This Garlic Naan Bread is soft, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible! With golden charred spots and a subtle garlic flavor, it’s perfect for scooping up curries, stews, or your favorite dips. Once you make this, store-bought naan will never be the same. Bonus: it’s easier than you think to whip up from scratch!
😍Why You’ll Love It
Here’s the deal: homemade garlic naan might sound fancy, but it’s super easy to make. No intimidating techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here. Plus, that smell of freshly cooked naan with garlic butter? Worth every second. This is a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat—comfort food that’s perfect for any meal.
Whether you’re dunking it in Butter chicken, spreading Hummus on it, or just eating it warm straight out of the pan (guilty!), this naan does not disappoint. And yes, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can always have some on hand!
👨🍳Garlic Naan Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Naan is too hard | Overcooked or too much flour | Reduce cooking time, use less flour |
| Not enough rise | Old yeast or cold dough | Use fresh yeast, warm the dough before cooking |
| Lacks flavor | Not enough salt or garlic | Adjust seasoning, use fresh garlic |
✅What You’ll Need
- Flour – Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly.
- Sugar – Just a bit to activate the yeast and balance the flavor.
- Kosher salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the dough.
- Baking powder – For extra fluffiness.
- Instant yeast – Helps the dough rise.
- Warm whole milk – Keeps the dough soft and tender.
- Whole-milk yogurt – Adds moisture and a slight tang.
- Neutral oil – Canola, vegetable, or any light-tasting oil works.
- Minced garlic – For that irresistible garlic butter topping!
🔪How to Make Garlic Naan Bread
This is a quick overview with tips. Full instructions are in the recipe card below.
Mix the dough: Combine the dry ingredients in one bowl.
Combine the wet ingredients in another bowl. Gradually mix them until a sticky dough forms.
Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth.
Let it rise: Coat the dough with oil, cover it, and let it rise for about an hour until doubled in size.
Shape: Divide the dough into 12 pieces, roll them out into ovals, and dust with flour.
Cook: Heat a pan on medium-high. Cook each naan for 30-40 seconds on each side until bubbly and golden.
✨Substitutions and Variations
- Want more flavor? Add a pinch of cumin or coriander to the dough.
- Swap out herbs—try fresh thyme, dill, or even a sprinkle of parmesan.
- For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top right after cooking.
🍽️What to Serve with Garlic Naan
Garlic naan is the perfect sidekick to all your favorite dishes! Pair it with:
- Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts or Creamy Boursin Chicken
- Creamy Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
- A hearty Beef Barley Soup
- Or just keep it simple with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping!
🗄️Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat by wrapping in foil and warming in the oven or on a skillet.
- Freeze for longer storage—just stack the naan between parchment paper and freeze in a bag. Thaw and reheat when needed!
With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have soft, garlicky naan that will impress everyone at the table.
Easy Garlic Naan Recipe
Ingredients
Naan Bread
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast*
- 1 cup whole milk warmed
- ¾ cup whole-milk yogurt
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil plus 2 tablespoons extra for cooking
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Garlic Butter
- 3 tablespoons salted butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro or parsley chopped
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons sugar, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast*. Stir well.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup whole milk , ¾ cup whole-milk yogurt, 3 tablespoons neutral oil, and 2 cloves garlic minced.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Gradually pour in the wet mixture, stirring with a spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes, adding flour to your hands as needed. Once smooth and elastic, shape the dough into a ball.
- Let the Dough Rise: Rub a teaspoon of oil over the dough and place it in a clean, oiled bowl. Cover with a dish towel (or plastic) and let it rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Divide and Shape: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, flatten it, and roll it out on a floured surface into an oval about 5x8 inches.
- Cook the Naan: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook each naan for 30-40 seconds on one side, until bubbles form. Flip and cook the other side for the same amount of time. Flip once more and press lightly with a spatula for 10-15 seconds until fully cooked.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping: In a small bowl, combine melted 3 tablespoons salted butter and minced 2 cloves garlic. Brush the warm naan with the garlic butter and sprinkle with the herb of your choice, such as 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Transfer the naan to a warm platter and cover to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining dough. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water (¼ cup), sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Once foamy, add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients (milk, yogurt, oil, etc.) and continue with the recipe as instructed.
Nutrition
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Emily says
Such a fantastic recipe! I brushed mine with a little extra butter and cilantro. It turned out even better than I expected, and my kitchen smelled incredible while cooking. Thank you!
Tatiana says
Thanks, Emily! Extra butter and cilantro—yes, please! So glad you enjoyed the experience and the delicious aroma while cooking!