Name: Best Butter Naan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491242H39M20S
Total time: 1 h 17 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp instant dry yeast; 2 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; ¾ cup plain yogurt or buttermilk; 1 cup warm water (see note); 4 tbsp butter, melted; 1 tbsp minced cilantro (optional)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 55 reviews

If you’ve ever fallen in love with the smell and taste of freshly baked naan at an Indian restaurant, then get ready to bring that magic right into your kitchen with the Best Butter Naan Recipe. This homemade naan is incredibly soft, fluffy, and soaked with melted butter and fresh cilantro for a flavor that is simply unforgettable. Whether you’re a naan novice or a bread baking enthusiast, this recipe shows you exactly how to create that perfect pillowy bread that pairs wonderfully with curries, dips, or even enjoyed on its own as a comforting snack. I can’t wait to share all my tips for achieving naan that rivals the best you’ve ever had.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a large clump of pale beige dough with a rough and slightly sticky texture inside a shiny silver mixing bowl. The dough has a thick, uneven surface with small folds and soft ridges. The bowl's inner sides are marked with remnants of dough, indicating recent stirring. Part of a wooden spoon handle, coated in dough, rests on the right side inside the bowl. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Best Butter Naan Recipe lies in its simplicity. With a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of naan that boasts fantastic texture and taste. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the fluffiness given by the yogurt to the perfect chewiness brought by the blend of leavening agents.

4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, pliable bread.
1 tbsp instant dry yeast: Helps the naan rise and become fluffy.
2 tsp kosher salt: Balances flavors and enhances dough taste.
½ tsp baking soda: Adds tenderness to the naan.
1 tsp baking powder: Works with yeast for the perfect rise.
¾ cup plain yogurt or buttermilk: Provides moisture and a tangy depth for softness.
1 cup warm water: Activates yeast and brings dough together.
4 tbsp butter melted: For brushing over naan, sealing in moisture and flavor.
1 tbsp minced cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish to buttery naan.

How to Make Best Butter Naan Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

In your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, blend the flour, yeast, salt, baking soda, and baking powder on low speed. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed, setting a solid foundation for your dough.

Step 2: Add Yogurt and Water, Mix into Dough

Pour in the yogurt and warm water, then continue mixing on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Switch to the dough hook and knead for about 4 minutes on medium-low speed. The mixture looks sticky at first, but don’t add extra flour; the kneading process will bring it together beautifully.

Step 3: Shape and Let the Dough Rise

Flour your work surface generously and dump out the sticky dough. Lightly flour the dough and knead it a couple of times into a large ball. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, rolling each into a smooth ball. Coat each ball with a little oil by rolling them on an oiled sheet of parchment paper, cover with another parchment layer, and let them rise undisturbed for about 1 hour.

Step 4: Roll Out and Rest the Dough

After rising, roll each dough ball out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick, or a little thinner if you prefer. Don’t worry if the dough sticks slightly—lightly flour as needed. Then, shape each piece gently into an oblong form with your hands, and let them rest for 10 minutes before cooking.

Step 5: Cook Your Naan to Perfection

Preheat a cast iron pan on medium-high heat until it is very hot. Test by sprinkling a few drops of water; they should dance and evaporate instantly. Cook one naan at a time by placing it in the pan, covering it, and letting bubbles form on top (about 30 to 60 seconds). Flip and cook on the other side until the dough’s shiny rawness disappears and you get those beautiful charred spots in about 30 seconds more. For authentic tandoori-style puffing and char, you can finish the naan briefly over a direct flame if you like.

Step 6: Brush with Butter and Cilantro

As you finish cooking each naan, transfer to a plate and keep warm under a towel. Melt the butter and stir in minced cilantro, then immediately brush this fragrant mixture over each hot naan. This final buttery touch seals in moisture and creates that melt-in-your-mouth softness that makes this the Best Butter Naan Recipe.

How to Serve Best Butter Naan Recipe

The image shows three main items on a white marbled surface; at the top right is a red pan filled with an orange curry containing chunks of paneer, the sauce appears creamy and thick with a smooth texture. On the left side, there is a white bowl filled with bright green spinach curry mixed with paneer cubes, with a silver spoon dipped in it. At the bottom center, there is a stack of naan bread with slightly charred spots and a soft, fluffy texture placed on a white tray. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Though this naan is perfect on its own, a sprinkle of extra finely chopped cilantro or even a dusting of nigella seeds adds a lovely finishing touch that brightens each bite and elevates the presentation.

Side Dishes

This buttery naan is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with rich dishes like chicken tikka masala, creamy butter chicken, or spicy lentil dal. It’s also fabulous for scooping up savory chutneys or dolloping on fresh raita for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, roll your butter naan around kebabs or use it as a base for personal naan pizzas topped with your favorite ingredients. You can also cut the naan into strips and serve them with hummus or spiced yogurt dips for a unique appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover naan stores beautifully when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to two days, making sure to keep it sealed so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

To save naan for longer, freeze the cooked breads individually wrapped in foil or parchment paper, then placed inside a freezer bag. They stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months and can be thawed easily when needed.

Reheating

Reheat naan by warming it in a hot cast iron pan or skillet for a few minutes until soft and pliable again. You can also wrap it in foil and heat it in the oven or briefly heat it in the microwave, then brush with a little melted butter to restore moisture.

FAQs

Can I make naan without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead this dough by hand using a large bowl and some elbow grease. The dough will be sticky, but with a few firm kneads on a floured surface, it comes together just fine.

What’s the difference between naan and other flatbreads?

Naan is unique because it is leavened with yeast and often includes yogurt or buttermilk, which give it softness and slight tanginess. Other flatbreads like roti or chapati are usually unleavened and thinner.

Is it necessary to use a cast iron pan?

While cast iron is ideal for its heat retention and ability to create the perfect charred spots, you can also use a heavy non-stick skillet or even a griddle. Just make sure it gets hot enough for best results.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but too much whole wheat might make the naan less tender. Try replacing up to half for a nice balance.

How do I get that fluffy, puffed-up naan look?

The puffing happens when the naan hits the hot pan and moisture inside creates steam pockets. Ensuring your pan is sufficiently hot and covering the naan while cooking helps trap steam and encourages puffing. Finishing over an open flame also helps achieve that signature puff.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on making the Best Butter Naan Recipe, I truly hope you give it a try. Freshly made naan slathered with butter is one of life’s simple pleasures, and this recipe brings all that comfort straight to your table. Happy cooking and even happier eating, my friend!