There’s something absolutely magical about pulling a pillowy, golden naan off a sizzling skillet. With this Easy Homemade Naan Bread recipe, you won’t just have a side for your favorite curry — you’ll have a showstopper, straight from your own kitchen. I’m talking about that irresistible aroma as the dough hits the pan and those buttery, fluffy layers that tear apart so easily you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds. Homemade naan is comfort food at its best, and trust me, it brings people together like nothing else!

Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Easy Homemade Naan Bread recipe is simple, but each plays a starring role. From the yeast that gives it a beautiful rise to yogurt for extra softness, these staples come together to create unforgettable flavor and texture — and you probably already have most of them on hand!

Active dry yeast: This is what helps your naan puff up and become beautifully airy.
Sugar: Just a teaspoon wakes up the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
Warm water (110°F/45°C): The temperature is important; it jumpstarts the yeast but won’t kill it.
All-purpose flour: The main structure of your naan — start with 2½ cups, but you might need a little more for kneading.
Salt: Essential for flavor; don’t skip it!
Plain yogurt: Adds tang, tenderness, and richness.
Olive oil: For moistness in the dough and for greasing the pan — you can use ghee if you want even more flavor.
Warm milk: Lends a lovely softness and a touch of sweetness.
Melted butter: For brushing over the finished naan, which makes it glossy and irresistible.
Chopped fresh cilantro or garlic (optional): Finish with one or both for a major flavor boost.

How to Make Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, until it becomes foamy. That frothy top means your yeast is alive and ready to go! If you don’t see any bubbles, your yeast might be old, so it’s best to start again for that classic Easy Homemade Naan Bread rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour and salt. Now pour in the foamy yeast mixture, plain yogurt, olive oil, and warm milk. Stir everything together until you get a sticky, shaggy mass. Don’t worry — it’s supposed to look a little rough at first!

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Lightly flour your work surface, then scoop out the dough and get your hands in there! Knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s super smooth, soft, and elastic. If it sticks a bit, sprinkle in a little more flour as you go, but try not to overdo it — the key to truly tender Easy Homemade Naan Bread is to keep the dough moist, not dry.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Transfer your dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a towel or plastic wrap. Set it aside in a warm place for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size. Watching that dough puff up is always so satisfying, and the warmer the spot, the better the rise!

Step 5: Divide and Shape

Punch down the dough to release the air, then cut it into six equal pieces. Roll each into a round ball, then roll out each ball into an oval or teardrop shape, about a quarter-inch thick. The uneven, rustic shapes are part of homemade naan’s charm.

Step 6: Cook the Naan

Heat a lightly oiled skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Place one dough oval at a time onto the hot surface. Watch as beautiful bubbles appear — flip after 1 to 2 minutes per side, until you get those signature golden brown spots! Keep cooked naan wrapped in a clean kitchen towel so they stay warm and soft.

Step 7: Finish with Butter and Toppings

As soon as each naan comes off the pan, brush the top with melted butter. For a burst of color and flavor, sprinkle on chopped cilantro or minced garlic while it’s still hot. Your Easy Homemade Naan Bread is now ready to wow your tastebuds!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Garnishes

A generous brush of melted butter is a must, but why stop there? Sprinkle a bit of flaky salt, a shower of fresh chopped cilantro, or a few pinches of minced garlic for classic restaurant vibes. For a spicy twist, add ground chili or nigella seeds — these tasty toppings elevate every bite of your Easy Homemade Naan Bread.

Side Dishes

Naan loves good company! Pair it with saucy curries like butter chicken, creamy tikka masala, or hearty dal. These chewy, pillowy breads are also fabulous with hummus, roasted veggies, or as a warm scoop for homemade raita. However you serve it, naan makes every meal more special.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond dipping: try using Easy Homemade Naan Bread for wraps, pizzas, or even torn up for hearty salads. You can even cut them into wedges to serve with cheese boards or pakoras. Their soft texture is the perfect canvas for creative, crowd-pleasing appetizers or fun, personalized weeknight dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my home!), let your naan cool completely. Place it in an airtight container or sealed zip-top bag and store at room temperature for up to two days. If you won’t use it quickly, pop it in the fridge to keep it fresh for a few extra days.

Freezing

Good news: Easy Homemade Naan Bread freezes beautifully! Let the breads cool, stack them with pieces of parchment paper in between, and seal them in a freezer bag. Pull out what you need and thaw at room temperature or gently reheat straight from the freezer for homemade bread anytime you crave it.

Reheating

For the softest naan, wrap it in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. You can also toast it in a dry pan for a couple of minutes on each side, or microwave briefly with a damp paper towel on top. Brush with extra melted butter for that fresh-baked flavor!

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! You can substitute instant yeast in the same quantity, and since it activates more quickly, you can skip the proofing step with water and sugar — just add it directly to your flour.

What can I use if I don’t have yogurt?

Yogurt is the magic behind naan’s signature tenderness, but in a pinch, you can use sour cream, buttermilk, or even a little extra milk with a squeeze of lemon juice for similar softness and tang.

Why is my naan not puffing up?

If your skillet isn’t hot enough, you won’t get those lovely bubbles. Make sure your pan is truly preheated before you add the dough — and check that your yeast foamed well at the start for the best lift.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the yogurt for a rich plain plant-based yogurt, the milk for a non-dairy version, and use olive oil or your favorite vegan butter. You’ll still get delicious, chewy Easy Homemade Naan Bread.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

A little stickiness is a good thing, but if it’s hard to handle, gradually add a tablespoon of flour at a time during kneading until it’s soft and smooth without being dry.

Final Thoughts

Once you make Easy Homemade Naan Bread, you’ll find yourself craving it with just about everything. There’s no comparing store-bought to that homemade warmth and tenderness — I hope you have as much fun making (and eating) these naan as I do. Give it a try, and bring that restaurant magic right to your own table!

Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rise time)
Yield: 6 naan breads 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make Easy Homemade Naan Bread with this simple and delicious recipe. Soft and fluffy, these homemade naan breads are perfect for pairing with curries or using as a wrap base.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
2 ½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for cooking)
1/4 cup warm milk

For Topping:

1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Chopped fresh cilantro or garlic (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture, yogurt, oil, and warm milk. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Knead and Rise: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Shape and Cook: Divide the dough into 6 pieces. Roll each into an oval shape. Cook in a skillet for 1–2 minutes per side until puffed and golden.
Finish and Serve: Brush with melted butter and top with cilantro or garlic. Serve warm.