Homemade Garlic Naan Bread (Printable)

Soft Indian flatbread with garlic butter, perfect for pairing or enjoying warm by itself.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dough

01 - 2 cups (16.5 oz) all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup (4 fl oz) warm water
06 - 1/4 cup (2 oz) plain yogurt
07 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

→ Garlic Butter

08 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
09 - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt thoroughly.
02 - Add warm water, yogurt, and vegetable oil to the dry mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
03 - Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
04 - Cover the dough and allow it to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
05 - Combine melted butter with finely minced garlic and set aside.
06 - Divide dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into an oval about 1/4 inch thick.
07 - Preheat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot.
08 - Place one rolled dough piece in the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles form; flip and cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown spots appear.
09 - Immediately brush the hot naan with garlic butter and optionally sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
10 - Repeat the cooking and buttering process for the remaining dough. Serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Soft, pillowy bread ready in under 30 minutes—no overnight proofing required.
  • One bowl of dough transforms into something that tastes like you've been baking bread your whole life.
  • The garlic butter finish is where the real comfort lives, turning simple flatbread into something you'll crave.
02 -
  • Don't skip the 10-minute rest—it makes kneading easier and helps the dough relax so it rolls out without fighting back.
  • If your pan isn't actually hot, the naan won't bubble and brown properly; the heat is what creates those pockets of air and golden spots.
03 -
  • Measure your warm water carefully—too hot kills the yeast, too cool and it won't activate. Your pinky should be able to stay in comfortably.
  • The moment you see bubbles form, flip immediately; that's when the magic is happening underneath, and you don't want to miss the moment.
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