Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe Easy Step-by-Step for Perfect Soft Naan
This fluffy homemade naan bread recipe delivers soft, pillowy bread with a buttery finish, perfect for any occasion. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and cooked on a skillet for that authentic char and softness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm water
- 1/3 cup (80 grams) plain yogurt (Greek yogurt preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, whisk 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C) with 1 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon active dry yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Add 1/3 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
- Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if too sticky.
- First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let rest in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Divide and shape: Punch down dough, divide into 6 equal pieces, roll each into a ball, and let rest for 10 minutes under a towel.
- Roll out the naan: Roll each ball into a teardrop or oval shape about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick.
- Cook the naan: Heat a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place one naan on the dry pan and cook 1-2 minutes until bubbles form, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden brown spots appear. For garlic naan, brush minced garlic and melted butter on one side before cooking.
- Butter it up: Remove naan and immediately brush with melted butter or olive oil. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired.
- Serve warm: Stack naan in a clean towel to keep warm while cooking the rest.
Notes
Use warm water (not hot) to activate yeast properly. Do not overwork the dough to keep naan soft. Brush hot naan immediately with melted butter or oil to maintain softness. Resting the dough is essential for fluffy texture. Rolling dough too thin will make naan crispy instead of soft.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 naan bread
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: naan, homemade naan, soft naan bread, Indian bread, fluffy naan, easy naan recipe, skillet naan, garlic naan, bread recipe