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Fresh Naan Bread

Making restaurant style naan at home seemed impossible until I discovered this recipe that uses basic pantry ingredients to create the softest fluffiest bread that's perfect for scooping up curry or wrapping around your favorite fillings and what makes it really special is how quickly the dough comes together and only needs one rise before you can start cooking plus the whole house fills with this amazing fresh bread smell and everyone gets excited when they see you making it because they know dinner's going to be extra special.

Featured in Reliable Bread Recipes.

Chef Zaho
Updated on Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:11:08 GMT
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A stack of freshly baked naan bread topped with melted butter and garnished with chopped herbs on a wooden plate, accompanied by small bowls of sauces in the background. Pin it
A stack of freshly baked naan bread topped with melted butter and garnished with chopped herbs on a wooden plate, accompanied by small bowls of sauces in the background. | alicesrecipes.com

My Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe

After countless attempts trying to recreate that perfect restaurant style naan, I've finally mastered making it at home. This bread is everything you want, soft, pillowy, and full of flavor. While traditionally made in a clay oven, my version uses simple ingredients and kitchen tools to create that same delicious result.

A Bread With History

This incredible bread started in royal Indian kitchens, and now it's loved worldwide. Once you try making it at home, you'll understand why it's become such a treasured part of so many cuisines. It's just perfect for scooping up curries or enjoying on its own.

What You'll Need

  • • Basic Flour: 2 cups all-purpose or bread flour gives you that perfect chew
  • • Active Yeast: 1 teaspoon this makes your bread light and fluffy
  • • Warm Milk: ⅓ cup makes the bread super tender
  • • Rich Ghee: 2 tablespoons melted adds incredible flavor
  • • Simple Salt: ½ teaspoon brings all the flavors together
  • • Perfect Water: ⅓ cup warm helps activate the yeast
Three pieces of freshly baked naan bread topped with herbs and drizzled with olive oil, placed on a wooden board. Pin it
Three pieces of freshly baked naan bread topped with herbs and drizzled with olive oil, placed on a wooden board. | alicesrecipes.com

Let's Make Naan

Wake Up The Yeast
Mix warm water with sugar and yeast, let it get nice and foamy, about 10 minutes.
Create Your Dough
Mix everything together and knead until it feels smooth and bouncy.
Give It Time
Let your dough rest in a warm spot covered with a damp cloth until it doubles, about an hour.
Shape With Love
Divide into portions, shape into balls, then roll into those classic teardrop shapes.
Time To Cook
Get your skillet super hot, cook each naan until you see those beautiful golden spots.

Make It Your Own

  • • Garlic Lover: Brush with garlic butter and fresh parsley
  • • Healthy Choice: Use half whole wheat flour
  • • Extra Special: Stuff with potatoes, cheese, or spiced meat
  • • Plant Based: Switch to almond milk and vegan butter
Two pieces of freshly cooked naan bread drizzled with oil and garnished with herbs, served on a wooden plate. Pin it
Two pieces of freshly cooked naan bread drizzled with oil and garnished with herbs, served on a wooden plate. | alicesrecipes.com

Perfect Pairings

Nothing beats fresh naan with butter chicken or dal. Try making little pizzas with it, or wrap up some kebabs. Sometimes I just brush it with garlic butter and eat it warm from the pan, it's that good.

Keep It Fresh

Your naan will stay good for 2 days wrapped up at room temperature or pop it in the freezer for later. When you're ready to eat, just sprinkle with water and warm it up in the oven. A quick trip to the microwave works too.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this without yogurt?

Yes, substitute with dairy-free yogurt or buttermilk for similar texture and taste.

→ Do I need a special oven or tandoor?

No, a regular skillet or griddle works perfectly for making naan at home.

→ Can I freeze naan bread?

Yes, wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a warm oven or on the stovetop.

→ Why isn't my naan soft?

Don't overcook - each side needs just 1-2 minutes. Keep covered with cloth while serving to maintain softness.

→ Can I make the dough ahead?

Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before cooking.

Easy Naan Bread

A simple recipe for making soft, fluffy naan bread at home. Perfect for serving with curries or as a side dish.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
70 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Breads & Muffins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 8 Servings (8 naan)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour.
02 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
04 1/2 teaspoon salt.
05 2 teaspoons sugar.
06 1/4 cup plain yogurt.
07 1/2 cup warm milk.
08 1 tablespoon olive oil.
09 Optional toppings:.
10 Butter or ghee.
11 Chopped garlic.
12 Fresh cilantro.
13 Sesame seeds.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine flour, baking powder, soda. Add salt and sugar.

Step 02

Create well in center. Add yogurt, milk, oil. Mix until dough forms. Knead 5 minutes until smooth.

Step 03

Place in greased bowl. Cover with damp cloth. Rest 1-2 hours until doubled.

Step 04

Heat skillet to medium-high. Divide dough into 6 pieces. Roll each 1/4 inch thick. Cook 1-2 minutes per side.

Step 05

Brush with butter. Add optional toppings. Serve warm.

Notes

  1. Can make vegan version.
  2. Freezes well.
  3. Best served fresh.
  4. Great for curries.
  5. Make ahead friendly.
  6. Customize toppings.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Rolling pin.
  • Skillet or griddle.
  • Damp cloth.
  • Pastry brush.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (yogurt).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 260
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 6 g