Easy Stovetop Gluten-Free Naan: Homemade Flatbread from Pizza Dough

Naan, a beloved staple in Indian cuisine, is traditionally a leavened flatbread, often characterized by its distinctive teardrop shape and soft, chewy texture. Cooked in a scorching hot clay oven (tandoor), naan serves as the perfect accompaniment to rich curries, vibrant lentil dishes, or simply as a delightful vehicle for your favorite dips like hummus. But what if you crave this delectable bread at home, without the luxury of a traditional tandoor, and need it to be gluten-free?

This recipe offers an ingenious solution, allowing you to create a remarkably similar texture and taste profile right on your hot stovetop. And here’s the best part: we’ll be making it entirely gluten-free, using a versatile and readily available ingredient – high-quality gluten-free pizza crust dough. This method simplifies the process immensely, bringing the joy of warm, homemade naan within reach for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions or specialized kitchen equipment.

The Secret Ingredient: Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Dough

This recipe owes its success to the exceptional gluten-free pizza crust dough developed by Dr. Jeff Hertzberg and Zoë François, co-authors of the revolutionary book, Gluten-Free Artisan Bread in Five Minutes A Day. Their method of preparing and storing a large batch of dough for quick, daily use is a game-changer for any home baker, especially those navigating the complexities of gluten-free baking. I am consistently delighted with the results of their gluten-free pizza crust, and it’s this very dough that forms the foundation for our incredible naan-style bread.

The beauty of using this pre-made gluten-free pizza dough lies in its versatility and convenience. If you already have a batch of their amazing gluten-free pizza crust dough chilling in your fridge, you’re halfway to enjoying fresh, warm naan! This dough’s unique composition lends itself perfectly to creating a pliable, flavorful flatbread that mimics traditional naan’s texture surprisingly well, even without the intense heat of a tandoor oven. It proves that delicious, authentic-tasting gluten-free bread is not only possible but incredibly easy to achieve at home.

Effortless Shaping: No Rolling Pin Required!

One of the beauties of this method is its simplicity. You won’t even need a rolling pin to achieve perfectly shaped flatbreads. Here’s how to prepare your gluten-free naan dough:

• For each individual flatbread, aim for approximately 4 ounces of your prepared gluten-free pizza crust dough. This is roughly the size of a small peach, making it easy to portion consistently.
• Begin with a neat, round ball of dough. This provides a good starting point for even flattening.
• Lightly dust your work surface and your fingertips with a small amount of rice flour or any preferred gluten-free flour mix. This prevents sticking and makes the dough easier to handle.
• Using your flour-dusted fingertips, gently press outward from the center of the dough ball. Continue to press and expand the dough, forming a large, relatively thin disc. Don’t worry about achieving a perfectly uniform circle; the rustic, free-form shape adds to its charm and authenticity.
• The goal is a disc about 7 to 8 inches in diameter. As you press, you can gently pat the sides to round them off if desired, but remember, rustic is good!

For the four beautifully cooked flatbreads featured in these images, a full pound of dough was used, yielding generously sized portions perfect for sharing or enjoying as a substantial side.

Cooking Your Gluten-Free Naan: The Stovetop Method

The key to achieving that signature naan texture on a stovetop lies in high heat and a covered pan to trap steam. This mimics the tandoor’s environment, creating a perfectly cooked, slightly puffy flatbread. A heavy cast-iron skillet is ideal for this, as it retains heat exceptionally well, ensuring an even cook and a beautifully browned surface.

For the most authentic flavor, consider brushing the surface of your finished naan with a small amount of ghee or butter. Ghee, an Indian clarified butter, offers a rich, nutty aroma and is widely available in South Asian or Middle Eastern markets. Its high smoke point also makes it excellent for cooking. If ghee isn’t accessible, unsalted butter will provide a wonderfully delicious, albeit slightly less traditional, alternative.

For optimal texture and flavor, this naan-style bread is best served immediately, straight from the pan. The warmth and freshness truly elevate the experience. However, if you need to prepare it in advance, simply wrap the cooked flatbreads tightly in foil and gently reheat them in a low oven when you’re ready to serve. This will help maintain their softness and prevent them from drying out.

Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Gluten-Free Naan

This versatile gluten-free naan-style bread is perfect for a multitude of culinary adventures. Naturally, it’s an ideal companion for a wide array of Indian dishes, from creamy curries to flavorful dahls and spicy vindaloos, soaking up every drop of delicious sauce. Beyond traditional pairings, it also shines as an appetizer. Serve it with your favorite hummus, a sweet and tangy chutney, or even a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip. Its soft texture also makes it a fantastic base for small open-faced sandwiches or mini wraps. The possibilities are truly endless!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have personally experienced all of these products, and I recommend them because I have found them to be helpful and useful. Your support helps keep this content going!