Easy Naan Bread Recipe

Introduction

Naan bread is a soft, pillowy flatbread perfect for scooping up curries or enjoying with dips. This easy naan recipe uses simple ingredients and a quick method to bring a taste of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• ½ cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup plain yogurt
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2½-3 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl and let sit for five minutes or until bubbly.
2. Step 2: Add olive oil, yogurt, egg, salt, and 2½ cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until smooth.
3. Step 3: Gradually add more flour as needed to form a soft dough. Knead a few times on a floured surface until smooth.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Divide the dough into eight pieces and roll each into a 6-inch circle.
6. Step 6: Lightly oil the skillet and cook each dough circle for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on the bottom.
7. Step 7: Flip the naan and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
8. Step 8: Mix the melted butter with minced garlic if using, and brush it onto the warm naan before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the dough.
• Substitute yogurt with buttermilk for a slightly tangier taste.
• Use a pizza stone or baking steel in the oven to bake naan if you prefer a fluffier texture.
• Brush with garlic butter for a tasty garlic naan variation.

Storage

Store leftover naan in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the naan wrapped in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or wrap in foil and heat in the oven until soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make naan without yeast?

Yes, you can make quick naan using baking powder instead of yeast. The texture will be slightly different, but it’ll still be soft and delicious.

What is the best way to reheat naan?

Reheat naan in a hot skillet or oven wrapped in foil to keep it soft and warm. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent it from becoming chewy or dry.

Easy Naan Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 263 reviews

This Easy Naan Bread Recipe yields soft, fluffy, and flavorful naan, perfect for pairing with curries, soups, or enjoying as a snack. Made with simple ingredients like yogurt, olive oil, and garlic butter, it is cooked on the stovetop for a quick and authentic Indian bread experience.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 naan breads 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• ½ cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup plain yogurt
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2½–3 cups all purpose flour

For Cooking & Topping

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (optional)

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: Combine the warm water, instant yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit for five minutes or until the mixture becomes bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Make dough: Add olive oil, plain yogurt, the egg, salt, and 2½ cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth.
3. Knead dough: Gradually add more flour as needed to form a soft dough. Transfer to a floured countertop and knead a few times until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a greased bowl.
4. First rise: Cover the bowl and set it in a warm place. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Prepare skillet & shape dough: Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into eight equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 6-inch circle.
6. Cook naan – side one: Lightly oil or spray the skillet with non-stick spray. Place one rolled dough circle in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form and the bottom turns golden brown.
7. Cook naan – side two: Flip the naan over and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes until golden brown spots develop.
8. Add garlic butter topping: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic (optional). Brush the garlic butter generously on the top, bubbly side, of each warm naan before serving.

Notes

• For softer naan, use whole milk yogurt instead of plain yogurt if desired.
• Adjust water and flour quantities as needed. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
• Garlic butter is optional but adds a wonderful flavor to the naan.
• Naan is best served warm; reheat on a skillet or in the oven for freshness.
• You can also add toppings like chopped cilantro or nigella seeds before cooking for extra flavor.

Keywords: naan bread recipe, easy naan, Indian bread, stovetop naan, garlic naan, homemade naan