Easy Homemade Naan Bread

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There’s something undeniably comforting about warm, pillowy naan bread served fresh off the skillet. With its golden brown bubbles and soft, chewy interior, naan is more than a side dish—it’s an experience. Whether you’re scooping up curry, wrapping grilled meats, or simply slathering it with butter and garlic, naan adds a cozy, indulgent touch to any meal.

This easy homemade naan bread recipe simplifies the traditional process into a quick and foolproof method you can whip up any day of the week. No tandoor required, just a hot skillet and a few pantry staples to bring restaurant-quality flatbread to your kitchen in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Naan Bread

Homemade naan is softer, warmer, and far more flavorful than the store-bought variety. The dough is tender and slightly tangy from the yogurt, while a quick sear on a hot pan gives it that signature char. It’s the kind of bread that feels like a treat but is deceptively easy to make. You can even freeze extras for quick reheating on busy nights.

What Kind of Skillet Should I Use to Make Naan?

A cast iron skillet is the best choice if you want that deep golden crust and blistered bubbles. Its heat retention is perfect for mimicking the intense heat of a tandoor. That said, a heavy-bottomed non-stick pan also works well. Just be sure to get it nice and hot before adding the dough.

Ingredients for the Easy Homemade Naan Bread

To make this naan as flavorful and fluffy as possible, you’ll need a handful of basic ingredients. Each plays a role in the texture and taste.

• All-purpose flour: This is the base of your dough. It provides the soft, chewy texture naan is known for.
• Plain yogurt: Adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the dough.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough soft.
• Active dry yeast: Helps the naan puff up and gives it a light, airy structure.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps with browning.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Olive oil or melted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• Garlic (optional): For garlic naan, mince and press into the surface before cooking.
• Butter for brushing: A final swipe of melted butter adds shine and flavor.

How To Make the Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active and ready to work.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add flour, salt, yogurt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead it by hand or with a mixer for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm area. Let it rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 4: Divide and Shape

Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 to 8 equal balls. Roll each ball into an oval or teardrop shape about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 5: Cook the Naan

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Place one piece of dough on the dry skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbles form. Flip and cook another minute. If using garlic, press it in before flipping.

Step 6: Brush with Butter

Once both sides are cooked and spotted with golden brown blisters, remove from the skillet and immediately brush with melted butter. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Serving and Storing Your Naan Bread

Naan is best served warm and fresh from the pan, but it also stores beautifully. This recipe makes 6 to 8 pieces, feeding around 4 people comfortably. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for four. To reheat, simply toast on a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp towel for 20 seconds.

For longer storage, freeze naan in a zip-top bag with parchment between each piece. Reheat straight from the freezer in a hot pan or oven.

What to Serve With Naan Bread?

H3: Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak

A rich, velvety mushroom sauce poured over grilled steak pairs wonderfully with naan as a sponge for all that umami flavor.

H3: Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Naan isn’t just for Indian dishes. Use it as a side to this satisfying stir-fried classic for an international twist.

H3: Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

Tear off a warm piece and scoop up the creamy, cheesy pasta for a fusion experience.

H3: Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese

Use naan as a sandwich wrap for this bold, gooey grilled cheese variation.

H3: Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri

Naan can easily replace rice or tortillas in this flavorful, saucy bowl.

H3: Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup

Dip your naan into this hearty soup for a cozy, satisfying bite.

H3: Crispy and Delicious Chinese Egg Rolls

Serve alongside these crunchy bites for a textural contrast that really works.

Want More Bread Ideas?

If you love this easy naan, try these other satisfying bread and bread-adjacent favorites:

• Fluffy Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread for a light and high-protein option.
• Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts if you’re craving something sweet from minimal effort.
• Air Fryer Pizza Toast as a quick savory snack with a bread base.
• Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls when you’re in the mood for baking something indulgent.
• Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs if you want handheld cheesy comfort.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add garlic? Stuff it with cheese? Brush with ghee instead of butter?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Easy homemade naan bread is one of those recipes that instantly elevates a meal without a lot of work. Whether you’re making it as a cozy side or using it as the main vehicle for a wrap or dip, this simple recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. It’s the kind of bread that connects food with comfort, and that’s what makes it so special.

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