Homemade Naan Bread Recipe
There’s something so special about the aroma and warmth that fills your kitchen when you make Homemade Naan Bread from scratch. Light, pillowy, and studded with delicious golden spots, this naan brings all the charm of your favorite Indian restaurant right to your own dinner table. Whether you’re scooping up a creamy curry or nibbling a wedge straight off the pan, you’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding it is to create these gorgeous breads at home. Read on and get ready to turn a handful of humble ingredients into everyone’s favorite side!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Homemade Naan Bread lies in simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one is essential, playing a unique part in the flavor, texture, or appearance of the finished naan—don’t skip a single one!
- Active dry yeast: This brings the dough to life and delivers that signature fluffy, airy texture we all love in naan.
- Sugar: Just a teaspoon helps activate the yeast and balances the flavor.
- Warm water (110°F/45°C): The right temperature wakes up the yeast without killing it, ensuring a perfect rise.
- All-purpose flour: The trusty base for the dough, for a chewy yet delicate result.
- Salt: Just enough to round out all the flavors and keep the bread from tasting flat.
- Plain yogurt: This adds subtle tang and incredible softness to the naan.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Fat equals flavor—your choice gives either a richer or lighter taste.
- Warm milk: Adds additional tenderness and a gentle sweetness to the dough.
- Melted butter (for brushing): Nothing beats the glossy, buttery finish on fresh, warm naan.
- Optional minced garlic or chopped herbs: For a fragrant, flavorful twist that takes your naan over the top.
How to Make Homemade Naan Bread
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Begin by combining the active dry yeast and sugar with warm water in a small bowl. Let this sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy—this means your yeast is awake and ready to work its magic! If the mixture doesn’t bubble, your yeast may be expired, so it’s worth double-checking for best results.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This little step ensures the salt is evenly distributed, so every bite of your Homemade Naan Bread is flavorful.
Step 3: Combine wet ingredients and form the dough
Stir in the plain yogurt, olive oil or melted butter, warm milk, and your foamy yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to stir until a shaggy dough comes together—it won’t be pretty at first, but it will be delicious!
Step 4: Knead the dough
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes. You’re aiming for a soft, elastic texture that feels smooth to the touch—think of this as a mini workout with a very tasty reward.
Step 5: Let the dough rise
Place your dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Watching the dough puff up is always a thrill, knowing you’re so close to fresh naan!
Step 6: Shape the naan
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 to 8 equal portions. This is a great time to get creative with shapes—roll each piece into a classic oval (about 1/4-inch thick) to hold all those tasty char marks once it hits the pan.
Step 7: Cook the naan
Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high until it’s nice and hot. Cook each naan for about 1 to 2 minutes per side. You’re looking for it to puff up with little golden and lightly charred spots—this is Homemade Naan Bread perfection!
Step 8: Brush and garnish
Brush the warm naan with melted butter right away, and if you love extra flavor, sprinkle on some minced garlic or chopped herbs. The aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen!
How to Serve Homemade Naan Bread

Garnishes
Consider finishing your Homemade Naan Bread with a brush of melted butter and a shower of fresh cilantro, parsley, or even a dusting of sesame seeds. A little sprinkle of flaky salt or minced garlic will make each bite shine, whether you keep it classic or get playful with flavors.
Side Dishes
Naan is made for scooping up saucy sides! Serve alongside creamy curries like butter chicken, spicy chana masala, or a comforting dal. It’s also wonderful alongside grilled meats, hearty soups, or even just with a bowl of cool raita for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Get inventive: use your naan as a base for flatbread pizzas with your favorite toppings, or cut it into small wedges and serve with hummus and dips at a party. You can even roll one up with roasted veggies and greens for an unforgettable wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Homemade Naan Bread (lucky you!), wrap it tightly in foil and pop it in an airtight bag. It will stay soft and fresh for up to two days at room temperature. To keep it extra moist, lay a piece of parchment between each naan.
Freezing
Homemade Naan Bread freezes beautifully! Let the naan cool completely, then stack with parchment between each one before sealing in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their lovely texture and flavor for up to 2 months in the freezer—perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Reheating
When you’re ready for more, reheat thawed naan in a hot skillet or a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warm and soft. A little brush of butter after reheating brings them right back to their just-cooked glory.
FAQs
Can I make Homemade Naan Bread without yogurt?
You can! Substitute with equal parts sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a rich non-dairy yogurt if you’re avoiding dairy. The yogurt is key for softness and a slight tang, but swaps like these work in a pinch.
What’s the best way to get authentic charred spots on naan?
A very hot cast-iron skillet works wonders for that irresistible blistered look. Don’t move the naan around once it hits the pan—this allows classic char spots to develop naturally, just like at your favorite restaurant.
Why didn’t my naan puff up?
Usually, this comes down to dough thickness or heat. Roll your naan thin enough, and make sure your skillet is piping hot before you start. Active, fresh yeast also ensures the dough’s lovely bubbles rise as they should.
How can I make garlic naan?
Simply mix a little minced garlic into your melted butter before brushing, or sprinkle chopped garlic right on top of each naan while hot. For even more flavor, add finely minced garlic right into the dough!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
If you’d like a heartier, more wholesome naan, swap up to half the flour for whole wheat. The texture will be slightly denser, but still soft and chewy—just add a splash more milk if the dough feels dry.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Naan Bread is one of those magical recipes that truly feels like a treat every time you make it. Sharing these warm, buttery flatbreads with loved ones is a joy you won’t want to miss—so grab your skillet, bring your appetite, and get ready to fall in love with this kitchen favorite!
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Homemade Naan Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 naan 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Homemade Naan Bread with this easy recipe. This soft and fluffy Indian flatbread pairs perfectly with curries or makes a tasty snack on its own.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup warm milk
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- optional minced garlic or chopped herbs
Instructions
- Prepare Yeast Mixture: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water; let sit until foamy.
- Mix Dough: Whisk flour and salt; add in yogurt, oil, milk, and yeast mixture to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
- Rise Dough: Let dough rise until doubled in size.
- Shape and Cook: Divide dough, roll into ovals, cook in a hot skillet until puffed and golden.
- Finish: Brush with butter and garnish with garlic or herbs. Serve hot.
Notes
- For softer naan, cover with a towel after cooking to retain steam.
- Naan can be frozen for up to 2 months; reheat in a skillet or oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1–1 1/2 hours rising)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 naan
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg