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, Active dry 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? You can make these No Yeast Garlic Naan Bread or 3 Ingredients Yogurt Flatbreads – These are super easy too!
What is Naan bread?
Naan is a leavened, Indian flatbread, traditionally baked inside a very hot clay tandoor oven. Rolled 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 active dry yeast will save us additional time for activating and foaming.
- Salt & Sugar
- Oil - Use Vegetable, Sunflower or Olive Oil
- Natural Yogurt – Dairy-free Natural Yogurt, Plain 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 lukewarm.
How to make Soft Homemade Naan bread? 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 equal portions. 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 and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
- ADD THE WET INGREDIENTS - Add yogurt, oil and warm water. Stir the ingredients to combine.
- FORM A NAAN DOUGH – Knead the dough with hand or use a stand mixer to combine the ingredients to form a soft dough.
- PROOF THE NAAN DOUGH – Grease a large bowl and transfer the kneaded yeast mixture 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 naan with the second rise.
6.COOK THE NAAN BREAD ON STOVE TOP – 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 Chapathis. Roll them length-wise and then by side ways.
Heat the cast iron skillet or a frying pan to medium high heat.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 Oven 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!
Popular Variations for Naan
- Garlic Naan: Mix minced garlic with melted butter and brush it on top of the naan before baking or cooking.
- Cheese Naan: Sprinkle shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) on top of the naan before baking or cooking. You can also stuff the naan with cheese for a gooey center.
- Herb Naan: Add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, fresh parsley, or dill to the dough before cooking for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
- Spicy Naan: Mix chopped green chilies or red chili flakes into the dough for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle some chaat masala or cayenne pepper on top before serving.
- Paneer Naan: Stuff the naan with cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a delicious and protein-rich variation.
- Nigella seeds and Poppy Naan: Sprinkle a mixture of nigella seeds and poppy seeds on top of the naan before baking or cooking. These seeds add a nutty and slightly bitter flavor, enhancing the taste of the naan.
- Naan dippers: Make miniature naan breads and enjoy as dippers with hummus / yogurt garlic sauce.
What to eat or serve with naan breads?
These soft Homemade Naan Breads will be the perfect partner with my favorite vegetarian 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.
Storing leftover Naans
- In the Fridge: Place the leftover naan in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you're ready to eat it, you can reheat it in the oven, stove top, or microwave until warmed through.
- In the Freezer: If you want to store naan for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the naan tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the oven, or microwave until heated through.
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.
FAQ's
What is healthier Naan or Pita bread?
Pita bread is generally healthier than naan because it's often made with whole wheat flour, providing more fiber and nutrients. Naan tends to have more calories and fat, especially because it is brushed with ghee or butter.
What does adding yogurt to bread do?
Adding yogurt to bread dough makes it softer and tastier due to the moisture and slight tangy flavor it adds. It also helps the bread rise better and can extend its shelf life.
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.
Best Naan bread recipe below
Ingredients
- 350 g Plain Flour or All Purpose Flour 2 ⅓ Cup
- 7 g Instant Yeast or 2 ¼ teaspoons
- 120 g Natural yogurt or Dairy free Yogurt ½ Cup
- 150 ml Warm Water ⅔ Cup
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 3 tablespoon vegetable oil
Optional
- 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 tablespoon 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 - After the dough has risen, punch back the dough and divide in 6 equal portions.
- 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 non stick frying 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.
Claire says
A simple recipe and so light and fluffy!
Sandhya Hariharan says
Thank you Claire.So glad you enjoyed making the plain naan bread.
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.
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.
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.
Radwa says
I made this Naan bread recipe yesterday, and it was so good and super easy! Exactly what I was hoping for!
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.
[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.
Marcia says
Loved these! My son and husband (and I) gobbled these right up with our butter chicken. Will definitely make again. Thank you.
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!
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.