There’s something truly special about freshly baked naan bread, especially when it’s infused with the rich flavors of garlic and melted cheese. This Cheesy Garlic Naan Bread is a perfect blend of soft, fluffy dough with a gooey, cheesy filling, all topped with fragrant garlic butter and fresh coriander. Whether served alongside a curry, soup, or enjoyed on its own, this naan bread is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. This recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious, restaurant-quality naan right from your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cake wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 150 ml warm milk
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 50 grams butter
- Coriander leaves, finely chopped
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and instant dry yeast. Stir well and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast, ensuring that your naan dough will rise properly.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the vegetable oil, yogurt, and the activated yeast mixture. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a small amount of warm water.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the dough is rising, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes aromatic and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Divide and Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Separate the dough into 6-8 portions and shape each into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball into an oval or round shape, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Stuff with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of grated mozzarella cheese on one half of the rolled-out dough, then fold the other half over the cheese, pressing the edges to seal. Gently roll the stuffed dough again to flatten it slightly and to distribute the cheese evenly inside.
- Cook the Naan: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Brush one side of the naan with the prepared garlic butter and place it butter-side down on the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the bottom is golden brown. Brush the top side with garlic butter, then flip the naan and cook for another 2-3 minutes until both sides are golden and the cheese inside is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the naan from the skillet and brush it with more garlic butter if desired. Sprinkle with finely chopped coriander leaves for a fresh, herbal note. Serve the cheesy garlic naan bread warm, alongside your favorite curry or as a standalone snack.
Conclusion:
This Homemade Cheesy Garlic Naan Bread is a delightful addition to any meal, offering a combination of soft, pillowy bread with a rich, cheesy filling and the irresistible flavor of garlic butter. Whether you’re pairing it with a spicy curry, serving it as an appetizer, or enjoying it as a snack, this naan bread is sure to impress. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the warm, comforting taste of freshly made naan straight from your kitchen!