Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe that you will ever need. Made in a skillet, these Naan bread tastes just like Indian restaurants! Enjoy with your favorite curries.
I also love using my Instant Pot for proofing the dough.
Learn how to make these soft fluffy naan bread with step by step method below. Video Instructions in the recipe card!
Easy Naan bread from scratch
We all love Naan breads at home and love to scoop them with some Chana masala, Cucumber Raita, and Quick Pickled Onions.. Along with a glass of mango lassi – this combination becomes extra special! My son love Butter Naan – it’s loaded with extra butter and my daughter loves Garlic Coriander Naan.
Our Soft fluffy delicious naan bread is made with essential pantry ingredients – Flour, Yeast, Sugar, Salt, Oil & Yogurt. Dairy-Free Greek Yogurt also works really well. Yes, this recipe is for Vegans too!
Yes, this recipe is literally dump, knead, proof and cook on skillet to make delicious soft homemade naan.. How easy is that!!
You don’t really have to rush to an Indian Takeaway to indulge in Naan bread when they are so easy to make!
Don’t have yeast, then you can make these No Yeast Garlic Naan Bread or 3 Ingredients Yogurt Flatbreads – These are super easy too!
You can brush it with a layer of garlic butter or simply leave it out too – either way, this easy homemade naan bread is soft and tastes fabulous.
What is Naan bread?
Naan is a leavened, Indian flatbread, traditionally baked inside a very hot clay tandoor oven. Naan is stuck in tandoor and baked at very high heat. Such Tandoor Ovens are often found only in restaurants.
We can always make easy fail-proof Vegan naan bread at home, on a skillet too. You are sure to love how easy it is to make Skillet Naan bread. And you don’t need fancy gadgets!
Ingredients to make Naan bread
To make Soft Pillowy Naan, you will need only 6 ingredients, that are easily available accessible in our pantry
Plain Flour or All Purpose Flour ( also known as maida in Hindi )
Instant Yeast – I like to use Instant Fast Action Dried Yeast in my recipe. This will save us additional time for activating and foaming.
Salt
Sugar
Vegetable Oil or Sunflower Oil or Olive Oil
Natural Yogurt – Dairy-free Natural Yogurt, Greek Yogurt and standard Yogurt either of them works in this recipe.
Water – Make sure the water is not too hot or cold. It is just luke warm.
HOW TO MAKE SOFT HOMEMADE NAAN STEP BY STEP?
This homemade flatbread recipe is really simple to make – all you want to combine the ingredients and make a dough ball. Allow it to rise until it doubles in size. Divide the ball into 6 even pieces. Flatten each piece of dough and form an oblong shape. Cook them on a cast iron skillet and you have really soft homemade naan.
- ADD THE DRY INGREDIENTS – Add the Flour, Yeast, Salt & Sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
2.ADD THE WET INGREDIENTS – Add Yogurt, Oil and warm water. Stir the ingredients to combine.
3.FORM A DOUGH – Knead the dough with hand or use a stand mixer to combine the ingredients to form a soft dough.
4.PROOF THE DOUGH – Grease a large bowl and transfer the kneaded dough to the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or damp towel. Allow the it rise for 1 – 1.5 hours at room temperature or until it doubles the size. Remove the cling film/ plastic wrap.
HOW TO PROOF DOUGH IN INSTANT POT?
Grease the Inner Pot of the Instant Pot with butter/ oil.
Place the dough in the greased pot. Close the lid and leave the knob in venting.
Select the Yogurt Setting and set the external timer for 40 mins. I always use my Google Home for a 40 minutes reminder. When the timer beeps, cancel the yogurt setting. Open the lid to see the raised dinner roll dough.
Deflate the dough by punching down lightly.
5. DIVIDE THE DOUGH & SECOND RISE FOR 15 MINUTES – The second rise is the key step for soft naans. I have tried skipping this step and made this Indian flatbread too. However, I loved the texture and fluff that came from the simple naans with the second rise.
6.COOK THE NAAN BREAD ON A SKILLET– Apply oil on the top of each dough and the rolling pin. Flatten each piece of dough, and form a rough, oblong shape. Do not roll them like Chapathi’s. Roll them length-wise and then by side ways.
