Garlic Naan
Garlic naan is not just a delicious flatbread; it’s a warm embrace of flavors that perfectly complements any meal. Picture this: a golden-brown, soft, and slightly chewy bread, glistening with melted butter and studded with aromatic garlic. This Indian classic is the ultimate companion for that rich curry or spicy dal you’ve been dreaming of. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or simply craving something irresistible, homemade garlic naan brings the authentic taste of a restaurant right into your kitchen.

I still remember the first time I sunk my teeth into a piece of freshly baked garlic naan. It inspired me to learn how to make it myself. Trust me, once you try making this garlic naan recipe, you won’t want to go back to the store-bought versions. The smell as it cooks will draw everyone into the kitchen, and the first bite? Pure bliss! Let’s get rolling – you’re going to love this easy, budget-friendly recipe.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 40 minutes of prep, garlic naan is a fantastic addition to any meal.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and freshly baked dough creates an aroma that is simply mouthwatering.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A warm stack of naan sprinkled with fresh herbs is a stunning centerpiece at the dinner table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for dipping into your favorite curry or serving alongside grilled meats, garlic naan fits into any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can opt for gluten-free flour or dairy-free yogurt for alternative dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast: This is the key to fluffy naan; instant yeast helps the dough rise quickly without extra proofing time.
- 2 teaspoons sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness that balances the garlic and enhances the yeast’s activity.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Essential for flavor; make sure to use good quality salt for the best taste.
- 2 ¾ cups bread flour: Offers the right structure for a chewy texture; bread flour is preferred for its higher protein content.
- 1 cup water, room temperature: Room temperature water activates the yeast without shocking it.
- ¼ cup whole yogurt, plain: Yogurt adds richness and moisture, creating a tender dough; you might substitute it with a non-dairy yogurt for a dairy-free version.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Gives the dough a nice richness; substituting with melted coconut oil is also delicious.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds that aromatic punch typical of garlic naan.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted: For brushing on the cooked naan, adding a glossy finish and extra flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A boost of garlic flavor is perfect for those who can’t get enough.
- Kosher salt, for sprinkling: Adds a finishing touch; flaky sea salt can also be used for a lovely crunch.
- Parsley, freshly chopped, for sprinkling: Adds a fresh garnish and a pop of color.
- Chives, for sprinkling: Just a hint of onion flavor, elevating the overall experience.
How to Make Garlic Naan
- Mix the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 ¼ teaspoons of instant yeast, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, and 2 ¾ cups of bread flour. Using the paddle attachment, mix for about 15 seconds until well combined. Then, add 1 cup of room temperature water, ¼ cup of plain whole yogurt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 3 minced cloves of garlic. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Switch out the paddle attachment for the dough hook, and knead on medium speed for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and glossy. If it’s too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until it clears the bowl’s sides. If it’s too dry, add 1 teaspoon of water until it achieves a slightly sticky texture.
- Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough ball to a well-oiled bowl, turning it to coat all surfaces in oil. Cover it with plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free area. Allow it to rise until doubled in size, which should take about 1 hour, but this time can vary depending on your room temperature.
- Shape the Naan: On a lightly floured surface, turn the risen dough out. If it feels sticky, sprinkle it lightly with flour. Form the dough into a log and slice it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a round ball and flatten or roll it into a 4-inch circle, keeping the remaining dough covered.
- Roll Out the Naan: Allow the 4-inch circles to rest for about 10 minutes under a cloth. Using a lightly oiled rolling pin, roll each round into a 6-inch circle, covering the other balls to prevent them from drying out.
- Cook the Naan: About 5-10 minutes before you’re ready to cook, heat a heavy cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Working one at a time, gently lift a dough circle, stretch it slightly, and place it in the skillet. You can press it gently to widen it if needed.
- Flip and Finish: Cook until small bubbles appear on the surface, and the bottom is a deep golden brown, around 1-2 minutes. Then, using a large spatula, flip the naan and cook the other side until it’s also golden brown.
- Add Garlic Butter: Transfer the cooked naan to a wire rack and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. Combine 4 tablespoons of melted butter with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and brush this mixture generously over each warm naan.
- Garnish: Finish with a light sprinkle of kosher salt, chopped parsley, and chives. Serve immediately while still warm, and cover loosely with a clean towel to keep it warm.
Storing & Reheating
Garlic naan is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it can last about 5 days. If you’d like to store it for up to 3 months, freeze the naan in a zip-lock bag, ensuring to squeeze out as much air as possible. To revive your naan, simply reheat it on a skillet for a couple of minutes, or you can pop it in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20-30 seconds. Just be aware that freezing may slightly change the texture, but a quick reheat will refresh it beautifully.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead just until smooth; over-kneading can lead to a tougher texture.
- Watch the Heat: Medium-high is key; if it’s too low, you’ll miss that lovely char, but too high can burn it quickly.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add herbs like oregano or thyme for a unique twist, or try incorporating grated cheese for a fun variation.
- Make Ahead: You can freeze the uncooked dough for later use. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before rolling and cooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will make a noticeable difference in flavor, so opt for fresh whenever possible.
Garlic naan is a delightful addition to many meals, whether it’s a buttery side to accompany a rich curry or an elegant touch at your next gathering. Don’t hesitate to play around with flavors and toppings; you might just stumble upon your unique variation! Enjoy the process of making it – the aromas filling your kitchen will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. After all, good food brings people together.

Recipe FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
Can I make garlic naan without yeast?
How can I make garlic naan spicy?
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Garlic Naan
This garlic naan is flavorful and easy to make, featuring simple ingredients like yogurt and fresh garlic. Perfect for a quick dinner or as a side with your favorite dishes!
- Prep Time 40 minutes
- Cook Time No data
- Yield 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt, plus more for sprinkling
- 2 ¾ cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 cup water, room temperature
- ¼ cup whole yogurt, plain
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for oiling bowl
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- kosher salt, for sprinkling
- parsley, freshly chopped, for sprinkling
- chives, for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, mix the yeast, sugar, salt, and bread flour for about 15 seconds.
- Add water, yogurt, olive oil, and minced garlic, mixing on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, around 30 seconds.
- Switch to the dough hook, kneading on medium speed for about 8 minutes until smooth. Adjust with flour or water as needed.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, covering it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, divide into 8 pieces, and form each into a ball. Roll into 4-inch circles, keeping others covered.
- Let the circles rest for 10 minutes, then roll each into 6-inch rounds.
- Heat a heavy cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Stretch each dough circle slightly and place it in the skillet.
- Cook until bubbles form and the bottom is golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Flip and cook the other side.
- Transfer to a wire rack, brush with melted butter mixed with garlic powder, and sprinkle with salt and herbs before serving.
Notes
Ensure the dough rests properly for the best texture and flavor.
Cover the naan with a towel after cooking to keep it warm and soft.
You can store leftover naan in an airtight container for a couple of days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 naan
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.




