Homemade Garlic Cheese Naan

This garlic cheese naan transforms ordinary homemade flatbread into an irresistible treat with a gooey, cheesy center and aromatic garlic butter finish. Perfect as a side for your favorite curry or delicious enough to enjoy on its own.

I first made these stuffed naans when hosting an impromptu dinner party without time to shop for fancy ingredients. The cheese-filled bread disappeared faster than the main course, and now it's my go-to recipe whenever I want to elevate an ordinary meal.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour creates the perfect soft yet sturdy texture for authentic naan
• Plain yogurt adds tanginess and helps develop that characteristic chew
• Mozzarella cheese offers the ideal melt and stretch factor look for low-moisture variety
• Fresh garlic provides punchy flavor both inside and on top use fresh not pre-minced for best results
• Baking powder and baking soda work together to create those beautiful bubbles and airy texture
• Melted butter for that final glossy richness and flavor absorption

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the dough

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl ensuring even distribution of leavening agents. Add yogurt, warm milk, and oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. The key is adding just enough water to create a soft, pliable dough that doesn't stick to your hands. Knead thoroughly for the full 5-7 minutes this develops gluten for the perfect texture. Let the dough rest covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying while the gluten relaxes.

Create the cheese filling

Mix shredded cheese with finely minced fresh garlic and herbs if using. The moisture from fresh garlic will infuse the cheese during cooking, creating an incredible flavor profile. For extra stretch, you can add a pinch of salt to the cheese mixture.

Shape and stuff

Divide the dough into equal portions about the size of a golf ball for ease of handling. Roll each portion into a 4-inch circle, making the edges slightly thinner than the center. Place a generous tablespoon of cheese filling in the middle, then carefully bring all edges to the center and pinch firmly to seal completely. Gently flatten the stuffed ball and roll it out carefully to avoid cheese leakage.

Cook to perfection

Heat your pan until very hot before adding the naan. The initial high heat creates those characteristic bubbles and blisters. Place the rolled naan on the hot surface and cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 1-2 minutes. Flip and cook the other side, gently pressing with a spatula to ensure even cooking and browning.

Add the finishing touch

Immediately brush hot naans with the garlic butter mixture while still hot so the bread absorbs all that wonderful flavor. The residual heat will mellow the raw garlic just enough while keeping its bright flavor. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for color and a burst of freshness.

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The garlic butter finish is truly what elevates this naan to extraordinary status. I discovered this technique after visiting a local Indian restaurant where the chef shared his secret for that perfect finish. Now I keep a small jar of minced garlic in butter ready in my refrigerator specifically for naan nights.

Make-Ahead Options

This dough actually improves with time in the refrigerator. After kneading, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, which develops more complex flavors through slow fermentation. Just bring it to room temperature about 30 minutes before rolling and stuffing.

Creative Filling Variations

While the classic garlic cheese filling is outstanding, this versatile dough welcomes countless variations. Try adding small cubes of paneer with spinach for a palak paneer naan. Spice lovers can mix in diced green chilies or red chili flakes with the cheese. For a sweeter version, substitute the garlic with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and add chopped dried fruits.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed naans pair magnificently with virtually any curry or dal dish. The cheesy interior makes them particularly wonderful with spicier dishes like vindaloo or jalfrezi, as the dairy helps balance the heat. For a complete meal, serve alongside tandoori chicken or paneer tikka with a side of cucumber raita for cooling contrast.

The Secret to Perfect Texture

The yogurt in this recipe is non-negotiable for authentic texture. The acidity and fat content create that distinctive chewy interior and crisp exterior that defines great naan. If your dough seems too dry during mixing, add water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency soft and pliable without being sticky.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and stuffing. This actually enhances the flavor development in the dough.

→ What other cheese varieties work well in this stuffed naan?

While mozzarella provides the perfect melt, you can experiment with combinations like mozzarella and cheddar for sharpness, paneer for authenticity, or even feta for a tangy twist. Just ensure whatever cheese you use melts well or is combined with a good melting cheese.

→ Can I make these naan without a tawa or skillet?

Absolutely! These can be cooked in a cast iron pan, on a pizza stone in the oven (preheat to 500°F/260°C), or even on a grill for a smoky flavor. If using an oven, cook for about 2-3 minutes until they puff up and develop brown spots.

→ How do I store leftover garlic cheese naan?

Allow the naan to cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They'll keep at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a dry skillet or microwave briefly before serving.

→ Can I freeze these stuffed naan?

Yes! Once cooled, stack the naan with parchment paper between each piece, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in a skillet or oven for best results.

→ What can I serve with garlic cheese naan?

These naan pair wonderfully with Indian dishes like butter chicken, paneer tikka masala, or any curry. They also make a great accompaniment to soups, can be used as a base for personal pizzas, or simply enjoyed with raita, hummus, or chutney as a snack.