Heat the cast iron skillet.Transfer the rolled naan onto the hot skillet. Let it cook for couple of minutes until you see bubbles on top. Flip the naan and cook for another 2 minutes until you see them puffing.
Remove from heat and brush with a layer of butter or oil (optional). Keep them covered in a soft cloth or casserole, until you are ready to serve.
HOW TO MAKE BAKED NAAN BREAD
- Preheat your oven to 230C (450C) gas mark 8 with a baking sheet inside.
- Transfer the prepared naan to the preheated baking sheet and bake for 5-6 minutes..
- Remove from the oven, brush with a little butter or oil and serve!
What to eat or serve with naan breads
These soft Homemade Naan Breads will be the perfect partner with my favorite Indian Curries. Take a pick from the list below.
- Vegan Aloo Gobi – Potato & Cauliflower Curry
- Aloo Matar
- Paneer Peshawari
- Dhaba style Dal Makhani
- Paneer Makhani
- Saag Aloo
- SouthIndian Egg Curry
- Palak Paneer
Naan Bread Pizza – It takes only 10 minutes! All our pizza craving is sorted in these strange times when I can’t step out too!
Indian dips for Naan – These are the popular trio dips served with poppadoms too.
Can you Freeze Naan breads?
You can freeze the homemade naan bread for up to 3 months. Make all the naan bread and allow them to cool down completely. Now pack them well in freezer-safe plastic bags like Ziploc and label them. Store in the freezer for 3 months. For reheating frozen naan, defrost the naan and then warm them in the microwave and serve immediately. Keep in mind Naans will dry out every minute they sit out after reheating. This is a freezer-friendly Naan bread, so you can enjoy them later too!
Naan bread in the UK is easily available in stores like Tesco, Sainsburys, Waitrose and even in the Asian Grocery Stores. To freeze store-bought naan, you must place them in the freezer on the day of purchase.
ALWAYS Reheat the Naan just before serving, as they tend to dry out quickly.
Is this Easy Indian Naan Bread VEGAN?
Yes, my version of Naan bread is Vegan. I have made them with dairy free greek yogurt and it comes out amazing. This recipe is so versatile – simply use the ingredients you have got at hand.
Ingredients
- 350 g Plain Flour or All Purpose Flour 2 1/3 Cup
- 7 g Instant Yeast or 2 1/4 teaspoons
- 120 g Natural yogurt or Dairy free Yogurt 1/2 Cup
- 150 ml Warm Water 2/3 Cup
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1 Tsp Sugar
- 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
- Garlic Butter or Vegan Butter or Oil for brushing
Instructions
KNEAD THE DOUGH
- DRY INGREDIENTS – In a mixing bowl, add flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Stir to mix.
- WET INGREDIENTS -Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture. Add the wet ingredients – yogurt, water and oil. Mix the ingredients together until it forms a ball.
- FORM A DOUGH -Knead the dough by hand or stand mixer to form a dough. If the dough is sticky, add 2 tbsp of flour and knead again.
HOW TO PROOF THE DOUGH ?
- Grease a large bowl and transfer the kneaded dough to the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or damp towel. Allow the it rise for 1 – 1 ½ hour in a warm place at room temperature or until it doubles the size.
- Remove the cling film/ plastic wrap. Deflate the dough by punching down lightly.
HOW TO PROOF DOUGH IN INSTANT POT?
- Grease the Inner Pot of the Instant Pot with butter/ oil.
- Place the dough in the greased pot. Close the lid and leave the knob in venting.
- Select the Yogurt Setting and set the external timer for 40 mins. I always use my Google Home for a 40 minutes reminder. When the timer beeps, cancel the yogurt setting. Open the lid to see the raised dinner roll dough.
- Deflate the dough by punching down lightly
SECOND RISE
- DIVIDE THE DOUGH TO 6 PIECES – After the dough has risen, punch back the dough and divide in 6 pieces.
- ALLOW FOR SECOND RISE – Roll the 6 pieces into balls and keep them covered for at least 15 minutes. This second rise contributes to the soft texture of the naans. { OPTIONAL }
- ROLL THE DOUGH – Pick one dough ball at a time and roll it into oblong or oval shape. Apply a little oil on the dough ball and the roller when you do it. This makes sure the ball doesn't stick to the roller.
