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Golden-brown bread topped with melted butter and fresh herbs

Garlic Naan Recipe

This soft, chewy garlic naan is rich with butter and garlic flavor, made with bread flour, yeast, milk, and egg, then grilled to golden perfection. Ideal for scooping curries or enjoying warm on its own.
Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 .25 oz package active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water approximately 110°F
  • 1 tablespoon + 1/4 cup white sugar divided
  • 3 tablespoons warm milk approximately 110°F
  • 1 large egg beaten, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 3 ½ to 4 cups bread flour
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted

Instructions
 

Activate the Yeast

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir briefly and allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes, or until a frothy layer appears on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active.

Mix the Dough

  1. Add the remaining ¼ cup of sugar, warm milk, beaten egg, and salt to the activated yeast mixture. Begin adding the bread flour gradually, starting with 3½ cups. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on medium-low speed until a soft dough forms. If necessary, add up to ½ cup more flour until the dough is pliable and slightly tacky but not sticky. Continue kneading with the mixer for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

First Rise

  1. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm, draft-free location. Allow the dough to rise for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Incorporate Garlic and Shape

  1. Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air. Knead in the minced garlic until evenly distributed. Divide the dough into portions roughly the size of golf balls. Roll each piece into a ball and place them on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Grill the Naan

  1. Preheat a grill to high heat and lightly oil the grates. Working one piece at a time, roll each dough ball into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface. Place the rolled dough onto the hot grill and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the underside is puffed and golden with char marks.

Butter and Flip

  1. While the first side is cooking, brush the uncooked top side with melted butter. Flip the naan, then brush the now-cooked side as well. Grill for an additional 2–4 minutes until the second side is fully cooked and golden. Repeat with the remaining dough. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.

Notes

To adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet, substitute the bread flour with a high-protein, gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum (or add 1 tsp of xanthan gum per 3½ cups of flour if not included). Note that the dough may be slightly less elastic, so avoid over-kneading. The naan will still grill well but may require slightly less cook time to prevent dryness.
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