My Kitchen Smells Like Heaven
There is nothing like the smell of garlic cooking. It makes my whole house feel warm. Today, we are making a soft naan bread. We will brush it with a buttery garlic topping. Doesn’t that sound amazing?
This is my favorite homemade naan bread recipe. You do not need a special oven. We cook it right on the stove. I love that. It feels like a little kitchen magic. What is your favorite smell from the kitchen? Tell me, I would love to know.
The Secret is in the Yogurt
This easy naan recipe uses yogurt. That is the secret. It makes the bread so soft and tender. You mix it right into the dough. The yeast makes the dough puff up like a pillow.
I remember my first time. I was scared of the yeast! But seeing those bubbles form made me so happy. This matters because good food does not need to be hard. Simple things like yogurt can make something wonderful. *Fun fact: the yogurt also gives the naan a very slight tang. It is so good!*
Your Stovetop is Your Best Friend
This is a true stovetop naan bread. We use a simple skillet. Watch for bubbles on top of the dough. That is your sign to flip it. You will see beautiful golden spots.
Making naan bread without a tandoor is easy. I still laugh at that. My grandson thought a “tandoor” was a kind of dinosaur! This method matters because it lets anyone make real naan. Have you ever cooked bread in a pan before? Try it, it is fun.
The Garlic Butter Finish
While the bread is hot, you brush it. Use the garlic butter mixture. The heat wakes up the garlic flavor. It becomes the perfect buttery garlic naan. I always add fresh herbs on top.
The smell is incredible. This final step turns bread into something special. It shows that a little care makes a big difference. Do you prefer cilantro or parsley on yours? I use whatever is in my garden.
Gathering Around the Table
So, what to serve with naan bread? Oh, so many things! We love it with soup. It is perfect for scooping up curry. Sometimes, we just eat it warm with a little honey.
Learning how to make naan bread brings people together. That is the best part. The act of sharing food is a kind of love. My family always gathers when they smell it cooking. What would you eat with your warm, homemade naan bread? Share your dream meal with me.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Warm water | 1/4 cup | |
| Granulated sugar | 2 teaspoons | |
| Active dry yeast | 1 1/2 teaspoons | Instant or rapid rise yeast also works |
| Warm milk | 3/4 cup | |
| Greek yogurt | 3/4 cup | Or natural plain yogurt |
| Vegetable oil | 1/4 cup | Plus 2 tablespoons extra for cooking |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | For the dough |
| Plain flour | 4 cups | Plus extra for dusting |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | |
| Butter, melted | 3 tablespoons | For garlic butter topping |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | For garlic butter topping |
| Fresh cilantro or parsley | 1 teaspoon, chopped | For garlic butter topping |
Instructions
Step 1: Wake up your yeast first. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a big bowl. Wait 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy. This little bubble bath means your yeast is happy and alive. Your homemade naan bread is on its way!
Step 2: Now, add the milk, yogurt, oil, and minced garlic. Pour in the flour, baking powder, and salt too. Mix it all with your hands until a shaggy dough forms. I love this part. Doesn’t that smell amazing? This is the secret to a soft naan bread.
Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured counter for 3-5 minutes. You want it smooth like a baby’s cheek. Put it in an oiled bowl and cover it. Let it nap for an hour until it doubles. (A warm spot helps it rise faster!). This patience makes the best garlic naan bread recipe.
Step 4: Punch the dough down and make 10 little balls. Roll each into a thin oval. See those bubbles form? That’s the magic of naan bread with yogurt. What’s the best tool for rolling dough? Share below!
Step 5: Heat a cast iron skillet very hot. Cook each naan for 1-2 minutes per side. Brush the top with oil before flipping. You’ll see gorgeous golden spots. This is how to make naan bread without tandoor right on your stovetop naan bread station!
Step 6: Keep cooked naan wrapped in a towel. This keeps them warm and soft. Mix melted butter and minced garlic in a bowl. Generously brush each warm naan. Now you have the most buttery garlic naan. This easy naan recipe is done!
Creative Twists
Cheesy Pull-Apart: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on the naan before flipping. Everything Bagel Naan: Press the rolled dough into everything bagel seasoning. Sweet Cinnamon Sugar: Skip the garlic butter. Use melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
This homemade naan bread is perfect for dipping. Try it with creamy dal or curry. It soaks up all the delicious sauce. You can also use it as a wrap for kebabs or spiced chicken. Tear it warm from the towel and enjoy it plain, too. What to serve with naan bread is the fun part! Which would you choose tonight?
My Best Tips for Storing and Reheating Naan
Let’s talk about keeping your garlic naan bread recipe fresh. Fresh, warm naan is a special treat. But you can save some for later.
