Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe with friends because it’s one of those comforting breads that feel like a warm hug. The garlic-infused butter brushed over soft naan is honestly irresistible, and I find myself craving it whenever I make curries or just want a tasty dipper for hummus. Plus, it’s really not as intimidating as it looks—once you get the dough right, everything else falls into place.

You’ll find this Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe works wonders anytime you need fresh, fluffy bread that your whole family will go crazy for. I remember the first time I nailed it; the smell of garlic and warm bread just filled the house, and from then on, making naan at home became a go-to weekend ritual. It’s so rewarding (and way more flavorful than the store-bought kind) that it’s definitely worth the effort.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe plays a special role to ensure soft, flavorful bread that’s easy to work with. Using warm water helps activate the yeast perfectly, while Greek yogurt adds tenderness and a subtle tang.

• Warm water: Essential for activating the yeast; make sure it’s not too hot or you’ll kill the yeast.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps create that perfect rise.
• Dry active yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise beautifully.
• Flour: I use all-purpose flour for a soft texture, but bread flour works well too for a chewier naan.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the dough.
• Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the bread.
• Greek yogurt: This keeps the naan super soft and adds a nice slight tang.
• Butter: Melted with garlic and cilantro for that irresistible finishing touch.
• Garlic clove: Freshly minced to pack in punchy, aromatic garlic flavor.
• Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, fresh herb note that pairs perfectly with garlic.

Variations

I love how flexible this Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe can be. Feel free to tweak the toppings and dough a bit to suit what you love or what you have on hand. That’s the beauty of homemade bread—you can make it as classic or creative as you want.

• Cheese-stuffed naan: I’ve stuffed naan with mozzarella or paneer for an extra indulgent treat that melts perfectly inside.
• Herb variations: Sometimes I swap cilantro for fresh mint or parsley to mix up the flavor profile.
• Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of chili flakes or finely diced green chili to the garlic butter gives a nice zing if you like it hot.
• Vegan option: Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan margarine and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.

How to Make Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Start by whisking together warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. The water should feel pleasantly warm—not too hot or it’ll kill the yeast. I usually test it with my wrist, like you would for baby’s bathwater. Cover the bowl and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it’s bubbly and foamy—that’s how you know the yeast is active and ready to do its magic!

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Next, add your flour, salt, olive oil, and Greek yogurt to the yeast mixture. Start combining everything, then knead the dough—either by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook. You’re aiming for a soft, smooth ball of dough; if it feels dry or isn’t coming together well, add small splashes of water one teaspoon at a time. Knead for about 5 to 10 minutes until you get that lovely elasticity and no cracks form.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough back into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Find a warm spot in your kitchen—near a sunny window or inside an unheated oven with just the light on—and let that dough rise until it doubles in size. This usually takes about one hour. When I peek inside, I look for a dough puffed up like a soft cloud—that’s your cue it’s ready.

Step 4: Shape Your Naan

Once risen, punch the dough down gently to release air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces then roll each into a ball. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a teardrop or oval shape about 1/4 inch thick. Don’t worry about perfection here—this is handmade bread, so those little irregularities add charm.

Step 5: Cook the Naan

Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy non-stick pan on medium heat—no oil needed. Place one naan in the hot pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles start to form and the bottom has golden brown spots. Flip and cook the other side, aiming for light charring in places. If you have a kitchen torch, you can add some extra smoky spots, but it’s delicious right off the pan, too.

Step 6: Add Garlic Butter and Cilantro

While the naan cooks, melt butter with minced garlic and fresh cilantro in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Brush this fragrant butter generously over each hot naan straight from the pan—that’s the moment when the flavors really come alive. Serve immediately for the best flavor and softness.

How to Serve Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe

Garnishes

For finishing touches, I usually stick to fresh minced cilantro and garlic butter—it’s such a classic combo I just love. Sometimes I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or nigella seeds on top before serving for extra texture and flavor. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of lemon juice adds a nice brightness right before eating.

Side Dishes

Our favorite way to enjoy this Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe is alongside rich, saucy Indian dishes like butter chicken, chana masala, or dal makhani. It’s also amazing as a scoop for hummus or baba ganoush when you’re hosting casual get-togethers. Honestly, it pairs well with almost any dip or stew you can think of!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love stacking warm garlic naan in a basket lined with a colorful napkin and serving alongside small bowls of chutneys and raita. Rolling up naan wraps around grilled veggies or meats makes for fun finger foods at parties. You could even cut them into triangles and serve as chips with your favorite dips—it’s always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover naan in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat it within a day. For anything longer, I pop it in the fridge wrapped in foil or in a zip-top bag. Just be sure to reheat it properly to bring back the softness.

Freezing

Freezing naan works beautifully—just cool them completely, then stack with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking, and freeze in a sealed container. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw them at room temperature a few minutes before reheating. This makes it super convenient to have fresh naan anytime.

Reheating

I find reheating in a hot oven or air fryer keeps the naan soft and brings back that just-made texture. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-4 minutes, wrapping the naan in foil if you want to keep it softer. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the naan chewy or tough.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple, satisfying, and always gets compliments. I love how it brings people together—whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. If you’ve been hesitant about making naan from scratch, I hope my tips encourage you to give it a try; nothing beats that first warm, garlicky bite fresh off the stove!

Print