Homemade Garlic Naan

Soft, pillowy, and infused with garlic butter, this homemade garlic naan is the perfect flatbread to pair with curries, soups, or even enjoyed on its own. Slightly chewy with golden blistered spots, it’s an irresistible addition to any meal and tastes just as good as what you’d find in a restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This naan is everything homemade bread should be—warm, flavorful, and comforting. The dough is easy to work with, requires minimal kneading, and rises beautifully. Each piece is cooked quickly in a skillet, giving it that signature charred look and fluffy texture. Brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with fresh cilantro, it’s the kind of bread you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• warm water

• sugar

• active dry yeast

• warm milk

• plain yogurt

• all-purpose flour

• kosher salt

• unsalted butter, melted

• fresh garlic, minced

• fresh cilantro

Directions

1. In a measuring cup, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt, making a well in the center.

3. Add milk and yogurt to the yeast mixture, stir well, then pour into the flour well. Mix until dough forms.

4. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 3–4 minutes until smooth. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

5. Punch down the dough, shape into a disc, and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball.

6. Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat. Roll one dough ball into a 6-inch round, about ¼ inch thick. Brush lightly with butter and cook for 2 minutes, until bubbles form. Flip and cook for 1–2 more minutes until golden. Repeat with remaining dough, keeping cooked naan covered with a towel.

7. Mix minced garlic with remaining melted butter and microwave briefly. Brush naan with garlic butter, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 naan flatbreads.
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy naan: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar inside the dough before rolling.

• Spicy naan: Sprinkle chili flakes into the garlic butter for a kick.

• Herb naan: Replace cilantro with parsley or add dried herbs like oregano or thyme.

• Stuffed naan: Fill with mashed potatoes, paneer, or spinach for a hearty version.

• Whole wheat naan: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier taste.

Storage/Reheating

Room temperature: Store cooled naan in an airtight bag for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months with parchment between pieces to prevent sticking.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet for 1–2 minutes, or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

Do I need a tandoor to make naan?

No, a heavy skillet on the stovetop works perfectly.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, but you can skip the 10-minute proofing step and mix it directly with the flour.

Why add yogurt to the dough?

Yogurt tenderizes the bread, giving naan its soft and chewy texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the risen dough overnight and bring to room temperature before cooking.

How do I keep naan soft after cooking?

Stack and cover with a clean towel to trap steam, which keeps them pliable.

Can I cook naan in the oven?

Yes, bake at 500°F on a pizza stone for 2–3 minutes per side, though the skillet gives the best texture.

What’s the best flour to use?

All-purpose flour works best, but bread flour will yield a slightly chewier naan.

Can I skip the garlic?

Absolutely—plain naan is delicious too.

Can naan be gluten-free?

Yes, but use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeasted doughs for best results.

What do I serve naan with?

It pairs beautifully with curries, soups, grilled meats, or can be used as a wrap or pizza base.

Conclusion

Homemade garlic naan is easier than you might think and delivers warm, fluffy, flavorful flatbread every time. With its pillowy texture, aromatic garlic butter, and fresh herbs, it’s a restaurant-quality bread you’ll love serving alongside any meal—or even snacking on straight from the skillet.

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