If you’ve ever wondered how to make homemade naan bread that rivals the soft, chewy texture of those served at Indian restaurants, you’re in the right place.
Perfect for dipping in curries or making flatbread pizzas, this recipe delivers a warm, flavorful naan that you’ll want to make again and again.
Soft, fluffy, and perfectly blistered, this naan recipe is a game-changer! It’s quick, simple, and best of all, no tandoor oven is needed—just a trusty cast iron skillet.
First Taste of Naan Bread
The first time I tasted naan bread, I was a teenager attending a vibrant pow wow. Among the music, dancing, and cultural celebrations, I discovered a food stall serving freshly made naan bread. The warm, soft flatbread, with its slightly charred edges and chewy texture, was like nothing I’d ever tasted before.
That experience stayed with me, and years later, I decided to try making my own homemade version.
With just a few basic ingredients like yogurt, all-purpose flour, and yeast, I realized how simple and satisfying it is to recreate that delicious bread in my own kitchen. Now, it’s a family favorite that pairs perfectly with everything from curries to soups. Our favorite way is just warm and slathered in garlic butter.
Quick Yogurt Naan Bread Recipe
This no-yeast naan bread is soft, fluffy, and ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for when you’re short on time but still want delicious homemade bread.
We love the taste of yeast in our breads. But we don’t always have time to make bread with yeast. So, if you are in a hurry to get some bread made to serve with your favorite meal, this recipe is a great option.
Quick and Easy Naan Bread Recipe with Yogurt No Yeast
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Self-Rising Flour (or 2 cups all-purpose flour + 2 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt)
- ¾ Cup Plain Greek Yogurt or regular yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil or melted butter
- 1 Tablespoons Warm Water 1-2 tablespoons if needed for consistency
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 Clove Garlic minced for garlic naan
- 1 Teaspoon Nigella Seeds or sesame seeds for texture and flavor
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine self-rising flour (or the flour, baking powder, and salt mixture).2 Cups Self-Rising Flour
- Add Yogurt. Stir in the yogurt and olive oil using a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together. Add warm water, a tablespoon at a time, if the dough feels too dry.¾ Cup Plain Greek Yogurt, 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 1 Tablespoons Warm Water, 1 Clove Garlic, 1 Teaspoon Nigella Seeds
- Knead the Dough. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2–3 minutes until it forms a soft, smooth ball.
- Divide Dough. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and roll each into a ball.
- Roll Out. Roll each ball of dough into a flat oval shape using a lightly floured rolling pin.
- Cook the Naan. Heat a dry skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Cook each naan for 1–2 minutes on the first side, until bubbles form. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown spots appear.
- Serve. Brush with melted butter or garlic butter and sprinkle with sea salt or herbs if desired.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Nutrition
Tips for Success
Use a cast iron pan for the best results and authentic texture.
For a dairy-free version, substitute plain Greek yogurt with soy yogurt.
Store leftover naan in a ziplock bag or airtight container. Reheat on a stove top or wrap in aluminum foil and warm in the oven.
Recipe Variations
Take your naan bread to the next level with these delicious variations:
Garlic Naan
Add minced garlic to the dough or brush the cooked naan with garlic butter for a fragrant, savory touch.
Whole Wheat Naan
Swap out half or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to create a heartier and more nutritious bread.
Cheesy Naan
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or paneer onto the dough before cooking for a gooey, cheesy center.
Herbed Naan
Mix fresh or dried herbs like cilantro, parsley, or rosemary into the dough for an aromatic twist.
Stuffed Naan
Fill the dough with spiced potatoes, ground meat, or even Nutella for a dessert version before rolling and cooking.
Sweet Naan
Add a sprinkle of sugar or cinnamon to the dough for a subtly sweet version, perfect with honey or jam.
Nigella Seed Naan
Sprinkle nigella seeds on top of the naan for a traditional Indian touch and added texture.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are solutions to common challenges when making naan bread.
Sticky Dough
Add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is smooth and manageable. Avoid over-flouring to keep the naan soft.
Dry or Tough Naan
Ensure your skillet isn’t too hot, as high heat can dry out the bread. Also, avoid overcooking; 1-2 minutes per side is usually enough.
Naan Not Puffing Up
Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the dough. Thicker dough may also prevent puffing, so roll it thinner for better results.
Burnt Spots or Uneven Cooking
Adjust the heat to medium-high and monitor closely. Rotate the naan in the skillet if needed for even cooking.
Dense or Heavy Naan
Check the freshness of your baking powder or self-rising flour. Using old leavening agents can result in dense bread.
Can I use dairy-free yogurt for this recipe?
Yes! Substitute regular yogurt with dairy-free options like soy yogurt or coconut yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.
Can I make naan bread vegan?
Yes. Use a dairy-free yogurt and replace butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Can I bake naan bread in the oven instead of cooking it on a skillet?
Yes, but it won’t achieve the same charred spots. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and bake the naan on a hot pizza stone or baking sheet for about 2–3 minutes per side.
What can I do if I don’t have self-rising flour?
Make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Can I freeze naan bread?
Yes, cooked naan freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then stack with parchment paper between each piece and store in a ziplock bag. Reheat in a skillet or oven when needed.
Why is my naan not as soft as I expected?
This could be due to overcooking or not using enough yogurt. Next time, ensure the dough is well-hydrated and the skillet heat is controlled.
Can I use sour cream instead of yogurt?
Yes, sour cream works as a substitute for yogurt, but it may yield a slightly tangier flavor.
What can I pair naan bread with?
Naan is perfect with curries, stews, soups, or even as a base for flatbread pizzas or wraps.
How do I reheat naan bread?
Reheat naan in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes or wrap in aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
Can You Freeze Naan Bread?
Yes, naan bread freezes exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how:
Allow the naan to cool to room temperature before freezing to avoid condensation and soggy bread. Wrap each piece of naan in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and sticking.
Store in an Airtight Container. Place the wrapped naan in a ziplock bag or airtight container. Label with the date.
Freeze. Store in the freezer for up to 2–3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the naan bread at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Reheat Naan Bread
Reheating naan bread properly ensures it stays soft, warm, and delicious. Here are the best ways.
On the Stove Top
Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Place the naan in the skillet and warm for 1–2 minutes on each side. This method helps restore its chewy texture and air pockets.
In the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Wrap the naan in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
Heat for 5–7 minutes until warm.
In the Microwave
Wrap the naan in a damp paper towel.
Heat for 20–30 seconds, checking for warmth. Avoid overheating, as it may dry out or become tough.
On the Grill
Place naan directly on a medium-high heat grill for 30–60 seconds per side for a slightly charred flavor.
For frozen naan, thaw it first if possible, then use any of the methods above for reheating. If reheating directly from frozen, add a minute or two to the warming time.
Once you’ve tried this naan bread recipe, it’ll become a favorite way to bring the flavors of Indian restaurants into your home kitchen. Whether served with garlic butter or plain, this leavened flatbread is sure to impress your family and friends.