COOK NAAN BREAD ON SKILLET
- Heat the cast iron skillet or Nan stick pan. Transfer the rolled naan onto the hot skillet. Let it cook for couple of minutes until you see bubbles on top. Flip the naan and cook for another 2 minutes until you see them puffing.
- Remove from heat and brush with a layer of garlic butter or melted butter or oil (optional). Garnish with coriander leaves (optional). Keep them covered in a soft cloth or casserole, until you are ready to serve.
- Serve with your favourite curries.
Orlee says
Can you make with Greek yogurt?
Sandhya Hariharan says
Yes you can. Pls do adjust the flour like a teaspoon more or less at the time of kneading, if you find it sticky.
Madhu says
This recipe is super easy and loved the result… thanks for sharing this recipe with us
Sandhya Hariharan says
So glad Madhu. This flatbread is so easy, perfect for someone making it for the first time too. Your Indian Naan bread pictures looked amazing on the Facebook group. Thanks for sharing.
Dannii says
We love making our own naan. It definitely reduced food waste.
Sandhya Hariharan says
Making homemade naan is really easy and you can use the ingredients that need to be used up first. Such an easy versatile flatbread recipe!
Jo says
Naan bread is our favourite accompaniment to homemade curries. Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Sandhya Hariharan says
You will love it Jo! Can’t wait to see your pictures after you make it.
Angela says
I love this step by step tutorial. My naan came out great! Thanks!
Sandhya Hariharan says
That’s super wonderful to know! Our homemade Naan bread is easy. Try flavoring them with Garlic and Coriander or enjoy as Butter Naan, Chilli Cheese Naan, or Peshwari Naan.
veenaazmanov says
Best homemade Naan Bread recipe. Looks good and best try during the lock down.
Sandhya Hariharan says
Thanks Veena. Yeah, this homemade naan recipe is easy, uncomplicated, and straightforward. Tried and tested by many!
Lauren Vavala | Delicious Little Bites says
I have not made my own naan before but it’s a good time to try! This recipe looks so easy and straightforward – and delicious!
Sandhya Hariharan says
You are going to love this fuss free Naan recipe.
Heidy says
This naan bread was excellent. I made it for our lunch the other day and served it with a veggie tray and hummus. My husband really enjoyed it.
Sandhya Hariharan says
Thats simply amazing. Thanks for sharing Heidy!
Christine Rival says
Can you substitute white whole wheat flour for the ap flour?
Sandhya Hariharan says
Yes you can substitute. Pls adjust the water accordingly. Start with 1/2 cup and go incremental until you achieve a soft dough.
JD says
I lived this, but my naan puffed up like a pancake! Did I wait too long after the second rise? Also, how hot should the pan get on the stovetop?
Sandhya's Kitchen says
Hi JD – Pan should be really hot. I would give it at least 5 minutes on a med-high flame before placing my naan on it.
Steve Brookes says
Wow, made these this morning, not disappointed at all, can’t belive how easy they was to make,
Thank you
Sandhya's Kitchen says
Thank you for your wonderful feedback on our Homemade Naan. Its so simple , straighforward and versatile. Works as delicious flatbread with Korma, Rogan Josh or even Chana Masala.
Pam says
Can you make and freeze
Sandhya's Kitchen says
Hi Pam,
You can make the naan bread, allow it to cool down. Place the naan in a labelled Ziploc bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost thoroughly and warm before serving with your favourite curry.
Tish says
I made it this morning for friends coming to dinner, they are coming tomorrow instead. Should I cook today and reheat tomorrow or can I store the dough over 24hours before cooking?
Sandhya's Kitchen says
I would suggest making it today. I haven’t tried storing the dough for that long.
In the meanwhile, if you need a quick flatbread recipe for tomorrow with a similar texture to our easy Naan bread, try https://sandhyahariharan.co.uk/easy-yogurt-flatbreads/
Beth says
This is so yummy and delicious! I had fun making these with my daughter! Such a hit here! Definitely making these again!
Sandhya's Kitchen says
How amazing!! Homemade Naan is a wonderful bread-making exercise with kids too. Its delicious to mop any of your favorite curries.
