Naan bread is a delicious and soft flatbread that’s traditionally made with yeast and cooked in a tandoor oven. While the classic recipe can take time and patience, this easy homemade naan bread recipe is a quick and simple alternative. Made with just two ingredients and no yeast, it lets you enjoy fresh, warm naan in under 30 minutes.
This recipe is perfect for busy cooks who want a homemade touch without complicated steps. Whether you’re pairing it with curries, using it for wraps, or enjoying it with butter and garlic, this naan is soft, chewy, and flavorful. Plus, by making it at home, you avoid preservatives and can control the ingredients.
In this post, I’ll guide you through making this naan step-by-step, share tips to get it just right, and suggest ways to customize it. Get ready to add a quick and tasty naan recipe to your cooking routine!
Why You’ll Love This No Yeast Naan Bread
You’ll love this naan bread recipe because it’s super simple, fast, and delicious. Using only flour and Greek yogurt, it skips yeast and rising time, so you can make fresh naan anytime. The yogurt keeps the bread soft and tender, with a slight tang that’s perfect for pairing with many dishes.
It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want homemade bread without the wait. This naan pairs well with Indian dishes like curry, Middle Eastern dips, or even as a base for wraps and pizzas. You can also easily add flavors like garlic or herbs.
Beyond taste and convenience, it’s a healthier choice, made with basic wholesome ingredients and no added sugars. Plus, making naan from scratch is fun and satisfying, filling your kitchen with amazing aromas and serving warm bread everyone will love.
What You’ll Need
This easy naan bread recipe calls for just two main ingredients you probably have at home: all-purpose flour and plain Greek yogurt. The flour provides the structure and texture, while the yogurt adds moisture, a slight tang, and helps replace yeast to keep the dough soft and chewy.
You’ll need:
- 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour — this forms the base of the dough. You can try whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but expect a denser bread.
- ¾ cup (180 grams) plain Greek yogurt — the key ingredient that makes this naan moist and tender without yeast. Use unsweetened yogurt for best taste. For dairy-free alternatives, thick coconut yogurt might work but will change the flavor and texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt — to enhance the flavor.
For cooking, a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan works best to get those classic browned spots and bubbles on your naan.
Optionally, you can use butter or oil to brush on the cooked naan for added richness and flavor.
That’s it! No yeast, no eggs, no sugar — just simple ingredients to make delicious naan quickly. This minimal approach keeps things easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for last-minute homemade bread.
How to Make No Yeast Naan Bread
Here’s how to make your two-ingredient naan step-by-step with exact measurements:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (180 grams) plain Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Butter or oil for cooking (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the Greek yogurt and stir until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead about 5 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky. Add a little flour if too sticky, or a teaspoon of water if too dry.
- Divide dough into 6 balls. Roll each out to about ¼ inch thick, into a round or oval shape.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each naan 1-2 minutes per side until golden spots appear and bubbles form.
- Brush with melted butter or oil if you like, then serve warm.
This quick method makes soft, tender naan bread perfect for any meal — all without yeast or long wait times!
You Must Know
To make the best homemade naan, there are a few important tips to keep in mind. First, use thick, plain Greek yogurt — it adds moisture and tang and replaces yeast. Avoid watery yogurts that can make the dough too sticky. Measure your flour properly; too much will make the naan tough.
Kneading the dough well is key. Spend about 5 minutes on a lightly floured surface until the dough feels smooth and elastic but still slightly sticky. This helps develop gluten, giving your naan the perfect chew.
Don’t stress about shaping. Your naan can be any shape — round, oval, or rustic — and still taste great. Homemade charm comes from its imperfect look.
The cooking temperature matters. Preheat your pan to medium-high heat so the naan cooks quickly and develops golden spots. If the pan is too hot, the naan might burn; too cool, and it will be dry and dense.
After cooking, brush your naan with melted butter or oil to keep it soft and add flavor. Sprinkle herbs or garlic if you like.
With these tips, you’ll avoid common mistakes and make soft, flavorful naan every time.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Cooking naan perfectly on your stovetop is all about heat control and timing. Use a cast iron or heavy skillet for even heat. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat until hot before adding your rolled dough.
Cook the first side for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form and the bottom shows golden spots. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until it’s cooked through.
If you have a gas stove, hold the cooked naan over the flame briefly for a slight char and smoky flavor, mimicking a tandoor. This step is optional but adds authenticity.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook one naan at a time for best results. Don’t press the dough while cooking; letting it puff naturally creates a light texture.
