Homemade Soft Naan (No Yogurt)

This homemade naan recipe makes mastering soft, pillowy naan at home a game-changer. This version easily outshines store-bought options with its unbeatable freshness and superior flavor

Pile of freshly baked naan bread stacked on top of each other, showing their soft and fluffy texture with golden brown spots.

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This homemade naan recipe has been a game-changer in our house, especially with my kids' love for butter chicken. They always crave naan alongside it, and sometimes even the Costco-sized pack isn't enough. That's when I decided to try making naan at home—it's quicker than rushing to the store!

I discovered that while yogurt is a common ingredient to tenderize naan, I often don't have plain yogurt on hand. Surprisingly, skipping yogurt doesn't compromise the softness or flavor of the naan. Now, I can whip up unlimited batches of fresh naan right in my kitchen, satisfying their cravings anytime.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe?
Naan Vs Pita Bread
🥘What is Naan Made Of?
Substitutions and Additions
🔪How to Make Naan?
Tips for Achieving Soft and Fluffy Naan
Popular Variation
What Do You Eat With This?
Ways To Use Naan Bread
How to Store Leftover
Recipe FAQs
Asian Favorites
📋Recipe
Homemade Soft Naan (No Yoghurt)

Why You'll Love This Recipe?

Soft and fluffy texture: Despite skipping yogurt, this naan remains wonderfully soft and fluffy, perfect for pairing with your favorite curries.
Rich buttery flavor: The addition of butter enhances the naan's taste, adding a delicious richness that complements any meal.
Easy preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for homemade bread enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Versatility: Enjoy it fresh from the oven or reheat for later—ideal for satisfying cravings anytime.
Customizable: Add garlic, herbs, or spices to customize the flavor, creating variations to suit different meals and tastes.

Naan Vs Pita Bread

Side-by-side comparison of naan and pita bread, highlighting naan's soft, bubbly texture with charred spots and pita's smooth, thinner, and pocketed surface.

Naan and pita bread both originate from different regions and have distinct textures and flavors. Naan, originating from South Asia, is typically softer, thicker, and often brushed with ghee or butter, while pita bread, originating from the Middle East, is thinner and has a pocket that forms during baking, ideal for stuffing with ingredients like falafel or vegetables.

🥘What is Naan Made Of?

Here's what you'll need:

Yeast: Activates and helps the dough rise, giving the naan its characteristic lightness.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
All-purpose flour: Provides the base for the dough, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
Butter: Enhances flavor and gives the naan a rich, buttery taste.
Egg: Adds structure and richness to the dough, contributing to its soft and tender texture.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough, resulting in softer and more flavorful naan.

A baking tray displaying the essential ingredients for naan bread.

Substitutions and Additions

Yeast Substitute: Baking Powder – If you don’t have yeast, use baking powder to create a similar rise, though the naan may be slightly denser.
Sweetener Options: Honey or Maple Syrup – Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup for a subtle flavor twist and natural sweetness.
Whole Wheat Flour – Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, slightly nutty naan.
Flavor Boost: Garlic Butter – Instead of plain butter, use garlic-infused butter for a garlic naan twist!
Egg-Free Option: Yogurt – Replace the egg with a few tablespoons of yogurt for added moisture and softness without the egg.
Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives – Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of regular milk for a dairy-free version with a slight flavor boost.

🔪How to Make Naan?

Without further ado, let's begin the process for making soft homemade naan.

In a bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. (Image 1)
In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, salt, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, beaten egg, and the yeast mixture. Mix well to form a dough. (Image 2)
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic and form it in a ball. (Image 3 and 4)
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. (Image 5)

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions. Make a round shape out of it and cut it like a pizza. You can have 6 naans on this. (Image 6 and7)
Roll out each ball into a flat, round or oval-shaped naan. It should be about the size of your hand. (Image 8 and 9)
Set up a cast iron skillet or frying pan on medium-high heat. (Image 10)
If using a skillet, cook each naan for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly browned and have puffed up. If using an oven, place the rolled-out naans on a baking sheet and brush the tops with milk. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden. (Image 11 and 12)

Optional: Brush the cooked naans with oil or melted butter for added flavor.

