If you have ever wanted to bring the warm, soft, and garlicky goodness of Indian restaurants into your own kitchen, then this Garlic Naan Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe combines simple, everyday ingredients to create fluffy, flavorful naan bread that’s perfect for scooping up curries or enjoying as a snack on its own. With its irresistible garlic butter finish and fresh herb topping, this garlic naan bread is a star at any meal and surprisingly easy to master. Once you make it, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought versions!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each contributing to the naan’s wonderful texture, flavor, and aroma. From the creamy yogurt that tenderizes the dough to the fresh garlic that packs the punch, every component plays an important role.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps the dough rise beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Active dry yeast: Key for that perfect, airy naan texture.
- Warm milk: Enriches the dough for softness and flavor.
- Greek yogurt: Gives the dough a slight tang and tenderness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the naan moist and helps with cooking.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the dough with a fragrant garlic aroma.
- Plain flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure.
- Baking powder: Assists in giving the naan a light lift.
- Salt: Balances the flavors perfectly.
- Butter: Melts over the hot naan for indulgence.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl, and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it bubbles on top, signaling that the yeast is alive and kicking. This step is crucial for getting that airy softness inside your naan.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Next, stir in warm milk, yogurt, vegetable oil, minced garlic, flour, baking powder, and salt. Use your hands to mix everything until a shaggy dough forms. The garlic already starts to infuse the dough at this stage, ensuring flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Knead to Perfection
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 3 to 5 minutes. Kneading builds the gluten structure which gives naan its classic chewiness, so don’t rush this part!
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer your dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Leave it to rest at room temperature for about an hour, until it doubles in size. This rest time gives the yeast enough room to create those lovely air pockets.
Step 5: Shape Into Ovals
Divide the dough into ten equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Then roll each ball out into a large oval about 6 inches long and 1/8-inch thick. The thinness helps get those delightful bubbles and golden spots when cooking.
Step 6: Cook the Naan
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and grease it lightly with oil. Place a dough oval on the pan, cooking until bubbles form on the surface, about 1 to 2 minutes. Brush the top lightly with oil while it cooks. Flip and cook the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes, until golden brown spots appear. Remove and wrap in a clean towel to keep warm and soft.
Step 7: Prepare Garlic Butter and Finish
Combine melted butter with minced garlic, then generously brush this glorious mixture over each warm naan. Top with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness that perfectly complements the garlic.
How to Serve Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
The classic garlic butter and fresh herb topping are sensational, but you can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or nigella seeds for an extra nutty crunch and visual appeal. Serving them warm ensures the butter melts beautifully over the soft bread.
Side Dishes
Garlic naan pairs exceptionally well with hearty curries like butter chicken, rich dal, or spicy chana masala. It’s also wonderful alongside grilled meats, tandoori dishes, or even a simple yogurt raita to cool down the spice. This naan can turn any meal into a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the naan into wedges and serve it as a shareable appetizer with dips like mango chutney, hummus, or tzatziki. You can even stuff your naan before cooking with fillings like spiced potatoes or cheese for a whole new flavor experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any naan left over, store it in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. Wrapping in foil keeps the bread soft, but you might lose a little crispness on the surface.
Freezing
Garlic naan freezes beautifully. Let the cooled breads cool completely, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring leftover or frozen naan back to life, reheat it in a hot skillet or a preheated oven for a few minutes. Brushing with a little butter before reheating enhances the garlicky richness and keeps the bread tender and pliable.
FAQs
Can I make this Garlic Naan Bread Recipe without yeast?
Traditional naan relies on yeast for its airy texture, but you can try a quick version with baking powder alone. The result will be a bit denser and less fluffy, but still tasty. For best results, stick to the yeast version for that authentic naan experience.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, plain natural yogurt works perfectly. The yogurt helps tenderize the dough and adds a slight tang, so any non-flavored yogurt with a similar consistency will do.
Can I add flavors other than garlic to this naan?
Absolutely! This Garlic Naan Bread Recipe is adaptable. You can mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough, or sprinkle cheeses like feta or mozzarella on top for a flavorful twist. The garlic butter finish is a classic, but feel free to experiment.
How do I know when my naan is perfectly cooked?
Look for bubbles forming on the dough’s surface in the pan, with golden brown spots on both sides. The naan should puff slightly and cook quickly, usually within 1 to 2 minutes per side, giving it a delightful chew without being doughy.
Is a cast iron skillet necessary for making naan?
A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat evenly, giving beautiful charred spots that make naan special. However, a heavy-bottomed non-stick or stainless steel pan can also work well if you don’t have cast iron available.
Final Thoughts
Making this Garlic Naan Bread Recipe at home is one of those cooking adventures that rewards you with incredible flavor and satisfaction. The process feels cozy and hands-on, with a result that’s simply unbeatable fresh from the pan. So next time you’re craving something warm and comforting, give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
This Garlic Naan Bread recipe delivers warm, fluffy, and flavorful naan infused with garlic and fresh herbs. Perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, these homemade naans are cooked on a skillet and brushed with a savory garlic butter topping, making them an ideal accompaniment to Indian dishes or a delicious snack on their own.
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients
Naan Dough
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or instant, rapid rise)
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (or natural plain yogurt)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (plus 2 tablespoons extra for cooking)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for dough)
- 4 cups plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly on top to ensure the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the warm milk, yogurt, vegetable oil, minced garlic, flour, baking powder, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix together until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead with floured hands for 3-5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl with cooking oil spray, place the dough inside, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Divide and Roll: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten into large ovals approximately 6 inches long and 1/8 inch thick.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the skillet with 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable oil.
- Cook Naan – Side One: Place one rolled-out naan on the hot skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles start forming on the surface. Brush the top with a little oil while cooking.
- Cook Naan – Side Two: Flip the naan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown spots appear on the bottom.
- Keep Warm: Remove the cooked naan from the skillet and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining dough pieces.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic.
- Brush Naan: Brush each warm naan with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use warm liquids (water and milk) to properly activate the yeast for best rise.
- For softer naan, ensure dough rests long enough to double in size.
- If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, use any heavy-bottomed pan for cooking.
- Serve naan immediately for best texture; they can be reheated in a skillet or oven later.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted or omitted as preferred.
- Adjust garlic amounts in the dough and butter to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
