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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
Oh my goodness! Looks amazing!
Thank you Chris! xTieghan
are there any gluten free versions of naan hiding out there? ty!!
Hi Annie! I have never made this with GF flour so I can’t really say how it will turn out. If you do try it, I recommend Cup4Cup flour. Please let me know if you have any other questions and how it turns out. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Is there anything I can use instead of honey?
Thanks!
Hi Katryna!! You can use maple syrup or granulated sugar. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Would it be possible to make this gluten free? I’m a celiac but this looks so good!
Hi Zane! I have never made this with GF flour so I can’t really say how it will turn out. If you do try it, I recommend Cup4Cup flour. Please let me know if you have any other questions and how it turns out. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Going to make this but have one question first.
When freezing the extra dough would you recommend freezing it before or after you roll
It and just have it separated with parchment paper in the freezer?
Thanks love!
Hey Kelly! I would freeze the dough as individual dough balls, then thaw and roll out each dough ball as needed. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Delicious and so easy to make!
Thank you Nakita! xTieghan
Okay, so I made this on Saturday, and since then my 17 yo twin daughters have made it twice! It’s only Wednesday morning. We love this recipe and have made hummas, tzatziki, roasted veggies this week to go in or on the naan bread. We must stop making this or I won’t be able to button my jeans!
I am so glad you all have been loving this naan Marie!! Thank you so much! Also, I always take it in moderation and good to go haha! xTieghan
I made these tonight and we loved them! I do I have a question – I found that when I rolled them out thin, they shrunk up pretty quick as I moved them to the hot skillet and the naan turned out pretty thick. Any tips? I want to master this – they re so good!
Hey Lisa, How thin did you roll them? How many pieces did you make? The dough will naturally shrink in the skillet, but should since more than an inch or so. Are you sure you rolled them thin enough? I roll my pretty thin, so I wonder if maybe that is the issue? Hope I can help!
Question. I don’t have a cast iron pan but I have a cast iron grill pan, do you think I could use that to cook these? I don’t know if the dough will sit on top of the grills or just sink between them like a waffle.
Hey Sandy! If you oil your grill pan that should work great! You will have grill marks, but I actually think it will be delicious! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Hi, really look nice but I am celiac. Have you tried the GF version of it?
Is it possible to use fast rising yeast? If so, what would the modification be?
Hi Joelle, this recipe already calls for fast rising or instant yeast. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
ok, these were delicious! Definetly will be making again because…. practice makes perfect. And i want to get them like yours!
Mine were quite thick i think (looked more like your plain naan recipe?), and the dough wasn’t very sticky – and i stank the house out with the butter burning on the pan? is this normal??
Even if they didn’t come out like yours they were super nice, especially with the garlic!
Thank you for sharing this recipe with us!
HI there! I recommend rolling the dough thinner for best results. I would also use less flour next time so that your dough isn’t dry, use 1/2 cup less. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I am so glad you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
I really want to try this! Could I make it with white whole wheat flour instead? Thank you!
Hi Alexandra! I would recommend using half white whole wheat or whole pastry flour and 1/2 all-purpose flour. I worry all whole wheat will leave you with a dry naan. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Tieghan, I made this for my Indian boyfriend and he was quite impressed! We both loved it. I am a 5th grade teacher and I want to make it with my students. We have some swiss chard in the garden and I was thinking about sauteing that with them and putting it on the naan. Do you have a recommendation for how to make the naan without a dough hook? It is a very sticky dough but I don’t want to lug my kitchen aid to school. What are your thouhts? Thank you!
HI there! You can make the dough with a spatula, that work great! Just use a little elbow grease until it comes together! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Hello! Any thoughts on a non-dairy substitute for the milk? Thanks so much!
HI! I recommend coconut milk, but I think any nut milk should be just fine. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan