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    Home » Recipes » Gluten Free Baking

    Published: Jun 29, 2020 · Modified: Jun 2, 2022 by Jen Wooster

    Unleavened Turkish Flatbreads

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    gluten free bread without yeast
    stovetop flatbread
    gluten free flatbread
    gluten free unleavened bread recipe for pinterest

    Our favorite gluten-free unleavened bread recipe is this Yufka, a Turkish-style flatbread. This gluten-free version is rolled thin and cooked on the stovetop. No yeast or baking is required!

    Perfect for wraps or dessert crepes. Or just slather with butter and honey and call it a day! It is similar to a homemade soft chapati or roti. And sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I love it paired with our spicy lamb vindaloo or our Vietanmese-style grilled pork.

    gluten free flatbread
    Yufka- Unleavened Turkish Flatbreads (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan)

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to:
    • Why This is the Best Flatbread Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Yufka
    • Expert Tips
    • Gluten Free Flatbread Pairings
    • Storing Leftovers
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Unleavened Turkish Flatbread
    • ⭐Reviews

    First off, I want to give a shout out to My Cooking Journey, another food blog that has a bunch of flatbread recipes from different regions. This is where I discovered the stovetop cooking method for flatbreads and learned about Yufka to start with.

    This recipe might seem like it has a lot of steps. But in reality, it is very easy. We broke it down into easy to follow steps and the hands-on time is minimal thanks to the limited number of ingredients (and no yeast!).

    Why This is the Best Flatbread Recipe

    • Gluten Free
    • Naturally Dairy Free
    • Vegan
    • Limited ingredients
    • Made without yeast
    • Cooked in a pan rather than baked
    Is flatbread naturally gluten-free?

    Not typically but it depends on the recipe. Most are made from wheat flour, not gluten-free, or corn flour, which is gluten-free. Leavened flatbreads may also contain gluten depending on the type of yeast used.

    This version is made gluten-free using a gluten-free flour blend.

    What does unleavened mean?

    Unleavened means made without yeast. Beyond Yufka, other unleavened breads include tortillas, roti, matzah, arepas, and some types of lavash.

    flatbread with hummus

    Ingredients

    When using so few ingredients in a recipe it is important that they are fresh and of good quality. It really makes a difference in the final product.

    For this GF flatbread recipe, you will need:

    • Gluten-Free Flour
    • Kosher Salt
    • Water
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    What is the best gluten-free flour for flatbreads?

    This recipe works for both gluten-free flour and regular all-purpose flour. I have used the Namaste brand gluten-free flour which can be found online at Amazon and at Costco and Bob's Red Mill All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour blend which has a chickpea base. Additionally, I have used a homemade flour blend and Pillsbury's gluten-free flour blend with equal success. If your flour doesn't have xanthan gum you will need to add ¼ teaspoons.

    comparing the color and texture of rice flour vs chickpea flour

    How to Make Yufka

    Making unleavened bread is easy. The key is letting the dough rest. Gluten-free baking generally benefits from a good rest before the bake. The minimum for resting the dough is 4 to 5 hours but I prefer overnight.

    Step 1: Make the Gluten Free Dough

    Mix the salt, flour, and xanthan gum (if your mix doesn't have it) in a mixing bowl. Give it a quick stir.

    add salt to gluten free flour

    Slowly add the warm water. You might not use all of it. But the dough should just come together. You can mix the water with your hands or use a paddle attachment on a stand mixer (my preference).

    adding water to mixing bowl

    Step 2: Knead the Dough

    Once the flour and water are thoroughly combined. Add the olive oil and start kneading the dough until it is very soft and smooth.

    adding olive oil to dough

    When using a stand mixer, I switch to a dough hook to help knead. Gluten-free flour can be sticky, and the hook can help speed things up. It will look something like the picture below.

    kneaded dough in bowl

    Step 3: Rest the Dough Overnight

    Cover the dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours and up to 24 hours.

    Don't skip this step! Gluten free bread tends to be dry and crumbling. Resting the dough so it fully hydrates is a key step.

    GF dough being wrapped in plastic wrap

    Step 4: Roll the Dough

    Once the dough is rested, divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and form it into small round balls. You can weigh them out if you like. But Yufka is a more casual style flatbread, so I skip this step.

    Cover with a towel and let the dough balls rest on the counter for about 15 minutes. The dough is easier to roll at room temperature.

    gluten free flatvread dough divided into equal peices

    After resting at room temperature. Use your hands to flatten out the dough into small discs.

    Lightly dust the counter and each ball with gluten-free flour, start rolling the dough. Roll it as thin as possible without tearing the dough. Dust more flour on the counter between rollings.

    rolling the yufka very thin

    Step 5: Cook the Flatbread

    For the best results, you want to use a cast-iron pan. If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use a heavy-bottomed flat pan or a griddle.

    The Yufka will cook quickly, about 2 minutes per side. Therefore plan to work fast.

    Keep the cooked yufka on a tray with a kitchen towel over until you are ready to serve.

    Start by heating your oil over medium heat. Add one flatbread at a time. Cook on one side until the flatbread starts to get puffy spots like the picture below. About 2 minutes.

    flatbread puffing up

    Then flip the flatbread and cook until golden brown. Another 2 minutes. You will want to very lightly oil the pan in between flatbreads.

    stovetop flatbread

    Expert Tips

    • The dough can be very sticky. Spray oil on your dough hook in order to prevent sticking.
    • If kneading by hand, make sure your hands are damp with water to prevent sticking.
    • I find that once I get to the rolling and cooking part it goes much faster with two people. One rolls, the other cooks the flatbreads. When making alone I separate the rolled out pieces between parchment. Once all rolled, I then cook the flatbreads.

    • Use filtered water for a neutral-tasting flatbread.
    • If the dough is tearing or is hard to roll. Let is rest on the counter for another 15 minutes. Be sure to cover with a dishtowel.
    • You can use a griddle or grill pan if you don't have a cast-iron pan available.
    upclose shot of turkish flatbreads

    Gluten Free Flatbread Pairings

    Not sure what to pair your flatbreads with? Here are a few of our favorite entrees that would benefit from a little bread on the side. Plus our favorite fruit spread for a scrumptious dessert option.

    Strawberry Butter Fruit Spread

    A simple sugar free fruit butter spread. Only four ingredients using your own favorite berry combination.
    go to recipe Pin for later
    strawberry fruit spread in a bowl

    Citrus Shredded Beef (Crockpot)

    Easy slow cooker shredded beef recipe with citrus flavors and a unique spice blend. Perfect for meal preppers as this delicious recipe can be used for tacos, lunch bowls, enchiladas, and more!
    go to recipe Pin for later
    Shredded beef with garnished with cilantro on a plate.

    Spice Crusted Flank Steak

    A mild spiced seasoning perfect for grilling flank or skirt steak.
    go to recipe Pin for later
    seasoned grilled flank steak on plate

    Storing Leftovers

    Unleavened gluten-free flatbreads are best eaten the day they are made. However, you can store leftovers in a plastic ziploc style bag for 2 to 3 days. They can be stored at room temperature.

    To reheat, sprinkle with a little water and heat in a skillet.

    If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    unleavened flatbreads on a plate

    Unleavened Turkish Flatbread

    Recipe Created By: Jen Wooster
    This recipe for Yufka, a Turkish-style flatbread, is a gluten-free version that is rolled thin and cooked on the stovetop. No yeast or baking required! Perfect for wraps or dessert crepes.
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 25 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Resting Time 5 hrs
    Total Time 5 hrs 30 mins
    Course Bread, Kitchen Basics
    Cuisine Middle Eastern, Turkish
    Servings 5
    Calories 183 kcal

    Equipment

    • Cast iron pan or griddle

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 oz gluten free flour (about 1 ½ cups) add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum if not in your blend
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ⅔ cup warm water
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil plus more for pan

    Instructions
     

    • In a mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients and mix to combine.
      8 oz gluten free flour (about 1 ½ cups), 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • Slowly add the warm water to form a dough. You can use a paddle attachment on a stand mixer or your hands.
      ⅔ cup warm water
    • Add the olive oil and start kneading the dough until it is very soft and smooth. Switch to a dough hook for your mixer or use your hands.
      2 tablespoon olive oil
    • Cover the dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for a minimum of 5 hours and up to 24 hours.
    • Once the dough is rested, divide the dough into 10 equal pieces. Cover with a towel and let the dough balls rest on the counter for about 15 minutes.
    • Lightly dust the counter and each ball with gluten-free flour, start rolling the dough. Roll it as thin as possible without tearing the dough. Dust more flour on the counter between rollings.
    • Light brush the skillet or in a cast iron pan with oil. Cook the rolled flatbreads on medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides. About 2 minutes per side. Add more oil as needed.
      2 tablespoon olive oil
    • Remove from heat and keep wrapped in a kitchen towel until ready to serve.

    Video

    Notes

    • It is recommended that you allow this dough to sit overnight. Resting gluten-free flours makes it easier to roll out as they need to hydrate because they lack gluten. 
    • If the dough resists rolling, rest it for longer and then try to roll again.
    • The flatbread tends to harden very quickly. It can be sprayed/sprinkled with warm water before serving to soften it.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 183kcal | Carbs: 29g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Fiber: 4g
    Keyword dairy free bread, gluten free bread without yeast, gluten free flatbread, unleavened bread, vegan flatbread, Wrap, Yufka
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

    Next Recipe

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lori says

      July 28, 2022 at 7:51 pm

      I desperately wanted this recipe to work for my daughter who can't have wheat or eggs. I thought it would be a perfect alternative for all the store-bought items she can't have since most gluten-free store-bought items have eggs. But, they were a total flop. I see that others had great results so I guess it was me! I honestly have no idea how one can mess up this simple of a recipe but I ended up just dumping the dough in the trash. It was so wet, it just made the biggest mess and the one that I finally was able to get in the frying pan ended up cooking like a hard, hockey puck. HOW can one mess up such a simple recipe so badly???

      Reply
      • Jen Wooster says

        August 01, 2022 at 11:16 am

        I would love to figure out what went wrong. What flour did you use? I will try to remake it with that and see if we can update.

        Reply
    2. Aathirai says

      April 10, 2021 at 2:58 am

      5 stars
      Thanks for the great recipe.

      Reply
    3. Jesse says

      December 21, 2020 at 8:22 pm

      5 stars
      I love this gluten free flatbread! Thanks for the great recipe.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        December 21, 2020 at 9:42 pm

        Thank you for giving it a try.

        Reply
    4. Andrea Metlika says

      December 21, 2020 at 8:06 pm

      5 stars
      I had no idea this was so easy to make. I love this bread and can't wait to make it.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        December 21, 2020 at 9:43 pm

        Let us know how it turns out.

        Reply
    5. Beth says

      December 21, 2020 at 7:27 pm

      5 stars
      Something delicious I can make for my sister in law! Thanks for all the great detail and pictures.

      Reply
    6. Carrie says

      December 21, 2020 at 6:59 pm

      5 stars
      I have never heard of this before, but it looks delicious! 🙂

      Reply
    7. Suzy says

      December 21, 2020 at 6:56 pm

      5 stars
      This looks insanely good! Love that it's gluten free so the whole family can eat it!

      Reply

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    Welcome Friends!

    picture of Jen

    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

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