If you love warm, pillowy flatbread with golden bubbles and rich buttery flavor, learning how to make butter naan at home is a game changer. You do not need a tandoor or special equipment. With a simple dough and a hot pan, you can create soft, fluffy naan right on your stovetop in under an hour.
This guide walks you through an easy method that delivers restaurant-style results, plus expert tips, storage advice, and common mistakes to avoid.
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Why Make Butter Naan at Home?
Homemade butter naan offers several advantages:
- Fresher flavor than store-bought flatbreads
- No preservatives or additives
- Customizable thickness and toppings
- Budget-friendly
- Ready in minutes once the dough rests
Most importantly, you control the texture. Properly made naan should be soft inside, lightly crisped outside, and finished with melted butter that soaks into every layer.
Ingredients for Soft Butter Naan
This recipe makes 6 to 8 medium naan breads.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup thick plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup lukewarm milk
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
- 2 to 3 tablespoons water, only if needed
- Melted butter for brushing
- Optional garnish: chopped coriander or nigella seeds
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Step-by-Step Stovetop Butter Naan Method
1. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Add yogurt, milk, and oil. Mix until a soft dough forms. If it feels dry, add water one tablespoon at a time.
Knead for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and rest for at least 30 minutes. Resting relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.
2. Divide and Shape
Divide the dough into equal balls. Lightly coat each with oil and cover again for 10 minutes.
Roll each ball into an oval or round about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Cook on a Hot Skillet
Heat a heavy pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Place one naan onto the dry pan. Cook until bubbles appear and the underside develops brown spots, about 60 to 90 seconds. Flip and cook the second side for another minute.
Press gently with a spatula for even browning.
4. Brush with Butter
Remove from heat and immediately brush generously with melted butter. Stack cooked naan and cover with a towel to keep warm while finishing the rest.
Pro Tips for Extra-Fluffy Butter Naan
- Use thick yogurt for better softness
- Do not skip resting time
- Keep the pan hot but not smoking
- Brush butter while the naan is still steaming
- Stack naan to trap heat and moisture
For added flavor, mix minced garlic into the melted butter or sprinkle fresh herbs on top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-flouring the dough, which makes naan tough
- Cooking on low heat, which dries the bread
- Skipping butter immediately after cooking
- Rolling too thin
Soft naan relies on moisture and quick, high-heat cooking.
How to Store and Reheat Butter Naan
Storage
- Refrigerate cooked naan for up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Freeze for up to 2 months with parchment between layers
Reheating
- Skillet: warm each side for 30 seconds
- Oven: wrap in foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes
- Avoid microwaving unless wrapped in a damp towel
Nutritional Notes
Naan provides carbohydrates for energy, while yogurt adds protein and calcium. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, dairy-based doughs contribute small amounts of essential minerals like phosphorus and potassium.
You can review general nutrition data for flour and dairy at:
https://www.usda.gov
FAQ: Butter Naan
Can I make butter naan without yogurt?
Yes. Replace yogurt with equal amounts of milk plus one teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Texture may be slightly less tender.
Why is my naan hard?
This usually happens from overcooking, too much flour, or insufficient resting time.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes. Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before rolling.
Is butter naan the same as garlic naan?
No. Garlic naan simply adds garlic to the butter topping or dough. The base recipe is the same.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute up to 50 percent whole wheat flour, but expect a denser texture.
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Final Thoughts
Making butter naan at home is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. With basic pantry ingredients and a hot pan, you can enjoy soft, fluffy naan anytime, perfect for curries, grilled vegetables, or even as a wrap base.
Once you master this stovetop method, you may never go back to store-bought flatbread again.
If you’d like, I can also prepare companion articles on garlic naan, yogurt flatbreads, or no-yeast skillet breads. Just tell me.