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Easy Skillet Naan Bread with Yogurt (No Tandoor Required)

A close-up of a piece of fluffy, cheesy naan bread with golden-brown, slightly charred spots, served on a white plate.

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Make soft, fluffy naan bread at home using a skillet. This recipe uses simple ingredients and yogurt for a chewy texture without needing a tandoor oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • Melted butter, for brushing (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  3. Combine wet and dry: Add the foamy yeast mixture, Greek yogurt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the flour mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Divide and rest: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and let them rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
  7. Roll out the naan: On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into an oval or teardrop shape, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
  8. Cook the naan: Heat a dry cast-iron skillet or heavy non-stick pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Do not add oil to the pan.
  9. Cook one side: Place one rolled naan into the hot skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until large bubbles form on the surface and the underside has brown spots.
  10. Flip and finish: Flip the naan and cook the second side for about 1 minute until cooked through and spotted with brown.
  11. Brush and serve: Remove the naan from the skillet. Immediately brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro, if using. Repeat with the remaining dough pieces. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For Garlic Naan, mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter with 1 minced clove of garlic and brush this mixture onto the cooked naan instead of plain butter.
  • If you are planning your week, consider this recipe alongside your weekly meal planning for easy side dishes.
  • If you skip the yeast, you can make a quick, yeast-free version, though the texture will be less fluffy.
  • This bread pairs well with curries, making it a great addition to your dinner bread recipes.

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