How to Make Homemade Naan Bread in a skillet with Garlic

Naan bread is a soft, pillowy flatbread that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, from curries to grilled meats. While traditionally baked in a tandoor, you can easily make delicious naan at home using a skillet.

Adding garlic to the dough or brushing it with garlic butter after cooking takes this bread to a whole new level.

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In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make homemade naan bread in a skillet with garlic, sharing all the tips and tricks you need for the perfect fluffy, flavorful bread.

Why Make Naan Bread at Home?

Making naan bread at home allows you to enjoy this delicious bread fresh from the skillet, warm and fluffy, without any preservatives or additives.

Homemade naan is not only more flavorful but also more versatile—you can adjust the ingredients to your taste, adding herbs, spices, or even cheese.

Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to make your own bread from scratch, and once you try it, you might never go back to store-bought!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the homemade garlic naan bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

All-purpose flour – 2 cups
Active dry yeast – 1 teaspoon
Sugar – 1 teaspoon
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Warm water – 1/2 cup (about 110°F or 43°C)
Plain yogurt – 1/4 cup
Olive oil or melted butter – 2 tablespoons
Garlic cloves – 3-4, finely minced
Butter – 2 tablespoons, melted (for brushing)
Fresh parsley or cilantro – 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, ensuring your naan will rise and be fluffy.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, yogurt, and olive oil or melted butter. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a bit more warm water.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop the gluten, giving the naan its soft texture. Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic butter. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
Divide and Roll the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 6-8 equal pieces, depending on how large you want your naan. Roll each piece into a ball, then use a rolling pin to roll each ball into an oval or circle about 1/4-inch thick.
Cook the Naan in a Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Place a rolled-out piece of dough in the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface. Flip the naan and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until golden brown spots appear. If you like, you can press down gently with a spatula to help cook the naan evenly.
Brush with Garlic Butter: As soon as the naan is done, remove it from the skillet and brush it with the prepared garlic butter. This step adds a burst of flavor and gives the naan a beautiful sheen. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro if using, for a pop of color and freshness.
Repeat with Remaining Dough: Continue cooking the remaining pieces of dough in the skillet, brushing each with garlic butter as they come off the heat. Serve the naan warm, alongside your favorite dishes or as a tasty snack on its own.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Naan

Use Warm Water: The water should be warm to the touch, around 110°F (43°C). If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast; too cold, and the yeast won’t activate properly. Warm water helps the yeast to bloom, giving the naan its airy texture.
Don’t Overcook the Garlic: When making the garlic butter, cook the garlic just until fragrant. Overcooking can cause the garlic to become bitter, which can affect the flavor of your naan.
Adjust the Heat of the Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before you start cooking the naan. If the skillet is too cool, the naan won’t get those beautiful charred spots; if it’s too hot, it can burn quickly. Medium-high heat is usually ideal, but adjust as needed.
Keep the Naan Warm: To keep the naan warm while you cook the remaining pieces, place the cooked naan in a clean kitchen towel and cover it. This will keep them soft and warm without drying out.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize your naan with different toppings! Try adding sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or even a sprinkle of grated cheese before cooking for added flavor.

Making homemade naan bread in a skillet with garlic is a fun and rewarding experience that brings the authentic taste of naan right to your kitchen.

With its soft, fluffy texture and rich garlic flavor, this naan is perfect for pairing with curries, stews, or simply enjoying on its own.

Plus, the process is simple enough for beginners and a great way to practice your bread-making skills. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of freshly made naan anytime you want!