Print

Irresistible Garlic Naan Bread Recipe Easy Homemade Perfect for Beginners

garlic naan bread recipe - featured image

This easy homemade garlic naan bread recipe yields soft, pillowy naan with a perfect garlicky butter topping. Ideal for beginners, it pairs wonderfully with Indian dishes or can be enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) plain yogurt, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 45 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup warm water, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Add 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until dough begins to come together.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if too wet, but avoid adding too much.
  4. Let it rise: Place dough in bowl, cover with damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare garlic butter: Melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and stir in minced garlic. Let infuse for 5 minutes and set aside.
  6. Divide and roll: Punch down dough and divide into 6 equal portions. Roll each into a teardrop or oval shape about 1/4 inch thick.
  7. Cook the naan: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each naan for 1-2 minutes per side until bubbles form and golden brown spots appear.
  8. Brush with garlic butter: Remove naan from skillet and brush generously with garlic butter. Sprinkle with cilantro if desired.
  9. Repeat cooking and brushing for remaining naan. Keep cooked naan warm covered with a towel.

Notes

Use warm water at about 110°F to activate yeast without killing it. Knead dough well for soft texture. Let dough rise fully for airy naan. Brush garlic butter generously while naan is warm. For smoky flavor, finish naan briefly over open flame with tongs. Avoid over-flouring dough to prevent toughness.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic naan, homemade naan, Indian bread, garlic bread, easy naan recipe, skillet naan, garlic butter naan