Pillowy Soft Naan Bread Recipe: A Dreamy Homemade Delight

Soft, pillowy naan bread with a crispy garlic herb naan recipe that transports you straight to the bustling streets of India.

Warm ovens and fragrant spices create magic in every bite of this traditional flatbread.

Authentic techniques blend seamlessly with simple ingredients to craft these delectable rounds.

Kneading dough becomes an art form when you understand the delicate balance of flour and technique.

Each piece promises a golden-brown exterior with a tender, cloud-like interior that melts in your mouth.

The aroma of freshly baked naan will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to tear into these delightful breads.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the rich flavors of homemade comfort.

Homemade Naan Bread Ingredient Essentials

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structural foundation for soft, pillowy naan with a perfect chewy texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast development for balanced bread.

• Warm Water: Awakens yeast and helps develop gluten structure.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and promotes beautiful golden-brown caramelization.
• Active Dry Yeast: Creates airy, light texture and signature naan rise.
• Plain Yogurt: Adds tangy flavor, tender crumb, and helps soften dough.
• Olive Oil: Contributes richness and helps prevent dough from drying out.

• Egg: Provides structure, richness, and helps bind ingredients together.
• Melted Butter: Creates a luxurious finish with golden sheen and extra flavor.
• Garlic: Infuses aromatic punch and depth to finished naan.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds bright, fresh herbal notes and visual appeal.

Tools That Help You Knead, Rest, and Toast Naan

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Small bowl: Needed for activating yeast and mixing water, sugar, and yeast.
• Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan: Critical for cooking naan bread with perfect golden-brown color.
• Rolling pin: Used to roll dough into thin, even ovals or circles.
• Pastry brush: Perfect for spreading garlic butter mixture over warm naan.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Kitchen towel: Covers dough during rising process to keep moisture.
• Dough hook (optional): Useful for kneading dough in stand mixer.
• Spatula: Helpful for mixing and scraping ingredients.

How to Make Naan Bread Right From Scratch

• Activate Yeast Mixture

Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit until foamy and bubbly, about 5-10 minutes.

• Create Dough Base

Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add yogurt, olive oil, egg, and activated yeast mixture. Blend until a soft dough forms.

• Knead and Rise

Work the dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and stretchy. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for one hour until doubled in size.

• Shape Naan Discs

Punch down the risen dough and divide into 6-8 portions. Roll each piece into thin oval or circular shapes, approximately 1/4-inch thick.

• Cook on High Heat

Heat a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high temperature. Cook each naan for 1-2 minutes until bubbles appear. Flip and cook opposite side until golden with charred spots.

• Finish with Garlic Butter

Combine melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Brush mixture over warm naan bread.

• Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot alongside curries, as a dip companion, or use as a versatile wrap.

Add Herbs, Cheese, or Garlic Butter

• Foolproof Naan Bread Cooking Tips & Variations
• Perfect Dough Texture: Ensure water is warm (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic for soft, pillowy naan that melts in your mouth.
• Kitchen Shortcut: Use a food processor or stand mixer with a dough hook to save time and reduce hand kneading. This technique guarantees consistent dough texture every single time.
• Vegan Friendly Swap: Replace egg and yogurt with coconut yogurt or plant-based alternatives. Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for extra flavor depth in your dairy-free version.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different herb and spice mix-ins like za'atar, dried rosemary, crushed red pepper, or grated parmesan cheese directly into the dough for exciting taste variations.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients and maintain the naan's classic stretchy texture.

Serve With Curry, Hummus, or Melted Butter

• Flavor Explosion Dips: Pair your homemade naan with creamy tzatziki, spicy hummus, or zesty mint chutney for a taste adventure that transforms your bread into an incredible appetizer.
• Curry Night Companion: Scoop up rich butter chicken, fragrant vegetable korma, or hearty dal with torn pieces of warm naan, creating the perfect vehicle for soaking up delicious sauces.
• Sandwich Revolution: Wrap grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or spiced lamb inside naan to create a delectable handheld meal that beats boring bread any day. Fold the soft, warm naan around your filling for maximum flavor and texture.
• Breakfast Surprise: Top naan with scrambled eggs, crumbled feta, or avocado for a quick morning treat that breaks away from traditional toast and brings international flair to your breakfast table.

Store in Foil to Keep It Warm and Soft

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep naan bread fresh by wrapping individual pieces in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for 23 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing Friendly: Stack naan between parchment paper layers, place in freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat directly in a skillet for crispy texture.
• Reheating Magic: Quickly warm naan on a hot skillet for 30 seconds per side, or use a toaster oven at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Brush with extra garlic butter to restore moisture and flavor.
• Meal Prep Tricks: Prepare naan dough in advance and refrigerate overnight. Allow dough to reach room temperature before rolling and cooking. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or weekend meal planning.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 4

Fluffy Naan Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade naan bread brings Indian culinary traditions to kitchen tables with authentic flavor. Spiced with garlic and herbs, this flatbread offers warm comfort you’ll savor alongside curries and grilled meats.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ½ cups (590 ml) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (180 ml) warm water
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (60 ml) plain Greek yogurt
• 2 ¼ tsps (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Merge warm water, sugar, and yeast in a vessel, allowing the mixture to transform into a frothy state within 5-10 minutes.
2. Dough Formation: Blend flour and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, then integrate yogurt, olive oil, egg, and activated yeast mixture, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough develops. Use a stand mixer with dough hook or work on a lightly floured surface for optimal consistency.
3. Dough Proofing: Transfer the dough to a greased container, cover with a kitchen cloth, and let it rise in a warm environment for approximately one hour until doubled in volume.
4. Shaping and Preparation: Deflate the dough and divide into 6-8 equal portions. Gently roll each segment into thin, oval or circular shapes, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
5. Cooking Process: Heat a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high temperature. Cook each naan until bubbles form, then flip to create golden surfaces with subtle charred spots.
6. Finishing Touch: Combine melted butter with minced garlic and chopped cilantro. Generously brush the warm naan with this aromatic mixture and serve immediately alongside curries, dips, or as a versatile wrap.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Carefully: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to prevent killing yeast; lukewarm water activates without damaging microorganisms.
• Manage Dough Consistency: Add flour incrementally if dough feels sticky, aiming for smooth, elastic texture that doesn’t stick to hands during kneading.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Medium-high heat helps create signature bubbles and charred spots without burning; cast iron skillet provides best heat distribution.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Replace dairy yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt for vegan version; substitute whole wheat flour for gluten-free alternative to enhance nutritional profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg