Garlic Naan Recipe Skillet Buttered

Name: Garlic Naan Recipe Skillet Buttered
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g); 2 tsp active dry yeast (7 g); 1 tbsp granulated sugar (12 g); 1 tsp fine sea salt (6 g); 0.5 cup plain yogurt (120 g); 0.5 cup warm milk (120 ml); 1 tbsp fresh minced garlic (2-3 cloves); 0.25 cup unsalted butter (56 g), melted; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

I’ve always loved the warm, pillowy texture of fresh naan with my favorite curries, but making it at home felt daunting. This easy Garlic Naan Recipe Skillet Buttered brings that incredible aroma and chewy texture straight to your kitchen, perfect for any family dinner. It transforms simple ingredients into irresistible, buttery garlic naan, proving homemade bread doesn’t need a tandoor. On busy weeknights, this recipe saves me from ordering takeout and delivers delicious results every time.

What You’ll Need for Skillet Buttered Garlic Naan

Gathering just a few simple pantry staples is all it takes to create this hearty and authentic Garlic Naan Recipe Skillet Buttered. I’ve found using quality plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream if that’s what’s in the fridge) makes a noticeable difference in the naan’s tenderness, essential for a truly family-friendly meal.

All-purpose flour: 2 cups (240g) – provides essential structure and chew for the naan. (Consider organic flour for a cleaner bake.)
Active dry yeast: 2 tsp (7g) – crucial for a light, fluffy, and airy rise.
Granulated sugar: 1 tbsp (12g) – activates the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
Fine sea salt: 1 tsp (6g) – perfectly balances and enhances all the flavors.
Plain yogurt: 1/2 cup (120g) – contributes to a wonderfully soft and tender dough. (A plain plant-based yogurt works well for vegan garlic naan.)
Warm milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) – the liquid base that adds richness (water can replace milk for a slightly less rich dough).
Fresh minced garlic: 2-3 cloves (about 1 tbsp) – for that essential classic aroma and robust taste in your homemade Garlic Naan Recipe Skillet Buttered.
Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (56g), melted – for brushing, especially important for the ‘buttered’ part of our Garlic Naan Recipe Skillet Buttered. (Olive oil can be used instead for a lighter option.)
Fresh cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped – brightens the finish; always use fresh for vibrant flavor.

Step-by-Step Method Made Simple: Easy Skillet Naan

Mastering this Garlic Naan Recipe Skillet Buttered is straightforward with these clear steps, bringing warm, fresh bread to your table. This method works perfectly for quick meals and family dinners, delivering restaurant-quality puff right from your stove.

Activate Yeast (5-10 minutes): Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently until dissolved. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes visibly frothy, indicating the yeast is active. Ensure your milk is warm (about 105-115°F or 40-46°C) and not too hot, or the yeast won’t activate.
Mix Dough (5 minutes): In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the plain yogurt and the activated yeast mixture. Stir with a spoon until a shaggy, cohesive dough begins to form.
Knead (8-10 minutes): Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead steadily for 8-10 minutes until the dough feels smooth, pliable, and elastic. For a faster approach, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes until the dough pulls away cleanly from the sides.
Rise (60-90 minutes): Lightly grease a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes, until it has noticeably doubled in size and feels airy.
Roll (1-2 minutes per naan): Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 8-10 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into an oval or tear-drop shape, about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick. Don’t overwork the dough; keep it soft and relatively uniform.
Cook on Skillet (2-3 minutes per naan): Heat a heavy-bottomed 10-inch cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until it’s very hot; a drop of water should sizzle instantly. Place one rolled naan piece in the dry skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until large bubbles form on top and the underside has golden-brown spots. Flip and cook for another 1 minute until the other side is also golden and slightly puffed. Immediately after removing, brush generously with the melted butter and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for this delicious Garlic Naan Recipe Skillet Buttered. If your naan isn’t puffing up, your skillet might not be hot enough, or the dough wasn’t rolled thin enough. Increase heat slightly or ensure adequate rolling.

Perfect Occasions and Serving Inspiration for Garlic Naan

This fluffy naan is versatile for any meal, bringing warmth and flavor to your table.