Once cooked, brush with melted butter or oil for richness and softness. Serve immediately for best texture.
These simple steps will help you make naan that’s soft, fluffy, and beautifully cooked every time.
Add Your Touch No Yeast Naan Bread
Making homemade naan gives you plenty of room to get creative and customize the flavors. While the basic recipe of flour and yogurt is tasty on its own, you can easily add garlic, herbs, or spices to make it your own.
Try mixing minced garlic, chopped cilantro, or parsley into the dough before cooking for a fresh, savory flavor. Sprinkling garlic powder, dried oregano, or chili flakes on top before cooking also adds great taste. For richness, brush the cooked naan with melted butter, ghee, or olive oil. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, sesame seeds, or nigella seeds can add texture and flavor.
If you like a sweet twist, brush your naan with honey or cinnamon sugar right after cooking. You can also use naan as a quick pizza base by adding tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings, then warming under a broiler.
Spices like cumin or turmeric can be mixed into the dough for extra color and flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment — naan is a versatile flatbread that pairs well with many tastes and meals.
Storing & Reheating
Homemade naan is best fresh but stores well if needed. Wrap cooled naan tightly in foil or an airtight container to keep it soft for 1-2 days at room temperature.
Perfect Recipes for Any Occasion
For longer storage, freeze naan by separating pieces with parchment paper in a freezer bag. It keeps well up to 2 months. To reheat, warm naan on a hot skillet for 1 minute per side, which keeps it soft with a slight crisp.
You can also warm naan wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Microwaving is quick but can make naan chewy — wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for 15-20 seconds to avoid drying out.
With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy homemade naan anytime without losing flavor or texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips for No Yeast Naan Bread
To make perfect naan, always use thick, plain Greek yogurt — it keeps the dough moist and tangy. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky; this helps with texture. Don’t add too much flour or the naan will be tough.
Your Next Favorite Recipe Awaits
Heat your skillet well on medium-high so the naan cooks quickly and develops golden spots. Cook one naan at a time and don’t press it down—let it puff naturally. After cooking, brush with melted butter or ghee for softness and flavor.
For a smoky touch, briefly hold the naan over a gas flame using tongs. Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if your first tries aren’t flawless—homemade naan has a charming rustic look.
FAQ for No Yeast Naan Bread
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek?
Regular yogurt is thinner; strain it to thicken or reduce the amount used.
Is this gluten-free?
No, it uses all-purpose flour. Use gluten-free flour blends to adapt.
Can I make it vegan?
Try thick plant-based yogurt, but texture and flavor may differ.
How long does naan keep?
1-2 days at room temp, or freeze up to 2 months.
Can I bake naan in the oven?
Yes, bake at 450°F for 3-5 minutes, but stovetop gives better texture.
What if dough is too sticky or dry?
Add a bit more flour if sticky; add water or yogurt if dry.
Conclusion
This easy homemade naan bread recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, soft flatbread without the hassle of yeast or long rising times. Made with just two simple ingredients—flour and Greek yogurt—it’s perfect for busy cooks who want delicious, homemade bread quickly.
The yogurt keeps the dough tender and slightly tangy, giving you that classic naan texture and flavor. Plus, using basic pantry staples means you can make naan anytime without extra shopping.
This recipe is also very versatile. You can customize it with garlic, herbs, spices, or even sweet toppings to match any meal. Whether served alongside curry, used as a wrap, or topped like a pizza, homemade naan adds a comforting, homemade touch.
With the right kneading, cooking on a hot pan, and brushing with butter or oil, you’ll get soft, flavorful naan every time. Proper storage and reheating keep it fresh for days, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
In summary, this no-yeast, two-ingredient naan bread is an easy, tasty way to bring fresh bread to your table whenever you want. Try it and enjoy the delicious simplicity of homemade naan!
The Best No-Yeast Naan Recipe – Homemade in Minutes
Description
Enjoy soft, fluffy naan bread made effortlessly with just two ingredients—flour and Greek yogurt. No yeast or rising time needed! Perfect for quick dinners or dipping.
Ingredients
Instructions
In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Add yogurt and combine to form a dough.
Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky.
Divide dough into 6 balls and roll each into ¼-inch thick rounds.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each naan 1-2 minutes per side until golden and bubbly.
Brush with butter or oil if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use thick Greek yogurt for best texture.
Adjust flour or water slightly if dough feels too dry or sticky.
Naan can be flavored with garlic, herbs, or spices.
Store leftovers wrapped tightly; reheat on skillet for best results.