Easy Homemade Naan Bread

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Craving warm, pillowy naan fresh off the skillet? This Easy Homemade Naan Bread recipe is your answer to better-than-takeout results in your own kitchen. Whether you’re mopping up curry or simply enjoying it with a dab of butter, this naan brings golden blisters, a chewy center, and a hint of sweetness in every bite.

This recipe doesn’t demand a tandoor oven or complex steps. With a few pantry staples and a hot skillet, you’ll be flipping soft, bubbly naan like a pro. Perfect for beginners, yet satisfying enough for seasoned bakers, this naan might just become your new favorite bread to make at home.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, set yourself up for success with the right tools:

• Mixing Bowl: This is your base station for creating a smooth dough. Go for a deep, wide bowl that allows space for kneading and rising.
• Rolling Pin: To evenly flatten your dough rounds. A tapered or French-style pin gives great control.
• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: The true secret to those golden spots! A heavy skillet ensures even heat and allows the dough to bubble beautifully.
• Damp Kitchen Towel: Keeps the dough covered during proofing, preventing it from drying out.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing melted butter or garlic butter right after cooking—it soaks in while the naan is hot.

Having these ready will streamline your cooking and help you nail that restaurant-style texture and flavor.

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Ingredients for the Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Each ingredient in this naan recipe plays a distinct role in shaping the final flavor and texture:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, giving it structure and softness.
• Plain Yogurt: Adds moisture and a gentle tang, making the naan tender and chewy.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and brings everything together into a pliable dough.
• Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives the naan its light, airy bubbles.
• Sugar: Just a touch, to feed the yeast and balance the salt.
• Salt: Essential for flavor. Without it, the naan would taste flat.
• Olive Oil: Keeps the dough moist and adds a hint of richness.
• Butter or Ghee (for brushing): Brushed on while the naan is hot, this final touch adds shine and flavor.

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How To Make the Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Step 1: Activate and Mix

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it begins to foam—this means your yeast is alive and ready.

Step 2: Form the Dough

Add the yogurt, oil, and salt. Stir in the flour gradually until a sticky dough forms. Once combined, knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Divide and Shape

Once risen, punch the dough down and divide it into 6-8 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten into oval shapes, about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 5: Cook the Naan

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place one piece of dough in the dry skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until bubbles form and the bottom is golden. Flip and cook another minute. Repeat with remaining dough.

Step 6: Brush and Serve

Brush each hot naan with melted butter or ghee right after removing from the skillet. Serve warm and enjoy.

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Serving and Storing Your Naan Bread

Fresh naan is best enjoyed hot off the skillet, brushed with melted butter or ghee. Pair it with hearty dishes like lentil dal, chicken curry, or even use it as a base for flatbread pizzas. You can also serve it as a warm wrap for grilled meats or crisp veggie fillings.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the naan individually wrapped in parchment and sealed in a freezer bag. Reheat on a hot skillet or directly over a flame to bring back the signature softness and char.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of yogurt should I use?

Plain full-fat yogurt is best for tenderness and richness. Greek yogurt works too but you may need to add a splash more water to balance the thickness.

Can I make this recipe without yeast?

Yes, though the texture will be different. Substitute the yeast with 1 teaspoon of baking powder and skip the proofing. The result will be more like a flatbread than traditional naan.

How do I get those bubbles and charred spots?

A very hot cast iron skillet is key. Make sure it’s well-heated before adding the dough. Don’t use oil in the pan—dry cooking encourages the bubbles and browned patches.

Can I flavor the naan?

Absolutely! Add minced garlic, chopped cilantro, or nigella seeds to the dough or brush over while cooking.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

To make it vegan, substitute yogurt with a plant-based version and use oil or plant butter instead of ghee.

Why is my naan dough too sticky?

It’s normal for naan dough to be a bit tacky. Lightly oil your hands and surface when handling. If it’s overly wet, add a spoonful of flour at a time until manageable.

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Want More Bread and Flatbread Ideas?

If you loved this Easy Homemade Naan Bread, you might want to explore more comforting bread and dough recipes. The Homemade Flaky Croissants offer a buttery, layered delight that’s worth the effort. For something savory and bold, try the Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheesebombs—a cheesy, garlicky explosion in every bite.

Don’t miss the Italian Ricotta Easter Bread, a sweet and festive treat perfect for spring or holiday gatherings. Looking for something with a Southern twist? The Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe brings a cakey texture and sugar-dusted finish that pairs beautifully with coffee.

Finally, for a bite-sized party favorite, check out the Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels, which deliver soft chew and melted cheese in every twist.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this recipe to your bread board for future baking days. Just click the Pin button.

If you try it, I’d love to know—did you use garlic butter? Did you try stuffing it with cheese or herbs? Leave a comment and share your twist!

Want more daily recipe inspiration? Visit my Pinterest board at LadyPlate and see what’s cooking today.

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