Perfectly Pillowy Homemade Naan Bread

Q: **How to make naan** that's soft and pillowy? Mine always ends up a bit tough.

Tough naan is a common woe, but easily fixed! Don't over-knead the dough, you want it smooth and elastic, not overworked. Also, yogurt is key - full-fat yogurt adds moisture and tenderness. Make sure you let the dough rise in a warm environment for the right amount of time!

Q: Can I make naan dough ahead of time? What's the best way to store it?

Absolutely, you can be a naan-making wizard with a little planning. After the first rise, punch down the dough, divide it into portions, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out and cooking. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage; just make sure to wrap each portion individually.

Q: What are some fun variations I can try to spice up my homemade naan?

Oh, get creative, why don't you? Garlic naan is a classic – just add minced garlic to the dough. You could also try adding chopped cilantro and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of zing. Or, for a sweeter twist, brush with honey butter instead of plain butter after cooking. Go wild, it's your naan!

Naan Bread Recipe How to Make Naan at Home Pillowy Soft

By Chef BakerJune 30, 2025

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4.74 (27 Ratings)

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Fancy making some proper tasty naan? This recipe shows how to make naan that's miles better than shop bought. Honestly, nothing beats freshly baked naan.

I will show you my secrets of the best naan recipe for perfect fluffy, charred bread every time.

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to get that authentic taste at home? The Indian flatbread recipe I'm sharing creates that perfect balance. It's the secret to fluffy bread with those gorgeous charred bits.

Brief Overview

Naan originates from India. This flatbread is a cultural cornerstone. This recipe is medium difficulty, needs 1- 2 hours for rising. It yields 8 portions. Perfect with curry!

Main Benefits

Homemade Garlic Naan is healthier, fresher, and way more flavorful. It is amazing served hot with your favourite curry. This recipe is special because it's so easy!

Ready to make the dough? You'll need a few simple bits. I was so chuffed to finally nail making naan .

It seemed so tricky at first! The key is really in getting that dough just right. This recipe works for authentic naan bread recipe .

It's really easy.

First you need a cup of warm water. That's 240ml, for my angels. You'll also need two teaspoons of active dry yeast.

Don't forget a teaspoon of sugar for the yeast to feed on. Three cups of all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting, is next.

That's about 360g of flour, give or take. And of course, a teaspoon of salt. Sounds easy eh? I'll show you how to cook naan on stove .

Two tablespoons of plain yogurt is important. Make sure it’s full fat for the best results. Add two tablespoons of vegetable oil.

Alternatively, you can use melted ghee. The last ingredient is a tablespoon of melted butter for brushing. This makes the naan absolutely divine!

You can sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds on the naan. A little chopped cilantro is great too. I can't live without it.

Honestly, a little sprinkle of cilantro is so lovely. Easy naan dough recipe is really simple to use.

Oh my gosh, you have to try making this at home! Let me know how you like it.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Naan Arsenal

Perfectly Pillowy Homemade Naan Bread presentation

So, you wanna know how to make naan like a pro? Well, it all starts with grabbing the right gear and ingredients.

Honestly, getting this part right is half the battle. No need for fancy stuff. Let's keep it simple, yeah?

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Warm Water: 1 cup (240 ml) , around 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) . This is super important! Too hot and you’ll kill the yeast. Too cold, and they won't wake up.
Active Dry Yeast: 2 teaspoons (7g) . Make sure it's still good! You know, doesn't smell like feet. I once tried making bread with expired yeast. Don't do it.
Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon (6g) .
All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (360g) , plus extra for dusting.
Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g) .
Plain Yogurt: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Full fat is the way to go. Trust me on this.
Vegetable Oil (or melted ghee): 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
Melted Butter: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , for brushing.
Sesame seeds, cilantro, Nigella seeds for sprinkling. (Optional)

For quality, the yogurt should be thick and creamy. The yeast should be active. You'll know it's good when it blooms in the warm water.

Flour is normally flour, but make sure is unbleached all-purpose to obtain the best Naan Recipe

Seasoning Magic

The beauty of naan is in its simplicity. But a little something extra never hurt, right?

Essential Spice Combinations: A sprinkle of Nigella seeds adds a lovely savory note.
Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Fresh garlic is your friend for Homemade Garlic Naan .
Quick Substitution Options: No yogurt? Sour cream will do in a pinch.

Essential Equipment

Listen, you don't need a tandoor oven to make Authentic Naan Bread Recipe at home. Here's the real deal what you really need:

Large Mixing Bowl: For, you know, mixing.
Clean Kitchen Towel: For letting the dough rise.
Rolling Pin: To get those naan into shape.
Cast Iron Skillet: or griddle. It gets seriously hot and gives you those char marks.
Tongs: To flip the naan without burning your fingers.

A non-stick frying pan works, but cast iron is king. You can how to cook naan on stove if you don't have anything better, but your final result won't be exactly a Tandoori naan at home , or Garlic Naan Bread Recipe .

So, there you have it. Your basic setup for Making Naan . Next up, the actual making! Let’s get cooking, shall we?

Cooking Method: Nail How to Make Naan at Home!

Okay, let's talk naan recipe . Honestly, ditch the takeaway tonight. You can make better naan at home. Trust me, it's easier than you think and tastes amazing .

This Indian flatbread recipe will become your new favourite. We're diving deep into making naan !

Prep Like a Pro: Your Essential Mise en Place

First, gather your ingredients. Warm water, yeast, sugar, flour, salt, yogurt, and oil. Got it? Great! Now, measure everything out.

This is the "mise en place." It sounds fancy, but it just means getting organised. It'll save you loads of time later.

Ensure your water is around 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) .

Naan tastic step-by-step!

Ready to get cooking? Here's how to cook naan on stove :

Activate your yeast. Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5- 10 minutes until it's foamy.
Mix in flour and salt. You will want to stir until you get a shaggy dough.
Add yogurt and oil. Knead for 5- 7 minutes . It should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Let the dough rise. Cover and place in a warm spot for 1- 2 hours , until doubled.
Divide and shape. Punch it down, divide into 8 pieces, and roll into ovals.
Heat your pan and cook. A cast iron skillet, nice and hot (almost smoking!), is the key to Tandoori naan at home . Cook each side for 1- 2 minutes . Flip when bubbles appear.

Pro Naan Know How!

Want that perfect, fluffy garlic naan bread recipe ? Here are a few tips. Don't over knead the dough. This will result in tough naan.

And make sure your pan is screaming hot! This gives you those amazing charred spots. You can even sprinkle water on the naan as it cooks, to help it steam and puff up even more! Now you are closer than ever to the best naan recipe ! Try this easy naan dough recipe now!

make-ahead Magic!

You can make the dough ahead. Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and cooking.

That's it! You've just learned how to make naan that rivals your favourite takeout. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Naan tastic Secrets Revealed

Alright, so you’re ready to dive into how to make naan . Ace! Before you get your hands floury, let's chat about a few things I've learned along the way.

These aren't just instructions, they're my naan making wisdom bombs! Honestly, I've had my fair share of naan disasters.

Serving Suggestions: Naan-y Ways to Wow

Okay, you've made your gorgeous naan recipe ! Time to think about serving. I love plating them stacked high on a warm plate, brushed with extra butter.

You know, for that extra oomph . Think about sides too. A cooling raita is always a winner. Or go full-on with Chicken Tikka Masala.

Total crowd pleaser.

Storage Tips: Naan Later, or Naan Now?

Right, so you've made a big batch. What now? Leftover naan, stored properly, can still be delicious. I wrap them tightly in foil or in an airtight container.

They'll keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, freeze them! To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave works, or better, a few minutes in a warm oven.

It brings that fresh baked magic back.

Variations: Naan tastic Twists

Fancy switching things up? I am all about that. How about Homemade Garlic Naan ? Just chuck a load of minced garlic into the dough.

So good! Or, for a healthier twist, sub half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat. Gives it a lovely nutty taste.

If you are after the best naan recipe , you should experiment!

Nutrition Basics: Naan trition in a Nutshell

Okay, so naan isn't exactly a health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right? Each naan bread is about 220-250 calories.

It's mostly carbs, but you also get a bit of protein and fat. The joy it brings? Priceless.

So there you have it! My top tips for making naan like a pro. Don't be scared to experiment. Have fun.

And most importantly, enjoy the deliciousness! You can use these tips whether or not you're following a garlic naan bread recipe , or searching how to cook naan on stove .

Happy baking!

Easy Naan Recipe Pillowy Homemade Garlic Naan Bread

Frequently Asked Questions

My naan isn't puffing up like it does in restaurants. What am I doing wrong?

Right, let's troubleshoot that! A good puff is all about the heat, innit? Make sure your pan is screaming hot before you slap that naan on there. Also, ensure your yeast is fresh and the dough has risen properly that's where the air comes from!

Finally, sprinkle some water on the Naan before cooking, this allows the Naan to rise evenly.

How to make naan that's soft and pillowy? Mine always ends up a bit tough.

Tough naan is a common woe, but easily fixed! Don't over knead the dough, you want it smooth and elastic, not overworked. Also, yogurt is key - full fat yogurt adds moisture and tenderness. Make sure you let the dough rise in a warm environment for the right amount of time!

Can I make naan dough ahead of time? What's the best way to store it?

Absolutely, you can be a naan making wizard with a little planning. After the first rise, punch down the dough, divide it into portions, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out and cooking.

You can also freeze the dough for longer storage; just make sure to wrap each portion individually.

Is there a healthier way to make naan? What about whole wheat or less oil?

Definitely! You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nuttier flavor. As for oil, you can reduce the amount in the dough, but remember it contributes to the texture. If you do reduce the oil, add a bit more yogurt or water to compensate.

Also, skip the butter at the end for a lower fat option.

What are some fun variations I can try to spice up my homemade naan?

Oh, get creative, why don't you? Garlic naan is a classic just add minced garlic to the dough. You could also try adding chopped cilantro and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of zing. Or, for a sweeter twist, brush with honey butter instead of plain butter after cooking. Go wild, it's your naan!