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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
Thank you so much for this recipe – I made it tonight and it was awesome! I’m Indian and cook a lot of Indian food but have never tried to make naan because I don’t have a clay oven. This recipe was so good I’m convinced you don’t need a clay oven! By the way, I used nonfat milk and low-fat yogurt (it’s all I had at home) and it was delicious!!!
Your site is fantastic! Thanks so much – I have loved every recipe that I’ve tried and gotten rave reviews!
Wow thank you for using this as your first! I am really glad it turned out so well for you, Sonia! I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy! xTieghan
I’d love to try this, but have run out of yeast (I’m sure you’ve noticed how hard it is to find right now!). The recipe says it’s optional, but I have a question: if you omit the yeast, do you still let the dough rest for an hour before rolling? Will the microorganisms in the yogurt help it rise a little? Thank you!
Hi Keri! Yes, you will still let the dough rise for before rolling out and baking! I hope you love this naan! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I am so looking forward to trying this, and have been for a while (I just have time now). My only question is about the Greek yogurt. I only have fat free Greek yogurt. Will that work?
Hi Brianne! I think that should work fine! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
If I’m not using right away and want to put in the fridge overnight, do I let it double in size first or the next morning?
Hi Jean! You should be fine to just put into the fridge! I hope you love this! xTieghan
can i make this dough in the bread machine then cook it on the griddle
Hi Autumn! I have not tried it! Could you give me more info? xTieghan
This recipe was a huge success when I had a craving for Indian food while stuck in quarantine in Madrid, Spain. Anyone else without a stand mixer, yeast, and/or cast iron skillet: give it a shot anyway. It was so delicious. Thanks for the great recipe!
Thank you Elizabeth! I am so glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Can I make this with regular plain yogurt? (not greek?). I can’t get to the store right now (COVID). Thanks!
Hi Mehridith! I would suggest using sour cream because it is thicker! I hope you love this recipe! xTieghan
Hi, I really want to try this recipe but I don’t have a cast-iron skillet, could I use anything else?? Thanks
Hi Lilli! Yes, a normal skillet should work fine for you! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Do you have a substitute for the Greek yogurt?
Hi Suzanne! Sour cream should work great for you! I hope you love this recipe! xTieghan
The chart showing total time 30 minutes is wrong. There is a 1 hour rest step, and it takes a fairly long time to cook 1 naan at a time in a skillet.
I used unsalted butter, so I should have added salt to the melted butter.
Making the recipe required a mixer bowl, dough hook, bowl for resting, rolling pin, mat to roll the dough out on, skillet for melted butter, skillet to cook on, lid for skillet, spatula, measuring spoons & cups. The final product was ok, but not really worth the effort and time.
Hi Sharon! I am sorry this did not turn out as expected for you. Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with! xTieghan
Hi Currently in Lockdown in Northern Italy
This recipe is spot on,Ab Fab,Delicious and I think I have tried every naan bread recipe known to man Thank You ?
I am so glad you enjoyed this! I hope you are staying well! xTieghan
So fluffy and so good! Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe.
Thank you for trying it! I am so glad it turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Incredible!!!!
Thank you Maile! xTieghan
If I had guests at dinner in my house last night, they would have thought I ordered these naan from the best indian restaurant in Vegas. This naan recipe was perfectoo. You really cannot get enough, my husband and kids asked for more. Thanks for sharing your magic❤❤?
Thank you so much Abiola! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
If you are not using yeast, do you omit the first step completely (including the water and honey) or do you just add the water and honey without the yeast?
Thanks!
Hi Britt! If you do not have access to yeast or simply cannot use, you can omit the yeast. Don’t skip the rising step as the dough still needs time to rest. The naan will be a little less fluffy, but it is still going to be great! xTieghan