Tips for Achieving Soft and Fluffy Naan

Letting the dough proof adequately is crucial for achieving soft and fluffy naan. Ensure that it doubles in size during the proofing process.
Brushing ghee or oil on the naan while it cooks helps in achieving a softer texture and imparts a rich flavor.

Popular Variation

Beyond plain naan here are other variations:

Butter Naan: Known for its rich and buttery taste, this naan is generously brushed with ghee or butter before serving.
Garlic Naan: Our favorite Infused with minced garlic and often brushed with garlic butter after baking for a robust and aromatic flavor.
Cheese Naan: Featuring a layer of melted cheese, usually stuffed or sprinkled on top, for a gooey and indulgent twist.
Chili Naan: Spiced with green chilies or chili flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their bread.

What Do You Eat With This?

Chicken Tikka Masala – A creamy, spiced sauce with tender chicken pieces that’s perfect for scooping with naan.
Saag Paneer – Creamy spinach with chunks of paneer cheese, giving a deliciously mild and savory contrast to naan’s soft texture.
Dal Makhani – A rich, buttery lentil stew that adds depth and protein to any naan-based meal.
Butter Chicken – This classic Indian dish has tender chicken in a tomato cream sauce, ideal for mopping up with naan.
Chana Masala – Chickpeas in a spiced tomato gravy create a hearty, plant-based option that pairs well with naan.
Raita – This cooling yogurt and cucumber dip complements the warmth of naan, perfect for light bites or sides.
Aloo Gobi – Potatoes and cauliflower cooked with spices bring a comforting, vegetarian option that’s full of flavor.
Lamb Rogan Josh – Fragrant lamb curry with rich spices makes a perfect companion to naan for a flavorful experience.
Cucumber Salad – Light and refreshing, this salad adds a crunchy, cool contrast to the warm naan.
Hummus – Simple yet satisfying, this creamy chickpea spread is a quick, easy dip that goes well with naan’s soft texture.

Ways To Use Naan Bread

Pizza: Top naan with tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings to create a quick and delicious naan pizza. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Sandwich: Use naan as a base for a sandwich. Fill it with grilled vegetables, hummus, and falafel for a Mediterranean twist, or with grilled chicken, lettuce, and tzatziki for a Greek-inspired sandwich.
Chips: Cut naan into triangles, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with seasoning (like garlic powder and paprika), and bake until crispy. Serve with dips like hummus or tzatziki.
Wraps: Use naan as a wrap for fillings like grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and a creamy dressing. Roll it up and enjoy a portable and flavorful meal.

How to Store Leftover

Wrap leftover naan in foil or plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, freeze naan in an airtight container for up to 2 months; reheat in the oven or stovetop for best results.

If you want to keep your bread fresh longer, check out our guide on How to Prevent Bread from Molding. It’s packed with simple tips to keep your homemade bread delicious and mold-free!

Recipe FAQs

What is traditional naan made from

Traditional naan is made from a simple mix of flour, yeast, salt, and water, with yogurt or milk added for softness. It’s often baked in a tandoor oven for its signature texture and flavor.

Is naan healthier than regular bread?

Naan is often richer than regular bread due to ingredients like yogurt, butter, and milk, which add extra calories. However, its high protein and sometimes fiber content can make it more satisfying in moderation.

What is the difference between flatbread and naan?

Flatbread is typically simpler, made with flour, water, and salt, while naan includes ingredients like yeast, milk, and yogurt for a softer, chewier texture. Naan is also traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, which gives it a unique flavor and char.

Does naan bread have gluten?

Yes, naan bread contains gluten, as it's typically made from wheat flour, which naturally contains gluten proteins.

Is naan bread healthy?

Naan can be part of a balanced diet, but it’s higher in calories and fat than some other breads due to ingredients like butter and yogurt. Opting for whole wheat or homemade versions can add fiber and control calorie content.