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This homemade herbed garlic butter naan is a slight variation on an HBH classic. It’s extra soft, doughy, chewy, and brushed generously with caramelized garlic herb butter. Quite honestly, you’ll have a hard time finding a better naan recipe out there. The best part, this bread is so easy make, and pretty difficult to mess up. Serve alongside your favorite Indian dishes, with grilled meats, alongside hummus, or simply on its own…fresh off the skillet. You simply can’t go wrong with this naan.
This recipe has been a long time coming.
Those of you who read often probably already know that I am obsessed with my homemade naan. It’s truly one of my favorite recipes I’ve ever shared. And it is, without a doubt, the one I remake most often. Probably because it’s also my family’s favorite. With requests from my mom and little sister coming in often, very often.
This herby, garlicy naan is my homemade naan recipe from years back, but with the addition of herbs, garlic, and butter. It’s so simple, and pretty much perfect in every which way. I can’t believe it’s taken me so many years to create this recipe. But man oh man, I’m thankful I finally listened to all of you who said to make garlic naan, because it’s a game changer.
Just like with my plain naan recipe…which I still think you NEED, because sometimes garlicy, herby bread isn’t the best for everything…this naan is simple. You really can’t mess it up. That said, there are a few things you need to know.
First, the milk and the yogurt are a must. I’ve discovered that these two ingredients, which are not always traditional in naan, are really what make this recipe better than others. You can use a nut milk, and you can also use coconut yogurt, but I will not lie, it’s not exactly the same. If your diet allows, I highly recommend using whole milk and yogurt.
Second, a cast iron skillet (a screaming hot one), is really what you need to create the perfect naan. Yes, this can be made in a nonstick skillet, but you will not get all those lovely pockets of air and toasted bottoms. It just won’t happen. I like to use this Staub Skillet, which conveniently comes with a clear glass lid, perfect for knowing just when to flip. It’s practically dedicated to making naan.
Third, it’s important to roll your naan dough out pretty thin. It may not seem right, but a thin naan dough will equal a soft doughy baked piece of naan. As the naan cooks (on the screaming hot skillet), it will quickly puff. If the dough is too thick, it will just be dense and heavy, instead of airy and light.
Fourth, butter, yes, you need it. Brushing the naan dough with butter before cooking is the key to a beautiful golden naan. So is finishing each cooked piece of naan with a little garlic herb butter. The butter is essential for that melt in your mouth, roll your eyes back, delicious taste. Trust me.
PS. as my mom is reading this, I can guarantee you that her mouth is watering. I think naan might just be her favorite food. It may be hard for her to admit, but I kinda think it beats out chocolate…maybe.
And that’s honestly all you need to know. Your first piece might not look that nice, but you’ll get the hang of it. By the last piece of naan, you will be a pro.
The best part though? No matter how the naan looks, it’s still going to taste DELICIOUS. Truly, you can’t mess this recipe up. It always turns out good. And really, is anything slathered with garlic herb butter ever not delicious?
Answer? Nope, always delicious. Oh, just don’t burn the garlic. Then you could have an issue…
Now, what can you serve this naan with? EVERYTHING.
I’m talking butter chicken meatballs – yes, please. Or the vegan option, coconut butter cauliflower? For sure some sheet pan chicken shawarma. Oh, and definitely this sweet potato lentil soup with rice. Or any soup for that matter.
My personal favorite? Hot right off the skillet with a little extra herby butter and nothing else. Yes, yes, yes.
And with that, enjoy one of my favorite recipes of all time. Make it…make it today, tomorrow, and every day you can find the time. Just like a good chocolate chip cookie, naan makes the day better. So dramatic, but so true.
If you make this herbed garlic butter naan, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Watch the How To Video:
Herbed Garlic Butter Naan
Servings: 8
Calories Per Serving: 620 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3/4 teaspoon active dry yeast (optional, see note)
- 3/4 cup warm whole milk
- 1 cup full fat plain greek yogurt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) salted butter, melted and divided in half
- 2-4 cloves garlic, grated
- 3/4 cup chopped mixed herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, chives, and/or dill)
Instructions
- 1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water, honey, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes or until the mixture begins to bubble on top. 2. Add the milk, yogurt, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Using the dough hook, mix until the flour is completely incorporated, about 2-4 minutes. The dough should be sticky. Dust lightly with flour and knead the dough into a ball using your hands. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size, or if not using right away, overnight in the fridge.3. When ready to cook divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Using a rolling pin, roll each piece of dough into a large oval, about 8 inches long and about 1/4-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining dough.4. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, you want the pan screaming hot. Brush both sides of the naan with half of the melted butter. Drizzle the the skillet with a teaspoon of olive oil, then carefully use a paper towel to wipe the oil around the skillet. Place the naan on the hot skillet, immediately cover with a lid and cook for 1 minute, bubbles will form. Flip and cook, uncovered for another 1-2 minutes, until large toasted spots appear on the underside. Remove from the skillet and wrap in a clean kitchen towel. Repeat with the rest of the naan, keeping them wrapped in a towel while you work. 5. To make the garlic herb butter. Melt together the remaining half of the melted butter plus the garlic. Heat over low heat until the butter is lightly browned and the garlic golden. Remove from the heat and add the herbs. Brush the garlic herb butter over the warm naan and serve. These are best served warm, right off the skillet, but leftovers are still delicious. Keep stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Yeast: If you do not have access to yeast or simply cannot use, you can omit the yeast. The naan will be a little less fluffy, but it is still going to be great!
This post was originally published on February 19, 2019
So glad it’s getting cooler again so I can make my favorite comfort snack! This naan is heavenly ?
Thank you so much Charissa! xTieghan
Hi! I don’t have a cast iron skillet. Could I use a regular one or bake the breads on a hot pizza stone in the oven?
Hey Iris,
Any skillet you have will work! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
How long can you leave the dough in the fridge? And Can you freeze the naan dough after it rises?
Hey Taylor,
You can leave the dough overnight in the fridge and yes you can freeze the dough. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Hey Tieghan, have the dough proving overnight in my fridge currently, just wondering would you recommend bringing it up to room temp first before dividing and rolling, and if so, for how long? Thanks!
Hey Lucie,
I would let it sit out for a few hours before rolling out. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
What gluten free flour would you recommend? I’ve been dying to try and make naan bread. Thank you! Made this dish. Tonight it was fabulous!
Hey Meghan,
I would recommend using Cup4cup GF flour. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I’ve enjoyed many of your recipes and recently started enjoying your videos as well. Thank you for sharing and creating such delicious recipes, I especially love the little unexpected twists sometimes that give it that extra something!!
I was wondering if I could substitute sourdough starter for the dry yeast? If so, thought on how much?
Thanks!
Hey Kelly,
Thanks so much for your kind message. I haven’t tested this, but I would use 1/3 cup of sourdough starter. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Got any recommendations for those of us without a stand mixer? All I’ve got is your typical hand mixer… and my own hands. Also, any recommendations on specific herbs? Thanks!
Hey Jonathan,
You can use a wooden spoon and then knead by hand until the dough comes together. I love using a mix of basil, parsley, and oregano. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I think I have used this naan recipe for just about everything. From complimenting Indian dishes, to pizzas, to Turkish breakfast eggs! Absolutely love!!
I love that!! Thank you so much for trying this recipe, Arianna! So happy its been turning out so well for you! xTieghan
Can almond milk be used jnstead of whole milk?
Hey Bailey,
Yes almond milk will work! Let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love the recipe. Thank you! xTieghan
Tried this over the weekend! Turned out great! Thank you for the recipe!!! Quick question…if I want to make it a little bit whole wheat friendly, what flour ratio would you recommend?
Hey Em,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try! If you wanted to sub out whole wheat flour for the all purpose I would use an equal amount. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Hey Tieghon,
If I made the naan for dinner in the morning, would it still be just as good as if I made it right before dinner?
Thanks!
Hey Laura,
I love to serve the naan hot off the skillet, but if you want to make it ahead of time I would wrap in foil and reheat in the oven:) I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Would I be able to use a Dutch oven to make the naan instead of a cast iron skillet?
Hey Yvette,
You could try that or another skillet! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Could I use instant dry yeast? What modifications would I need to make?
Hey Rachel,
Absolutely just add it right in with the flour! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Can I use instant yeast?
…I love all your recipes by the way
I have an induction stove top and can’t use cast iron. What do you recommend?
Hey Sharon,
You can use another skillet that you own. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan