbread made with whole grains like millet and sorghum, for a hearty texture.

Both versions are cooked in a frying pan or cast-iron skillet, shaped with a rolling pin on a floured surface, and turn out beautifully crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside. Whether it’s your first time making gluten-free flatbread or you’re looking for a new gluten-free version of traditional naan bread, these recipes are simple, versatile, and family-approved.

Flavor & Texture Comparison

Feature	Sweet Version (Bob’s Red Mill)	Savory Version (Fresh-Milled)
Flavor	Slightly sweet	Savory, nutty whole grain
Texture	Tender, chewy (mochi-like)	Structured, hearty, crisp exterior
Prep Time	Quick & easy	Slower, more intentional
Nutrition	Processed blend	Whole grain nutrients

The best part? You can choose the version that fits your time and ingredients—or make both for variety

Recipe 1: Sweet & Convenient Gluten-Free Naan

This easy gluten-free naan recipe comes together in minutes using Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free flour. With pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. The addition of sugar makes it slightly sweet, with a tender, mochi-like texture that kids love.

Highlights

• Slightly sweet flavor
• Quick to prepare (10–15 minutes)
• Pantry staples from the grocery store
• Perfect for dipping in a warm curried soup or served as a treat with whipped honey butter

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free flour (free flour blend)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp cream of tartar
• 4 tsp cane sugar
• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt (use almond or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
• 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter (use ghee, or dairy-free if needed)
• 1 egg, room temperature
• ¾ cup filtered tap water, warm
• Coconut oil, avocado oil, or olive oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
2. In a medium bowl, beat the egg, yogurt, butter, and water until well combined and smooth.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients with a wooden spoon to form a soft, doughy ball.
4. Divide into 8 pieces, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest in a nice warm place for 10 minutes.
5. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to flatten each dough ball into a circular shape or teardrop shape. If needed, roll between two pieces of parchment paper for a non-stick surface.
6. Cook in a hot skillet over medium heat with coconut oil for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
7. Optional: Brush with olive oil or melted butter using a pastry brush. Serve warm.

Recipe 2: Savory Fresh-Milled Gluten-Free Naan

This hearty skillet flatbread uses freshly milled millet, sorghum, and brown rice flour. The result is a savory, gluten-free naan bread recipe that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, lamb, olives, or herbed yogurt sauces, creating a truly Mediterranean experience. 

Highlights

• Whole grain nutrition from millet, sorghum, and brown rice
• Savory, hearty bite
• Best results when cooked in a cast-iron skillet
• Perfect match for bold flavors like curries and Greek feasts

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups fresh-milled millet flour
• ¾ cup fresh-milled sorghum flour
• ½ cup fresh-milled brown rice flour
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp xanthan gum
• ¼ cup tapioca flour (or tapioca starch)
• ¼ tsp cream of tartar
• 2 tsp cane sugar
• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt (almond or coconut yogurt)
• 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter (ghee, or dairy-free options)
• 1 egg, room temperature
• ¾ cup warm filtered tap water (adjust as needed)
• Equal mix of coconut oil and avocado oil (for frying)
• Extra millet flour for dusting

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flours, starch, salt, xanthan gum, and sugar until well combined.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk yogurt, butter, egg, and water until smooth.
3. Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until a soft naan dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into 8 balls, cover them with a clean tea towel, and let them rest for 10 minutes.
5. Roll out each piece on a floured surface into a circular shape. If needed, roll between two pieces of parchment paper for a non-stick surface.
6. Cook in a hot skillet (medium-high heat) with oil for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
7. Brush with olive oil or garlic butter for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These gluten-free naan breads are incredibly versatile:

• Pair with Indian curry, lentil soup, or Greek-style meats.
• Serve warm with garlic butter, olive oil, or honey.
• Wrap in a clean tea towel to keep soft until serving.
• For later use, store in plastic wrap or an airtight container and reheat in a hot pan for best results.

FAQs About Gluten-Free Naan

What’s the best way to roll out gluten-free naan dough?

Dust a floured surface and use a rolling pin to press each dough ball into a circular or teardrop shape. A little excess flour helps keep it from sticking. Another method is to roll between two pieces of parchment paper for a non-stick surface.

Can I make gluten-free naan without yeast?

Yes! Both of these recipes utilize baking powder, yogurt, and cream of tartar for lift, rather than instant yeast or active dry yeast.

What’s the difference between traditional naan and this gluten-free version?

Traditional naan bread is made with wheat flour, active yeast, and baked in a clay oven. This gluten-free version utilizes gluten-free flours and cooks quickly in iron skillets or non-stick skillets for a similar golden-brown finish.

Where to Buy Ingredients

• Amazon – Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Thrive Market – Pantry staples like olive oil, avocado oil, and spices. Get 40% off Your First Order!
• Azure Standard – Organic whole grains for fresh milling: millet, sorghum, and brown rice.

(Note: Some of these are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog!)

Final Thoughts

Whether you try the quick, sweet gluten-free naan or the savory, fresh-milled flatbread, both are delicious and easy to make at home. If it’s your first attempt at naan, start with the Bob’s Red Mill version for a simple success. Once you’re ready to explore the depth of fresh milled grains, the savory recipe is worth every minute.

Either way, these gluten-free naan bread recipes prove you don’t need wheat flour, active yeast, or a clay oven to make naan that’s soft, flavorful, and golden brown.