The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread

If you’ve ever tasted Garlic Naan, you know just how amazing this Indian flatbread can be. It’s soft, pillowy, and loaded with garlicky flavor, making it a favorite in Indian cuisine that’s easy to love.

This homemade Garlic Naan bread is a breeze to make right in your kitchen without needing a special tandoor oven. Just grab a cast-iron skillet and in about 90 minutes, you’ll enjoy warm, buttery, garlic-filled naan that tastes just as good as what you get at an Indian restaurant. The best part? It practically melts in your mouth and is surprisingly simple to make!

⭐️ Why You’ll Love This Naan Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: No need to dine out — this recipe nails the delicious taste of your favorite Indian spot at home.
• Super Easy: Even if you’re new to bread baking, this recipe keeps things simple and straightforward.
• Customize It: Add your favorite spices, herbs, or extra garlic to make it truly yours.
• Endlessly Versatile: Great with curries, perfect as sandwich bread, an awesome pizza base, or tasty snack by itself.
• Made from Scratch: No preservatives, no weird additives — just pure homemade goodness.

🧾 Ingredients

• All-Purpose or Bread Flour: Gives your naan the perfect soft yet chewy texture.
• Yeast (Active Dry or Instant): Makes the dough rise beautifully and get fluffy.
• Garlic (Minced and Buttered): The star of the show bringing that bold garlic flavor.
• Yogurt and Oil (or Ghee): Keeps the bread moist with a rich, traditional flavor.
• Cilantro or Parsley: Adds a fresh burst of color and a lovely aroma to finish it off.
• Salt, Sugar, and Warm Water: Balances the flavors and activates the yeast.

Be sure to check the recipe card below for exact measurements.

📖 Substitutions & Variations

• Vegan-Friendly: Replace yogurt with your favorite dairy-free option and swap regular butter for vegan butter.
• Herb Switch: No cilantro? Parsley works beautifully as a fresh, vibrant alternative.
• Whole Wheat Option: Use whole wheat flour to add fiber and a heartier bite.
• Gluten-Free Version: Try gluten-free flour mixed with a little xanthan gum for texture.
• Get Creative: Sneak in shredded cheese, different herbs, or seeds for fun flavor twists.

👩🏻‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

• Activate the Yeast: Combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it rest about 10 minutes until bubbly and frothy—this shows the yeast is alive and ready.
• Make the Dough: Stir together flour, salt, yogurt, and oil. Add the foamy yeast mix along with minced garlic, and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is soft, smooth, and springy. It may feel sticky at first, but that’s totally normal!
• Let It Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and place it somewhere warm. Let it rise until it doubles in size, which usually takes about 1 hour.
• Shape Your Naans: Punch down the dough gently and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval shape about 8 inches long on a lightly floured surface.

• Cook the Flatbreads: Preheat a lightly oiled cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each naan for about 1 minute on each side. Watch carefully—the bubbles popping on top are the sign of that perfect fluffiness and golden color.
• Brush on Garlic Butter: Stir minced garlic into melted butter. Generously brush this flavorful mixture over the hot naans. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and fresh cilantro or parsley for that extra tasty touch.

Bonus tip: Swap out the water for lukewarm milk when making the dough for an extra soft, tender result that your family will love.

🍯 Storage

• Refrigerate: Store your naan in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap each naan individually to prevent freezer burn, then keep them in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm your naan in a skillet over medium heat or pop it in the microwave with a little butter to bring back that freshly baked softness.

💡 Top Tips

• Get That Dough Just Right: Knead thoroughly until the dough is soft and stretchy—avoid leaving it sticky or too tough for perfect texture.
• Skillet Heat Matters: Make sure your pan is hot but not smoking to get those golden brown spots and puff-up bubbles that make naan special.
• Generous Garlic Butter: Don’t hold back! Brushing plenty of garlic butter over warm naan is the secret to that mouthwatering, restaurant-quality taste.

❓FAQ

Can I use a regular frying pan instead of a cast-iron skillet?

Definitely! A non-stick frying pan will work just fine if you don’t have cast iron. But trust me, a cast-iron skillet really takes the flavor and texture up a notch.

Can I freeze the dough before cooking?

Yes, you can! Prepare the dough ahead of time, freeze it, then thaw it gently in the fridge overnight before you’re ready to bake.

How do I keep my naans soft after cooking?

The key is good kneading and cooking at the right heat. Once cooked, wrapping your naans in a clean towel helps trap steam to keep them soft and fluffy.

Homemade Garlic Naan really transforms any meal into something special. Whether it’s served alongside a creamy Chicken Tikka Masala or used to scoop up a cozy bowl of roasted tomato soup, this recipe promises big flavors with simple steps. Give it a whirl and watch how quickly it vanishes from the table!