Name: Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose / plain flour plus more for dusting and rolling; ½ tbsp instant action yeast; 2 tsp sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp asafoetida (optional); ⅓ cup (80ml) buttermilk or plain yogurt; ⅓ cup (80ml) water, lukewarm; ghee or vegetable oil, as needed; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp cilantro (coriander), finely chopped; pinch nigella seeds (optional)

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Soft, pillowy, and beautifully blistered with golden spots, Garlic Naan Bread is the ultimate way to upgrade almost any meal. Each bite is infused with the unmistakable aroma of fresh garlic butter and a hint of herbaceous cilantro, making it impossible to eat just one piece. Trust me: once you make your own, you’ll understand why Garlic Naan Bread is my go-to side for curries, stews, grilled meats, or simply as a snack straight from the skillet. The best part? With just a handful of pantry staples and a little patience, you’ll bring restaurant-quality bread right to your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Garlic Naan Bread recipe serves a purpose, from creating that tender, chewy texture to delivering layers of flavor. No complicated shopping list here—just classic kitchen staples that, when combined, make pure magic.

All-purpose flour: This gives the naan its soft, chewy structure and perfect bite.
Instant action yeast: Helps the dough rise fast, ensuring pillowy lightness throughout.
Sugar: Just enough to feed the yeast and add subtle sweetness that balances the garlic.
Baking powder: Gives the naan extra lift and tenderness.
Salt: Essential for enhancing flavor—never skip it!
Garlic powder: A gentle layer of garlicky goodness right from the start.
Asafoetida (optional): Adds a uniquely savory, slightly funky note if you have it on hand.
Buttermilk or plain yogurt: These make the dough incredibly tender and add a hint of tang.
Lukewarm water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together smoothly.
Ghee or vegetable oil: Keeps the dough supple while adding rich flavor during cooking.
Unsalted butter (for garlic butter): Forms the delicious base for brushing the finished naan.
Fresh garlic (for garlic butter): Brings bold, aromatic punch to the bread’s finish.
Cilantro (coriander): Adds fresh, vibrant color and herbal pop to each piece.
Nigella seeds (optional): Offer a hint of oniony crunch and classic flair, just like from your favorite Indian restaurant.

How to Make Garlic Naan Bread

Step 1: Gather and Combine Your Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, instant action yeast, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and a pinch of asafoetida if you’re feeling adventurous. This simple mixing step is the foundation of flavor for your Garlic Naan Bread, so give everything a good, even stir.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Make the Dough

Pour in the buttermilk and lukewarm water. Using a hand mixer (fitted with dough hooks if you have them) or a sturdy wooden spoon, mix until a rough, shaggy dough forms. Don’t stress if it looks a little lumpy—this is all part of the process!

Step 3: Knead and Let the Dough Rise

Let your dough rest for about 5 minutes, then knead again by hand or with your mixer on low speed until the dough is smooth and elastic. Rub a thin layer of oil or melted ghee inside the bowl and roll the dough around to coat it. Cover with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until beautifully puffed and doubled in size. Watching dough rise never gets old!

Step 4: Divide and Shape Your Naan

Sprinkle your work surface with flour and gently tip out the dough. Shape it into a log, then cut into 6 equal pieces—little dough clouds ready to become Garlic Naan Bread. Roll each piece into a ball, cover with a cloth, and let rest for a few minutes before rolling or pressing into an oval that’s about 3mm thick. Keep the dough you’re not using covered so it doesn’t dry out.

Step 5: Cook the Naan Perfectly

Heat a cast iron skillet or tawa pan until it’s blazing hot. Grease lightly with ghee or oil, then slap your rolled naan onto the skillet. Tiny bubbles will start to form—just what you want! Flip when golden spots appear, lowering the heat slightly after the first flip to avoid burning. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, turning once or twice, until you have irresistible pockets of perfectly toasted bread. Wrap each cooked naan in a towel to keep it soft while you finish the batch.

Step 6: Make and Brush with Garlic Butter

Melt the butter (or ghee) in a small pan, then stir in the minced garlic. Take off the heat as soon as it smells wonderfully fragrant. Immediately brush your warm naan with this heavenly garlic butter, then sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro and a dusting of nigella seeds if you like. Serve at once, while the aroma is at its most magical!

How to Serve Garlic Naan Bread

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of nigella seeds turns each piece of Garlic Naan Bread into a feast for the senses. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few flakes of crunchy sea salt or an extra drizzle of garlic butter just before serving for even more flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Garlic Naan Bread is the perfect partner for so many dishes: scoop up rich dal, mop up spicy curries, or try it alongside grilled lamb, chicken tikka, or even a creamy butter paneer. Don’t stop at Indian food—the fluffy texture makes it perfect with soups, stews, and even hearty salads.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn a stack of Garlic Naan Bread into a DIY pizza base or cut into strips for dipping into hummus or tzatziki. For entertaining, stack warm naan on a wooden board with small bowls of flavored butters, chutneys, or herbed oils for a wow-worthy bread basket that disappears fast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow resist eating all the Garlic Naan Bread in one sitting, just let the leftovers cool completely. Tuck them into a resealable bag or airtight container and store on the counter for up to 24 hours, or in the fridge for a couple of days. They’re still delicious warmed up!

Freezing

Garlic Naan Bread freezes like a dream. Stack the naan with a little parchment in between each, pop into a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. When a craving strikes, just pull out what you need—no need to thaw before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftover Garlic Naan Bread back to life, heat it in a hot skillet for a minute per side, or wrap in foil and warm in a low oven for about 5 minutes. A quick burst in the microwave works too, but just a few seconds to keep it from getting tough. Brush with more garlic butter to make it taste bakery fresh!

FAQs

Can I make Garlic Naan Bread without yeast?

You can try it! Replace the yeast with an additional teaspoon of baking powder and a splash more yogurt. The texture will be less airy but still tasty and satisfyingly chewy.

Is there a gluten-free version of this Garlic Naan Bread?

Absolutely—substitute a good quality gluten-free flour blend (one that works cup-for-cup with regular flour) and add a tablespoon of extra yogurt for tenderness. The bread may be slightly more delicate, but still delicious.

Can I use only yogurt instead of buttermilk?

Yes! Plain yogurt works wonderfully here, supplying the tang and moisture that soften the dough. If it’s very thick, thin with a tablespoon or two of water so the dough comes together easily.

What can I use if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

No worries—any sturdy, heavy-bottomed pan will work, or even a nonstick frying pan. Just make sure it’s preheated well so you get those irresistible golden spots that make Garlic Naan Bread so tempting.

How do I keep my naan soft for hours?

Immediately wrap your hot Garlic Naan Bread in a clean towel as you cook each batch. Trapping the steam keeps the bread pillowy soft and stops it from drying out, even if you’re making it ahead of time for a party.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Garlic Naan Bread at home, you’re in for a treat. There’s nothing quite like the aroma and flavor of fresh, buttery bread still warm from your own skillet. Give it a try, and you’ll turn every meal—even a simple one—into something truly special!