The Joy of Simple Gluten-Free Flatbread: A Recipe That Feels Like Home
Hey friends! You know those days when you just crave something warm, comforting, and utterly satisfying? For me, that often manifests as a strong desire for fresh bread. But, being gluten-free, the journey to find that perfect loaf has been, well, a journey! Let's just say I've had my fair share of crumbly disasters. But today, I'm thrilled to share a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen: incredibly easy and versatile gluten-free flatbread.
This isn't your average, complicated gluten-free bake. This is the kind of recipe you can throw together on a whim, perfect for pairing with creamy dips, wrapping around grilled veggies, or simply enjoying slathered with a bit of herbed butter (more on that later!). What I truly love about this recipe is that it's not just "good for gluten-free;" it's genuinely just plain good. It's a delightful testament that delicious and uncomplicated are not mutually exclusive; and that means even if you are not gluten free you will enjoy this recipe.
The secret? We're focusing on flavor and technique, not a laundry list of exotic ingredients. It's all about simplicity, and a little bit of love. So, let's get our hands doughy (pun intended!) and create some magic.

What You'll Need: Your Gluten-Free Flatbread Arsenal
Here is what you will need to create this delicious easy bread recipe:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (make sure yours has xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon if not)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus additional for cooking
- ¾ cup warm water (not hot - about 100-110°F. Too hot, and you impede the rising effect, too cold and it won't work.)
Note on that gluten-free flour blend: Not all are created equal! I recommend using a blend that includes a mixture of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch--these tend to give the best texture. Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 and King Arthur Measure for Measure are reliable choices. If you are feeling adventurous you can also try sorghum or cassava flour. And remember, if your blend doesn't include it, you'll need that ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum for the ideal texture.
For a dairy free option consider plant-based milk instead of water.
Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Flatbread Fun
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty!
- Combine the Dry: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure these are well combined – no one likes a salty surprise in their bread.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then add the olive oil and warm water. Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, start mixing everything together. The dough will initially be a bit shaggy, but that's perfectly normal for this recipe.
- Knead Time: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (using more of your gluten-free flour). Now, the fun part! Start kneading for about 3-4 minutes. The dough may feel a tad sticky, which is okay, don't be tempted to add too much flour as this can make the bread too dry. You want more of a soft pliable dough ball here. Don't worry if it's not perfectly smooth, we are not creating a delicate pastry, this should be rustic!
- Rest the Dough: Form the dough into a smooth ball, and place it back in the mixing bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes (or even longer if you have the time). This step allows the flour to hydrate properly, which will make all the difference in texture.
- Heat the Pan: While the dough is resting, heat a large skillet or a cast iron skillet over medium heat. I love the even heat distribution a cast iron skillet provides, but your regular skillet will work just fine. Add a teaspoon of olive oil to the pan once it's warm.
- Divide the Dough: Once the dough has rested, gently divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, and place them on a floured surface.
- Roll Them Out: Using a rolling pin, roll out each ball of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. The general shape should be circular, but don't stress too much about this. It's a rustic flatbread, and a bit irregular is just fine, that's what makes it homemade!
- Get Cooking: Place one flatbread into the hot pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly puffed up. You might see it bubble up too, that's totally normal. If it's browning too quickly, reduce the heat just a touch to avoid burning.
- Repeat: Remove the cooked flatbread to a plate wrapped in a tea towel to keep it warm, and repeat with the remaining dough. Ensure you are not overcrowding your pan. This may need to be done in batches. You may need to add more olive oil as you cook to ensure the flatbreads don't stick.
- Serve and Enjoy! These flatbreads are best served warm, straight away. Don't be shy, go wild with your favorite toppings.
Tips and Tricks: Taking Your Flatbread to the Next Level
- Herb-Infused Goodness: Add some finely chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dough for a savory twist. Imagine a rosemary-garlic flatbread dipped in olive oil… yes, please!
- Cheese, Please! For a cheesy version, sprinkle some grated parmesan or other hard cheese over the flatbreads during the last minute of cooking. It gets golden brown and oh-so-tasty!
- Spice it Up: A pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika can add a delightful kick.
- Sweet for the Sweet Tooth Sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar over your flatbread after cooking, and you can enjoy a light sweet treat.
- Dipping Delights: Serve your flatbreads with a variety of dips, like hummus, tzatziki, or baba ghanoush.
- Make it a Wrap: Fill the warm flatbreads with grilled veggies, falafel, or leftover roasted chicken for a quick and easy meal.
- Storage: If you plan to have leftovers, be sure to let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container. To enjoy them again, you can warm them up in a skillet, microwave or even a toaster.
Get Your Exclusive Cookbook: "Be Gluten Free"

Recipe Card: Gluten-Free Flatbread
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yields: 4 flatbreads
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum or add ½ tsp)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus additional for cooking
- ¾ cup warm water
Instructions:
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add olive oil and warm water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for 3-4 minutes.
- Form into a ball, cover, and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Heat a pan over medium heat with 1 tsp olive oil.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal parts.
- Roll each into approximately ¼ inch thickness.
- Cook each flatbread for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and puffed
- Enjoy warm!
Product Recommendations
And speaking of creating masterpieces, having the right tools makes all the difference, right?:
- Using a cast iron skillet ensures even cooking and enhances the delicious flavor.
- A good rolling pin and baking mat can come in handy for this and other baking projects
- If you find yourself doing a lot of baking, a stand mixer could be a great investment which will make a variety of your baking even easier.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Your own homemade, incredibly easy gluten free flatbread. Whether you're gluten-free, just curious about baking, or looking for a fun new recipe, I hope this becomes a go-to in your kitchen. The best part? It's endlessly customizable, perfect for unleashing your creativity, and a reminder that the simplest things in life truly can be the most satisfying. Happy cooking! And, as always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need any tips!
2 Comments
Thank You so much. It looks easy and delicious I will try for sure as I love flat bread
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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