Naan Bread Easy Recipe

There's nothing quite like warm, pillowy naan bread fresh off the skillet, with its golden-brown bubbles and soft, chewy texture. Whether you're using it to scoop up your favorite curry or simply enjoying it slathered with butter, this easy naan recipe is a game-changer.

this Recipe

I first discovered homemade naan when I ran out of store-bought flatbread one evening. With just a few pantry staples and a hot pan, I created the softest, most flavorful naan I'd ever tasted. Now, it's a must-make recipe in my kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Naan Bread Recipe

Get ready to make restaurant-quality naan right at home. This recipe is simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. No fancy equipment or long fermentation times required—just mix, rest, and cook!

It’s also budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples like flour, yogurt, and yeast, you can make a batch of naan for a fraction of the store-bought price.

Plus, it’s versatile. Enjoy it plain, brushed with garlic butter, or even stuffed with cheese for an extra treat.

Best of all, this naan is soft, fluffy, and delicious. The slight tang from the yogurt and the charred spots from the pan give it that signature flavor.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of naan lies in its simple, yet essential ingredients, each playing a role in achieving that perfect soft texture and rich flavor.

All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough. You can also use bread flour for a chewier texture or whole wheat flour for a heartier taste.

Greek yogurt is the secret ingredient that makes this naan incredibly soft. It adds moisture and a slight tang that enhances the flavor. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, plain yogurt works just as well.

Instant yeast helps the dough rise quickly, giving the naan its signature light and airy texture. If using active dry yeast, activate it in warm water before adding it to the dough.

Olive oil adds a subtle richness and keeps the dough soft. You can also use melted butter for a slightly richer taste.

Salt and sugar balance the flavors. Sugar feeds the yeast, helping the dough rise faster, while salt enhances the overall taste.

If you want extra flavor, add minced garlic or herbs to the dough. You can also brush the cooked naan with garlic butter for an irresistible finish.

How To Make This Naan Bread

Making naan at home is easier than you think! Here’s how to do it step by step.

Start by activating the yeast. If you're using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients. If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm water with a pinch of sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yogurt, olive oil, salt, sugar, and yeast mixture. Stir everything together until it forms a rough dough.

Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it's soft and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water.

Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. This resting period allows the gluten to develop, making the naan soft and chewy.

Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal portions and roll each piece into a thin oval shape. Don’t worry about making them perfectly round—rustic shapes give the naan character!

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each piece of naan for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown with charred bubbles. If desired, brush with melted butter or garlic butter for extra flavor.

Storage Options

Homemade naan is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers easily.

For short-term storage, keep naan in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds to bring back its softness.

To freeze, stack the naan with parchment paper between each piece and store in a zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen on a hot skillet.

If you want to make the dough ahead of time, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours and cook fresh naan as needed.

Variations and Substitutions

This naan recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Here are some fun ways to customize it:

Garlic Naan – Add minced garlic to the dough or brush the cooked naan with garlic butter for a classic flavor boost.

Cheese-Stuffed Naan – Stuff the dough with shredded cheese before rolling it out for a gooey, melty surprise inside.

Whole Wheat Naan – Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, nuttier flavor.

Gluten-Free Naan – Use a gluten-free flour blend to make a version that’s safe for those with dietary restrictions.

Herb-Infused Naan – Mix fresh or dried herbs like cilantro, parsley, or rosemary into the dough for an aromatic twist.

With so many ways to enjoy it, homemade naan is a must-have in your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to store-bought again!

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