There's nothing quite like the warm, pillowy softness of freshly made naan bread straight from the pan. Whether you're using it to scoop up a flavorful curry, wrap around grilled meats, or enjoy with a drizzle of garlic butter, homemade naan is a game-changer.
I first attempted making naan at home when I realized how expensive store-bought versions could be—and let me tell you, the difference in taste is incredible! This easy naan bread recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and comes together quickly, making it a staple in my kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Naan Bread Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite homemade bread. This naan bread recipe is incredibly simple and yields the softest, most flavorful naan you'll ever taste.
First off, it's quick and easy. While some breads require hours of rising, this naan dough only needs a short resting time before it's ready to cook.
It's also budget-friendly. With just a few pantry staples like flour, yogurt, and yeast, you can make a batch for a fraction of the cost of store-bought naan.
Plus, this recipe is versatile. You can enjoy classic plain naan, brush it with garlic butter, or add herbs and cheese for extra flavor.
Finally, there's no need for a tandoor—you can achieve restaurant-quality naan using just a skillet on your stovetop.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of naan lies in its simple yet effective ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that perfect chewy, airy texture.
All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough, providing the right amount of structure while keeping it soft. If you want a slightly chewier texture, you can swap in some bread flour.
Greek yogurt is the secret to soft, tender naan. It adds a slight tang and helps keep the dough moist. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, regular plain yogurt or even sour cream will work as substitutes.
Instant yeast gives the dough its airy texture. It eliminates the need for a long proofing time, so your naan can be ready in about an hour. If using active dry yeast, activate it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before mixing it into the flour.
Olive oil or melted butter adds richness to the dough, ensuring each bite is soft and flavorful. Brushing the cooked naan with butter or ghee takes it to the next level.
A touch of sugar helps feed the yeast, allowing the dough to rise properly. It also adds a subtle sweetness that balances the flavors.
How To Make This Naan Bread

Making this homemade naan is easier than you think. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
Start by mixing the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt, warm water, and olive oil, then gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture.
Knead the dough until it’s smooth and slightly sticky. This should take about 5-7 minutes by hand or 3-4 minutes in a stand mixer. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal portions and roll each piece into an oval or round shape, about ¼ inch thick. Don’t worry about perfection—naan is meant to have an organic, rustic look!
Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, place a piece of naan in the dry skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until bubbles start to form on the surface, then flip and cook for another minute or so until golden brown.
For the best flavor, brush the warm naan with melted butter or garlic butter immediately after cooking. Serve hot and enjoy!
Storage Options
Homemade naan stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
For short-term storage, wrap the naan in a clean kitchen towel and place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps retain its softness.
To keep naan fresh longer, refrigerate it in a sealed bag for up to 5 days. Simply reheat in a skillet or oven before serving.
For freezing, wrap individual naan pieces in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot pan for best results.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about homemade naan is how customizable it is! Here are some ways to change it up:
For garlic naan, brush the cooked naan with melted butter mixed with minced garlic and chopped cilantro. It adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with any dish.
Make it cheesy by sprinkling grated cheddar or mozzarella onto the dough before cooking. The cheese melts beautifully and creates a rich, gooey naan.
Swap out the yogurt for coconut milk to create a dairy-free version. This works great if you're serving naan with coconut-based curries.
If you want a whole wheat version, replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The texture will be slightly denser, but it’s a healthier option.
Love heat? Add chili flakes or chopped jalapeños into the dough for a spicy kick.
However you choose to enjoy it, this easy naan bread recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
PrintNaan Bread Easy Recipe
This easy naan bread recipe yields soft, pillowy flatbreads with a slight chew and deliciously charred edges. Perfect for serving with Indian dishes, hummus, or as a wrap, this homemade naan is quick, simple, and tastes better than store-bought!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including rise time)
- Yield: 6 naan breads 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- Optional: minced garlic, chopped cilantro for topping
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add yogurt, olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix and knead until smooth. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Divide dough into equal pieces, roll into balls, and flatten into discs.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each naan for 1-2 minutes per side until bubbles form and golden spots appear.
- Brush with melted butter and add optional toppings. Serve warm!
Notes
- For extra flavor, brush with garlic butter after cooking.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best results.
- Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 naan
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
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