Name: The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 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· 4.4 from 8 reviews

If you have ever craved the warm, buttery, and garlicky goodness of Indian bread fresh from the tandoor, then you are in the right place. The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe brings that restaurant-quality magic right into your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. This naan is soft, fluffy, and bursting with that perfect garlic flavor, making it an ideal companion for any meal, especially spicy curries or rich stews. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this authentic yet approachable recipe that will quickly become a staple in your home-cooked dinners!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight round dough balls resting on a dark plate covered with a thick layer of white flour. Each dough ball is lightly dusted with flour, giving them a soft, powdery texture. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with some scattered flour around it. There are two small white bowls nearby, one containing extra flour and the other with salt, adding to the baking scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because it uses basic pantry staples that transform into something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect naan — from the fluffy texture to the savory garlic kick.

All-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure and softness for the bread.
Active dry yeast or instant yeast: Essential for the dough to rise and become airy.
Sugar: A small touch to feed the yeast and add slight sweetness.
Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps develop the dough’s consistency.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the taste.
Plain yogurt: Adds tenderness and a subtle tang that improves dough texture.
Oil or ghee: Helps with moisture and richness, making the naan soft.
Minced garlic: Brings the bold, fragrant garlic flavor that defines this naan.
Melted butter: For brushing the finished naans, adding shiny gloss and richness.
Chopped cilantro or parsley: A fresh contrast in color and flavor as a garnish.

How to Make The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl. Let it rest for about 10 minutes until the surface becomes frothy and bubbly. This signals your yeast is alive and kicking, which is the secret to beautifully risen naan with that light, airy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt first. Then add the yogurt and oil, mixing them into the flour. Pour in your activated yeast mixture and knead the dough for about 10 minutes. You want a smooth and elastic dough that feels just right to the touch. Once kneaded, cover it and let it rise in a warm spot for around 1 hour, or until its size doubles — this step is crucial for that naan fluffiness.

Step 3: Shape the Naans

Once your dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Roll each ball out gently into an oval shape, about 8 inches long. Don’t worry about getting them perfectly shaped; part of naan’s charm is its rustic, handmade look!

Step 4: Cook the Naans

Heat a lightly greased skillet over medium-high heat and lay each naan flat. Cook for about 1 minute on each side, or until you see beautiful golden-brown bubbles forming on the surface. This quick cooking locks in the softness while creating those lovely toasted spots.

Step 5: Final Touch

Mix the minced garlic with melted butter while the naans cook. As soon as each naan finishes cooking, brush them generously with this aromatic garlic butter. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top. This final flourish is what brings The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe to life — bursting with buttery, garlicky goodness that’s impossible to resist!

How to Serve The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

A round flatbread with a light golden color and dark brown char spots sits in a black cast iron pan on a wooden board. The flatbread has a slightly uneven surface texture with some puffed areas and is garnished with a few green herb leaves on one side. The background is a white marbled surface with a crumpled white cloth partially visible near the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your naan experience. A quick sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley adds a pop of color and a mild herbal note that balances the buttery garlic flavor beautifully. For a bit of extra zing, consider a dusting of smoked paprika or a flicker of chili flakes!

Side Dishes

This garlic naan is unbeatable alongside classic Indian curries such as chicken tikka masala, creamy butter chicken, or hearty lentil dal. Its soft texture is perfect for scooping up those rich sauces. It also complements vegetable dishes like aloo gobi or chana masala, making it versatile at every meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your naans stacked on a warm plate with a small bowl of spiced yogurt raita or chutney on the side for dipping. You can also slice them into strips to use as dipping bread for hummus or baba ganoush, turning this Indian classic into a crowd-friendly appetizer for any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover naan, no worries—wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps the bread soft and flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

To enjoy The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe anytime, freeze the naan individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then stored in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months, making meal prep for busy days a breeze.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the naan in a hot skillet for a minute or two on each side or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel. Adding a small pat of butter when reheating will revive that fresh-from-the-oven taste and buttery texture.

FAQs

Can I use plain milk instead of yogurt?

Yogurt adds a slight tang and tenderness to the dough that milk doesn’t offer, but if needed, lukewarm milk can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind the texture may be a little less soft.

What if I don’t have a skillet? Can I bake the naan?

Yes! You can bake naan in a very hot oven on a preheated baking stone or baking sheet. Bake at 500°F for about 3-5 minutes until bubbly and golden. The stovetop method just gives that classic char and quicker cooking.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Simply replace the yogurt with coconut milk or any plant-based yogurt and use vegan butter or oil instead of melted butter for brushing. The dough will still rise beautifully and taste amazing.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise for a full hour?

Allowing the dough to rise fully helps develop those soft, airy qualities and flavor depth. If rushed, your naan will still cook but won’t have the same light texture.

Can I add other flavors besides garlic?

Absolutely! Try adding minced ginger, chopped fresh herbs, or nigella seeds to the garlic butter for a delicious twist that personalizes The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe to your taste.

Final Thoughts

Making The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience — from watching the dough rise to biting into that soft, warm bread infused with garlic butter. It’s a dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal, whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and make it your own; once you do, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of fresh naan, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!