Naan Bread Easy Recipe

There's something magical about the smell of freshly baked naan bread – warm, slightly charred, and infused with that unmistakable buttery aroma. Soft, pillowy, and just a little chewy, this easy naan recipe brings restaurant-quality bread right to your home kitchen.

I first started making naan during a weeknight curry night when I realized I’d forgotten to grab some at the store. What began as a desperate substitution quickly turned into a family favorite – and now, we actually prefer this homemade version to any store-bought kind.

Once you try this quick and easy naan recipe, you'll never go back to the packaged stuff again. Let’s take a look at why this naan is worth making from scratch.

Why You'll Love This Naan Bread Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite homemade bread. This easy naan recipe is everything you want in a side dish – soft, flavorful, and ridiculously simple to whip up.

First of all, it’s surprisingly quick to make. With no stand mixer required and a short resting time, you can have warm naan on the table in just over an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.

This recipe is incredibly approachable, even if you’re not a confident baker. The dough comes together with basic pantry staples, and the cooking process is as easy as making pancakes.

Not only is it budget-friendly, but it's also endlessly adaptable. Whether you're pairing it with butter chicken, scooping up hummus, or using it as a base for flatbread pizza, this naan fits the bill.

Best of all, it’s freezer-friendly. Make a batch ahead of time and stash a few away for future meals – your future self will thank you!

Now that you’re officially convinced, let’s dive into the simple ingredients that make this naan so delicious.

Ingredients Notes

This easy naan recipe comes together with a handful of everyday ingredients, each one playing a key role in creating that soft and chewy texture we all love.

All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough. It gives the naan structure while still keeping it tender. You could experiment with whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor, but for the classic pillowy result, stick with all-purpose.

Plain Greek yogurt is the secret ingredient that adds moisture and a slight tang to the dough. It helps create that signature soft bite while also contributing to the flavor. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream or plain whole milk yogurt will work in a pinch.

Active dry yeast gives the dough its light rise and slight chew. Be sure to check that your yeast is fresh and active – if it doesn’t bubble when mixed with warm water and sugar, it’s time to replace it.

Olive oil adds richness to the dough and helps create a slightly crisp, golden exterior when the naan is cooked. You can also brush the finished naan with melted butter or ghee for extra indulgence – highly recommended.

You won’t need any special equipment for this recipe. A mixing bowl, rolling pin, and a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan are all you need to make restaurant-quality naan right at home.

How To Make This Naan Bread

Making naan at home is much easier than you might think. Here’s exactly how it comes together from start to finish.

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast, then let it sit for about 10 minutes. It should become foamy and bubbly – this means your yeast is alive and ready to go. If nothing happens, your water may have been too hot or the yeast too old.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, yogurt, oil, and the yeast mixture. Mix everything together with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This resting time gives the naan its characteristic fluffiness – don’t rush it!

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 6 to 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten them into ovals about ¼-inch thick. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly shaped – rustic is part of the charm.

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Place a piece of rolled-out dough in the dry skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until bubbles form on the surface and the bottom gets golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another minute or so, pressing down with a spatula to help it puff up.

Once cooked, brush the hot naan with melted butter or ghee, and if you like, sprinkle with chopped garlic or fresh herbs for extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

From start to finish, the whole process takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes – and the result is so worth it. Expect soft, bubbly naan with a lightly crisp exterior and a chewy, steamy center.

Storage Options

Naan stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead bread for busy weeks or impromptu dinner parties.

To store cooked naan at room temperature, let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight bag or container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed warm and fresh.

For longer storage, naan can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Just be sure to layer parchment paper between each piece so they don’t stick together.

Freezing is also a great option. Once cooled, wrap each naan individually in plastic wrap, then store them all in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply warm naan in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes per side, or pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the soft, fluffy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this naan bread recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Here are a few fun twists to try:

If you’re dairy-free, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt. Use olive oil instead of butter or ghee for brushing.

For a garlic naan version, add minced garlic to the dough during mixing, or brush the finished naan with garlic butter. It’s fragrant, flavorful, and absolutely addictive.

Want a bit of heat? Mix in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the dough. Serve with a cooling dip like raita or tzatziki

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