Fluffy Buttery Garlic Naan Bread Recipe That Melts Hearts

Warm, pillowy naan bread with buttery garlic goodness beckons from your kitchen, promising an irresistible culinary adventure.

This homemade buttery garlic naan bread recipe will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of India.

Soft, pillowy dough meets rich, aromatic garlic that melts perfectly into every golden surface.

Each bite promises a delectable journey of flavors that dance across your palate with delightful complexity.

Crafting these naan breads is simpler than you might expect, requiring just a few basic ingredients and some passionate cooking.

The magic happens when butter and minced garlic combine to create an absolutely mouthwatering accompaniment to any meal.

Get ready to elevate your dining experience with this incredibly delicious bread that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time:

Cook Time:

Total Time:

Calories: 202 kcal

Servings: 9

Naan Bread Ingredients with a Garlic Kick

• Warm Water: Kickstarts yeast fermentation, creating soft and fluffy texture.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast, helping it bloom and develop rich flavor.
• Active Dry Yeast: Magical ingredient that makes dough rise and creates airy bread.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates sturdy base with perfect gluten structure for stretchy naan.
• Baking Powder: Provides extra lift and tenderness to bread's interior.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.

• Milk, Yogurt: Adds creamy richness and softens dough texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Contributes to smooth dough and prevents sticking.
• Minced Garlic: Infuses intense aromatic flavor throughout bread.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates golden, glossy surface with irresistible richness.
• Fresh Cilantro, Parsley: Adds vibrant color and fresh herbal note.

Tools to Make Buttery Garlic Naan

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and letting dough rise.
• Rolling pin: Perfect for flattening naan into thin, oval shapes.
• Cast iron skillet: Heavy-duty pan that provides even, high heat for perfect naan cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Clean kitchen towel: Keeps naan warm and soft after cooking.
• Pastry brush: Great for applying garlic butter and oil evenly.
• Small bowl: Used for preparing yeast mixture and garlic butter.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients smoothly.

How to Cook Buttery Garlic Naan at Home

• Yeast Activation

Warm water combined with sugar helps awaken the yeast. Let the mixture sit quietly until small bubbles dance across the surface, signaling the yeast is ready to work its magic.

• Dough Creation

Blend the activated yeast with creamy dairy, fragrant garlic, and dry ingredients. Stir until everything comes together into a soft, promising mixture that hints at the deliciousness to come.

• Dough Transformation

Gently work the dough on a lightly dusted surface. Knead with care, feeling the texture change from sticky to smooth and elastic. The dough should become soft and supple under your hands.

• Resting Period

Place the dough in a cozy, lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let it relax in a warm spot, allowing the yeast to work its wonders. Watch as the dough grows and becomes puffy and light.

• Shaping Adventure

Divide the puffy dough into roughly equal portions. Roll each piece into a gentle oval, creating thin, pillowy rounds that will soon transform into golden, crispy naan.

• Skillet Magic

Heat a heavy skillet until it radiates warmth. Carefully place each naan, watching it bubble and rise. Flip when golden spots appear, creating a beautiful, slightly charred surface that speaks of home cooking.

• Final Touch

Brush the warm naan with a mixture of melted butter and minced garlic. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor that elevates the bread from simple to spectacular.

Naan Bread Tips for Big Flavor

• Ensure water temperature is between 110-115°F for optimal yeast activation, preventing killing or under-activation of the yeast.
• Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nutty, healthier twist that adds robust depth to your naan's flavor profile.
• Experiment with additional herbs like dried rosemary, thyme, or za'atar mixed directly into the dough for unexpected aromatic notes.
• Replace cast iron skillet with outdoor grill for smoky char marks, creating restaurant-style naan with beautiful caramelized edges.
• Substitute dairy milk with coconut or almond milk, and use plant-based yogurt to make this recipe completely vegan-friendly without compromising texture.

What to Serve with Buttery Garlic Naan

• Flavor Companion Pairings: Serve naan alongside rich curry dishes like butter chicken, tikka masala, or spicy vegetable korma for a perfect taste harmony.
• Dipping Delights: Create a variety of dipping sauces such as mint chutney, tangy yogurt raita, or spicy tomato salsa to complement the buttery garlic naan's robust flavor profile.
• Meal Transformation Station: Use naan as a base for quick pizza-style appetizers by topping with cheese, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats, turning this bread into a versatile culinary canvas.
• Breakfast Breakthrough: Transform leftover naan into a morning treat by spreading cream cheese, adding scrambled eggs, or topping with avocado and fresh herbs for a delicious breakfast alternative.

Storage Advice for Homemade Naan

• Fresh Batch Strategy: Prepare multiple naan batches during weekend cooking sessions and store them for quick weeknight meals. Separate each piece with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Refrigeration Technique: Wrap cooled naan in aluminum foil or sealed plastic bag. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, maintaining soft texture and preventing moisture buildup. Reheat gently on skillet before serving.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Stack naan with wax paper between each piece inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm on skillet for best results.
• Quick Reheating Hack: Sprinkle few drops of water on naan before warming in microwave or skillet. This trick helps restore moisture and prevents bread from becoming tough or dry.

Pillowy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 20 reviews

• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Savory garlic naan bread emerges as a delightful companion to Indian cuisine, offering rich flavors from Northern India. Warm flatbread seasoned with aromatic garlic will transport you directly to authentic culinary traditions.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (946 ml) plain flour
• ¾ cup (177 ml) warm milk
• ¾ cup (170 g) Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water
• ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) butter, melted
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) vegetable oil (for cooking)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for butter topping)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ tsps active dry yeast
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tsps granulated sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Whisk warm water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes frothy and aromatic, signaling yeast activation after 7-10 minutes.
2. Dough Preparation: Combine activated yeast with milk, yogurt, oil, minced garlic, flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold ingredients until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough emerges, ensuring all components are thoroughly integrated.
3. Kneading Process: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead methodically using the heel of your palm. Work the dough for 4-6 minutes to develop elasticity and create a smooth, uniform texture.
4. First Rise: Coat the mixing bowl with oil, return the dough, and cover with a damp cloth. Allow the dough to rest in a draft-free area until it doubles in volume, approximately 60-75 minutes.
5. Shaping and Rolling: Deflate the risen dough and divide into 10 equal portions. Shape each into a smooth ball, then roll out into elongated ovals approximately ⅛ inch thick using a rolling pin.
6. Cooking Technique: Preheat a cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the surface and cook each naan for 1-2 minutes per side, watching for bubbling and golden-brown char marks.
7. Finishing Touch: Immediately brush cooked naans with garlic-infused butter and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. Wrap in a clean kitchen towel to preserve warmth and softness, creating a delectable, restaurant-quality bread.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F for optimal yeast performance, preventing killing or under-activation.
• Dough Consistency Check: Aim for a slightly tacky texture that springs back when gently pressed, indicating proper hydration and kneading.
• Heat Management Crucial: Use medium-high heat to achieve signature charred spots without burning the naan’s delicate surface.
• Butter Brushing Secret: Apply garlic-infused butter immediately after cooking to maximize flavor absorption and create a glossy, irresistible finish.

• Category: Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 1.5 g
• Sodium: 215 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg