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How to Cheesy Garlic Naan: The Perfect Soft Indian Flatbread


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5 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Ai Ping Sia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Makes 8
  • Diet: Omnivore, Vegetarian

Description

Soft, chewy naan flatbread with melted mozzarella and garlic. A delicious twist on a classic!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (315 ml) warm milk
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (118 ml) yogurt, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) ghee or melted butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups (473 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 10 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast into the mixture, stir gently, and let it sit for about 15 minutes until frothy.
  2. Prepare the dough: Add flour, yogurt, ghee, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula. The dough will be sticky and wet.
  3. First rise: Coat your hands and the bowl lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Shape the dough into a ball and cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel. Place in a warm, draft-free area and let rise for 1½–2 hours, until doubled in size.
  4. Divide and shape dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Punch dough gently to release air, then briefly knead and shape it into a log. Divide dough into 8 equal portions, roll into balls, and place them on a lightly floured baking sheet. Cover again and rest for another 30 minutes.
  5. Fill and shape naan: Flatten each dough ball on a floured surface. Place 3–4 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese in the center. Seal dough edges tightly around the cheese and gently shape back into a ball. Using a rolling pin, flatten into a teardrop shape, approximately ¼-inch thick. Sprinkle minced garlic over each naan and gently press it into the dough with the rolling pin. Brush the surface lightly with melted butter.
  6. Cook the naan: Preheat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Carefully transfer naan onto the hot skillet. Cook without oil for 1½–2½ minutes until the bottom side is nicely browned or slightly charred. Flip and cook the other side for 1–1½ minutes. Brush with more melted butter and sprinkle chopped cilantro if desired.
  7. Serve or store: Serve naan warm. Keep them warm by stacking them in a towel-lined basket. Leftover naan can be frozen; sprinkle lightly with water and reheat wrapped in foil in the oven (4–5 mins at 350°F (177°C)) or gently in a pan on low heat.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use a combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  • To prevent sticking, lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with semolina flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Reheat leftover naan in a dry skillet over medium heat for best results, achieving a crispy texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 naan
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 300
  • Fat: 15
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 8
  • Cholesterol: 20