Cool your homemade naan bread completely first. Then, store it in a sealed bag. It will stay good on the counter for two days. For longer, freeze it! I wrap each piece in parchment paper. This makes it easy to grab just one.
I remember my first big batch. I stacked them all hot in a bowl. They turned soggy! Now I use a towel, just like the recipe says. It keeps them soft.
To reheat, use your stovetop. A quick warm-up in a dry skillet works wonders. It brings back that fresh, soft naan bread texture. Batch cooking matters. It means a delicious, easy naan recipe is always ready for you.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Naan Troubles
Even grandmas have kitchen hiccups. Here are three common ones and easy fixes. First, dough not rising? Your liquid may be too hot. It should feel warm on your wrist, not hot.
Second, naan bread turning out tough? You might be rolling it too thin. Aim for that 1/8-inch thickness. I once rolled mine paper-thin. It cooked into a cracker! This matters because thickness gives you that soft, chewy bite.
Third, no big bubbles? Your skillet might not be hot enough. Wait until it’s very hot before adding dough. Those bubbles are a sign of perfect heat. Getting them right builds your cooking confidence. It makes your buttery garlic naan truly special.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What is the best flour for homemade naan?
Plain all-purpose flour is perfect for this how to make naan bread guide. It creates a tender, soft naan bread. Bread flour can make it too chewy. I always use plain flour from my pantry. It works beautifully every single time. This simple choice helps make your homemade naan bread a success.
Can I make garlic butter naan without yeast?
Yes, you can make a flatbread without yeast. But for classic naan bread without tandoor, yeast is key. It gives the dough air and lift. Without it, your bread will be more dense. For a quick fix, use a bit more baking powder. But for the real soft texture, I recommend using yeast.
How do I get the classic bubbles in naan?
A very hot skillet is the secret. Cast iron is best for stovetop naan bread. The dough hits the intense heat. Steam forms inside quickly. This pushes up to create those lovely bubbles. *Fun fact: This mimics the intense heat of a traditional clay tandoor oven!* Do not press down on the dough while it cooks.
Can I cook naan on a stovetop instead of an oven?
Absolutely! A stovetop is the best way for most home cooks. Use a heavy skillet, like cast iron. Get it very hot over medium-high heat. This method creates the perfect golden spots. It is the standard for any easy naan recipe made at home. Your kitchen stove works wonderfully.
What can I use instead of yogurt in naan dough?
Yogurt adds tang and softness to naan bread with yogurt. For a substitute, try sour cream or buttermilk. Even a mild, runny plain yogurt will work. The goal is to add moisture and a slight acid. This acid reacts with the baking powder. It helps make your bread tender and light.
How do I make the garlic butter topping?
It is wonderfully simple. Just melt some butter. Stir in finely minced garlic. Brush it on the hot naan right after cooking. The heat wakes up the garlic flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This final step turns warm bread into irresistible buttery garlic naan.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making this naan. The smell of garlic cooking is pure joy. It makes any meal feel like a celebration.
This bread pairs with so many things. Think about what to serve with naan bread. It is perfect with soups, stews, or curries. My family even uses it for wraps.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Your stories make my day.
Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below.
Happy cooking!
—Elena Rutherford
Easy Homemade Garlic Butter Naan
Description
Soft, fluffy, and infused with garlic butter, this homemade naan is simple to make and rivals any restaurant version.
Ingredients
GARLIC BUTTER TOPPING
Instructions
- Combine together the water, sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes or until the mixture begins to bubble on top.
- Add in the milk, yogurt, oil, minced garlic, flour baking powder and salt. Mix until the dough comes together with your hands.
- Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Use floured hands to knead the dough until smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Lightly grease the same mixing bowl with a small spray of cooking oil. Transfer dough to the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rest at room temperature for about an hour until doubled in size.
- When ready to cook, divide the dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll into balls, then use a rolling pin to roll each piece of dough into a large oval, about 6-inches long and 1/8-inch thick. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Grease skillet all over with 1/2 teaspoon of the extra oil.
- Place one piece of the naan on the oiled hot skillet and cook until bubbles form on top, about 1-2 minutes. While cooking, brush the top with a little oil.
- Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until large golden spots appear on the bottom.
- Remove from the skillet and wrap in a clean kitchen towel. Repeat with the remaining naan (keep them wrapped in a towel while you work).
- Combine melted butter and minced garlic together in a bowl. Brush each naan with the garlic butter and top with the fresh herb of your choosing.
FOR NAAN BREAD
FOR GARLIC BUTTER TOPPING
Notes
- For best results, serve the naan warm. You can reheat leftovers in a skillet or toaster. The dough can also be refrigerated overnight for slower fermentation and deeper flavor.