Grilled Naan Recipe
Grilled Naan is the kind of recipe that transforms an ordinary meal into something genuinely memorable. Picture soft, pillowy bread, charred from the grill, brushed with butter, and perfumed with the bold flavors of garlic and cilantro. It’s a joy to share and even more delightful to eat, whether you’re serving curries or just want to impress everyone at your next cookout. This homemade version is easier than you think, comes together with everyday ingredients, and delivers that irresistible restaurant-style experience in your own backyard!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of staples to create an authentic batch of Grilled Naan. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from giving the dough its chewy tenderness to lending the bread its unmistakable tang and charred aroma.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your naan, this delivers that perfect balance of softness and structure.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Don’t skip this! Yogurt is what makes Grilled Naan so tender and gives it flavor depth.
- Warm water: Just right temperature-wise, it helps activate the yeast and brings everything together.
- Active dry yeast: This little powerhouse makes the dough rise and gives naan its pillowy lift.
- Sugar: A small amount encourages the yeast to bubble and adds a hint of sweetness.
- Salt: Enhances every single flavor in this bread—trust me, you’ll notice if it’s missing!
- Olive oil (plus more for brushing): Olive oil makes the dough more elastic and keeps the naan moist and flavorful.
- Optional toppings – melted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh cilantro: For that classic naan experience, slather it up with your favorite toppings after grilling.
How to Make Grilled Naan
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Give it a gentle stir, then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until you see bubbles on the surface and it smells yeasty. This is the sign your yeast is alive and ready to transform your dough into heavenly Grilled Naan.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, creating a dry base. Add your Greek yogurt, olive oil, and the now-activated yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms, then turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic—it should bounce back if you poke it gently. This hands-on moment is how you build structure and that signature chewy texture into your naan.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Lightly oil a clean bowl, pop your dough in, and cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Stash it somewhere warm for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This rise is essential for soft, fluffy Grilled Naan, so try not to rush it!
Step 4: Shape the Naan
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into six equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then use a rolling pin to form ovals or rounds roughly 1/4-inch thick. They don’t have to be perfect—those rustic edges are all part of the naan charm!
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Heat your grill to medium-high and brush the grates with a little oil to prevent any sticking. Place each rolled dough piece directly onto the hot grill. In just a minute or two, you’ll see them puff and begin to char; flip and grill the other side for another minute until golden and smokey. The grill time is quick, so keep an eye out—you want those classic spots, not burnt naan!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
While the Grilled Naan is still piping hot, brush generously with melted butter or olive oil. For extra flavor, toss on minced garlic or a shower of fresh cilantro. Serve warm and watch everyone swoon at your homemade masterpiece!
How to Serve Grilled Naan
Garnishes
One of the real joys of Grilled Naan is how much fun you can have with garnishes. Classic melted butter is always a hit, but adding minced garlic while the naan is still warm turns it into fragrant garlic naan. Fresh cilantro gives a pop of color and freshness you can’t resist. Don’t be afraid to experiment—a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or chopped chives is a fantastic touch.
Side Dishes
Serve Grilled Naan alongside your favorite Indian curries, creamy dips, or even simple soups and salads. It’s the perfect companion to tikka masala, lentil dal, or butter chicken. It works wonders as a flatbread wrap for grilled veggies too—truly the ultimate sidekick!
Creative Ways to Present
For your next party, cut warm Grilled Naan into wedges and arrange them on a platter with bowls of hummus, tzatziki, or spicy chutneys. Turn leftover naan into mini pizzas or fold around kebabs for an irresistible street-food vibe. Play with presentation: stacking warm naan in a tea towel-lined basket makes for the most welcoming sharing table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (props if you do!), wrap your Grilled Naan in foil or an airtight container and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. It will still be soft and delicious, especially if you warm it up before serving.
Freezing
Grilled Naan freezes surprisingly well. Once cooled, layer the naan between pieces of parchment and stash in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw as needed, and you’ll always be ready for naan cravings.
Reheating
To revive that freshly grilled taste, warm your naan on a skillet, in the oven, or even for a few seconds on the grill. Brush with a little melted butter or olive oil while it’s heating, and it’ll taste like you just made it.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, let it rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before grilling for the fluffiest Grilled Naan results.
Is it possible to make Grilled Naan without a grill?
Yes! If a grill isn’t available, a hot cast-iron skillet or griddle on the stovetop will give you similar results, complete with those lovely brown spots and soft texture.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and heartier bite. The naan will be slightly denser but still delicious.
How do I prevent my naan from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill grates are hot and well-oiled before placing the dough on. If you’re worried, brush a little extra oil on the dough itself for extra insurance.
What other toppings work well on Grilled Naan?
Experiment with finely diced jalapeños, shredded cheese, or even a sprinkle of za’atar. The basic Grilled Naan is a blank canvas ready for your favorite flavors!
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve experienced the aroma and flavor of freshly made Grilled Naan, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s one of those warm, shareable breads that always steals the spotlight. Give it a try next time you’re grilling—your family and friends will thank you!
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Grilled Naan Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 naan 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Grilled Naan at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. This homemade naan is soft, chewy, and perfect for pairing with your favorite Indian dishes.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for brushing)
Optional Toppings:
- melted butter
- minced garlic
- chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yogurt, olive oil, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rise the Dough: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Grill: Divide dough into 6 pieces, roll each into a ball, then flatten into ovals. Grill on medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
- Finish and Serve: Brush with melted butter or olive oil, add optional toppings, and serve warm.
Notes
- For garlic naan, mix minced garlic with melted butter and brush on while still hot.
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight—just bring to room temperature before grilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 naan
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