Patty at Spoonabilitiesg says
I am so excited to try this recipe – I haven’t made naan before and your steps make it sound so easy! I’m giving this a try!!
Sandhya's Kitchen says
Woohoo..You got to try this Patty! It’s really simple to make Naan bread with the step-by-step guidance that I have included in the post. I would love to know your feedback.
Anjali says
I absolutely love naan, but we always just order it from restaurants or buy it at the grocery store when we want to have it with our dinner. I can’t wait to try your recipe – I feel like it will turn out much better if we make it from scratch at home!
Sandhya's Kitchen says
Oh no!! You got to try this easy Homemade Naan bread recipe Anjali. It just needs a little time to proof the dough – otherwise it’s a straightforward recipe. Plus, you can make Coriander Garlic Naan with the same recipe.
Biana says
Love naan, thank you for sharing your recipe! This is great bread for make for dinner.
Sandhya's Kitchen says
With very little prep, this version of our homemade Naan is perfect for midweek meals too.
Sandhya's Kitchen says
Absolutely BIna.. This easy homemade naan bread is super easy for dinner.. Plus if you proof the dough in the instant pot, you save a little more time.
Sara Welch says
Gave this a try for dinner tonight and I am so thankful that I did! Perfectly easy, light and delicious! Exactly what I was hoping for!
Sandhya's Kitchen says
SO glad your family loved our easy Naan bread recipe. It’s delicious to serve with our popular Chana Masala too!
Marcia says
Loved these! My son and husband (and I) gobbled these right up with our butter chicken. Will definitely make again. Thank you.
[email protected] says
Can you use sour cream instead of yogurt?
Sandhya's Kitchen says
I haven’t tried naan with sour cream, so unable to guide you on this. But this may work too.
Peter says
very disappointing afetr following recipe to the letter 40mins wasted. No mention of temperature in yoghurt settin g therefore assumed instant pot was automatic. 40 mins wasted as pot was set to only 23.9 degs?
Sandhya's Kitchen says
I’m sorry to hear that your dough didn’t rise as expected.
According to the information I have, the temperature range for proofing dough in the Instant Pot is typically between 80-90°F (27-32°C), which is the optimal temperature for most yeasts to grow and ferment. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions and use a kitchen thermometer to ensure that the dough is proofing at the correct temperature.
If you continue to have issues, it may be worth checking with the manufacturer to see if there is an issue with your Instant Pot. I hope this information helps and that your future attempts at proofing dough in the Instant Pot are successful.
Radwa says
I made this Naan bread recipe yesterday, and it was so good and super easy! Exactly what I was hoping for!
Theresa says
Hi Sanhya! I’m trying your nann recipe tonight and your channa masala! I wanted to ask you if, on my second rise, I can let sit for a few hours? I’m not serving dinner for a few more hours. Should I put my divided dough peices in the fridge?
Sandhya's Kitchen says
Hi Theresa, Happy cooking. Chana masala and Naan bread is my family favourite.
Treat the naan bread dough as any other bread dough. If you let it sit for too long, the taste and texture of the finished bread will suffer. Because the dough is fermenting during both rises, if the process goes on for too long, the naan bread may taste unpleasant.
Instead try placing it in the fridge. And make it in a couple of hours. I have not tried it, but that’s exactly what I would.
Alternatively make the naan bread after the second rise and place it in a casserole dish. Just before serving, splash a little water and heat it in the microwave.
Please do let me know how it turns out.
SylviG says
Great recipe, bread really light and fluffy. I used white bread flour. I made 8 smaller naans instead of 6 and baked in the oven on my pizza stone at 230C – done in 6 minutes, 3 at a time, well spaced.
Sandhya's Kitchen says
Absolutely thrilled to know the naan bread turned out fab with white bread flour too.
Aryanna says
Amazing. I made this dairy free since I am lactose intolerant. I used coconut yogurt in replace of the greek yogurt, and it turned out so fluffy and delicious. The coconut didn’t leave a taste in this recipe. I used the metric version for complete accuracy and used a kitchenaid with the hook to knead it. Amazing recipe, especially for dairy allergy friends. However, I am sure the original recipe is just as delightful.