Homemade Naan Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Amanda Powell · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Homemade naan is easier to make than you think. This warm, buttery garlic naan is perfect with comforting curries, or even enjoyed on its own as a snack! You can also change up this naan bread recipe to incorporate any of your favorite flavors.

Homemade Naan Recipe (1)

I made this homemade naan recipe early in my blogging days, but it desperately needed an update. I've completely changed how I make this recipe to make it even softer and more pillowy. It is similar to my pita, but with that distinct naan bread flavor. Here, I kept the garlic flavor because it's my favorite, but you can omit it altogether, or spread any of your favorite flavors onto the homemade naan.

My love for all Indian food started when I was living in London. In case you didn't know, Indian food is basically the true British national cuisine. It didn't help that for three years I lived right next to a really nice Indian restaurant. Every evening when I came home from class I could smell the intoxicating aromas of different curries being made as the prepped for dinner.

Homemade Naan Recipe (2)

Needless to say, we became best friends. We were on a first name basis and even though they don't have a delivery service, they would often take the 10 foot trip to our flat to deliver our food. We'd get free papadums and chutneys, and if we were short on cash, they had no issues letting us pay later. If I could give only one piece of advice to any college student, it is to become close with the owners of your favorite restaurant. One thing I had to get with every order no matter what I was eating was their garlic naan. I am drooling now just thinking about it. It was the best naan I've ever tasted.

Warm, buttery, garlic naan. Mmmmm....

It got to the point where I had to have that naan bread all the time. That soft, savory, hot bread became all I could think about.

I had to make it.

I've updated the homemade naan recipe over the years to make the dough easier to manage and more consistent, but the final product softer and pillowy. One thing that didn't change is how I bake - or cook - the homemade naan. I use a cast iron skillet because it is faster and easier and you can ensure you get a nice level of brown.It is important to use a timer when cooking the bread because you are cooking it on your stove. If you have a timer on your oven or one on your phone, I recommend using it. You want to be sure the bread is thoroughly cooked, but not completely blackened. Some black spots are expected - and a good thing. You just don't want your bread to be one big black spot!

Homemade Naan Recipe (3)

The end result is absolutely delicious though! I eat my homemade naanwith everything. Whenever I have a hankering, I just pop one of these bad boys in the microwave for about 20 seconds (because they are best when they are hot!) and munch away while reminiscing about my old flat in Chiswick.

Nervous about baking with yeast? Read my beginner's guide on yeast!

Recipe Card

Homemade Naan Recipe (4)

Homemade Naan Recipe

Amanda Powell

Fluffy homemade naan great for all your meals

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Bread

Cuisine Persian

Servings 12 naan

Calories 54 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup warm water
  • 620 grams scant 5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ cup milk
  • ¾ cup plain yogurt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves finely grated garlic
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley
  • coarse salt

Instructions

  • Mix together the yeast and the water together for 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

  • Add in the flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, milk, and yogurt. Mix until it comes together and then knead until smooth and still tacky - about 10 minutes.

  • Roll into a ball shape and place in a greased bowl. Cover and allow to rise for 2 hours.

  • Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 11 - 12 equal pieces. Cover and allow the pieces to rise for an hour.

  • Roll out each piece into an oblong shape (a rough teardrop shape is preferable). Heat a cast iron skillet on medium

  • Place one shaped naan on the skillet and cook for 1 - 2 minutes, flip and cook for an addition 1 - 2 minutes. Allow to cool on a clean white cloth.

  • Add the butter to the skillet while it is still hot from making the naan and melt. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant and translucent. Remove from heat. Toss in the parsley and brush the naan liberally with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with salt and serve warm

Nutrition

Calories: 54kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 323mgPotassium: 58mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 163IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 1mg

Keyword garlic, naan

Tried this recipe?Tag me on Instagram! @acookienameddesire #acookienameddesire


More Bread Recipes

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  • Pumpkin Spice Bagels
  • Homemade Chai Cinnamon Rolls
  • Butternut Squash Bread

About Amanda Powell

Baker, photographer, and sometimes world traveler behind A Cookie Named Desire. Obsessed with helping people live life sweetly with delicious food to share with the special people in your life and creating lasting memories.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Traci | Vanilla And Bean says

    Food has so much connection with memories, doesn't it? I love it when it brings back, especially good ones too. Your Naan looks so fabulous. Like you said, pillow soft. I can just imagine the freshness of these and I know they taste divine, especially with a big bowl of curry. Thank you for your inspiration! I need to give these a go!

    Reply

    • Amanda says

      That strong connection is what I love the most about food. How the smell and taste can take you right back to a certain moment in time is simply amazing. I hope you do get a chance to make naan. I promise you will not be able to put them down!

      Reply

  2. Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says

    YUM!!!! Naan is the BEST! I literally just had some last night haha. I've never tried making my own though! Pinning for later!

    Reply

  3. Navratri 2014 says

    Here in India, the naan is very popular. Try Paneer Tikka, and Kadhi(or Curry) more popular Indian foods. Loved your blog and will definitely visit again. Thanks. #SITSBlogging. I have a blog on Navratri festival of Indians(Hindus) and Goddess Durga. Check out the Navratri Colours

    Reply

    • Amanda says

      I love Paneer Tikka! I think Indian food is one of my favorite foods to try. I miss having a lot of Indian food around me all the time!

      Reply

  4. Joanie @ ZagLeft says

    I am definitely going to try this recipe. I love naan and you make it look so easy. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

  5. Adelina Priddis says

    Oh those look really comforting, For sure going to try them, and they sound pretty easy, minus the sticky dough. Stopping by from #SITS

    Reply

    • Amanda says

      Once you try it, I promise you won't go back! And the sticky dough isn't that bad when you are prepared for it. The first time I made it, I just dug my hands right in and my hands looked like the Pilsbury dough boy's! I ended up having to just wash my hand and wasted about a good 1/3 of the dough. So... as long as you don't shove your hands in the dough, you'll be fine!

      Reply

  6. Alex says

    I am literally crazy about naan, I will try this this weekend! #SITSBlogging

    Reply

  7. Lisa@ Cooking with Curls says

    Oh wow that looks delicious!!

    Reply

    • Amanda says

      Thank you! I make this bread almost every weekend. So. Addictive!

      Reply

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Homemade Naan Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my naan bread not fluffy? ›

Naan doesn't get bubbles – Pan not hot enough, dough not moist enough or improper leavening. Naan turns hard – Toasting for too long, not enough moisture in the dough, toasting on low heat or not kneading the dough enough.

What makes naan bread so good? ›

Simply put, naan is more nutrient-dense than pita or white bread. While it may contain more carbs and sugars, it earns its reputation as a healthy alternative with its relatively generous amounts of protein and fiber.

What is naan traditionally made in? ›

Naan is historically cooked in a hot tandoor oven in the ground or on hot wood charcoal. These cooking methods often result in temperatures of about 900°F (480°C).

What flour is naan bread made from? ›

OR just make a double batch of this naan so you can use one whole egg! 3. Flour – Bread flour makes the softest, fluffiest naan. But all-purpose/plain flour is very nearly as good.

What does yogurt do in naan? ›

If you only have all-purpose flour on hand, you can make a DIY version with just a few ingredients. Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt holds the naan dough together and ensures a tender texture. Make sure you get authentic Greek yogurt and not Greek-style yogurt.

Why is naan unhealthy? ›

Skip: Naan

And like those fluffy spuds, this soft flatbread has little nutritional value. Most naan recipes call for Greek yogurt to give it that airy texture. But that's more than offset by less healthy ingredients like white flour, sugar, and oil.

Should naan have yeast? ›

No OP, generally Naan in Indian hotels do not use Yeast. You can judge this by the taste (non-bready, not a pronounced fermented taste) and texture (no rise at all). Most Naan's are pretty thin in how they're flattened out.

Which Indian bread is healthiest? ›

From health perspective, flat breads made of whole wheat flour (roti/paratha/chapati/phulka) are better than the ones made with all-purpose flour (naan & kulcha).

Is egg used in naan? ›

Then there are additions like yogurt and milk to give it the flavor and soft texture of the classic naan. Add in a little baking powder to help with the leavening . A pinch of sugar and a dash of salt. If you want your naan super soft, add an egg.

Does all naan have yogurt? ›

Naan has a thicker, fluffier texture because it is made with yogurt. Pita is thinner bread made with less ingredients (flour, water, salt, etc) and no yogurt. Naan is cooked in a skillet while Pita is usually baked at very high temperatures in the oven.

Can I use milk instead of yogurt in naan bread? ›

You can add sour cream for similar consistency, though it change to taste, but I think the change would taste good. You could use milk instead, though use less that you would of yogurt, with the milk add some dry milk.

Is naan healthy or unhealthy? ›

Naan bread can be part of a healthy diet, especially if you choose whole grain varieties. Naan bread contains vitamins and minerals like niacin, fiber, and iron, as well as fiber. It also is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy.

Does naan bread contain flour? ›

Naan is traditionally made with all-purpose (wheat) flour, which is not gluten-free. But the gluten provides a stretchy element that can be tricky to replicate with gluten-free alternatives.

Does naan have dairy or egg? ›

Unfortunately, most naan you'll get at Indian restaurants is not vegan, as the dough often contains yogurt (or milk) and it's brushed with melted butter. While there are a handful of store-bought vegan naan options, they are pretty lackluster and taste more like store-bought pita bread.

Is naan vegan or vegetarian? ›

Unfortunately, the majority of naan isn't suitable for vegans as they often contain ghee (clarified butter), yoghurt, milk or even eggs. However, it's not impossible to find vegan-friendly naan in supermarkets, it's just worth double-checking ingredients lists.

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