Naan gets its chew and tang from the yogurt worked into the dough, and its char from heat most home ovens simply cannot reach. That makes the pan everything. Use cast iron hot enough to blister the bottom in under a minute, and brush the raw top with water so it steams and puffs before you flip.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook15 min
Makes6 naan
CuisineIndian
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for6naan
All-purpose flour
Plain flour builds a soft, stretchy dough; bread flour makes it too chewy and tough for naan.
A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
GrillOne-pot
The Method
DoughMix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, yogurt, and warm water into a soft dough. Knead until smooth and let rise 1-2 hours until doubled.
ShapeDivide and roll each piece into a teardrop about 1/4 inch thick. Do not roll too thin or it will not puff.
CookGet a cast iron pan smoking hot, lay the naan down, and brush the top with water. When the bottom blisters and the top bubbles, about 60 seconds, flip.
FinishCook the second side until charred in spots, then brush at once with garlic butter while hot so it soaks in.
Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.
Can you freeze Naan? — Yes
Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Can you make Naan ahead of time? — Partly
The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.
Is Naan gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Naan vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Community Notes
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