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The Best Homemade Garlic Naan Bread

If you’ve ever had garlic naan at an Indian restaurant, you know just how soft, fluffy, and flavorful this bread can be. But here’s the good news—you don’t need a tandoor oven to enjoy it at home. With just a cast-iron skillet (or any heavy pan), you can whip up buttery, garlicky naan that tastes just as good as takeout in about 90 minutes.

This homemade garlic naan is brushed with rich garlic butter, sprinkled with fresh herbs, and comes out perfectly golden and fluffy every time. Serve it alongside your favorite curries, soups, or even use it as a base for pizzas and wraps!

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Garlic Naan

  • Restaurant-style taste – Soft, chewy, and full of flavor.
  • Beginner-friendly – Easy step-by-step instructions.
  • Customizable – Add herbs, cheese, or spices to make it your own.
  • Versatile – Serve with curries, dips, soups, or enjoy on its own.
  • Homemade goodness – Fresh, preservative-free, and so satisfying.

🧾 Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chewiness)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (0.25 oz)
  • 1 tsp sugar (to activate yeast)
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee
  • 3 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

(See recipe card for full measurements & substitutions.)

📖 Variations & Substitutions

  • Vegan: Use plant-based yogurt and vegan butter.
  • Whole wheat: Swap half (or all) of the flour with whole wheat for a healthier version.
  • Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
  • Extra flavor: Mix in cheese, nigella seeds, or extra herbs.
  • Richer dough: Replace water with lukewarm milk.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Garlic Naan (Step by Step)

1. Activate the yeast

Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.

2. Prepare the dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, yogurt, oil, garlic, and yeast mixture. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Dough should be soft but not sticky.

3. First rise

Cover with a damp towel and let rest in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the naan

Punch down the dough, divide into 8 equal portions, and roll each into an oval or round shape (about 8 inches long).

5. Cook on a skillet

Heat a lightly greased cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place rolled dough onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on top (about 1–2 minutes), then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.

6. Finish with garlic butter

Mix melted butter with minced garlic. Brush over hot naan and sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley.

🔪 Equipment You’ll Need

  • Cast iron skillet (or heavy pan) for best results
  • Rolling pin for shaping the naan
  • Mixing bowls for dough prep and rising

🍯 Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave, adding butter if needed.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Perfect dough: Knead until soft and stretchy for fluffy naan.
  • Hot skillet: Ensure your pan is hot (but not smoking) for charred spots.
  • Generous butter: Don’t skimp on garlic butter—it makes the naan restaurant-quality.

❓ FAQ

Can I bake naan instead of using a skillet?
Yes! Bake at 475°F (245°C) on a pizza stone or baking sheet for 5–6 minutes, then brush with garlic butter.

What can I serve naan with?
It’s perfect with curries (butter chicken, tikka masala, chickpea curry), soups, or even as a pizza base.

🍛 Best Dishes to Serve with Garlic Naan

  • Sweet Potato Curry Soup
  • Thai Pumpkin Curry with Coconut Milk
  • Easy Chickpea Coconut Curry
  • Red Lentil Dhal

📌 The Best Easy Garlic Naan Recipe

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Rise Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 90 mins
Servings: 8 naans

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet yeast (0.25 oz)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp yogurt
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee
  • 3 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp cilantro or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy.
  2. Combine flour, salt, yogurt, oil, garlic, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth.
  3. Cover and let rise 1 hour, until doubled.
  4. Divide into 8 balls, roll into ovals.
  5. Cook each on a hot skillet until golden and bubbly (1–2 mins per side).
  6. Brush with garlic butter, sprinkle with herbs, and serve warm.

Nutrition (per naan)

Calories: 248 | Carbs: 39g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g