🫓 Butter Naan Recipe – Soft & Fluffy Indian Restaurant Style Naan at Home

Butter Naan is one of the most popular and beloved Indian bread recipes, known for its soft texture, slight chew, and irresistible buttery aroma. This restaurant style naan pairs perfectly with Paneer Butter Masala, Chicken Curry, or any flavorful Indian gravy.

Traditionally, naan bread is cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), but you can easily make this soft butter naan at home using a regular pan or oven. This homemade naan recipe is beginner-friendly, uses basic pantry ingredients, and tastes even better than your favorite takeaway.

Whether you enjoy it for weeknight dinners or festive occasions, this fluffy naan bread will elevate your meal instantly.

🛒 Ingredients for Butter Naan Recipe

Servings: 6–8 naans
Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ 1 hour resting)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

🌾 For the Naan Dough

• All-purpose flour (maida) – 2 cups (250g)

• Instant yeast – 1 tsp (or active dry yeast 1.5 tsp)

• Sugar – 1 tsp

• Salt – ½ tsp

• Yogurt – 2 tbsp (for softness)

• Warm milk – ½ cup (120 ml)

• Warm water – 2–3 tbsp (adjust as needed)

• Oil or melted butter – 1 tbsp

🧈 For Cooking & Topping

• Butter – 3–4 tbsp (melted)

• Fresh coriander leaves – 2 tbsp (finely chopped)

• Optional – minced garlic for garlic butter naan

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Butter Naan Recipe

Step 1 – Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast.

2. Let it rest for 5–7 minutes until frothy. (If using instant yeast, you can skip proofing and add directly to flour.)

Step 2 – Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.

2. Add yogurt, oil, and the activated yeast mixture.

3. Gradually add warm water and knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is soft and smooth.

Step 3 – Rest the Dough

1. Grease a bowl with oil, place the dough inside, and cover with a damp cloth.

2. Let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4 – Shape the Naans

1. Punch down the dough to release air.

2. Divide into 6–8 equal balls.

3. Roll each ball into an oval or round shape (about 6–7 inches).

Step 5 – Cook the Butter Naan (Stovetop Method)

1. Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy pan until hot.

2. Place rolled naan on the skillet. Cook until bubbles appear.

3. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown spots form.

Step 6 – Add the Butter Topping

1. Brush hot naan with melted butter.

2. Sprinkle with chopped coriander (and garlic if making garlic butter naan).

Step 7 – Serve & Enjoy

Serve immediately with Paneer Butter Masala, Dal Makhani, Chicken Curry, or your favorite gravy dish.

🍽️ Best Occasions to Serve Butter Naan

• Indian Restaurant-Style Dinner at Home – Perfect with rich curries.

• Festive Meals – For Diwali, Holi, Eid, or family get-togethers.

• Weekend Lunch Special – Pair with biryani or kofta curry.

• Party Menu – Everyone loves freshly made naan bread.

🍛 Serving Suggestions

• With Vegetarian Curries – Paneer Butter Masala, Palak Paneer, Chole Masala.

• With Non-Veg Curries – Butter Chicken, Mutton Rogan Josh, Fish Curry.

• With Lentils – Dal Tadka, Dal Makhani.

• With Dry Veg Dishes – Aloo Gobi, Bhindi Masala.

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per naan)

💡 Tip: For a lighter version, use whole wheat flour or skip the extra butter topping.

🌟 Tips for the Best Soft Butter Naan

• Use yogurt – Keeps the naan soft and slightly tangy.

• Don’t overcook – Overcooking will make naan chewy.

• High heat cooking – Creates signature brown spots and softness.

• Brush immediately – Apply butter as soon as naan is off the pan.

• For smoky flavor – Roast the naan directly over an open flame for a few seconds.

❓ FAQs – Butter Naan Recipe

Q. Can I make butter naan without yeast?
Yes, replace yeast with ½ tsp baking soda and 1 tsp baking powder for instant dough.

Q. Can I make it vegan?
Yes, replace milk with warm water and butter with vegan butter or olive oil.

Q. Can I store butter naan?
Best served fresh, but you can refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat.

📝 Interesting facts

This Butter Naan Recipe is soft, fluffy, and restaurant-style, yet easy enough for home cooks. With simple ingredients and a few pro tips, you can make authentic Indian naan bread without a tandoor.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or guests, this homemade butter naan will make your meal truly special. Pair it with rich Indian curries for an unforgettable dining experience.