Garlic Naan

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Soft, fluffy, and perfectly blistered in all the right places, garlic naan is the ultimate sidekick to any curry night or grilled feast. The buttery garlic topping seeps into the warm, chewy bread for an indulgent experience that might just upstage your main dish. This is the kind of bread that invites tearing and dipping, making it hard to stop at just one piece.

Unlike store-bought versions that can be dry or bland, homemade garlic naan is a flavor bomb made with pantry staples and a touch of love. Whether you have a cast iron skillet or a hot griddle, you can bring restaurant-style naan to life right in your own kitchen. And if you’ve never worked with yeast before, don’t worry—this recipe is forgiving and beginner-friendly.

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What Kind of Flour Should I Use?

For soft and chewy garlic naan, all-purpose flour is your best bet. It creates just the right amount of gluten to give the bread its signature texture. If you want a slightly healthier twist, you can replace up to 1/2 cup with whole wheat flour, though the result will be a bit denser.

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Ingredients for the Garlic Naan

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil)
• 1/4 cup warm milk
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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How To Make the Garlic Naan

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to help the dough rise.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add in the yeast mixture, yogurt, milk, and oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms, then knead for about 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Naan

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal balls. Roll each out into an oval or tear-drop shape about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 4: Cook the Naan

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high. Place one rolled-out naan on the dry skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until bubbles form. Flip and cook another minute until charred spots appear. Repeat with remaining dough.

Step 5: Add the Garlic Butter

Mix melted butter with minced garlic. Brush over warm naan and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if using. Serve immediately.

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How to Serve and Store Garlic Naan

Garlic naan is incredibly versatile. Serve it hot alongside classics like butter chicken, tikka masala, or daal. It also works beautifully as a base for flatbread pizzas or torn into pieces for dips like hummus or raita.

To store, let naan cool completely. Wrap in foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or oven until warm and soft again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make garlic naan without yeast?

You can substitute the yeast with 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it after kneading. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

A nonstick skillet or griddle can also work, though it may not give the same char. You can also try baking them in a hot oven (500°F) on a pizza stone.

Can I add cheese or other toppings?

Absolutely. Mix shredded mozzarella into the dough or sprinkle on top before cooking for cheesy garlic naan.

Is it vegan?

To make it vegan, use a plant-based yogurt, milk, and butter alternative. It works well and tastes great!

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Want More Bread & Side Dish Ideas?

If you’re all about warm, comforting bread recipes, you might enjoy these tasty options too:

• 2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Flatbread
• Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes
• Baked Apple Empanadas
• Giant Zucchini Parmesan
• Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

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

And let me know in the comments how your garlic naan turned out. Did you go traditional or add your own twist with cheese or herbs? I’d love to hear what you paired it with too!

Follow more daily recipe inspiration on my Pinterest: Nina Dishes

Let’s keep the good food coming!

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