Why You’ll Love Naan 3 Ways Recipe
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Easy to make at home with basic ingredients
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No tandoor oven needed—perfect for stovetop cooking
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Customize your naan with flavorful toppings
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Deliciously soft and puffy with golden, crisp edges
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Pairs beautifully with any Indian dish or can be enjoyed on its own
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Great for meal prep or entertaining guests
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Three variations in one recipe
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Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
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Uses pantry staples
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Fun and rewarding to make from scratch
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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All-purpose flour
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Active dry yeast
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Sugar
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Salt
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Warm water
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Yogurt
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Oil or melted butter
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Garlic (for Garlic Naan)
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Butter (for Butter Naan)
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Sesame seeds (for Sesame Naan)
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Fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
Directions
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In a bowl, activate the yeast by mixing it with warm water and sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
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Add flour, salt, yogurt, and oil. Mix until a dough forms.
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Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions.
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Roll each ball into an oval or round shape using a rolling pin.
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For Garlic Naan: Sprinkle minced garlic and press it into the dough.
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For Butter Naan: Cook plain naan and brush generously with melted butter after cooking.
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For Sesame Naan: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the rolled dough and press lightly to stick.
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Heat a skillet or tawa over medium-high heat. Place the rolled naan onto the hot pan.
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Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form, then flip and cook the other side until golden spots appear.
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Brush with butter, and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 naan breads.
Prep time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes rise time)
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Variations
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Cheese Naan: Add shredded mozzarella or paneer to the center before cooking.
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Stuffed Naan: Fill with spiced mashed potatoes, minced meat, or paneer for a hearty option.
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Herb Naan: Mix fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the dough for extra flavor.
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Whole Wheat Naan: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
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Chili Naan: Add chopped green chilies to the garlic or butter toppings for a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Store cooled naan in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Wrap each naan in foil or parchment and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Reheat naan in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil until warm. Microwave is an option, but may make it chewy.
FAQs
How do I make naan without yeast?
You can substitute baking powder and baking soda for yeast. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I cook naan in the oven?
Yes, place the rolled dough on a hot baking sheet or pizza stone in a preheated oven (500°F) for 3-4 minutes.
What’s the difference between naan and roti?
Roti is unleavened and usually made with whole wheat flour, while naan is leavened and often made with all-purpose flour and yogurt.
Can I use whole wheat flour for naan?
Yes, but the naan will be denser and slightly less soft than when made with all-purpose flour.
How do I get the naan to puff up?
Make sure your skillet is hot enough and your dough is well-rested. Rolling it not too thick or thin helps it puff.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. No need to activate it—just mix it with the flour.
What can I serve with naan?
Naan pairs well with curries, dals, grilled meats, or even used as a wrap or pizza base.
How long does it take to rise?
Typically, about 1 to 2 hours in a warm place, depending on your room temperature.
Is naan vegan?
Traditional naan is not vegan due to yogurt and butter, but you can use plant-based alternatives.
Why is my naan tough?
Over-kneading or overcooking can make naan tough. Also, avoid using too much flour while rolling.
Conclusion
Making naan at home is easier than you think, and with these three flavorful variations—garlic, butter, and sesame—you’ll have something for everyone. Whether you’re dipping it into rich curry or enjoying it on its own, homemade naan brings warmth and authenticity to your table. Try them all and find your favorite way to enjoy this classic Indian bread.
