Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe – Bake Like a Pro

Warm, pillowy naan bread with a hint of garlic dances on the taste buds, promising comfort in every bite.

This classic Indian easy homemade naan bread recipe brings restaurant-quality flatbread right to your kitchen.

Soft and slightly chewy, these breads offer a delightful companion to curries, stews, and grilled meats.

Crafting naan from scratch might seem intimidating, but with a few simple ingredients and basic techniques, you can master this beloved staple.

The aroma of fresh-baked naan will fill your kitchen, transporting you to the bustling streets of Delhi.

Each golden-brown piece carries the magic of traditional cooking, crisp on the edges and tender in the center.

Roll up your sleeves and prepare to create a bread that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe: Why It’s a Must-Try

• Craft Homemade Magic: Discover the joy of creating restaurant-quality naan bread right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills.
• Master Quick Preparation: This recipe requires minimal special equipment and can be completed in under an hour, making it perfect for spontaneous bread cravings or last-minute meal accompaniments.
• Customize Your Comfort: Experiment with different toppings like garlic, herbs, or seeds to personalize each naan and match your favorite dishes, turning a basic bread into a delicious culinary adventure.
• Family-Friendly Cooking: Engage kids or partners in the rolling and cooking process, transforming meal preparation into a fun, interactive experience that brings everyone together in the kitchen.

Everything You’ll Need for Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary ingredient that provides structure and texture for the naan bread.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the naan rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt, Sugar: Enhance the overall flavor and balance of the bread.

• Plain Yogurt: Adds moisture and helps tenderize the dough, creating a soft and tangy naan.
• Warm Milk: Provides additional moisture and helps activate the leavening agents.
• Olive Oil: Contributes to the softness and prevents the dough from drying out.

• Melted Butter, Ghee: Adds richness and helps create a golden, glossy surface on the naan.
• Minced Garlic, Chopped Cilantro, Sesame Seeds: Provide extra flavor and visual appeal to the finished bread.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe: Easy Instructions

Step 1: Blend Dry Base

Toss all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar into a spacious mixing bowl.

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and look uniform.

Step 2: Incorporate Moisture

Create a small crater in the center of your dry mixture.

• Plain yogurt
• Warm milk
• Olive oil

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry components until a shaggy dough emerges.

Step 3: Transform Dough

Transfer dough onto a lightly dusted work surface.

Knead vigorously for approximately 5 minutes, transforming the mixture into a smooth, stretchy texture.

If dough feels overly sticky, sprinkle additional flour sparingly.

Step 4: Allow Initial Rise

Coat a clean bowl with light oil.

Place dough inside, rotating once to ensure complete coverage.

Shield with damp cloth or plastic wrap.

Let dough rest in warm environment for 1-2 hours until volume doubles.

Step 5: Portion and Shape

After rising, gently deflate dough.

Divide into 8 equal segments and roll each into round balls.

Step 6: Roll Thin Rounds

Using rolling pin, flatten each ball into oval or circular shapes, maintaining approximately 1/4 inch thickness.

Step 7: Create Golden Surfaces

Heat cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high temperature.

Place dough round onto hot surface.

Cook 1-2 minutes until bubbles form and underneath develops golden spots.

Flip and repeat on opposite side.

Step 8: Finish and Garnish

After cooking, optionally brush with melted butter or ghee.

• Minced garlic
• Chopped cilantro
• Sesame seeds

Stack cooked naan and cover with kitchen towel to maintain warmth.

Tricks to Level Up Your Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe

• Use fresh, finely ground all-purpose flour for the softest, most tender naan with consistent texture and better rising potential.
• Let dough rise in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven or wrapped in a towel to ensure proper fermentation and optimal volume.
• Use medium-high heat and a heavy skillet to create perfect golden-brown spots without burning the delicate bread's surface.
• Knead just until smooth and elastic, avoiding overworking which can make naan tough and dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Add melted butter or ghee immediately after cooking to enhance taste and create a glossy, appetizing appearance that keeps naan soft and moist.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe: Try These Variations

• Gluten-Free Naan: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend made from rice flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum. Maintain the same mixing and cooking techniques for a celiac-friendly version.
• Whole Wheat Naan: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, more nutritious bread. Add a touch more liquid to balance the flour's density.
• Vegan Naan: Use coconut yogurt instead of plain yogurt and replace milk with almond milk. Swap olive oil for melted coconut oil to create a plant-based alternative that's just as soft and delicious.
• Herb-Infused Naan: Mix dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano directly into the dry ingredients for an aromatic bread that pairs perfectly with soups and stews.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe: Fresh Serving Ideas

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair your freshly made naan with creamy hummus, spicy curry, or tangy tzatziki for a mouthwatering experience.
• Dipping Delights: Create a quick appetizer spread by cutting naan into triangles and serving with various dips like mint chutney, olive tapenade, or roasted red pepper sauce.
• Sandwich Sensation: Transform naan into a delicious wrap by filling it with grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty yogurt sauce for a quick lunch or dinner option.
• Breakfast Brilliance: Top warm naan with scrambled eggs, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for a delightful morning treat.

Smart Storage for Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe

• Store leftover naan bread in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place a paper towel between each piece to prevent sticking and moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual naan pieces in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen naan will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed naan quickly on a hot skillet for 30-60 seconds on each side. Alternatively, use a toaster oven or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What type of flour works best for naan bread?

All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe. It provides the right texture and helps create that soft, pillowy consistency typical of traditional naan bread.

• Can I make naan bread without yogurt?

While yogurt adds moisture and tanginess, you can substitute it with sour cream or buttermilk if needed. The key is using a dairy product that provides similar acidic properties and moisture.

• How do I know when the dough has risen properly?

The dough should roughly double in size and look puffy. When you gently press the dough with your finger, it should leave a slight indentation that slowly springs back.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp, golden Homemade Naan Bread whispers authentic Indian culinary magic into simple kitchen moments. Warm flatbread straight from your oven delivers comfort and deliciousness you can savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Flour and Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (540 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) warm milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Toppings and Garnish:

• 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 milliliters) butter or ghee, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to blend dry ingredients evenly.
2. Create a central well in the dry mixture and pour in plain yogurt, warm milk, and olive oil. Gradually incorporate wet ingredients into dry components until a rough, shaggy dough emerges.
3. Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for approximately 5 minutes. The dough should transform into a smooth, elastic consistency. If excessively sticky, incrementally add small amounts of flour.
4. Lightly coat a clean bowl with oil, place dough inside, and rotate to ensure complete coverage. Drape with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Allow dough to rest in a warm environment for 1-2 hours until volume doubles.
5. Gently deflate risen dough and distribute onto a floured workspace. Partition into 8 uniform portions, rolling each into a spherical shape.
6. Using a rolling pin, flatten each dough ball into an oval or circular shape, maintaining approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Irregular edges contribute to an authentic, rustic appearance.
7. Preheat a cast iron skillet, griddle, or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until extremely hot. Carefully place a rolled naan onto the surface, cooking for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form and golden-brown spots develop. Flip and repeat on opposite side.
8. Upon removing each naan from heat, optionally brush with melted butter or ghee. While still warm, garnish with minced garlic, chopped cilantro, or sesame seeds. Stack cooked naan on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to maintain warmth.

Notes

• Choose high-protein yogurt like Greek yogurt for extra softness and structure in your naan dough.
• Keep dough hydration balanced by adjusting milk and yogurt quantities based on flour absorption.
• Work with warm ingredients to help yeast activation and improve dough elasticity.
• Ensure extremely hot cooking surface for perfect golden-brown exterior and soft interior.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1.5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg