Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Save this recipe on:

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own naan bread at home. I’ve always loved the soft, fluffy texture and golden, blistered surface of fresh naan, especially when it’s brushed with melted butter or garlic. After trying countless versions, I finally found a method that creates restaurant-style naan right in my own kitchen—without the need for a tandoor oven.

What I love most about this easy homemade naan bread recipe is how flexible and forgiving it is. Whether you’re pairing it with a creamy curry, scooping up hummus, or simply enjoying it warm from the pan, this naan delivers every time. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it pre-packaged.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Naan Bread

This naan recipe gives you that chewy, pillowy bite you expect from good naan without complex steps or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s quick enough to whip up for a weeknight dinner and customizable enough to dress up with herbs, garlic, or cheese. Plus, making it yourself means it’s always fresh, warm, and perfectly golden.

What Type of Flour Should I Use for Naan?

All-purpose flour works beautifully for this naan recipe. It provides the ideal balance of softness and chew. If you want a slightly heartier version, you can mix in some whole wheat flour, but be aware that it will slightly change the texture. Bread flour also works and can give you a slightly chewier result.

Options for Substitutions

You can make this naan dairy-free by using non-dairy yogurt and oil instead of butter. For a gluten-free version, use a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture will differ slightly. You can also skip the sugar if you want it less sweet, or add minced garlic, fresh herbs, or even shredded cheese to the dough for more flavor.

---

Ingredients for this Easy Homemade Naan Bread

All-purpose flour – This is the base of the dough, providing structure and softness.

Greek yogurt – Adds richness, slight tang, and tenderness to the dough.

Warm water – Helps activate the yeast and hydrate the dough for kneading.

Active dry yeast – Makes the naan puff up beautifully by creating air pockets during cooking.

Sugar – Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle hint of sweetness.

Salt – Balances the flavors and strengthens the dough structure.

Olive oil or melted butter – Adds richness to the dough and helps achieve that golden exterior.

Baking powder – Acts as an additional leavening agent, making the naan fluffier.

Garlic or herbs (optional) – For flavor enhancements like garlic naan or herb naan.

---

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates the yeast is alive and ready to go.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add in the Greek yogurt, olive oil, and the frothy yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Add a little extra flour if it’s too sticky, but avoid over-flouring as that can toughen the dough.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Divide and Shape

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

Step 6: Cook the Naan

Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Cook one naan at a time, about 1–2 minutes on the first side until bubbles form, then flip and cook for another minute. You should see golden brown spots forming.

Step 7: Brush with Butter

While the naan is still hot, brush with melted butter or garlic butter. Sprinkle with herbs or sea salt if desired. Serve immediately while warm and fluffy.

---

How Long to Prepare the Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Preparing this naan from scratch doesn’t take as long as you’d think. Most of the time is hands-off while the dough rises.

Prep Time: About 15–20 minutes to mix and knead the dough, and another 60–90 minutes for rising. During the rise, you can prep other parts of your meal.

Cook Time: Cooking each naan takes about 2 minutes per side, so allow roughly 15–20 minutes total depending on how many you make and the size of your pan.

---

Tips for Perfect Easy Homemade Naan Bread

• Make sure your water is warm—not hot—to properly activate the yeast.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
• Use a cast iron skillet or heavy pan to mimic the high heat of a tandoor oven.
• Don’t skip brushing the naan with butter or ghee while it’s hot—it adds incredible flavor.
• For extra charred bubbles, press the rolled-out dough gently onto the hot pan with a spatula while it cooks.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Too much flour during kneading can lead to dense naan.
• Skipping the rise time means the naan won’t be fluffy.
• Cooking on low heat prevents proper browning and bubbling.
• Overcooking can make the naan dry and tough.
• Rolling too thick or too thin affects texture—aim for 1/4-inch thick.

---

What to Serve With Easy Homemade Naan Bread?

Butter Chicken

The creamy tomato-based curry pairs perfectly with soft naan.

Tikka Masala

Use naan to soak up every bit of this rich, spiced sauce.

Lentil Dal

A healthy, hearty vegetarian option that’s delicious with warm naan.

Hummus or Baba Ghanoush

Great for dipping as a snack or appetizer.

Grilled Kebabs

Serve naan alongside skewered meats and a yogurt dipping sauce.

---

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Keep naan wrapped in foil or in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat on a pan or in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel to soften.

Refrigerator: Store for up to 4–5 days in an airtight bag. Warm before serving for best texture.

Freezer: Naan freezes beautifully. Place sheets of parchment between pieces, store in a freezer bag, and keep for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or let thaw at room temperature.

---

Estimated Nutrition

(Per naan, approximate values)

• Calories: 200–250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my naan softer?

Make sure not to overcook it, and always cover warm naan with a kitchen towel to keep it soft.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after kneading. Just bring it back to room temperature before cooking.

Is naan bread vegan?

This version contains yogurt and optional butter. To make it vegan, use plant-based yogurt and oil or vegan butter.

Can I bake naan instead of pan-cooking?

Yes, bake on a pizza stone or preheated baking tray at 500°F for 3–5 minutes. It won’t get the same char as the pan but still turns out great.

What if I don’t have yeast?

You can try a yeast-free version using just baking powder and yogurt, though it will be denser and more like flatbread.

---

Conclusion

Easy Homemade Naan Bread is one of those recipes that turns a simple meal into something unforgettable. With just a handful of ingredients and a few basic steps, you get warm, buttery, restaurant-quality naan right off your stovetop. Whether you’re mopping up curry or making a naan wrap, this recipe is an instant classic that you’ll want to make again and again.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: