The photo looks like a soft, pan-cooked garlic naan with melted cheese, browned blistered spots, butter, and fresh parsley/coriander. Here’s a homemade version designed to give you that same fluffy, stretchy texture.
Ingredients — Makes 6 naan
For the dough
- 2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (120 g) plain yogurt
- ½ cup (120 ml) warm milk
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
For the filling
- 1½ cups (150–170 g) shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar
- 2–3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander/cilantro or parsley
For topping
- 3 tbsp melted butter or ghee
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley/coriander
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: chili flakes
Yogurt-based naan dough is commonly used to produce a softer, more tender flatbread, while garlic butter and fresh herbs are classic toppings.
👩🍳 Method
1. Make the dough
- Combine flour, salt, sugar and baking powder.
- Add yogurt, warm milk and oil.
- Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and rest for 45–60 minutes.
Tip: Don’t add too much flour. A slightly soft dough helps produce fluffy naan rather than a dry, chewy one.
2. Prepare the cheese filling
Mix together mozzarella, cheddar, minced garlic, black pepper and herbs.
3. Stuff the naan
- Divide dough into 6 balls.
- Roll one ball into a small circle.
- Place about 2–3 tbsp cheese mixture in the center.
- Bring the edges together and pinch to seal.
- Gently flatten and roll into a 5–6-inch round.
Don’t roll too aggressively or the cheese may break through.
4. Cook
Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high/high heat.
Place the naan in the dry hot pan. Cook for about 1–2 minutes, until bubbles appear and the underside has golden-brown spots.
Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until puffed and nicely blistered.
A very hot cooking surface is important for the characteristic bubbles and browned spots on naan.
5. Garlic-butter finish
Mix melted butter with minced garlic and a little salt.
Brush generously over the hot naan and sprinkle with fresh coriander or parsley.
For the look in your photo: add a little extra butter immediately after cooking and let the naan sit for 1 minute—the residual heat softens the bread and melts the cheese beautifully.
Nutrition — Approximate
For 1 of 6 naan, depending on the amount of cheese and butter:
- Calories: ~330–400 kcal
- Protein: ~11–14 g
- Carbohydrates: ~45–50 g
- Fat: ~12–16 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
For comparison, published naan recipes range around 282–335 kcal per serving, depending on size and ingredients.
Nut & Allergen Information
Naturally nut-free: This recipe contains no peanuts or tree nuts in the listed ingredients.
Contains:
- Wheat/gluten — all-purpose flour
- Milk/dairy — yogurt, milk, butter, mozzarella and cheddar
Some commercial ingredients can have cross-contact with nuts, peanuts, sesame, soy or other allergens, so check individual labels if cooking for someone with a severe allergy. Published naan recipes likewise commonly identify milk and gluten as allergens.
Nut-free substitutions
For a dairy-free version, use:
- Plant-based yogurt
- Plant-based milk
- Dairy-free mozzarella
- Vegan butter
For a gluten-free version, use a certified gluten-free flour blend formulated for yeast/bread-style baking; texture will differ from traditional naan.
Quick Q&A
Q: Can I make this without yeast?
A: Yes. This recipe uses baking powder rather than yeast, so there’s no yeast-proofing required. Yogurt-based no-yeast naan can be cooked directly on a hot skillet.
Q: Can I use only mozzarella?
A: Absolutely. Mozzarella gives the best cheese pull. Cheddar adds stronger flavor and browning.
Q: Why is my naan hard?
A: Usually too much flour, insufficient resting, or overcooking. Keep the dough soft and cook quickly over high heat.
Q: Can I make it in the oven?
A: Yes. A very hot oven and preheated baking surface can work, although a hot skillet gives excellent blistering at home.
Q: Can I prepare the dough ahead?
A: Yes. Refrigerate the covered dough and bring it toward room temperature before shaping. Longer resting/fermentation can also develop more flavor.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Cool completely, wrap tightly and refrigerate. Reheat in a hot skillet for the best texture. You can also freeze cooked naan with parchment between pieces.
Q: Is this vegetarian?
A: Yes, provided the cheese and butter you use are vegetarian-friendly.
Best Serving Ideas
Serve this hot with butter chicken, chicken tikka, dal makhani, chana masala, creamy curry, paneer curry, or simply with yogurt and a fresh salad.