An essential side for weeknight Indian curries, like Chicken Tikka Masala.
A delicious addition to holiday spreads or casual gatherings.
Perfect as a quick protein snack with hummus or other dips.

Enjoy this Garlic Naan Recipe Skillet Buttered alongside:

Rich Palak Paneer or any hearty lentil dahl.
A simple side of raita or a bowl of your favorite soup.

Elevate your naan with these delicious toppings and sauces:

Brush with more melted garlic butter or sprinkle with black sesame seeds.
Serve with a side of sweet mango chutney for a delightful contrast.

Pairs wonderfully with a refreshing lassi or a warm cup of chai for a complete experience.

Store cooled naan in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, or in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual naan pieces wrapped tightly for up to 1 month. Reheat in a hot skillet for 30-60 seconds per side, in a toaster oven, or briefly microwave for convenient meal-prep.

Nutrition & Everyday Wellness Benefits of Homemade Naan

Making homemade naan offers great wellness advantages, allowing for better ingredient control.

Customizable: Easily adapt for healthier recipes for dinner by using whole wheat flour or reducing butter.
Energy Boost: A good source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
High-Protein Friendly: Pairs perfectly with high-protein curries, making it an ideal easy meal prep for busy families.
Dietary Control: Make your own to control salt, sugar, and fat, supporting everyday wellness goals.

Why This Garlic Naan Recipe Works for You

This simple skillet method makes homemade naan accessible to everyone, fitting perfectly into a busy lifestyle.

Quick & Satisfying: Get warm, homemade bread on the table faster than takeout, perfect for easy dinner ideas.
Budget-Friendly: Much cheaper to make at home than store-bought or restaurant naan.
Diet Adaptable: Easy to adjust for vegan or whole-grain dietary needs.
Family Fun: A simple, engaging recipe that even kids can help make!

Smart Upgrades and Adjustments for Your Skillet Naan

Achieve a more polished finish with these technique tips: Ensure your skillet is consistently hot for optimal puffing. Brush with butter immediately after cooking for maximum absorption and shine.

Explore delicious flavor variations:

Add finely chopped green chilies to the dough for a spicy kick.
Sprinkle with black sesame seeds before cooking for added texture and visual appeal.
Make a garlic-herb butter with dill or oregano for brushing.

Consider these diet adaptations for your homemade naan:

Vegan Garlic Naan: Use plant-based milk, yogurt, and butter alternatives.
Whole Wheat Naan: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour for added fiber.
Gluten-Free Naan: Use specific gluten-free all-purpose blends; adjust liquid carefully.

For kid-friendly meals, make smaller, snack-sized naan for little hands. Sometimes I roll out mini rounds for my kids, they love dipping them in curry!

Reader Q&A about Skillet Garlic Naan

“Can I prepare Garlic Naan Recipe Skillet Buttered dough ahead of time?”

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight for incredible flavor. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and cooking.

“Is Garlic Naan Recipe Skillet Buttered good for meal prep?”

Absolutely! This recipe cooks quickly and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for preparing in batches. It’s ideal for quick meals and family dinners throughout the week with various savory dishes.

“What’s the best way to store Garlic Naan Recipe Skillet Buttered?”

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for 3-4 days. I always make extra so I can freeze individual pieces for quick lunches later in the week.

“Are there healthier substitutes for this Garlic Naan Recipe Skillet Buttered?”

For a healthier twist, use up to half whole wheat flour for the all-purpose. You can also reduce the butter, or brush with olive oil, and load up on extra fresh herbs for flavor.

“What if my skillet naan doesn’t puff up?”

This usually means your skillet wasn’t hot enough, your dough didn’t rise sufficiently, or it was rolled too thick. Ensure a hot pan and well-rested dough for the best results and a light texture.

“Can I use self-rising flour for Garlic Naan?”

It’s not recommended. This Garlic Naan recipe relies on active dry yeast for its characteristic airy, chewy texture and signature puff, which self-rising flour cannot replicate effectively.

Enjoy warm, buttery, homemade garlic naan with incredible ease, straight from your skillet! Try this Garlic Naan Recipe Skillet Buttered tonight for a taste of authentic comfort that’s perfect for any family meal. For more easy dinner ideas and family-friendly recipes, save this recipe on Pinterest!