Name: The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 1 h 31 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour; 1 package (0.25 oz) active dry yeast or instant yeast; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 cup (240 ml) warm water, 110°F; 1 teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons oil or ghee; 3 tablespoons minced garlic; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 85 reviews

If you’re craving restaurant-quality naan without leaving your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place. The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe combines a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create soft, pillowy bread bursting with buttery garlic flavor. This recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves Indian cuisine or just wants to impress friends with homemade bread that tastes authentic, fresh, and downright addictive. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, this naan bread delivers every time and will quickly become your go-to for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or anytime comfort food calls your name.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large round white plate is covered with a thick layer of white flour. On top, there are eight dough balls evenly spread out, each coated with a fine dusting of flour, making them look soft and smooth. Around the plate, on the white marbled surface, are two small white bowls: one filled with salt and the other with flour spilling slightly outside. The scene is lightly lit, showing the powdery texture of the flour and the round, fluffy shapes of the dough balls photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect naan—soft yet chewy, with just the right garlic punch and golden color. You’ll find these everyday pantry staples not only simple but essential for achieving that classic naan texture and flavor.

All-purpose flour (3 cups / 375 g): The foundation of the dough, providing structure with just enough softness for a tender crumb.
Active dry yeast or instant yeast (1 package, 0.25 oz): This tiny powerhouse introduces air bubbles, making the bread light and fluffy.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle hint of sweetness for better browning.
Warm water, about 110°F (1 cup / 240 ml): Activates the yeast and helps form the dough’s consistency.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste of the bread.
Plain yogurt (4 tablespoons): Adds moisture and a slight tang, keeping the naan tender and pliable.
Oil or ghee (2 tablespoons): Contributes richness and softness to the dough while helping it cook golden brown.
Minced garlic (3 tablespoons): The star of the show, infusing every bite with vibrant garlic aroma and flavor.
Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Used to brush the cooked naan, sealing in moisture and amplifying that irresistible buttery garlic taste.
Chopped cilantro or parsley (2 tablespoons): Fresh herbs for a bright, inviting garnish that complements the garlic perfectly.

How to Make The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl. Giving this mixture about 10 minutes to sit allows the yeast to dissolve and bubble up, signaling it’s alive and kicking. This frothy surface guarantees your dough will rise beautifully, creating the naan’s classic texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yogurt and oil, then pour in the awakened yeast mixture. Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading process develops gluten, essential for that perfect chewiness. Once smooth, cover the bowl and let the dough rise for about an hour until it roughly doubles in size.

Step 3: Shape the Naans

After the dough has risen, divide it evenly into eight balls. Each one will transform into a warm, fluffy naan. Roll each ball into an oval shape, approximately 8 inches long. The thickness should be enough to stay soft inside yet cook quickly in the skillet.

Step 4: Cook the Naans

Heat a greased skillet over medium-high heat. Place each naan onto the hot pan and cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the underside is golden brown—this usually takes about a minute per side. This quick cooking over high heat ensures the bread cooks through while getting those irresistible charred spots.

Step 5: Final Touch with Garlic Butter

Mix the minced garlic with melted butter, then brush this fragrant mixture generously over each hot naan straight from the skillet. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and finish with the chopped cilantro or parsley for that fresh, colorful pop. This final step is what elevates the bread from good to unforgettable.

How to Serve The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

A single round flatbread with a golden-brown surface and several darker toasted spots lies in a black frying pan. The flatbread’s texture is soft and slightly puffy, with small bubbles scattered across. Three small sprigs of fresh green cilantro rest near the center, adding a bright contrast. The pan handle shows a rustic patina, and the pan sits on a piece of worn wooden board above a white marbled surface. A white cloth is casually placed to the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley right before serving complements the garlic butter perfectly, lending a burst of color and an herbal freshness that lightens the rich bread. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or nigella seeds for a nutty twist and wonderful crunch.

Side Dishes

Garlic naan is the ultimate companion to rich, saucy Indian dishes. Think creamy Chicken Tikka Masala, spiced Aloo Gobi, or velvety Dal Makhani. Its soft texture and garlic flavor make it ideal for scooping up curries and chutneys, turning every bite into a full-flavored experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond serving straight from the skillet, try folding the naan into sandwiches with grilled meats and fresh veggies or using it as a base for naan pizzas topped with cheese and herbs. Wrap warm naan in a clean towel for a beautiful bread basket centerpiece, perfect for sharing when entertaining family or friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra naan, store the cooled breads in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This keeps the bread soft while slowing down staleness, so you can still enjoy the flavors without a fresh batch.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze naan individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw just the amount you need. Properly frozen, the bread lasts up to two months without compromising texture or flavor.

Reheating

Reheat naan by warming it gently in a skillet or microwave. If reheating in a pan, adding a small dab of butter helps restore the soft texture and prevents drying out. This quick step revitalizes the bread, making it taste like it’s just been freshly cooked.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may make the naan denser and less soft. For best results, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to keep the texture light while adding some nuttiness.

Is it necessary to use yogurt in the dough?

Yogurt adds moisture and tenderness, contributing to the characteristic softness of naan. You can replace it with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt for a vegan version, but the texture might vary slightly.

How can I make the naan more garlicky?

Simply increase the amount of minced garlic in the butter mixture or add a bit of finely chopped garlic directly into the dough. Just be cautious not to overpower the bread’s delicate balance.

Can I bake naan instead of cooking it in a skillet?

Absolutely! Baking the naan at a high temperature (around 500°F) on a preheated baking stone or sheet will produce a similar result. Finish with the garlic butter as soon as it comes out of the oven for that signature flavor.

What’s the difference between ghee and butter for cooking naan?

Ghee has a higher smoke point than butter, making it less likely to burn during cooking and adding a rich, nutty flavor. Butter provides a classic taste and richness but can brown quickly, so adjust heat accordingly if using butter for cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe from scratch—it fills your kitchen with intoxicating aromas and ends with warm, flavorful bread perfect for any meal. Give this recipe a try and watch how it transforms your dinners with its soft, garlicky goodness that’s guaranteed to impress everyone at your table.