There is something incredibly satisfying about pulling a warm piece of fluffy, garlicky bread fresh off the pan, and that is exactly what this Homemade Garlic Naan Bread Recipe delivers. This beloved Indian-inspired flatbread is soft, pillowy, and perfectly infused with garlic and fresh parsley, making it the ultimate partner for curries, dips, or even enjoying on its own. Once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again because homemade naan simply elevates every meal into a wholehearted celebration of flavor and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to bake your own naan is delightfully straightforward. Each simple ingredient plays a key role: yeast creates that irresistible rise, yogurt adds tenderness, and garlic brings that signature punch. When combined, these essentials result in naan bread that’s bursting with freshness and warmth.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: This is the magic that helps the dough rise beautifully, making your naan fluffy and soft.
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C): Perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and contributes a subtle sweetness to the dough.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (divided): Melted butter adds richness and helps create that golden crust.
- 1 egg: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the bread.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and tang, making the naan incredibly soft inside.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra if needed): The base of the dough that forms the chewy, elastic texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses the bread with that unmistakable garlic aroma and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped): Adds a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
How to Make Homemade Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the active dry yeast, warm water, and sugar in your mixer’s bowl. Letting this sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s nicely foamy means your yeast is active and ready to work its magic on the dough’s rise.
Step 2: Add Butter, Egg, and Yogurt
Next, melt a quarter cup of butter and add it to the yeast mixture along with the egg and Greek yogurt. Stirring on low speed brings all these rich, creamy ingredients together, setting the stage for a luscious dough.
Step 3: Mix in Flour and Salt
Gradually pour in the all-purpose flour and salt while mixing on low with the dough hook. The flour absorbs moisture and develops that elastic texture, creating a dough that’s soft but not sticky. You can adjust with a little more flour if needed, aiming for a perfect balance.
Step 4: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Whether you use your mixer or your hands, kneading for about 5 to 7 minutes allows the dough to become silky and elastic. This step is crucial—it’s when the gluten forms, lending your naan that signature chewiness.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and leave it in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours so it can double in size. This waiting time builds flavor and makes the bread wonderfully airy once cooked.
Step 6: Shape Your Naan
After rising, gently divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval or round shape about a quarter-inch thick. This shape is ideal for cooking quickly and evenly while developing light bubbles during cooking.
Step 7: Cook the Naan
Heat a cast iron pan on medium-high and cook each piece for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Watching those golden bubbles and light char marks appear is so satisfying—this is where the aroma and texture really come alive!
Step 8: Prepare Garlic Butter
Melt the remaining butter and stir in garlic powder and chopped parsley. This fragrant butter will become the perfect finishing touch to your naan, sealing in flavor and moisture.
Step 9: Brush and Garnish
Once your naan is cooked, generously brush each one with the garlic parsley butter. Sprinkle with some extra fresh parsley for color and that fresh herbal brightness that balances the richness.
Step 10: Serve Warm and Enjoy
The best way to enjoy this Homemade Garlic Naan Bread Recipe is fresh and warm from the pan, ready to be dipped, sopped, or savored plain. Trust me, it’s even better than takeout!
How to Serve Homemade Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a pinch of flaky sea salt takes your naan from excellent to exceptional. You could also try a light drizzle of melted ghee or a dash of red chili flakes for a little kick.
Side Dishes
This homemade naan is a dream partner for rich curries, creamy dal, or even a simple bowl of hummus. It also works wonderfully alongside grilled meats and fresh salads, making every meal feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your naan into strips for dipping or stack a few with slices of cheese and herbs for a quick, flavorful snack. Serving it warm in a cloth-lined basket adds a cozy, authentic touch to any dining table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any naan leftover, keep it wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps it soft and ready to enjoy without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked naan by stacking pieces separated by parchment paper inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen naan can last up to 2 months and makes weekday meals a breeze with minimal effort.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your naan in a hot skillet for a few minutes, or briefly toast it in the oven until soft and pliable again. Brushing it with a little extra garlic butter after reheating revives that fresh-from-the-pan feel.
FAQs
Can I make the dough without an egg?
Yes, you can omit the egg if needed. The naan may be slightly less rich and tender, but the yogurt helps keep it soft and flavorful.
What if I don’t have a cast iron pan?
A heavy-bottomed skillet or non-stick pan works fine. Just make sure it’s hot enough to develop those lovely bubbles and charred spots.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for the butter?
Definitely! Finely minced fresh garlic melted gently in the butter gives an even more vibrant garlic flavor, just be careful not to burn it.
Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt adds a nice tang and moisture, but regular yogurt works too. Just try to avoid flavored or sweetened varieties to keep the bread savory.
How thick should I roll out my naan?
Around 1/4 inch thick is perfect—thin enough to cook quickly and develop bubbles, but thick enough to stay soft and chewy.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Garlic Naan Bread Recipe is one of those kitchen triumphs that brings everyone to the table with smiles. It’s approachable to make and irresistibly delicious to eat, perfect for impressing friends or lifting everyday dinners. Once you try it, you’ll see why homemade naan has a way of turning any meal into a warm, memorable experience. Give it a go and enjoy every soft, garlicky bite!
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Homemade Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 pieces
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This homemade naan bread recipe delivers soft, fluffy, and flavorful Indian flatbreads perfect for pairing with curries, dips, or enjoying on their own. Made using active dry yeast, Greek yogurt, and butter, the dough is kneaded, allowed to rise, and then cooked on a hot cast iron pan until beautifully golden with charred spots. Brushed with a garlic-parsley butter, these naans are aromatic and irresistible.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Dough
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra if dough is wet and for kneading)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Finishing Butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In the bowl of your mixer, combine the active dry yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Melt 1/4 cup of butter and add it to the yeast mixture along with the egg and Greek yogurt. Mix everything on low speed to combine thoroughly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed using the dough hook. Continue mixing until a soft dough forms, adjusting flour as needed so the dough is slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough in the mixer for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can knead by hand on a lightly floured surface, though this will take more time.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm, draft-free spot. Allow the dough to rise for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Naan: Once risen, turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into an oval or round shape approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Cook Naan: Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place one naan in the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form and the bottom is golden brown. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until cooked through and lightly charred in spots. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in garlic powder and chopped parsley to create a flavorful garlic butter.
- Brush Naan: Immediately after cooking each naan, brush it generously with the garlic-parsley butter to infuse flavor and moisture.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley on the brushed naan for a fresh and vibrant finish.
- Serve: Serve the warm naan bread alongside your favorite dishes or enjoy it as a delicious snack.
Notes
- Ensure water is warm but not hot to activate yeast properly—ideal temperature is 110°F (45°C).
- You can add a pinch of sugar to the dough to enhance yeast activity if desired.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time to reach the right consistency.
- Use a well-seasoned cast iron pan for best results when cooking the naan to achieve proper charring and flavor.
- Alternatively, naan can be finished under a broiler to mimic tandoori char, but pan cooking is easiest for home kitchens.
- If you want to make garlic naan spicier, add finely chopped green chilies or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Leftover naan can be reheated wrapped in foil in a warm oven or toasted briefly on a skillet.
